South Africa has a one of a kind climate that is unique to the area. Why people should die just cause they enjoy it is beyond me. This tribal stuff is big weaners gone lame.

"Banana belt" is a termed used to refer to several areas in the NW that tend to have moderated climates due to geography or proximity to water. Brookings, Oregon is one, areas around Sequim, Washington, southeastern BC, the tip of Vancouver Island (Victoria and surrounds) and some of the Gulf Islands are others. Snow in these areas is less common but not unheard of, gardeners can often keep semitropical plants alive for extended periods, but the same factors that keep winter from being too severe generally moderate summer temperatures as well - it is never very hot.

Most of the Northwest is a pretty much ideal gardening climate, although rain and/or snow may be more prevelent in some areas than others. I'm sure that wherever you locate in the Northwest, you will find the gardening situation to your liking and an opportunity to grow a lot of different plants than you were used to from your previous locales. Welcome to the Northwest :-)