We've been in our house for a week now, and the bugs have arrived. There are tiny black ants all over, mostly in the bathrooms, although most of them are dead because the owner had the house sprayed just before we moved in. And we have these gross cockroach-looking bugs everywhere, but most of them die really fast too. Miranda had an unfortunate incident with one this morning, she absolutely freaked out and ran around screaming like her entire body was on fire. I wish I'd had the camera rolling. Jackson puts everything in his mouth so I have to do a quick sweep a couple of times a day.
There were a couple of really cold days last week where the house got down into the 50s. I spent a lot of time on the floor because it is heated. It was windy, too, and the air seems to blow right through the roof since there is no insulation. Silly me didn't pack any sweatshirts and all the ones here look like they came from 1992, so I have increased my sweater collection. That seems to be the clothing trend for the ladies here: Long sweaters, scarves, tight pants, and boots. Can't seem to find any shoes bigger than an 8 so far, but I'm still looking.
Housing codes are very different here. There are no outlets or light switches in any of the bathrooms, so you have to turn on the light outside the door and dry your hair in your bedroom. There are also no smoke detectors. Seems odd with a thatch roof and all, but there are several fire extinguishers strategically placed around the house. But we will be installing some soon. The walls are all concrete and brick so the electrical wires are in weird places. The light switches are very interesting as there is no rhyme or reason to them. We still can't figure out what some of them do and it took a whole week to find out which ones turned on the lights by the front door.
I am still having a lot of trouble communicating with the locals. As much as I try to tell them I cannot understand what they are trying to say, they just keep repeating themselves without slowing down or enunciating. Sometimes I just have to walk away. I think next time I'll start saying all the Spanish words I know and see how they like it.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
We're Finally in a House!
Been slightly busy since the last post, I hope to update my blog more so I don't forget anything. Sunday (the 12th) we went to an open-air market on top of yet another mall. There are so many malls here I can't keep them straight, plus all the outdoor shopping areas. The market is only set up on Sundays, and it's basically a craft fair, so I was in heaven. I will be spending a fortune there one of these days. There was so much hand-carved, hand-painted authentic items, whoever comes to visit will get to go. I purchased three beautiful sarongs and was able to bargain my way down from R240 to R180, which is about $26.
The next week was the last week in the apartment, but it was still tough as I was without a car, not that I want to drive anywhere anyways. We met with the owners of the house we're renting on Friday and they told us we could move in on Saturday instead of Monday like the contract stated. They are two extremely nice and easy-going people. The wife, Wendy, said she was sad to leave her home. They are renting a smaller place about 6km away so they are available if we need anything. They also have a 'game ranch' which is about a 3-hour drive east of here. It's a much bigger home than this one and they said they only live here Monday-Thursday and head out to the ranch on the weekends.
Moving is never fun and I finally got everything unpacked today, thanks to our maid, Anna. She lives here in a little apartment attached to the outside of the house and works in the house Tuesdays and Thursdays. She does all the cleaning and laundry, although I'm going to wash my own clothes on the days she's not here until I get used to it all. Right now she's ironing Rusty's work shirts and pants. Hope he doesn't get too used to that because it won't be happening when we return home in 2 years. The gardener arrived this morning and has been doing yard work all day; he works on Tuesdays. We provide them with bread, frozen chicken, milk, and tea for their lunch; Anna fixes her own and the gardener's. She was shocked when I told her I wasn't used to someone else doing things for me. I had to explain that I do all the cleaning and washing, etc. at my home. Miranda really likes her and follows her around while she cleans, trying to help. Again, I had to explain that at home she helps me clean and do the laundry.
It's winter here so the days are pretty nice, but it's chilly at night. We have space heaters and the floors are heated so it's not too bad. I was enjoying the longer days back home and then get here to shorter days. But today is the shortest day of the year so it's all uphill from here. Summer begins in September.
I haven't driven too much, but I did go out for the first time today BY MYSELF!!! There's a small Pick 'n Pay grocery store across the street and a toy store. I think I did pretty well, but it was still scary. This neighborhood is gated and you have to get through security with a card or a code, then you have to find your house. I think there are about 1,000 homes here. Our yard backs up to another gated community, but we're completely surrounded by trees and shrubs that I feel very secluded. I've counted about 4 different types of palm trees in our yard so far. The lemon tree has a couple dozen green lemons that should be ripe in about a week or so. Next to it is an open area that's all ready for my garden this spring. Graham, the owner, told us to just go buy the plants and the gardener will take care of it. But taking care of it is half the fun!
Everything is so different and it's going to take some time getting used to it all. Re/Max sent us a nice 'welcome' gift basket last night with some cappucino packets and glass mugs, some liquor that tastes like fruity Bailey's, and some stuffed animals, pink marshmallows, and princess wands that Miranda has claimed. I had to call Rusty when they arrived because I couldn't figure out how to open the front door and gate. Whoops. Oh, and Betty Crocker cake mixes are $6/ea so I guess I'll be making mine from scratch for awhile.
Book your flight, we're ready for visitors! ;-)
The next week was the last week in the apartment, but it was still tough as I was without a car, not that I want to drive anywhere anyways. We met with the owners of the house we're renting on Friday and they told us we could move in on Saturday instead of Monday like the contract stated. They are two extremely nice and easy-going people. The wife, Wendy, said she was sad to leave her home. They are renting a smaller place about 6km away so they are available if we need anything. They also have a 'game ranch' which is about a 3-hour drive east of here. It's a much bigger home than this one and they said they only live here Monday-Thursday and head out to the ranch on the weekends.
Moving is never fun and I finally got everything unpacked today, thanks to our maid, Anna. She lives here in a little apartment attached to the outside of the house and works in the house Tuesdays and Thursdays. She does all the cleaning and laundry, although I'm going to wash my own clothes on the days she's not here until I get used to it all. Right now she's ironing Rusty's work shirts and pants. Hope he doesn't get too used to that because it won't be happening when we return home in 2 years. The gardener arrived this morning and has been doing yard work all day; he works on Tuesdays. We provide them with bread, frozen chicken, milk, and tea for their lunch; Anna fixes her own and the gardener's. She was shocked when I told her I wasn't used to someone else doing things for me. I had to explain that I do all the cleaning and washing, etc. at my home. Miranda really likes her and follows her around while she cleans, trying to help. Again, I had to explain that at home she helps me clean and do the laundry.
It's winter here so the days are pretty nice, but it's chilly at night. We have space heaters and the floors are heated so it's not too bad. I was enjoying the longer days back home and then get here to shorter days. But today is the shortest day of the year so it's all uphill from here. Summer begins in September.
I haven't driven too much, but I did go out for the first time today BY MYSELF!!! There's a small Pick 'n Pay grocery store across the street and a toy store. I think I did pretty well, but it was still scary. This neighborhood is gated and you have to get through security with a card or a code, then you have to find your house. I think there are about 1,000 homes here. Our yard backs up to another gated community, but we're completely surrounded by trees and shrubs that I feel very secluded. I've counted about 4 different types of palm trees in our yard so far. The lemon tree has a couple dozen green lemons that should be ripe in about a week or so. Next to it is an open area that's all ready for my garden this spring. Graham, the owner, told us to just go buy the plants and the gardener will take care of it. But taking care of it is half the fun!
Everything is so different and it's going to take some time getting used to it all. Re/Max sent us a nice 'welcome' gift basket last night with some cappucino packets and glass mugs, some liquor that tastes like fruity Bailey's, and some stuffed animals, pink marshmallows, and princess wands that Miranda has claimed. I had to call Rusty when they arrived because I couldn't figure out how to open the front door and gate. Whoops. Oh, and Betty Crocker cake mixes are $6/ea so I guess I'll be making mine from scratch for awhile.
Book your flight, we're ready for visitors! ;-)
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Healthcare is Cheap!(er)
This week was pretty uneventful, until today. Wednesday and Thursday were pretty chilly, but Friday was nice, and today was glorious! Yet most people are wearing sweaters and jackets, and the random people at the intersections are selling hats and gloves and ear muffs. After being in pain all day yesterday I decided I needed to go to the doctor today and get a perscription for mastitis. I called two clinics; one wouldn't answer the phone, and the other started taking walk-ins after 2pm. So I took my chances and showed up at the place where they wouldn't answer the phone because several co-workers recommended it. I hardly had to wait, and the pharmacy was just below it. We have to pay full-price up front and then get reimbursed by our insurance company, so one appointment + 3 filled perscriptions = $110. Unbelievable. We may not even bother filing the claim.
Afterwards we went to brunch at Mugg & Bean which has it's own child play area. There was a cookie-making station, a sandy area, ball pit, blow-up trampoline, jungle gym and slides, and a petting zoo with rabbits and guinea pigs. There were also some random geese and a couple of roosters walking around the eating area (outside). I ordered a pancake (flapjack) for Miranda, but it was located in the 'dessert' section of the menu. Waffles are also a dessert here. And the "All American" breakfast combo included Boston baked beans, toast, 2 eggs, french fries, 'bacon' (ham), sausage, and a fried tomato.
We went to "Spar" today which is another grocery store, but you can find a few more 'American' items there. I paid $3 each for canned cream soups you use for baking. But a whole fresh pineapple was $1. Still can't find fine brown sugar, so we bought molassas and made some ourselves. Rusty mixed it for about 10 minutes until it was completely blended. I will be testing it this week with a favorite cookie recipe.
We bought a scale today and Jackson is now 18.8 lbs.; he turned 8 months on Monday. He crawls super-fast and pulls himself up on everything. This morning he decided to slip on the condensation on the concrete windowsill and bust his lip. I didn't notice how bad it was until I saw the blood on my shoulder. Apparently his 2 bottom teeth chomped his top lip! But the bleeding stopped and now it's just a bit swollen. Tonight we had fun playing Uno and Tumblin' Monkeys that we bought at Toys R Us. We may attempt an open-air market tomorrow so I'll have to put my 'bargaining' face on.
Afterwards we went to brunch at Mugg & Bean which has it's own child play area. There was a cookie-making station, a sandy area, ball pit, blow-up trampoline, jungle gym and slides, and a petting zoo with rabbits and guinea pigs. There were also some random geese and a couple of roosters walking around the eating area (outside). I ordered a pancake (flapjack) for Miranda, but it was located in the 'dessert' section of the menu. Waffles are also a dessert here. And the "All American" breakfast combo included Boston baked beans, toast, 2 eggs, french fries, 'bacon' (ham), sausage, and a fried tomato.
We went to "Spar" today which is another grocery store, but you can find a few more 'American' items there. I paid $3 each for canned cream soups you use for baking. But a whole fresh pineapple was $1. Still can't find fine brown sugar, so we bought molassas and made some ourselves. Rusty mixed it for about 10 minutes until it was completely blended. I will be testing it this week with a favorite cookie recipe.
We bought a scale today and Jackson is now 18.8 lbs.; he turned 8 months on Monday. He crawls super-fast and pulls himself up on everything. This morning he decided to slip on the condensation on the concrete windowsill and bust his lip. I didn't notice how bad it was until I saw the blood on my shoulder. Apparently his 2 bottom teeth chomped his top lip! But the bleeding stopped and now it's just a bit swollen. Tonight we had fun playing Uno and Tumblin' Monkeys that we bought at Toys R Us. We may attempt an open-air market tomorrow so I'll have to put my 'bargaining' face on.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
We Have a House!
We finally got a signed contract for a house on Monday, and we get to move in on the 20th. It is about 4,000 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath. There's a little wading pool in the backyard and a pool table inside. It's very modern and cozy. The roof is thatch and it looks a lot like a vacation home. I'm excited to have a dishwasher again, although I'm getting used to hand-washing three times a day. I think about my great-grandma having to wash dishes for her family of 13, and then my grandma with her family of 7. I'm also getting used to not having a garbage disposal which was a pretty easy transition.
I still can't find grape jam, which is crazy with all the wineries in the area, so I've substituted with blackcurrant. Haven't found fine brown sugar either, just treacle sugar which is the same, only bigger crystals and a little stronger molassas flavor. We've been eating frozen green beans which are a little rubbery after boiling, and then we found canned ones. I was excited until I looked at the price: $35 for a 12-pack. Couldn't convince myself to buy them. But avacados are super cheap so we may be having a lot of guacamole dip here. I attempted to bake some homemade bread and it seemed to rise a lot more than I'm used to. Using a convection oven with degrees celsius is still challenging me.
There are birds here called Hadedas whose call sounds like a crying baby. I saw a little green bird yesterday that reminded me of a canary. There's a small river and a bunch of trees behind our apartment, and I saw what looked like 2 little black pigs running around. We had our first thunderstorm last night and into the morning, and when it rains, it RAINS!
I still can't find grape jam, which is crazy with all the wineries in the area, so I've substituted with blackcurrant. Haven't found fine brown sugar either, just treacle sugar which is the same, only bigger crystals and a little stronger molassas flavor. We've been eating frozen green beans which are a little rubbery after boiling, and then we found canned ones. I was excited until I looked at the price: $35 for a 12-pack. Couldn't convince myself to buy them. But avacados are super cheap so we may be having a lot of guacamole dip here. I attempted to bake some homemade bread and it seemed to rise a lot more than I'm used to. Using a convection oven with degrees celsius is still challenging me.
There are birds here called Hadedas whose call sounds like a crying baby. I saw a little green bird yesterday that reminded me of a canary. There's a small river and a bunch of trees behind our apartment, and I saw what looked like 2 little black pigs running around. We had our first thunderstorm last night and into the morning, and when it rains, it RAINS!
Friday, 3 June 2011
Wearing jammies out to dinner is acceptable.
We have officially been here for 2 weeks. I still have not driven, but that will change tomorrow. The first time we were in the car, I was on the 'driver's side' which of course is the passenger side here, Miranda asked, "hey, where's that spinning-wheel thingy?" I had to explain that daddy was driving, the steering wheel is on the other side. It took a bit for that to sink in.
We are so very close to finally having a house to move into, we're just waiting for a few more signatures on the lease. Move-in date is set for the 20th so that means 2 more weeks in this apartment. Even though most places here are very child-friendly, more so than in the US, this 'Estate' complex is not. No playground, no bathtubs, and it's too cold to go swimming. Clearly we're all going a little stir-crazy. So we headed out to Nelson Mandela Square tonight for dinner. After walking the mall and looking at menus posted outside the resturants, I decided it was all a little too fancy and overwhelming, so back to Spur for the third time. Miranda really needed to release some energy and I knew that would be a good place to do it. Friday night must be THE night to go, and we have now realized that it is acceptable to bring your child in their pajamas, slippers, and bath robe to the restaurant as about 3/4 of all the kids were dressed this way. There is a smoking area in the restaurant, it is a little room with about 7 booths, completely sealed with glass walls. I can't imagine what it must smell like in there.
We are so very close to finally having a house to move into, we're just waiting for a few more signatures on the lease. Move-in date is set for the 20th so that means 2 more weeks in this apartment. Even though most places here are very child-friendly, more so than in the US, this 'Estate' complex is not. No playground, no bathtubs, and it's too cold to go swimming. Clearly we're all going a little stir-crazy. So we headed out to Nelson Mandela Square tonight for dinner. After walking the mall and looking at menus posted outside the resturants, I decided it was all a little too fancy and overwhelming, so back to Spur for the third time. Miranda really needed to release some energy and I knew that would be a good place to do it. Friday night must be THE night to go, and we have now realized that it is acceptable to bring your child in their pajamas, slippers, and bath robe to the restaurant as about 3/4 of all the kids were dressed this way. There is a smoking area in the restaurant, it is a little room with about 7 booths, completely sealed with glass walls. I can't imagine what it must smell like in there.
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