Friday, September 15, 2006

The sad reality



That's the sad but daily reality: The crime rate in Jo'burg is enourmous. And what you see here is only in the news from our district....
It's scary, especially as it is new to me. So I keep alert and a bit frightened.
Posted by at 17:04:53 | Permanent Link | Comments (3) |

Saturday, September 09, 2006

A sign says more than thousand words...

Posted by at 14:31:49 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Our new wigwam

Here it is, our new home.
There still is some work going on, but today in one week we can move in. It is in a nature reserve complex with a little river and a lake. We counted 20 swans, 2 peacocks, 2 roosters and several chicken today, but there are also guinea-fowls, bats and owls. We will find out more once we live there and then I add pictures.

For family & friends: the room with the little balcony is yours :-)

Posted by at 13:56:50 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) |

Friday, September 08, 2006

Living in SA - First Impressions (II)

The shopping

a) Grocery shopping
Not many interesting observations here: Grocery shopping is like in Europe. The products are mainly the same and for once I do undesrstand the labels. 'Woolworth Foods' is the best supermarket, but 'Spar' is closer. And as you can see on the pics - it's like in good old Germany. Even the beer they sell is the same. As I don't like beer much, I am trying my way through all the great SA wines. And Savanna Light - good stuff!

b) Fun shopping
Now, that's another story. Going out to buy clothes and other articles you don't need to impress people you don't like with money you can't afford - that's big fun. 'Sandton City Shopping Mall' is the best here - can find anything. Of course I miss the little french boutiques, but SA brands are good too. Don't try to buy in french stores (i.e Sinnequanone), cause they are badly overprized. Otherwise the prizes are goodygood!!! And as our shipment has'nt arrived yet I needed to treat myself to some 'interim' clothes... :-)

Posted by at 12:35:19 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Living in SA - First Impressions (I)

The left driving
Ok, it is not as difficult as I thought it would be - especially as the roads are build to drive on the other side and the position of the steering wheel helps. But what's with that rule at Stop-streets 'who comes first drives first' ? In my selfassured way I think I am always first - but also I love my car, so better I give in here.
Roundabouts are a different story - not so funny if you find you drove in the wrong way around...

The dryness
God bless Clinique! We arrived at the end of winter, and for the first two weeks I though I die of dehydration. Now it's easy to drink like a maniac (unfortunately Amarula Cream Liquor does'nt count), but I also had to invest a small fortune into humankind's lucky inventions against early signs of ageing.
Tip for travellers: Come well equipped with cream for dry skin: even if you do not have dry skin, here you will get it!

The language
Well, what can I say: People do not always understand me. Now I am already kind of used to this phenomen from living in France and not speaking proper french, but I thought here I would have more luck.
My biggest challenge: People with Africaans origin. Luckily on the phone they can not see my puzzled face-expressions (or are they desperate expressions?), but I have to ask to get spelled a lot!
On the other hand: I already incorporate some SA specific word. My favourite: Izit?! But I have to practise a bit more on 'Janee' and 'Hey'.

Read a full fun guide on SA culture & language here:
Posted by at 09:49:33 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

SpeedyBee

Me proudly presents: MY NEW CAR !!!
Besides that it has the steering wheel on the wrong side it is perfect!
GP on the license plate stands for Gauteng (say 'Rauteng' - the area around Johannesburg), but is also often referred to as 'Gangsters Paradise'. Go figure...


Definitely one of my best presents ever!!! THANK YOU sooooo much MR. J !!!
Unfortunately the pink bow had to come off...
God speed to myself!
Posted by at 09:15:22 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Craft-Manor

Hello from South Africa!
I live here now - but given the fact that it took me almost a month to place my first entry from here, you might guess I am not yet really settled (Can't wait for ADSL...).
The first weeks here I was very busy looking for a house (done! We move in in two weeks...) and doing loads of holiday entertainment with Master M. We were in craft-fever and made soaps, a bird from feathers, piggy banks to save our money, and he even made a mosaic-dolphin - I'll have to catch up on that one...

 

Posted by at 10:57:29 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |