So it was a very very busy lead up to the Rugby Ball in mid-April. Lots of running around getting things organized but I enjoy it mostly. The event was great and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.
The morning after the ball we rushed to the airport after only 4 hours of sleep to catch our fight to South Africa. We were met at the airport by Chris's Aunt and Uncle who gave us a ride to his parents' house where we picked up the car and head out to the farm.
Chris's parents' farm is located near the Zimbabwe and Botswana border. It's a beautiful property with wildlife on it and across the road from a lovely national park and game reserve. Some of the evenings we could hear lions in the distance. We stayed at his parents' house there with his sister and her family who were visiting from London. On the farm is also the
Mopane Bush Lodge was is absolutely beautiful. We spent several days at the farm just hanging out and going on some game drives. A friend of Chris's came up to join us with his girlfriend for a couple of days as well. It was very relaxing though I managed to get sick with a nasty cold.
We then head down to
Joburg for a couple of days of hectic shopping. Things in SA are VERY cheap for those spending US dollars. Mostly Chris picked up stuff for work but we also got a multi-regional
DVD player and some clothing and DVDs. I was definitely not feeling ready to head back to rainy, muddy Dar but fortunately, when it came time to leave the flight was cancelled. In fact, it was cancelled two days in a row. Would have been great except for the large amounts of time spent at
Joburg airport. Don't feel like I got to see much of South Africa but it was a much needed break. Overall, had a fantastic time.
Back in Dar life was not so thrilling. The roads were actually worse than before and the power was going off regularly. And then, a few days after arriving, I discovered a weird rash on my neck and face. By morning it was very red and sore. Went to a local doctor who said it was fungus on my neck and an allergic reaction on my face... very suspicious. Got a cream. Tried the cream. Rash continued to spread to new places and became more like blisters and more painful. Finally went to the good clinic and paid a lot of money to be told that this is the result of squashing a Nairobi Fly against my neck. When crushed, this small beetle excretes a toxin that causes blistering, pain and itchiness. lovely. So, several days of anti
biotics and creams later, it is slowly healing. Annoyingly slowly, in fact. But at least it doesn't hurt anymore and I have anti-histamines for the itchiness. My face, at least, is all better with no scars or marks left.
My laptop died. My watch died. Cell phone still works.
My evenings have been very busy seeing friends which was a welcome distraction from the frustrations of the week. A few people I havn't seen in a while are passing through at the moment. Finally got my car fixed which is VERY nice. It's now running great but still needs a few little fixes here and there
that'll get done in time. I am now full on looking for an apartment for June.
And I think that just about brings us up to date.
Have booked flights to Paris for ten days in early July to meet the family... very exciting. And at least as exciting, Chris and I have finally purchased our tickets to Vancouver. We'll be in town Sept 8 -21. VERY EXCITED!!! Look forward to seeing some of you then.
Hope
everyone's well!
Photos to follow.
Got stuck in the mud at the farm where rain had washed away the crossing. Brian bravely offered his weight to ensure the car didn't flip onto Chris while he set up the jack. The girls were enjoying our coffee. No, actually we were helping move rocks to put under the tyres
