First real weekend in SA
Friday was a CRAZY day at work. I only met with two partners, but believe you-me, that was ENOUGH. My work is certainly cut out for me here. After work, my colleague picked me up and we went to a new grocery store (they intrigue me!) and then picked up Will before heading to a friend's house to have a guacamole contest and watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics. TV, people, and nachos? Count us in!
So let me say this: I couldn't find cilantro at our grocery store and I 100% forgot limes are non-existent in southern Africa. Why? I have no earthly idea as I distinctly remember being in Tanzania and asking for limes and having them think I was utterly crazy. I finally grabbed a sprite and was like, "See? See this one that looks like a lemon but its green? Lime!" and then the got it, but couldn't produce one. I've heard limes are here once a year and in very rare supply. If only I had known I would have gorged myself on limes before I left... or at least enjoyed lots of key lime pie!
So that being said, making guacamole without limes and cilantro = a challenge. We luckily found some cilantro and subbed lemon for lime, but it wasn't the same. Regardless, eating cheesy not-so-good nacho chips with beans and guac was quite yummy. The opening ceremonies were interesting. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there with all those fireworks! I imagine several folks lost some hearing and were having trouble breathing... anyway, it was nice to meet new people, watch TV, and get out of our house.
Saturday we slept in and then enjoyed time outside with the dogs. Its amazing how excited Muddy gets over a stick and open water. Sanford even decided to play, which was so so cute. We decided to walk to the shopping center close to us for dinner and ate at one of my faves, Ritrovo. We spent more than I expected, but it was nice to have a romantic, yummy meal and again, have a chance to watch the Olympics, even if it was handball.
Sunday we slept in again, made breakfast (ruining "bacon" and breakfast potatoes - sigh - things look the same and they just aren't!) and were happily picked up by another work colleague and taken to Menlyn Mall. First stop was Clicks to purchase nail polish (me) and Maalox for Will, who hasn't felt well for the past few days. I think he's just getting used to the food/water here. Anyway, I mention it because Maalox doesn't read "anti-gas" - it says "anti-flatulent" and for whatever reason, that makes me laugh. We wandered around some stores and bought a couple DVDs and answered many a question about where we're from. I guess people hear us talking to each other and wonder what on earth is wrong with our accents! Its also noteworthy to explain we're from Georgia, the state as opposed to Georgia, the country as several people have expressed their condolences and we have to explain we don't really need them. Anyway.
We bought tickets to see the Mummy. I haven't seen any of the other Mummy movies, but this was okay. It was nice to just see a movie. What was even nicer was the price! It cost R60 for both of us to see the movie, which is less than $9. $4.50 a ticket? What is this, 1988? Even better, my kids meal (its the perfect amount of popcorn and soda!) only cost R20, which is less than $3. Nice! So both of us paid $12 to see a movie and have snacks. YAY.
Afterwards, my colleague and her husband and kids met us for dinner in the mall. We ate at Ciao Baby Cucina, which was yummy. I had a caprese salad (it was HUGE!) and split tagliatella alfredo with mushrooms with my friend's daughter. Very good - I'll be returning soon!
Today was my first official day in the office and it would be the understatement of the century to say that I am swamped. sigh. I think long nights are ahead of me once we get a car, which may be a Volvo station wagon or a Land Rover Defender 1-10 if Will has any say in it. haha. I am happy to report that the R27 express lunches for sale, which is an absolute steal!
So let me say this: I couldn't find cilantro at our grocery store and I 100% forgot limes are non-existent in southern Africa. Why? I have no earthly idea as I distinctly remember being in Tanzania and asking for limes and having them think I was utterly crazy. I finally grabbed a sprite and was like, "See? See this one that looks like a lemon but its green? Lime!" and then the got it, but couldn't produce one. I've heard limes are here once a year and in very rare supply. If only I had known I would have gorged myself on limes before I left... or at least enjoyed lots of key lime pie!
So that being said, making guacamole without limes and cilantro = a challenge. We luckily found some cilantro and subbed lemon for lime, but it wasn't the same. Regardless, eating cheesy not-so-good nacho chips with beans and guac was quite yummy. The opening ceremonies were interesting. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there with all those fireworks! I imagine several folks lost some hearing and were having trouble breathing... anyway, it was nice to meet new people, watch TV, and get out of our house.
Saturday we slept in and then enjoyed time outside with the dogs. Its amazing how excited Muddy gets over a stick and open water. Sanford even decided to play, which was so so cute. We decided to walk to the shopping center close to us for dinner and ate at one of my faves, Ritrovo. We spent more than I expected, but it was nice to have a romantic, yummy meal and again, have a chance to watch the Olympics, even if it was handball.
Sunday we slept in again, made breakfast (ruining "bacon" and breakfast potatoes - sigh - things look the same and they just aren't!) and were happily picked up by another work colleague and taken to Menlyn Mall. First stop was Clicks to purchase nail polish (me) and Maalox for Will, who hasn't felt well for the past few days. I think he's just getting used to the food/water here. Anyway, I mention it because Maalox doesn't read "anti-gas" - it says "anti-flatulent" and for whatever reason, that makes me laugh. We wandered around some stores and bought a couple DVDs and answered many a question about where we're from. I guess people hear us talking to each other and wonder what on earth is wrong with our accents! Its also noteworthy to explain we're from Georgia, the state as opposed to Georgia, the country as several people have expressed their condolences and we have to explain we don't really need them. Anyway.
We bought tickets to see the Mummy. I haven't seen any of the other Mummy movies, but this was okay. It was nice to just see a movie. What was even nicer was the price! It cost R60 for both of us to see the movie, which is less than $9. $4.50 a ticket? What is this, 1988? Even better, my kids meal (its the perfect amount of popcorn and soda!) only cost R20, which is less than $3. Nice! So both of us paid $12 to see a movie and have snacks. YAY.
Afterwards, my colleague and her husband and kids met us for dinner in the mall. We ate at Ciao Baby Cucina, which was yummy. I had a caprese salad (it was HUGE!) and split tagliatella alfredo with mushrooms with my friend's daughter. Very good - I'll be returning soon!
Today was my first official day in the office and it would be the understatement of the century to say that I am swamped. sigh. I think long nights are ahead of me once we get a car, which may be a Volvo station wagon or a Land Rover Defender 1-10 if Will has any say in it. haha. I am happy to report that the R27 express lunches for sale, which is an absolute steal!