So Uncle Tim e-mailed me with a few brilliant questions. I thought I would do you all a favor and reply to them on the blog. You might have similar questions, and if not these are really entertaining nonetheless."What's day to day life like? " Day to day life is just like in the states. People wake up and make their coffee in the fancy French press and get ready for work. Some of us actually go to work (aka Gregg) and some of us stay home and blog (aka me.) After work, friends get together for drinks or dinner or the movies like we did last night. Or you sit at home on your new couch and watch some TV and have tea and biscuits. On the weekend or days off (which is 1/2 the month for us!!) people make bookings at game reserves, or go camping or get out and see what South Africa is all about. Tomorrow we are staying at a game lodge with friends... and they have ZEBRA!! Can't wait.
Do you see a lot Americanization (McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, Starbucks etc)? There is a McDonalds down the road from here, but that is about as American as you will get. No Starbucks. These guys are really clever and order their coffee and a quaint little coffee shop, sit down and actually enjoy the cup rather than rushing off to the next thing in their busy schedule. Our favorite place to go is called “Mugg and Bean.” There is no Wal-Mart, but they have an equivalent store called Makro.
How corrupt is the local government (e.g. In Mexico you essentially have to bribe your way to get anything "official" done)? It's much the same here. It's just how things are done... if you get a speeding ticket its much easier to slip the cop a few bucks rather then go through the process of getting a ticket. I think the country is taking steps to leave the corruption behind, but that isn't something that happens overnight.
What's the bar scene like? Is there a local pub you can just pop over to for a pint? It's South Africa! The bar scene is the best part! These guys definitely know how to throw a few drinks back. Rugby is not just something on TV, it is a way of life for these people... and if there is a rugby game on that means there is a drink in hand, you are with your mates, and you are having a grand old time. When DJ was here last week we went to a pub to watch rugby, and I noticed a sign coming up the stairs that said the "appropriate dress code" that was smart casual and that no sandals or shorts were allowed. So- yes, the pubs are great here.
Can you get a cheeseburger or are the cows sacred? Now this one just cracks me up. Yes, you can get a cheeseburger. The most popular places are Wimpy and Spur.
Do you have a washer and dryer in your place or do you have to go down to the creek and beat your clothes with a rock? These questions get better and better! I'm sure most people in South Africa go down to the creek... however in most of the established cities, you will find more of a 1st world feel. Thanks to Gregg's good friends, we got hooked up with a washer. Dryers are not all that common, as most people just hang their clothes out to dry.
Congrats on the new job!!! What are they having you do? Chase water buffalo from the freeway on ramps? Carry heavy pots on your head? Model for National Geographic? Unfortunately, when I applied for the water buffalo job they had already filled the position. I think there might be one other position available hand making beaded key chains, but I heard the competition was steep.
Thanks Uncle Tim for the questions. Anyone else can sumbit your comments and questions to emilydbecker43@yahoo.com. :)
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