The Journey Inward

Some random observations from this Saturday…

As I set off to do some errands today, my GPS wasn’t working, but I was pleased to see I knew my way around to several places. Things are starting to look familiar!

Krispy Kremes are everywhere around here!

One same as home observation and one different from home observation: Christmas greeted me at the entrance to Makro. Things that are sold as sets here are separate so that you can size appropriately for your top and bottom.

I got gas (for the car) for the first time today. I kept putting it off for no real reason, but no longer could. I’m not sure why that felt daunting, but I do know I went from worrying about getting gas to worrying I would run out of gas. It turns out just doing the thing solved both problems!

I went to test drive some used cars today. The salesman had to text me directions for that one. There are a lot of the same makes as at home, but not many of the same models. Chinese cars are becoming quite popular here (I couldn’t name a single manufacturer). There are also cars that are popular for the wrong reasons (high theft, great for stealing parts). The car I originally went there to look at fits both categories because it is commonly used as an Uber. I looked at two Suzukis. I liked them both, and even enjoyed the fun yellow, but I worry about resale on that one. I may rent a bit longer so I’m not pressed to make a quick decision.

I got lost coming home, make a right instead of a left. My earlier confidence was a bit drained, but after seeing nothing familiar for awhile, I pulled into a Tyre center and asked directions. Easily rectified. Also, confirmed my lack of sense of direction is intact.

While in Oregon visiting my youngest, I had my first dirty chai latte. It’s now my first stop at the Woolworth’s, where my favorite barista makes them so well! I usually do oat milk, but today she used soy. You can imagine my energy level with the added caffeine of a shot of espresso!

While visiting a new part of town, I noticed they are building lots of new communities. Apparently where I live is an older area. I love where I am and am now walking out on the streets around me, not just my neighborhood. I feel very safe here.

Near one new development, I saw the first true signs of poverty. There was a “shanty town” on an open tract of land. Shelters with tin roofs one after another. Hundreds of people living there.

I mentioned that there are people who stand in the parking lots to load your car and back you out of your space. You can tip them R5 of R10 and I do when I have change. Today I had no cash, but the two men wouldn’t take no for an answer and loaded my car anyway. I had lots of gardening tools, so it was actually helpful. When I was done, they said I could buy them food from the little stand in the parking lot. I was probably a pushover, but it did feel good. Instead of R10, I paid R90 for two wors (sausage on a roll).

My neighborhood has SO many dogs! They all bark when I go out walking. Then they make each other bark! Henry would be having a field day here with all that doggy communication.

I made my first friend in the neighborhood today. She is probably in her late 70s with dyed black hair and painted on eyebrows. She lives alone and was so happy to hear I do, too! Her sister was visiting and the three of us had a nice conversation. She invited me in for coffee, but my handyman was coming so I had to decline. She gave me her phone number and after I Whatsapped her, she told me she can help me learn everything about Pretoria because she’s lived here since 1977. We’re going to start with coffee next weekend. She wants to come car shopping with me! She used to own a business here in Pretoria and she said she’s very bossy!

While out for a walk today, I saw the sad side of my delightful frog walk last evening…dead frogs all over the road.

My brother brought me a print from Beirut when he came home in September. I brought it with me and although I haven’t found a frame yet, I did get it up on the wall to enjoy.

Today went a little sideways with my handyman being 3.5 hours late and then taking 4.5 hours to do the work. I didn’t get everything done I wanted to, but I now have a mounted tv and a desk to sit at in my home office/workout studio, so that’s wonderful! Plus, my middle sent me a sweet picture of the boys after we hung up.