The Journey Inward

Friday night I met my friend Raj for bowling and dinner at the Woodlands Mall. Malls are such a thriving part of the community here in south Africa. I hadn’t bowled in awhile so that was super fun.

At 12:45 am, I joined my writing group at dinner/trivia night to celebrate Lydia’s upcoming move. Our reception was not great, but it was good to see everyone! I had a hard time staying awake! I talked to Suz and Jan and painted to stay awake!

On Saturday morning, I awoke to no power. I was hot and sweaty as my fans had been knocked out of service. I went to have blood drawn and then got my prescriptions filled. I stopped by the mall to return something, not realizing there was a bridal showcase happening! It was packed!

From there, I went to the Big Red Barn for Yuri’s 45th birthday party. I missed the maze part, but joined for lunch and the puzzle walk. It was a blast and I know more and more people through his Experiences group. They are so friendly, open and inclusive. We stayed until closing, with cups of tea.

I went directly to Eunine’s estates to walk since it was going to get dark and her development is huge and well lit. I walked for about a quarter mile up in the reserve and then another few miles throughout the neighborhoods with streetlights. I got to catch up with Jan and later Gigi. She sent pictures of the dogs enjoying the sun. She was out walking them and buying her favorite sourdough bread.

On Sunday, I met Hash at Moreleta Nature Reserve for a hike. I met him through my ex-pat’s site, InterNations. He is from Jordan, but living in Johannesburg for 11 years now. The rain and sun have created difficult conditions for viewing animals, as the veld is quite high. After, we went to Stoetbul for cold beers and a braii lunch! I have leftover for the next three nights! We ended with “dessert” shots. It was a fun day and nice to connect with a fellow ex pat.

I washed and hung clothes, did a quick grocery run, water and transplanted plants, painted, talked to Suz, Sara and Other, and Gabrielle. She and Amil were at the bakery I had given them a gift card for. My garage door came off the track and almost trapped me, so I did a quick fix with a better one to come.

Hoping to get to bed on time tonight to start my week out well!