Retail Therapy

People back in the US are always asking me what the shopping is like here in South Africa.  What brands are there?  What stores do you have that are also in the US?  Etc...  So I thought I would write a little bit about retail therapy.

There are several indoor and outdoor malls just like in the US, some so big I get lost every time and others much easier to navigate.  Located inside the malls is what is most different from the US.  Here in South Africa the malls are filled with banks, pharmacies, grocery stores and of course clothing, shoes and jewelry stores.  Cafes and restaurants are also plentiful in the malls here.

Some of the stores we have here in South Africa are also found in the US such as Adidas, Lacoste, Polo, Aldo, Steve Madden, Rage, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and Sunglass Hut.  Found at a mall about 45 minutes from us is more upscale shopping with stores such as Louis Vuitton & Salvatore Ferragamo.  Then there are stores like JCrew which would sell to men and women in the US but here it's only for men.  A couple of stores here look likes ones back in the US but have different names.  I swear we have an Old Navy here as the displays, clothes and set up are just like that store, but here it's called Pick-N-Pay Clothing.  When I asked the workers if they had ever heard of Old Navy, they of course said "no".

The clothes in the stores can either come in sizes from the US, the UK, Euro, or South Africa.  It does not matter if I check the tags, I always have to try it on as I can't remember my size.  I have found that Adalyn wears a way bigger size in some of the South African clothes, for instance I bought her pajamas for a size 8 girl, though she would normally wear a 4-5 in the US.

Shoes are also different depending on where they are from.  In the US I wear a size 8.5-9 and here I am normally in a size 7.  Not all stores sell shoes in half sizes either, you are sometimes limited to a size too big or too small.  Clothes and shoes are labeled differently too.  Tennis shoes are know as tekkies and most of the baby clothing is called something different.  A onsie is called a vest here, overalls are called rompers or dungarees, and what I call footed pajamas is called a grower.

Regardless of any differences, I have been able to shop without any issues, having family bring over necessary clothing items that we need which I can't find here.  To get items at the same quality as in the US, I think you do have to pay more here.  It is nice to have a mall that is a one stop shop for banking, grocery, pharmacy and clothing needs.  

Grant is 6 months

On November 15th, Grant turned 6 months old, though it feels like he has been in our family for years.  It is amazing how a tiny person can fill your family with so much love.

  I think it is Adalyn who Grant loves most.  Every morning she wants him sitting in his high chair right next to her chair while she eats breakfast.  She is even willing to pick up all of the toys he so diligently drops on the floor.  When we change her clothes for school, he has to come along and often she will have a mini school session with Grant right before we leave.

Recently Adalyn received the soundtrack to the movie "Frozen" and plays it non stop, singing and "helping" Grant dance.  I love to watch them interact, he is pretty infatuated with her and will laugh and smile at anything she does.  This of course encourages the strangest of behaviors from her but they have fun together so that is all that matters.



My mom also bought Grant a walker which he can't "walk" with yet but loves to sit in and play with the toys.  Adalyn loves to push him around the house and we have speed limits now as she can get pretty fast.

Grant is enjoying life just being chill.  He has decided that laying on his stomach is not as horrific as he once thought, though he will roll over immediately once there.  He can roll from his back to his stomach with a little resistance.  Adalyn loves to roll him like a log and help him reach any milestone.

  

We are working on sitting, he falls over pretty fast but in time will acquire that skill.  Grant is very laid back so I am not sure he is in a hurry to do anything, except growing teeth.

At 4 months and 6 days old, Grant sprouted his first teeth.  The bottom two came in together and with very minimal teething.  He loves to chew on a frozen wash cloth and this vibrating teether.  Grant has not drooled much so sometimes it is a shock when another tooth pops through as his 3rd and 4th one arrived yesterday to our surprise.  He sure enjoys eating with his new teeth and seems to be a bottomless pit.

I decided to make Grant's baby food and I have really enjoyed it.  Way easier than I expected and luckily he has enjoyed everything I have put in his mouth.  I have introduced Grant to the sippy cup and he mostly likes to chew on it.  I was hoping he would take a bottle so I would not have to worry if I needed to be gone for a feeding, but he has protested.  Can't say that I mind, it is nice to be wanted and I love my time with him.

Grant is a great sleeper getting in 2.5 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon and a short 30 minutes before dinner followed by sleeping 11 hours at night without waking.  Beyond thankful for sleep training.









Grant now weighs 18.3 pounds and is 27.5 inches long.  He is in 6-9 month clothing, mostly due to a long torso as he can still wear 3-6 month pants.



Grant has had his first cold and visited the doctor this past week.  He seems to like taking his medication way more than having his clothes changed.  Grant loves to take baths and would sit in the tub and wilt if we let him.



His hair is growing and has stayed a light blond.  Grant is super quick to put anything in his mouth and has a strong hold so Adalyn's hair has been put to the test.  

Mark, Adalyn and I are in love with this smiling boy and enjoying every minute with him.      

A lesson in resilience

If you read my blogs then you have come to know a little bit about Joyce, the wonderful woman who works in our home.  I have talked about her living conditions, a bit about her childhood and her day to day life.  Joyce is the sole financial supporter of the 8 family members in her humble home with her husband helping out financially when he can find work.  Living off of approximately $350 a month with that large of a family definitely categorizes her as someone who lives in poverty, even here in South Africa.  What amazes me is how savvy and resourceful she is.

For instance, shortly after she started working for us over a year ago I would see her pulling items out of our trash and taking them home.  Items such as broken bracelets, torn flip flops, used coloring books, dried up markers, pieces of string, empty water bottles, etc…  What I had considered trash, Joyce knew a use for them.  The flip flops she took to a man in her neighborhood who could fix them.  Despite the coloring pages being all colored, she said her daughter would like to just look at them.  The string could be put together to make things, and the list goes on and on.  Now I think twice before throwing something away, as I know Joyce may be able to use it.

Sadly, there are items that I wish she did not have to pull out of our trash.  A few months after Joyce began working for us, I had about $4 in chicken breast spoil in our fridge.  I was about to put it in the trash when she stopped me and said she wanted them.  I asked her about being afraid to get sick from eating spoiled chicken, but she replied, “but it’s $4 worth of chicken!”.  Joyce said she would clean it off with vinegar and it would cook up just fine.   I told her I would rather give her $4 and she can go buy new chicken, but she said that this chicken was just fine. 

Now Joyce takes home any molded bread, rotten fruit and most recently green, furry, molded meat.  Just this past week I had bought some biltong (beef jerky type meat) and within a few days it had green mold all over it.  I feel the need to hide some items in the trash because I just don’t see how her family would not get sick from eating it, but Joyce once again said she would take it home.  Joyce said she would wash off the green, furry mold and cook it in oil, so I reluctantly handed it over.   To me she is brave and savvy in how she feeds her family, though the situation is horrific and heart wrenching.  

It is sickening to me that Joyce and her family are eating these items, but she does not think twice about them.  Her entire life she has had to be resourceful and I am sure her stomach can withstand different foods than mine.  When you are feeding a family of 8 with limited income, I bet you do what you can.  I don’t know what amount of money it would take for Joyce to feel comfortable throwing rotten food out, and I am not sure after 40+ years of her current mind set would even allow herself to do so.  When I bring Joyce home groceries from the store, she does not act any more content with “brand new and fresh food” than what she can find around our house that’s ready to spoil.    

Joyce has taught me so much about life.  She has had to make these types of choices so her family does not go hungry, and thankfully she says they have never have felt that way.  Your entire outlook is really dependent on how you approach obstacles.  Life is not about what you have or don’t have, but those you love.  While I think about her situation in sadness, it is good life to her and a happy one at that.  I constantly battle with the feelings if I am doing enough, am I being a good Christian and sharing my blessings.   I know there are people even worse off than Joyce and her family, who are starving and don’t have family members such as Joyce to help them out.  No matter where you are at on the scale of poverty and need, there is always something that can be done.  Not all the poor are starving but that should not stop everyone from giving.

A unique church experience

Prior to moving to South Africa our family was very involved in our church at home and it was a priority to find a church here that we would call home.  I had looked online prior to the move to see what type of churches there are in our area and pleased with the options I found.  We were not set on having to find a Methodist church like we attended back home and were open to new experiences.  A month after arriving we visited a large church that was right down the road from our estate.

Growing up I went to a variety of churches, Lutheran, Christian, Methodist, Baptist and Mark was a Lutheran but we decided to try a non-denominational church for a change.  On the first visit we knew this church was like nothing we had been to before.  A full band, concert-like atmosphere with spot lights and video screens, thousands of people standing and cheering as the pastor came in, practically dancing in the aisles as the music played and we took it all in.  The atmosphere and music did draw you in and the sermons were fantastic week after week.  I always left with several take home points that I could apply to my life and felt rejuvenated to start my week.

As the weeks went on I started volunteering at the church, Adalyn was loving the Children's Church, and Mark and I even attended the Wednesday night Bible study.  I was excited each Sunday to go to church and enjoyed meeting the other members.  It was amazing how fast I was hooked on this church, though Mark was a little more reserved about it.

A couple months after attending the church we finally figured out it was a Pentecostal church which did not matter to either of us as we were enjoying the experience.  There were a few of their views that we did not fully understand nor agree with but it did not stop us from going.  Then 3 months after attending the pastor brought up the 13 associate pastors to the front and said he was "inviting the holy spirit into the sanctuary" and tapped them on the head and one by one they each feel backwards and laid on the floor.  Mark and I turned towards each other and with wide eyes and both knew this would be the last time we visited this church.

Looking back on our experience a few things stand out that were probably way too different to us and we were not used to but overlooked them as the experience was new and exciting.  First, the pastor and his family did not come into the service until right before his sermon, no time was spent shaking hands or greeting members (we sat in the row behind him and never met him).  He also left directly after the service, so I don't know how you would ever get to know him.  He came across more as a church celebrity than a pastor.  Second, there was never a single picture or a cross or Jesus to be found.  Third, the pastor only preached the "good news", which to be honest I liked but it did not feel like you were getting the whole Bible.  A few things here and there would cause me to think twice, but obviously I was having such a good time that I was willing to dismiss them.    

Having not grown up in such a church nor been exposed to this type of worship it had become a little too unfamiliar and different that we had a hard time relating and possibly understanding.  Mark was done attending right after people started passing out, though I was still curious (maybe that's the psychology major in me) but willing to search out other churches.  It took a couple of visits to different churches, some our friends attended and we loved several things about it but just did not connect, to find our church home.  Finally, in January we visited Willows Methodist Church right down the street and in one visit felt we found our church home.  I guess the old familiar worship service, songs, customs and beliefs was where our hearts were leading us.  It was an interesting 3 months going to the first church filled with 13 thousand people each Sunday, but I am glad we stayed true to our roots and found a place we love worshiping with our friends.  

My Dad and Steph come to visit

It was a whirlwind 8 days trying to pack as many adventures in as possible while letting them relax, but there is so much to do and see, we had to fit it all in.  My dad and his wife Steph came to visit us last week and we tried to show them all our favorite parts about where we live.

The first day, I decided it would be best for them to be able to relax after that 17 hour direct flight and the 8 time zone changes.  Grant was introduced to them and it was love at first sight for everyone.

Adalyn was thrilled to have them around to play with and she loved the extra attention.

That afternoon Dad went with me to Adalyn's swimming lessons where she showed him her skills and that she is pretty much a fish.  A 10 minute golf lesson also took place, but that was quickly followed up by hours of playing barbies.  For dinner I took them to a local favorite, Mo-zam-bik, which serves more traditional African food.

The next morning we headed out to the Rhino and Lion park and since we went on a Tuesday, we had the place pretty much to ourselves.  No lines to pet any of the animals, so Steph and my Dad got to spend some quality time with lions, tigers, servals and a cheetah.

After driving through their reserve to see more lions, cheetahs, rhinos, impalas, ostriches, meerkats, zebras, and kudu we went for lunch with the giraffes.  One of my favorite places to eat as you get to feed the giraffes from your hand if you are a bit adventurous.

I am glad my dad and Steph got to have that experience of a giraffe tongue wrapped around their hand.  My dad and I even split an ostrich burger which is pretty lean meat and does not have a lot of flavor, but when in Africa you got to try some local flavors.  

The following day we spent around our house, walking along the golf course, driving through our neighborhood game reserve, picking up some groceries and just spending quality time chatting.  That evening, the four adults went for a nice meal at another local favorite, Tin Roof restaurant.

Next up was a trip to one of the craft markets where you can find all sorts of African made souvenirs.  Since we went on a Thursday there were very few people shopping so my dad and Steph got lots of attention, wanted or not.  Once the local venders hear that American accent, they start their sales pitch.  I think my dad and Steph did quite well not to get suckered into everyone's booth and did not end up with items they did not even want to buy.  We made some good deals and everyone, including Adalyn walked away with some new African art.

Another afternoon spent by the pool relaxing, playing in the garden, and dinner outside again was just what we needed after hours of shopping.

With only a few days left we loaded up a van and headed out of town to Zebula lodge, a favorite of ours, where we rented a house for a few days.

With our own pool, the beautiful indoor/outdoor living, and wildlife in our backyard you could spend all your time at the house, but there is so much more to do.  The first day my dad and Steph went to pet baby lions and even got to hold snakes (well at least my dad did, not sure Steph was up for that adventure quite yet, can't blame her).  That night they went to relax and enjoy massages.  

The next morning my dad and Steph headed out for a game drive on 4-wheelers.  Then I took them to Adventure with Elephants where we got up close and personal with 5 elephants.  The guide gave great information on each elephant and their program while letting us touch, feed, and basically play with the elephants.

We could pick up an elephant's foot which is quite heavy as you can imagine, listen to them talk, kick a ball back and forth with them, get sprayed down with water and we each received a goodbye kiss.

The elephants was my favorite part of the trip as I loved to watch my dad and Steph interact with them, it's truly amazing how close you can get to the animals here.

We spent the afternoon at the pool then my dad and Steph took Adalyn to the cheetah run, where they got to watch a few cheetahs show off their amazing speed.

As our time at Zebula ended we made a detour on our way home to Ukutula which is a lion interaction and research facility.  My dad and Steph were able to play with a few week old baby lions, walk with lions that were about 1 year old and even enjoy the 3-6 month old lions while trying not to get bit as they are pretty feisty.  One of the adult females had just given birth in the last 24 hours and my dad and Steph got to see the newborn cubs, pretty amazing.

For their last day in South Africa we hung out by our pool, enjoyed the weather and spending time visiting together while they tried to get all the hugs and kisses they could from Adalyn and Grant.

 Both Steph and my dad got to experience driving on the opposite side (right side) of the car and the opposite side (left side) of the road.  No one wrecked the car or ran anyone off the road, though a few times the windshield wipers would go on instead of the turning signal.  My dad even drove the rental van back in rush hour traffic with me and did great.  You all might want to watch out in Maryville if he gets confused these first few weeks back with American driving.

We loved having my dad and Steph visit, it was so good to spend time together and I loved watching them play with the kids.  Both of them are fantastic grandparents and we miss them already so hopefully it won't be too long before we see eachother again.

  

A visit to the doctor

I have experienced a variety of healthcare situation here from inpatient stays to having a baby, doctor visits with the kids and sick visits for myself.  I think the differences and similarities are interesting and figured I would share them.

I have only visited the doctor twice for sick visits so I don’t have a lot of experience, but both visits were quite similar.  Much like in America, you check in at the clinic, complete some simple paperwork, then wait to be seen in a spacious waiting room filled with magazines, a tv, coffee and a variety of teas.  Except in Africa, the nurse does not come to get you, it’s the doctor who brings you back to his/her room and you sit down at their desk for a little chat.  In fact, I have only seen a nurse at the hospital, never in the clinics.   

Looking over my one page history and physical we exchange small talk and he/she asks me what brings me in today.  After our short conversation, we walk about 10 feet over to an exam table which is in the same room as his/her office.  I am checked out and then he/she proceeds to handwrite notes in my chart on what medication I am being prescribed. 

I have been to the same clinic twice to see two different doctors, one in August 2013 and one just this past week.  So far I have 2 pieces of paper in my chart, no formal H&P, and no medication list.  In fact, since it was a year between my visits, I was not even asked to update the medications I had listed down the last time I came in.  No one weighed me, or took my temperature or blood pressure either time.  I was diagnosed with sinus infections each time and prescribed completely different medications.

Both doctors seem to love prescribing medications as I am on 4 medications this time, and 5 last time.  It does not seem to matter what you come in for, as doctors here love probiotics and they come standard with every visit.  The doctors will also write for over the counter medications on your prescription which thankfully the pharmacy will bundle all together for you.  It’s a bummer that the doctor can’t call in medications or send them electronically; instead you must wait in line or drop off your medications and return to pick them up later. 

One thing I love about this clinic despite the fact that they may not be as thorough as my doctors were in America is that of the two times I have called for an appointment, I have been seen within the hour.  I love knowing that I don’t have to wait for good medical care though sometimes what the doctor’s say to me gets lost in translation.  During my last visit the doctor pointed to my nose and said, “Your nose makes you sound stupid.”  I am hoping that was a translation error on his part and not an insult, either way I laughed and shook my head.

It is a nice feeling that we can get comparable medical care, a few minutes from our home for $42 per visit and medications at such low prices you would not believe it.  I feel confident in the doctors I have seen so far, and thankfully I have not had an emergency situation as I am not sure the laid back pace of this country would suit my needs.      

A visit from Nana

At the end of August and beginning of September my mom came to visit us in South Africa.  Since it was her first visit we had to pack in as many adventures as possible.  Luckily she came a few days before Adalyn’s birthday and was able to join in on the party fun.  Like a helpful Nana she held Grant during the party so Mark and I could have both hands free, but I am guessing she did not mind. 

Serval

The first weekend here, we took her to the Rhino and Lion park so she could experience a mini game drive and get up close and personal with all their small animals.  My mom was able to pet 2 serval cubs, a couple months’ old white and brown lions and an 11 year old cheetah.  It was nice to have one stop to knock all those animals off her list.  

Lions

Lion

Cheetah

After we wondered around the park for a while we went to the restaurant nearby to have waffles topped with ice cream, a local treat.  We were able to watch some giraffes eating their lunch, and although I was bummed they were too full to eat from our hands, it was still pretty awesome. 

During the week we took Nana grocery shopping with us, and to watch Adalyn at swim practice.  I think she liked to see what our normal life here is like.  One day we ventures to a local craft market so she could pick up some souvineers.  The vendors heard her accent and offered her the “tourist price”, but luckily I was there and helped her get some good buys.  She did pretty well negotiating with them and I don’t think she really needed my help, though it was fun to shop together.  

One afternoon we went to Hartbeesport Dam area to ride a tram to the top of a mountain and see the breathtaking view.

We enjoyed a nice walk around the top taking in the sights, all while being lead by our trusty guide (Adalyn).  She sure is good at bossing you around, but luckily we did not mind and followed her along the paths.  After stopping for some scenic photos, we headed back down.  

One of my favorite things about South Africa is all the tea gardens you can enjoy lunch at.  A few times I took her to my favorite places to try the Roobois tea and scrumptious sandwiches and salads while we sat outside in what felt like the countryside.  

School was not in session for Adalyn but I did drive my mom by the school so she could see what we have been talking about all year.  Adalyn enjoyed the nonstop playmate she had in my mom, and I don’t think Nana has played so much Barbies, Minnies and colored this much in years.

 Grant got his fair share of hugs and kisses from Nana, showing off his smiling grin and adorable squeals.  

Adalyn, Nana and I spent one morning getting manicures and pedicures and ventured out to the local clubhouse park for the afternoon. 

We enjoyed several walks around the neighborhood and even a drive through our neighborhood reserve to see the zebras, kudu and impalas.

 

The weekend before Nana headed home, we drove up to Ukutula to experience their lion program.  We stayed the night and split the activities up between the days.  On the first day we all were able to pet lion cubs that were about 3-5 weeks old.  Cuddly and cute just like little kittens they were so sweet to interact with. 

Next Mark and Nana went in with the “Little Devils” as the lodge calls them, the lions were about 3-6 months old and so much bigger that Adalyn and Grant has to stay outside their enclosure. 

Though that did not stop the lions from figuring out that small children were on the other side of the wall and they came to greet us anyways.  I was impressed the lions could tell Grant was there since I was wearing him, I guess a cat has some pretty amazing senses.  After the petting sessions were done, my mom and I followed the guide to view the other animals such as cheetahs, tigers, adult lions, servals and caracals.

That night we sat down for dinner and enjoyed the quiet of the countryside intermixed with the lions roaring to each other.  The next morning my mom and I went on the lion walk with 2 lions that were 1 year and 10 months old.  It was awesome to have just the two of us on the walk with no other visitors. 

For 45 minutes we walked behind and sometimes right beside the lions as they enjoyed a stroll through the bush, pausing to catch dead chickens the guide would toss into the air. 

It never gets old being able to get so close to such majestic creatures, hearing their sounds and watching them interact with each other.  After our walk we headed back home for one more relaxing day of playing with nana.

We all enjoyed having my mom come, and I could not have asked for a better visit.  You never know when houseguests come and stay with you for a few weeks with no ability to venture off on their own how it will go, so I am glad we all enjoyed the time together.  I was sad to see her leave for the airport and it made me remember all the friends and family back home that we miss so much.  I wish everyone could come visit this amazing country and get a glimpse into our lives here.  Luckily, Nana is planning a return trip and we have more visitors with my Dad and Steph coming next month.