welcome to my home [away from home]

I have been so fortunate to have a home here in Cape Town that I really enjoy.  Usually on programs we stay in the same hotel as the guests, but that was not possible this time around due to the large quantity of guests. Originally I was bummed that I wouldn’t be staying in this hotel…then I saw my apartment.  It’s about a mile +/- walk to the office every day, and I love it.  To be honest, we’re somewhat in a safe bubble around here.  It’s well guarded and there are plenty of people around at all times.  I know this makes mom & grandma feel better J!  It does suck when it’s raining sideways but we make due.  So, without further adu allow me to show you around……

what I walk past on my way to work....

This is behind our apartment!

love our kitchen!!

great windows to our patio, large living and dining area.

cozy bedroom with great floor to ceiling windows!

Huge bathroom...still haven't figured out how to turn on the heated tile!

I still miss home so much, but I am glad I have a cozy, fun, safe place to stay while I am gone.


Can't wait for the USA game Saturday...turn on your TV and root for our boys!  If they win the next two I will get to see them here in Cape Town!!

these are the memories & no girls allowed!

Ever since I arrived, I have wanted to see this sideways rain everyone spoke of.  I asked staff when I would see it, I was excited because it sounded so fun.  Who wouldn't like rain blowing 7 different ways at once?!  I thought I would like to see it [from the comfort of my lovely apartment here, or sitting at my little desk inside our office].  What I did not expect, or desire, was having my first experience be outside in 53 degree weather (which I was not dressed properly for), and accompanied by hail. I had no where to go.  Crowds were everywhere and I was at least 10 minutes from the office.  I was stuck.  


Funny, right?!  


I was laughing so hard it hurt with two of my local staff and one said "I love this, because this is where the memories are made!!"  He was right. I know I watched Italy in a draw that night but what I really remember is the moment I realized that I was in a hail storm with an umbrella that can't stand the wind coming from 7 different directions and I had no where to go.  


In other news, boys rule and girls drool.  Not really, but our local girls can't work Friday's game because they are worried about "hooligans" out of the England fans here in Cape Town.  First of all, I have heard the word hooligans more in the last three days than I have in my entire life.  Second of all, those Brits should be angry at their goalie, not the cute little girls holding the Visa signs for us. Sorry Green couldn't hold the ball.  Anyway, I know they are just taking precautions, but these security rules are really throwing a wrench in my scheduling!  Bring it on hooligans, I hope the hype is worth it.  (No, mom & grandma, I don't really want them to bring it on, I will be safe!)


Miss you all back home....hope you're enjoying the heat for me too ;)

bafana! bafana!

The South Africa soccer team is known around these parts as "Bafana! Bafana!"  It has been so fun watching this city come alive over the last week with guests arriving from all over the world to cheer for their home team!  These soccer fans are crazy & make for some interesting sites!  Anywho, I don't have much time to write but I know I haven't updated in a while.  Hopefully this tiny update will fill you in a bit.....

The day our guest amenity and staff uniforms came in was beyond chaotic!  Luckily we had great staff to help sort through, but it was funny trying to navigate around the cardboard all day!  Made for an interresting lunch, to say the least!

So here in Cape Town, there is a rule that has kept my friend Jessie and me smiling a lot...you take the buggy with you!  Now some people may laugh because I say buggy, but what is really funny is that you can literally walk out of the store (which is in a mall) out of the mall (which is in a square) and around the town with the dang buggy.  Now I know you're next question, where do you bring said buggy?  That's what is even funnier, you simply leave it around town "in a parking lot, parking garage, sidewalk, park area" said the lovely cashier at the Pick 'n Pay.  And so we have.  Many, many times.  We even ride in carts around the town for fun in all of our free time   when we are trying to be a good Samaritan and at least make the 'drop off spot' closer to the actual store.  

Our local staff is amazing!!!  We had them do a cultural presentation and I will have to post videos...amazing is an understatement.  


Last night was my first World Cup game ever & I was privileged to have amazing seats to the France v. Uruguay game here in Cape Town.  We were sitting with all of the players wives and girlfriends, and needless to say, I was having a better time watching them and admiring the amazing shoes, clothes & jewelry than the game itself.  We made friends with their 'keeper' and she did not do a good job of keeping their whereabouts a secret, because I can tell you their travel itinerary for the next week.  Good thing I am a nice person :)


Anyway, we're off and running today and things are great! Sorry for my crazy random post and I promise to make more posts more frequently.  Miss you all back home....

Just Now or Now Now? No thanks, I want it NOW!

The title of this post is something I may have a hard time getting used to! Here in South Africa, when someone says they will do something "just now" or "now now" you know it will be awhile.  You don't want that.  You want their reply to be now.  Not "just now", not "now now", just a simple "now".  


So I moved from my hotel to my apartment this morning, and it's terrible.  Ok, Ok, truth be told, it's amazing.  I will post pictures as soon as I am able, but let's just say that I will have a hard time leaving to go to the office every day!  Our (my roomie Tara & myself) apartment is right on the canal and it's super safe & beyond beautiful!!  The walk to the office is 15 minutes, if you're strolling.  Now, before you get too jealous let me just say that the weather will make the commute quite difficult....if it's raining, I will have to bring a change of clothes to the office because I will be SOAKED.  Everyone keeps talking about this "sideways rain".  Guess I'll believe it when I see it, but it's apparently no joke....


Anywho, that's all I have time for now.  I miss people back home so badly, but I am already in love with this city and I am very excited about the next seven weeks....   


PS, just 3 months, 3 weeks & 3 days until I am Mrs. Bobby Lyons!!! Wooopity Woooop Woooooo :)