It's been two weeks since I arrived here in South Africa. I was expecting butterflies in my stomach - and yes I did, once I saw my fiance's pretty face. He was tremendously happy to see me. But then, well, everything seemed so different, from the views, the long roads and the suburbs - that I had to ask myself honestly - what the hell am I doing here? A glimpse on his looks and I know the answer.
I realized that my previous encounter with Africa, back in 2006, was a touristy attraction, and now, at the end of 2008, I followed one of my wildest dreams - to live in South Africa. His smile confirms me every time I think of my crazy decision. Despite of sunny days, cool safaris and friendly gatherings at braais (South African barbeques), there's more to say about South Africa.
The crazy truth is that I'm somehow the only one caught in this new sensations. I absolutely love the hot sunny days - let it be 40 degrees in December and I'm fine. But there's those rainy tropical days and cloudy skies when you just want to stay in bed. Last days were like that - a bit cold and depressing. It must be cold and ugly in Romania too, I say, and I'm trying not to think that much of my beloved country. I must go on somehow.
The first weekend after my arrival was really hot. Almost 40 degrees and I got to wander around with my husband-to-be. We are renting now a nice two-bedroom house with garden in Pretoria, in Elardus Park suburbs. This may seem a dream come true for a Romanian, but here in Africa residential parks with such houses are widespread and in fact quite affordable. But there's a catch - if you want to go shopping crossing the street won't get you to it. Driving is essential here - thank God I'm on holiday now and Ricky - that's my man - drives me out and about in his Opel Corsa Bakkie (south african pick-up). Everyone here likes his bakkie, as much as braais are a common thing and a nice way to socialize.
So, first days were about knowing our place and surrounds. It's quite a far driving to the shops, if you ask me, and going to Irene Village Mall, a nice place with outdoor cofee shops, bars and pizza places takes a while, but that's how it is. We stopped at Ocean Basket for sushi, calamari and shrimps - a heaven for fish lovers like myself, and indeed a not so pricy one. The shops are nice, there is plenty of goodies waiting to be tested and bought - but we have a new home to decorate, so the best place when you can find us nowadays is a furniture shop or a home decorations one.
To this point, I have unpacked all my summer clothes I could bring with me and stuffed it in the bedroom's wardrobe. We have one bed, a couch, an armchair and the already decorated kitchen and bathroom. Let's not forget about our small artificial Christmas tree either. Where do you get real Christmas tree now in South Africa??
There was a lot of shopping the following days - mostly for kitchen utilities, bathroom toiletries, a blow-up mattress for the other bedroom and the most wanted of all, a washing machine. Needless to say that we haven't subscribed to TV cable yet or a fast Internet connectivity, which made my new touch screen Samsung phone the most important asset to get an acceptable Internet for now.
Ricky got some free days to spend with me and we enjoyed each other - sometimes just remembering how much we have to work to start a new life was stressful. Cutting the unnecessary expenses, thinking of purchasing the right things and budgeting seems harder for me. Plus, the fact that I'm still a visitor to this country and I quit my last job for this adventure made me fell insecure when I had to stay home while Ricky was at job. Watching DVDs on the old TV, reading magazines and washing clothes wasn't just enough for me. Where was the creative and useful side of me?
I hated the fact that the journalist within me had to stay unconnected to this world. Couldn't go out of home - Ricky took his car and I didn't get the chance to drive around then. It was a rainy day that really put me off and yet I welcomed my fiance with nice hot food. Hopefully the things got better the next days, when I realized I had to prepare myself for the most important day yet to come - our intimate wedding when we sign the papers.
