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I’m a bit embarrassed that so many of you actually went to my old blog – I didn’t think people really followed facebook suggestions – because all anyone now knows about is my shoe dilemna. But this is my(new)space thanks to my brother Adi and his computer skills. It too is still very basic, but I’m learning as I go so it should improve.

Your shoe advice was all appreciated, thank you kindly. In the end I didn’t go for traditional boots or for amphibian feet, but I bought a fabulous pair of waterproof Saloman hiking shoes, in a very sensible dark colour. They have the suggested ankle support and tough toes, plus every inch of them has a separate patent: contragrip, orthofit insoles, sensifit…So they must be good! I took them with me to Kenton for Easter and wowed the other beach-strolling people with their remarkable versatility and elegance. But really they are very comfortable and I’m sure I’ll get use to the sight of myself in such athletic looking footwear after a little while. The girl advice from cousins and sister-in-law is that they’re not bad looking at all and should def be worn with secret socks – the ones with the little cushion for your achilles tendon to prevent blisters.

Our annual retreat to visit family in the Eastern Cape was very relaxed, as usual and involved much walking, and other holiday pastimes like playing scrabble and puzzle-building. I had to take work with me. I have had a job for the last few months and am employed until I leave. I work for one of my old Geog lecturers as a research assistant by compiling data to compare the 1990′s hotel industry in South Africa with that of 2010. But I managed to do quite a lot of reading and even learnt some Spanish.

A friend of mine, Dimitri Selibas, very kindly lent me some books on South and Central America to read. I have been raving to everyone about the Rough Guides’ First-Time Latin America. It isn’t really a guidebook, it’s designed to be read before you leave and has been so full of practical advice on getting ready, from suggestions about what to stock up on before you leave because it can be difficult to get hold of, to tips on handling culture shock and how to save money. I did disregard the list they included of what to pack – it was obviously written by the male author:
2 tshirts, one long, one short
2 shirts, one long, one short
2 pairs of socks, one warm, one cool…

But I’ve read the book from cover to cover and I really recommend it to anyone.

I also got started on my Spanish. Along with the books, Dim lent me a cd of beginners Spanish with this awesome guy Michel Thomas. Apparently the language teacher to the rich and famous, he has a unique style of teaching that requires no writing or active memorization – just repetition. I haven’t gone very far because I needed to finish up with the books, so my vocabulary is limited and a bit unusual. I can say things like: “Is it important for you?” “Why is it important for me?” and “I want it but I don’t need in right now.” All of which have already been tried whilst out on the town, to my friends’ amusement.

Things are busy, and wonderful, and exciting and overwhelming. We had breakfast for my birthday on Sunday, which was lovely and most of my presents were in aid of my trip. I’ll have to put together a record of sponsors and thank yous to post sometime soon. But my list of things to buy and do seems to be longer than ever, and life definitely hasn’t slowed down just for me to get myself ready. The agenda is hectic and time seems to be ticking down much faster than I can tick things off!

It is my graduation this Thurs and I do my drivers test on Friday morning – so celebrating will have to be postponed. My calendar is gradually filling up with birthdays, appointments and innoculations and I can see my days for folding and refolding and packing and repacking quickly disappearing.

But things are awesome! Thank all so much for your concern, advice and prayers thus far – please keep them coming

Should be having a farewell at Emmarentia Dam on 27th April (Freedom Day – how appropriate) so keep it open if you can!