Just NB

I've written many times before....Tuesdays are traditionally been my worst days in MG. Not sure why. (Maybe I should spend a few hours/days/weeks analyzing it? I'm sure I will. ) So, I'm thrilled that this Tuesday came and went and it seemed...pretty good? A few things: 1. I have tons of exciting changes at work (well, just new people, really - but it's still exciting). 2. I am probably drunk as I had three glasses of wine (probably = actually) 3. UPDATE on Tovy : A good friend spared me from my sickness misery/cabin fever on Sunday night and took me for supper (or...I left my wallet at home and he had to pay...either way....I got a free dinner...:D) and we went to where Tovy lives. I'm not sure why, but the owner of the restaurant has like totally cleaned him up, kept him well fed, and puppy is now behaved. He's now allowed inside the dining area and very clean. (It's common to see cats in the dining area of restaurants here). I was thrilled. I always worr...

Next stop on the Accidental African Adventure Part 2 is Botswana. We drove about an hour to the Zambia/Botswana border. Trucks that use this route have to line up for up to TEN DAYS to pass. One of the lucky trucks making it on the porter ferry that day Luckily, we had a boat waiting. There was the regular chaos, lack of formality, and understanding at the border crossing....but I think we were in good hands - our guides' names were Moses and Purity. So - technically - at this point in the river - I am in FOUR COUNTRIES. This river is shared by Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. According to the locals, three out of the four countries have agreed (and have the funds) to build a bridge across. However, the President of Zimbabwe will not agree to it. Made it across the other side... but not quite officially in Botswana...yet... Had to clear customs and then walk through the water on the far right (not the big puddle) and clean my shoes to make sure tha...

Well, my ear/sinus infection is now on the mend and now I just have cold-like symptoms. And for that...I am grateful. Yep, you read correctly. I have been struggling with personal and expat issues more than I realized. Since I'm incredibly impatient, I kept thinking that all of my feelings around any stress in my life should magically disappear in oh...a day. Two max. Now, I'm beginning to see that adjusting to any change takes time. During this adjustment process, I am significantly more emotional than normal. And....I'd like the majority of my co-workers/acquaintances to not think that I go home at lunch and have a quick cry session - so having this cold, works perfectly....'cause it just looks like I'm all stuffed up (and I know that I'm publically putting this out there which may give away my secret, but according to my Google Analytics, there are only 7 people in Madagascar that read this blog. For those people...thanks for keeping my secret!) During said l...

Next stop after the first visit to Joberg was Livingstone, Zambia. The hotel was pretty good, and town was wonderful, and the walking tour of the falls was amazing! My last night in Zambia we went on a sunset boat cruise, which began with a bottle of the local beer, Mosi. Was pretty good....and mild...which was nice 'cause I'm not really a beer drinker. The sun was still out and the scenery was awesome, of course... The boat ended up being filled with a few lushes (I may or may not be including myself...) and another boat was called in for back up delivery of beer. I switched over to Gin and Tonic - seemed more appropriate for a boat cruise in Livingstone? And tonic - if you don't already know - contains quinine - which a natural treatment for malaria - so it's good for my health, right? We saw a few birds, a hippo head or two, and then - my first crocodile!! I was quite comfortable observing him at this distance. The tour guide, felt otherwise......

Finally getting up some Accidental African Adventure Part 2 posts!!! After leaving Reunion, I had a few days in Johannesburg. I was sort of looking forward to it (English speaking country and shopping), but sort of scared (guns and death), but it ended up being a really fun time!!! Welcome to Joberg. Looks....safe from up here... It only took ...oh...about forty minutes or so to find the "free shuttle" to the hotel...during which I was still convinced that I would get shot if I just got in any random cab. I asked for directions several times...and was always pointed into different directions... Finally someone saw the pained, lost look on my face and led the way to the free shuttle. He was given a $100 ZAR tip for his services. Later I found out that was about $14CDN. Well, good day for him I guess... Welcome to the (well gated, secure) Emperor's Palace . They have five hotels - ranging from 5* to 3*. This time I stayed in the 5* and it was AWESOME!!! So...when...