Ladysmith Day

Lost Not Found

After all the lectures we had on security durning pre training!! It Happened!!  As we walked along Lynda decided to stop at an ATM for money.   the guard's coat was on the chair but he was not there.  After thinking about it, she decided to go ahead and put her card in.  Several strange messages came up on the screen when she tried to cancel the operation her card would not come out.  A Man came up said he was the guard and we needed to go immediately to the bank to report it.   She went one way and I went the other we both found banks and she had immediate help in stopping her card.  The thieves did swap it 3 times for just under $300. Another lesson learned in Cape Town   THIEVES ARE SLICK  

Lost and found

Well we all have suprises & I had mine in Cape Town     When Mark & I stayed at the Hilton in October in Cape Town, I forgot my Kindle.  Left it in the safe.   My friend Lynda who has traveled a lot, after my sad tale was told, encouraged me to check with them So one day we walked the mile or so and I approached the front desk, the assistant manager was on duty.  Gave him our last name, room number & the date.  He said he would check with housekeeping & security.  Within 10 min.  They delivered my Kindle to me.  So the moral to the story is never give up when u need something to read.

Christmas and New Years in Cape Town

Hi to all,  Been out of touch with 3G since T day.  Have had an eventful month and now am here with 7 friends all PCVs in this beautiful city.  We have walked the central city so much we think we are natives and have covered all the highlights in the guidebook   Today Amy helped me get the sim card in right and complete cell phone banking to buy a bundle of airtime.  Our plan was to go to the bank to get my credit card activated since put in the wrong pin # 3 times.  Only Lynda put her card in the ATM where the guard was not present and was  scammed. Took and hour to get all the details completed and I did not get my temporary card.  We are planning for lunch and then to another museum this afternoon.  Vietaminese food tonight then to the parade (like New Orleans at Madi Gra).  Happy New Year !!!  Leave on Monday for the good old KZN.   We are all in love with Cape Town!!!!  Have a wonderful apartment looking out at Table Mt.  It is lighted at night.  We had a trip to the island prison of Nelson Mandela on C day and had C dinner on the wharf   with a gift exchange & snacks by the pool at the backpack ers in the evening.  Beautiful weather. Been a great week.

thanksgiving

Money Money

We only think of money when we want to use it or want to count it.  Well  today went to the bank and put in my debit card only to receive notice that it was invalid.  Recently had my credit card cancelled and now my debit card.  Fortunately Jeanne took care of the former but now she has another problem and so do I as I am in Dundee with R100 borrowed from the lady at the book exchange.  The Good Part of this is that when I tell my sad tale the person has offered to loan me money.  People who know me only as a customer.!!! I think that is extraordinary.  I was prepared to talk about my flying trip to Durban last week with the Sisters.  The Jacaranda trees are in full bloom here in this spring.  One portion of the road was lined with these mature trees all in bloom for miles.  The blooms are a lovely blue and has a sweet odor. It seems every tree and bush here flowers.  The weather is variable reminding me of the midwest. "Just wait 5 minutes and it will change"  which it does everyday  one day 100 degrees  and the next 60.

First week end at site

Last week I was in Durban at the backpackers.  Seems strange a whole week has passed.  Took a few days to get physically up to speed.  Did go to Dundee on Wed. for a haircut and other errands like getting an account on the cell phone to buy airtime, and buying wine and some food.  Had several of the Home Based Care people in for crackers, cheese and wine in the afternoon.  Was fun to have company for a change beside my son "Mark".  Saturday was a beautiful day about 100 degrees and windy, my 3 loads of laundry dried in an hour on the lines.  Five of the typing students showed up.  so was a full morning.  today I cleaned the apartment , refrig and microwave, scrubbed all the floors. and spent the rest of the day gathering data with Sister Beata in order to write a business plan for the clinic and a grant.  Should keep me busy this coming week.