First week

     We made it!  After 20 hours of flying on three different planes, we arrived in South Africa around 10:30 pm Cape Town time.  Having 9 checked bags got a little crazy, so we decided to have some fun with it and name them based on their color so we could keep track of them.  We had Red Raider, Green Giant, Blue Bonnet, Blue Barracuda, Blue Baboon, Purple Penguin, Purple Peanut, Charcoal Cheetah, and Brown Bear.  Amazingly, all but Blue Baboon made it!  We got it the next day, though, so not to worry.  Fortunately, Zoe did wonderful on the flights.  She slept for a large majority of the time since it was American night time for her little body and either played, ate, or made friends with passengers around us the rest of the time.  Someone told us that she was the best little traveler they’d ever seen and that a kid that good would want to make us have 6 more!  J 

     The first few days have been mostly logistics.  We got cell phone accounts, a bank account, and a car!  We did some shopping for groceries and a few necessities that we just couldn’t squeeze in our suitcases.  The nice thing is that most things are in walking distance, such as the mall and grocery stores, so even before we had our car we were easily able to get around.  And of course, lots of unpacking!  Luckily, the house where we are staying is furnished for the next 4-5 months until this family moves into their new house, so we can take some time buying other things.  So far so good! 

     Friday night we jumped right in to South African culture having a braai (BBQ) with some friends.  It was neat because it was one American couple, one Malaysian couple, and one South African couple.  Zoe had lots of friends to play with – one 3 yr. old, two 4 year olds, a 5 year old, and an 8 year old.  She loved playing with the “big kids”.  It was a wonderful time to catch up and fellowship.