Street wares in Durban
It was an interesting few days.
My landlords had a trip planned and I offered to housesit for them. Three kitties and two of the three dogs. The little Italian whippet was going with them and the two Rhodesian Ridgebacks got to stay with me. The house is lovely, one of the old original Kloof farmhouses. Build of stone, like my cottage is. And it’s huge! Big rooms with high ceilings and gorgeous wood floors that are polished to a high shine.
Any other country, it would have been daunting to take care of a house that big - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living, family, dining, hobby rooms and wonderful enclosed “stoep” or verandah. And a pool and big garden. But… gotta love South Africa! Thoko the housekeeper came in every day; the gardeners camed to mow the garden, the pool guy came and Edward, the other gardener came to clean up and trim out the gardens. I felt like the lady of the manor.
But…
It was very interesting as I missed the simplicity of my little cottage, which has minimal “stuff’ in it. Just the few things I need. They have some lovely things in the big house, but for me, it was just too much and even though it wasn’t (mostly) cluttered, I realized how little I really need and how much I appreciate my simple existence. I mean, do I need 12 serving plates and dishes and racks loaded with glasses and more than a couple of pots and pans? Anything more than my four glasses feels like a lot!
Fluffy, one of my charges
But on the other hand, it was fun to have a different environment around me for a few days. And to have the animals, which I miss. However, the animals really restrict movement. They have their schedules etc. I’ve got so used to coming and going without a thought, so as much as I adore the animals, I don’t plan of getting one or two. I’ll just enjoy them when they come to visit.
And when I house sit, which I’ve decided I will start doing again, on a limited schedule. And I won’t do very short stints. That’s too exhausting, so if someone wants me for a month or so, I will do that. In this country, it’s normal to be paid, which is something new for me. And that makes it worthwhile.
I’ve not been doing a lot as the weather has been miserable and the majority of South African drivers cannot drive in the rain! Or they do, but even worse than they do in dry weather so I don’t really want to risk going out with the crazies. Driving in this country is a big adventure every time I go out!
Woza Moya and the underwear site has been keeping me busy, plus I’ve been sewing! I felt a bit rusty as it’s really been years since I did anything like that. Sue has loaned me her Bernina! And it’s time to get out of the yuppy style clothes I’ve been so used to wearing and getting into things much more fun! I’ve bought gorgeous African print fabrics and made lovely long, wide culottes which are so much more comfortable than jeans. And blouse in jewel colors which I will accessorize with Woza Moya beadwork.
One of the fabric stores
Today, I went into Durban with Susy and Odette and went back to the amazing fabric stores. I had to restrain myself, but did buy a wild print for more culottes. It’s African Wax Print. When they’re made I’ll post pix.
I love going into “town” as the energy is amazing! Sidewalk vendors simply lay out their wares on the pavement or hang them on nails wherever they can find them. And what is so South African is that the people, if they see a friend across the road, or way down the road, will hail them at the top of their lungs and carry on a “long distance” conversation! It’s so alive and is one of things that makes the country so vivrant.
We stopped into the spice store on the way back to the car which was parked in a secure, (very important) underground lot . I bought all the spices I need to make chai and have created the recipe from the ground spices to be able to just add a teaspoon of the mix to my tea - or coffee - and it’s delicious. The spices are so inexpensive compared to the States! And because we have such a large Indian population who are curry perfectionists, all the spices are available. And the aromatic spices, the elache (cardamom), cinnamon and the rest permeate my little place. Love it!. Very exotic!
My Woza Moya wire and bead Christmas tree
The country is apparently on the verge of a second surge of the virus. But so far, nothing has been shut down but unless the stupids get a grip, we may end up with some restrictions reinstated over the holidays. A couple of areas considered hot spots are limiting the booze…so I stocked up, just in case!
But there is good news as well! The economy is starting to revive and more people are able to go back to work. It’s obviously not a miraculous recovery but still, it’s progress which is much need with so many people desperate.
Tomorrow, I am going to buy an office chair! (this after extolling the simple, minimalist lifestyle) as the dining chair I have is doing nothing for my back! Just hope it’s not raining…I really don’t want to battle the crazies.