Blog 4

Blog 4 

6^th October.

Lets start with the Mananga Country Club,  just like you may see in some movies from Africa – the building was impressive in size as were the grounds, vast.  Where Corine lives there  is a guest house and a scattering of free standing houses.  I am not sure who occupies these apart from Corine, who has a book library for the children of the complex.   The country club is on the other side of the greater complex and is about 2 – 3 kilometres distance.   On arrival you walk into a room that would fit several of my little house and all I could think of was John Wayne and the movie - Hitari.  The John Wayne thoughts were fleeting !!!!  don’t panic.

At the end of this large room was a bar and so we propped ourselves up for a drink prior to dinner.  We ordered and then all these people came in from nowhere !!!  the local white africaaners – business owners mostly.  the men had been playing tennis and the women preening in prep for the weekly night out.  I was introduced to them all and have since forgotten names except for Bruce and Mandy,  who live close by to me and are cane farmers.

Once dinner is ready you get the call and head upstairs where it is delivered.  Another huge room with huge tables – not many joined together!!!

My steak !!!!  L   the cook needs lessons on how to cook a good steak.  Any offers ????  It was huge, the perfect colour, but slow cooked and a bit on the tough side. And I was hanging out for this !!!!  Corine tells me there is a decent butcher in Tshaneni and I can get my own decent piece of steak from there. 

While on the subject of food -  where I am living, rural , low-veld, the shops cater for the majority population which is indigenous Swazis.  Their dietary likes and mine are no-where near the same.  So shopping for me is a bit hit and miss.  Getting things that make a salad can be like a miracle and of course everything is seasonal here.  I have managed to get some lettuce, tomato and cucumber.  Last time at the shops I managed to find plain yoghurt and a decent juice.  The fruit is good and I have been having decent apples, mandarins and pears.  The pineapples are starting to come in now and I am told that stone fruit is also big during the summer.    YAY    - Oh for a bowl of cherries !!!!!  I am slowly building my supplies to suit my tastes.

Meat is my second biggest issue.  I am not sure how it is butchered, but it doesn’t look at all familiar to me.  I could become vegetarian in between visits to Tshaneni butcher.

My biggest issue is milk for Tea !!!  all milk is long life !!!   its OK in coffee but not in tea, so I am in the process of change -  weak black tea with a few drops of honey.  Nice !!!

Don’t fret I will not go hungry -  the shelves are stacked with baked beans – almost a whole aisle full.  And if desperate, in the freezer section there are bags and bags of chicken heads and feet.  -  remember  - sharing is caring !!!   the word for Chicken is  Tinkhuku.

Corine goes to Nelspruit in South Africa once a month to get the things she likes and cannot get locally. I am going with her next time.  Its about 2 hours drive from here.

Another reason for me to go – it has a place like a super large Spotlight.  The fabrics are good quality, much better than here, and the sewing ladies get some from there – normally is it Terese or Daran going shopping, but they have handed this on to me.   Wow the power !!!   

I know that I said at the end of blog 3 that I didn’t know where to start with the task of teaching these ladies to sew for a living. . . . .   before I get into that and how it will or may work . . . .

I want to concentrate a bit more on the ladies at Section 19 as they are the reason I am here.

Back in March, in the position description that gave all the information about the job, it stated that there was a room that would accommodate up to 20 desks with machines.   When I first came out this way with the AVI coordinator, and the area was pointed out to me, I asked if the desks and machines were already there.  I got the look that said ‘of course they are  - what do you think we just write this stuff for the joy of writing’ !!!     WELL. !!!

The reality is that the room does not exist

I mentioned in an earlier blog about using the veranda for sewing.  The ladies have their own machines that were provided by KuDvumisa with an expectation that the cost would be recouped in time as they made money with selling their items. 

I have only met 7 of the group and I am expecting that more will join later.  2 of the women are not from Section 19 and are already fairly good sewers.  I have noted that they don’t like to share their skills and patterns and they dominate the sales when there is an open day.   I have a bit of a dilemma here.   As my reason for being here is to give the women of Section 19 the tools to earn money.  So what do I do about these other two?   Gently encourage them to stand alone and be a shining example for the others.    Right.

After meeting some of the women with Terese, I was to return on Thursday as a team of visitors from US (connected to an NGO called “HopeAlive268”   another one for you to google) would be arriving in the afternoon to look at the products for sale and interact with the women of the group.  Terese could not be there so I was to be the retail assistant as well as the spokesperson for the group.

I arrived 30 minutes early and they had already got the sales area ready – on the verandah.   They have been concentrating on making bags of many sizes and shapes, but predominantly a bag with long straps that go across the body / over one shoulder. There was also some crocheted items for sale, as that was their latest learned skill.

The ladies were all dressed well and eager to sell.  Three people movers arrived carrying about 6 – 7 people in each.  I didn’t really know how to handle this many customers at once.   The leader of the group is a woman in her late 30’s maybe – born in Swazi to missionary parents.  She speaks very fluent SiSwati.  She asked if I would address the group before they got into the sales mode to give them the history of the sewing project.   I did the best I could with the scratchy pieces of information I have been able to gain over time.  Fortunately they were more interested in why me and what are my goals and aspirations.  I found in this group of people of all ages, enormous support and encouragement and the offer of assisting with overseas marketing or obtaining materials etc.   

Then it was sale time and it became a bit of a frenzy.   One of the ladies who was the original teacher, herself a Swazi woman, took charge of the book for recording the sales and so,  not wanting to  make her feel uncomfortable or inferior and thinking that she would be familiar with this having been there in the beginning.   Alas I discovered at the end that she had not make adequate recordings of the items sold and who was the maker of each item.   Lesson learnt !!

At the end of the sale time, the group circled around with the women and, being from a Christian / religious based organisation we had prayer time and then a song which was in SiSwati , and sounded fabulous and everyone except me was singing.  I just did the movements and smiled a lot.  J

One of our ladies, Jane responded to them.  It was all very emotional and moving.  The senior of the group then called a group to pray with and for me.   Whilst I say that I am a spiritual person without any religious conviction, I know that I am in the right place at the right time doing what I am needed to be doing.  It is a very humbling experience that very gently keeps tugging at my heart. 

When the visitors had left, the ladies were very happy with the sales and I helped them to get everything packed up.

I returned the next day for more of the same.  This time Pastor Kay West, whose husband just happens to be John West,  brought two US visitors with her for sales and a donation of some food and some basic sewing items.  This was a very different day to the previous one.   One of the sewing ladies experienced the death of her eldest son the night before and was very grief stricken and withdrawn.  The visitors spent some time with her to counsel.  They also purchased a large number of items before the group prayers and departure.  Pastor Kay, a lovely lady, lives about 5 minutes from me and has invited me to visit any time.  Pastor Kay provides bible study for the people of Section 19 and another adjacent location every fortnight.  Most of the people I am in touch with here are Christian or a combination of cultural Christian beliefs.

I had made a commitment with the ladies that we would have classes Monday – Wednesday 9 – 3.  Thus giving me Thursday and Friday to do some patterns, prototypes, lesson construction and research etc. 

I am not sure what I have written before -  but what is  in my journal is –

“how do they live???  No electricity,  no sanitation, water from the cane fields that may contain chemicals, the grounds of the compound are uncovered  - by that I mean there is no grass, vegetation or paved areas, no gardens, no trees – except on the boundaries where there are a row of gum trees.  Adults, children, chickens, dogs all roaming around together in the mud, food scraps and heaps of leaf matter from the maize that is a stable food item.  I have been to several aboriginal communities in Australia and I have seen similar sights -  but there is one big difference.   $$$’s.”

Moving on.

I am about a week behind in news of whats happening, so I’ll try to type faster and get this one in the press for you so I can get on to the no. 5.

Last weekend -  what did I get up to???

Clubbing, dinners, theaters, other cultural arts pursuits. . . . . . .

I made a shower curtain. Remember I live in the sticks. . . .  I have a shower over bath situation and have been happy to clean the bathroom after each shower – until today.   I have a roll of black plastic bags and a roll of wide packing tape.  I taped 6 bags together and strung up a line from the curtain rail to the door jam !  very ingenious.   At last a shower without having to mop the floor etc.

That done,  then I got even more ingenious. -   there are no screens at windows or doors here and of course we must be approaching mosquito time, but already we have several 100 variety of flying things that like to come in for a visit when the light is on -  or off!  They don’t mind either way.  I have an insecticide infused mosquito net that, at my request, was a parting gift from my colleagues at WSG.  As it happens it is even greater than a mosquito net for the bed.  I had it installed, but just couldn’t bring myself to sleep in an enclosed chemical cocoon.     Then that  AHH  haa  moment.  I can cut it up and tape it to the windows.  You will be pleased to know that I now have screen at all windows except one and that one I leave closed until I can get some more netting.   I have noticed that some of the little critters still dare to come and I find them dead on the window sill or the floor in the morning.  So what may it have done to me after 2 years.   Thanks or the great gift WSG team -  it is of greater value than any of could have thought back then.

I was on a roll -   as it was getting hotter and I didn’t have any tops to wear that were really cool. I had a piece of fabric with me that was perfect, but no patterns, the only paper I had was kitchen paper towel, that will do to make a pattern.  A few hours I had made 2 tops and I wear them constantly and could start my own business, all ladies and girls in the compound want one.

This creativity was to continue for the day,  Nomsa, my neighbour wants to learn to sew, I gave her a lesson on the machine I purchased here, a very basic cheap Janome.  She is going to take some patience.  After sewing we cleaned my car.  I must mention that Nomsa  is my ‘maid’.  Nomsa helped me clean when I arrived and I call on her to clean, wash and iron at times,  she also keeps the outside tidy and rakes leaves and burns off when needed.   I noticed they all burn off regularly and wondered why is this so?    It is to keep the place tidy and reduce the incidence of snakes close to the home.   The greater area around my place is in need of a big burn and I will get onto it this week.

After dinner on Saturday I had a visit from Tanele, the mother of my 2 little urchins.   She came to greet me.  What a lovely woman and so easy and relaxed to talk with.  She was puzzled at how a person from another country could just leave home and go half way around the world to another place to work and help other people.  She also expressed a desire to learn to sew.   

Clocking up 2 students at home now.

Sunday 6^th October

Sunday’s listening to Macca is no longer on my menu!!   I don’t even have a radio.  Ii only my little ipod with  a few CD’s on.

I spent most of the day creating a spreadsheet to record the activities of the sewing group and sales, costs, profits etc.   and of course the necessary interruptions from the urchins who need to entertain me.  They put on a ‘show’ for me.  They had a visitor, Claudia from a nearby location and so they danced and sang for me.  I had the tablet with me so videoed it -  but have no idea where it went !!!

They are so disappointed -  as like all children –they wanted to see themselves in action.

Temperatures are in the 20’s – 30’s and variable and so far most nights have been comfortable for sleeping.   Apart from that first week with 42, there has not been a return of that yet -  but they tell me to expect lots of that in summer and that is just around the corner.

At the end of this Sunday 6^th , I was mentally preparing myself for the next day – being my first lesson day with ‘the girls’.  

blog 3

Unpacking and finding homes for the purchases and contents of my luggage was done relatively quickly after a clean up and a good sleep. So that took care of Friday, the horrible hot day !!!!

Saturday started off a bit cooler and it was pleasant to wear a little more than knickers and a sarong. In fact I actually needed long pants and a t shirt by the end of the day. 

I did my washing !!!  and you’re now thinking – why is this in the blog ???   because -  it was done by hand in a big bowl – I mean big !!!  and the bath is then used or rinsing.  No auto front loaders out bush or even twin tubs !!  just plain elbow grease and a bad back.   Washing gets done daily. . . .    der     I’m really fitting into the culture !!!

There was a gentle knock at my door about mid morning  and there was a little creature full of curiosity…   her name is Tema  (pronounced like dreamer with out the first ‘r’).  she is about 9 / 10 yrs going on 15.  And full of energy I found out later.   We exchanged names and a brief conversation and then off she went.  Returned about an hour later with brother about the same age – maybe.   Milayo  – I’m still trying to get that one right!!  A very forward pair of gorgeous  rat bags– asked if they could talk to me ?? what could I say ??  invited them in and for the next 2 hours they entertained me with games, stories and SiSwati lessons.   When they exhausted me I sent them home saying I had work to do.  Well sort of work – meditating is work isn’t it?

Some time later I had another visit from Jenny a mature English / Irish with an American accent.  Jenny and her husband Ian are missionaries who have been in this area now for 4 years and work with the CHIPS group and alongside  KuDvumisa org.  CHIPS is to do with children, health and HIV / AIDS etc.  Jenny was a  font of knowledge of the area and other things of interest and need like  malaria, water, internet, people, vehicles, roads etc.  they live about 10 – 15 minutes from me depending on the road conditions.  Most people here have 4x4’s or high set vehicles.  I did not get this advice and mine is a little close to the ground and will probably cause me to be house bound occasionally in the wet. The advice from Jenny is to ensure that I have sufficient tinned food and water in case this happens.  However there are people around me with high set vehicles and I’m sure I could get to shops if necessary. 

After Jenny left me it started to rain and it didn’t stop until Monday early hours. I had expected it to be like tropics and horribly humid and hot, but it was like Victoria.  Cold and wet.  The temp on Sunday night was 5 degrees.  A huge change from Friday and a fabulous relief. 

My next visit was on Sunday from Corine, also a missionary in mid 40’s from US and has been here since 2007 on and off for the first few years and now permanently.   Corine was a previous part time teacher with the sewing group for a while to help out.  Corine was happy to do a handover of all her things and knowledge as her role is with children and establishing pre-schools.  This is what happens with the money from child sponsorships. It allows schooling to actually happen and I am pleased to have this information having been a sponsor for many years.

Corine is now living about 30 minutes from me just out of Tshaneni (sounds like char nee nee).  Her place of abode is within the grounds of Mananga Country Club and I am going to visit there tonight. (Wednesday 2.10.)  I am looking forward to seeing this and having a cooked meal -   BIG STEAK  is what I am hanging out for.

It is the local tennis, dinner and social night and Corine is usually involved at least once a month with the group.   There will be more of this next blog. 

Back to Monday  30^th Sept.  I attempted to get blog 2 out and could not access internet.  I am discovering that it may be due to my provider – pay as you go – very expensive.  $30 so far for 2 sessions on the internet.  I may have to find another system.

I was not well earlier on Monday – and no I haven’t been bitten by a mosquito or tick or any of the other critters we are told to look out for.   Fortunately I was able to get some rest and help and a few hours later was up and off again.

My employers came out to visit me on Monday afternoon late. They are very busy and unfortunately I cannot do anything without them first inducting me into the role.  Terese and Daran Rehmeyer.   Daran is an electrical engineer and had a look at the electrics and will return with some tools of trade to see if he can prevent my stove from tripping the power.  He also plans to get my couch into my house -  now that’s a story I haven’t told.  The short version – it’s too big and won’t go through the door because there is a privacy brick wall in the way.  Terese thinks that Daran will dismantle the couch and re-make it in the house. !!!!!  I have the cushions and using them.  The couch frame is in the home of the children who are my regular visitors.

Section 19.

I finally got to see where I will be working on Tuesday afternoon.

How can I describe this and really give you, the reader a real sense of life for some people here.

Firstly the women I met, 5 of them so far, were so happy and excited that they have a new teacher at last – it has been about 8 months without any direction and they are lost without a leader.

I was taken by their happiness, openness and desire to welcome me with hugs, huge smiles, clapping and dancing.

Behind this they live in what we would consider grossly appalling circumstances.  Not even what you would tolerate out camping !!!

They are in a cluster of ‘homes’.   Because most of their living is outdoors, they have an allocation of one room per family and that is where they store their possessions !!! and sleep.  There is no electricity connected to their village, no sanitation and I’m not sure about water.   The water may be taken from the irrigation channels for the cane growing – if so it possibly contains chemicals.   Since discovered they do have good water from the cane growing farmers and it is chemical free.

The sewing happens on the concrete ‘veranda’ of one of these ‘homes’.   They each sit on a grass mat on the floor and have machines that are hand operated.   I have not seen them in action yet so I cannot say any more.

They are so excited that they are going to learn new things and this excitement and their happiness touched me immensely.   I’m going back tomorrow and Friday as they are expecting visitors who are wanting to buy some of their products.   Then I will begin with them on Monday next week and I have no idea how to start !!!!   

blog 2.

That first blog was all about the AVI experince and getting from Sydney airport to my dwelling place in the Mananga area.  So I want to give you a better picture of what I have experienced on the other hand. It’s all yard yakka / doom n gloom.

(I’m doing this blog entry as an attachment because internet is not connecting today,  I am told this happens frequently.  I’m learning to adapt to this style of living.)

In Joberg, we stayed at Courtyard Hotel on Oxford St in Rosebank, across the road is the Holiday Inn and the Mall  ‘The Zone’ that I mentioned in blog 1.

The Courtyard, like so many places and residences in the greater Joberg area, has a very high security fence all around and a security gate with a guard 24/7.  But put that aside, behind the walls and gates is a fabulous place with very friendly staff, especially Harold, who has been a waiter there for many years and has the smiliest face and everyone loves him.  The rooms were well appointed and decorated and clean, the breakfast was an amazing feast and there was a great outdoors area where Cheryl and I sat each morning.  We were there for 4 nights and only on our last night did we make use of the happy hour in the lounge for free drinks between 6 and 7.  I had a rum and coke while Cheryl knocked over a few cocktails and looked totally relaxed at the end of the night.

While in Joberg we were taken to Lilliesleaf.  This is also worth a google.  It was a farm where Nelson Mandela lived in seclusion under an assumed name for years during the time that he and others were planning to interrupt the government at the onset of apartheid.  The farm was called Lilliesleaf and it is now a museum dedicated to the purpose for which it was used back then.  The set up is amazing and very informative and well worth many hours to take it in.  Sadly our time there was limited. I found it very moving and at times wanted to just spend more time in quiet to ’be there’.  I will return before I leave Africa.

Another of our excursions was to Pretoria to meet the Australian High Commissioner – alas he was on leave so we had a brief meeting with his PA who gave us more material on personal safety and security.

A lot of the terrain in places I have seen so far, I could be forgiven for thinking I was still in Australia, especially the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA and some outback areas of  north Qld. There are trees and shrubs that are exactly the same. The biggest difference are the trees in Africa that have flat tops, you know the ones you always see in movies or books. 

On arrival in Swaziland what puzzled me the most was the constant haze that was everywhere.  I asked and no one could tell me why this is so.  I thought of Professor Sumner Miller  - he would be able to tell me.  In some locations it was smokey and others just hazy.  Where I was staying in both Ezulwini and Mbabane it was high country mostly lower temperatures than where I am now.

I first stayed in Ezulwini at the Timbali Lodge.   The rooms were like little cottages scattered through the property with gardens and makeshift gravel roads meandering here and there.  On entry there was always a guard at the entrance and the reception office.  Adjacent was a large round, high beautiful older style building with a thatched roof.  This is the restaurant and next to that a smaller building as a breakfast café. It was very comfortable to walk around and feel totally safe here. I had 3 nights there.  The bathroom of my room was as big as my current lounge room.

Ezulwini is the place I need to visit for art and craft places – I am told it is the place to go for the real Swazi craft treasures.   In preparation for my dwelling I was taken to the other ‘markets’ where some things are made by the sellers and others are cheaper imports from . . . . .  somewhere.  I bought some fabrics for curtains that look the part but are not authentic.

All my purchases were being kept at the home of our country coordinator and included:   a small bench top cooker -  a bit bigger than a granny oven – but still an oven/grill with two hot plates on top, all basic kitchen appliances and crockery, cutlery, glass ware, bedding and other linen.  All very basic.  AVI provided $1000 for this and it covered most but not all.  My dwelling is not furnished and has only one open storage place in the kitchen so I was in need of lots !!!!! 

As I mentioned in blog 1, I was moved into Mbabane on Saturday 21^st to a boarding house.  It was like an oasis in the desert for me and Penny was great company.  Penny’s place is a large house that she has converted to ‘her place’ in the middle, with a huge lounge, sitting, dining area (all original) and on the perimeters she has created 4 self contained, 1 bedroom flats that she rents out.  One of our volunteers is living there and the pool in inside his boundary, although it is for all guests.  John has almost taken total possession of it.  Most of Mbabane is built on hills and mountainous terrain and Penny’s place is very high.  The CBD is much lower and flatter !!.  again the vegetation was like being in north of OZ.

On Monday 23^rd I drove out to my dwelling place with my country coordinator and her husband (who had taken a day off work) and two vehicles loaded to the gunnels with my stuff.   Strange how life is hey ????  when I packed up in OZ I said I was not going to buy anything ever again and that included fabric. !!!   so here I am with 2 vehicles full of STUFF already.     One of the vehicles was a ute !!  called a bakky – pronounced bucky.  

While driving out I thought I was heading towards Kununurra or Wyndham.   The haze was not so bad out here on the low-veld.  No mountains here for me, except the Lombombo which seperates Swaziland from Mozambique.  

On the way to Simunye, the next town, we went through HLane Royal National Park.  I was on the look out for elephants and giraffes, but only saw a few impala, some monkeys and a wilder beast. Vegetation is very dry prior to the ‘wet’ season.

Google Simunye Country Club.  I am going to take out membership and treat myself to some weekends off.

From Simunye, heading north-ish we go through Tambankulu and turn a little to the west until the turn north again to Vuvulane.   The distance from Simunye to my dwelling is only 30 kms, but half on gravel / dirt roads through cane growing country.  From Simunye onwards, the cane appears and lends an appearance of coolness with its lush green growth and watering system.   Vuvulane is where the KuDvumisa office is located and my sewing room is closer to Tambankulu – I THINK !!!  I will clarify that when I eventually get to see it.  I will do my admin / internet stuff in the office and the real stuff with the women at ‘Section 19’.

We arrived at Mananga College after some twists and turns along the road  and unloaded the vehicles.  Two ladies came to greet us and one offered to help clean the house.  The offer was accepted  for obvious reasons and we said we would be back on Wednesday.

The trip back home was a different route to show me other things and places so we did a circuit back to Manzini.  (this is the largest populated town in Swazi and where the King has most of his residences / palaces etc.).

Jumping ahead now to Thursday and arriving at Mananga College again.

The college was a boarding school for an area in the north eastern corner and from across the borders into South Africa and Mozambique.  The school continues to exist but with only day students, the boarding school has been moved to Manzini.   Which leaves about 9 of these little cottages that may have been used for staff and are now rented out to cane workers and such.  One house is used for the headmaster of the school, the local pastor and of course me.  I am told it is very safe and clean and no crime.  The gate keepers are very friendly when they know who you are.   There are only 2 styles of house, a 2 bedroom and a 3 bedroom made from concrete blocks and render and all painted the same colour crème and green.  It is very liveable and now that we have cleaned up all is well.  I have a reasonable size yard with out boundaries, but have already put out a call for a gardener -  the going rate is about R100 per week = $12.00.  I have mango trees, avocado tree and a mulberry tree – unfortunately that one is sick and mulberries not good  -  shame  - I was considering going into production  of mulberry brandy !!!!!

Oh ! I think I have writers block now – or should that be blog !!!   this will keep you all going until no. 3 is released.

Just keep looking for more blogs without me sending you an email. I plan to do one at least weekly.  But no promises.  And one day they will include URL links and pictures.  But for now – just plain old words.

Cheers Georgie  

the beginning !!

here is the first of many  -
I guess i could start at the airport  in Sydney  - 14th September  - arriving 2 hours prior to departure is really cutting it fine now as it took so long in cues twice that there was little time to be concerned about not seeing Malcolm for a possible 2 years and saying a 'decent' goodbye. at least that meant no time for tears !!!
the flight to Johannesburg  was 14.5 hours - just long and tiresome and a promise of jet lag at the end.
i was pleased to have the company of a fellow AVID (Australian Volunteer for International Development) volunteer, Cheryl, who knows South Africa very well and helped me to get through the luggage and customs with reasonable ease.  we were met by 2 AVI Africa staff and whisked away in awaiting private taxis to our hotel in Rosebank.  Cheryl tells me it is one of the nicest suburbs of Joburg and i felt safe there. across the busy 4 lane street was a very upmarket mall complete with great restaurants etc.
from the moment we booked we were well and truly AVID volunteers and had our first meeting at 6.15 pm about security and personal safety.  there was no time allowed for recovery from the flight and the next morning it was on again -. this was to be the pattern for the entire week until, lucky for me, the Friday 20th in Swazziland had been declared a public holiday due to voting. i had a half day off.
arrived in Swaziland 18th Sept.  In that first week i met other volunteers  who are stationed here,  by mid Oct there will be 6 of us here all doing different jobs in various part of the country.
i also met my 'employers'  Terese and Daran Rehmeyer.  they are missionaries from USA and have been here for 8 years and established a company here called KuDvumisa Organisaton.  this is worth googling. Lovely couple who cannot do enough to help me settle in.
On arrival in Swazi i was taken to many second and car yards to purchase a vehicle as i would be needing my own transport to get from my accommodation to my place of work as there is no public transport at all at the distance too far to walk.  the car yards are owned by Pakistanis and not very easy to communicate with.
and even worse when you are tired, hot and under pressure from ...... to buy everything in 2 days and go bush to start work asap.
My language lessons commenced on Saturday 21st.   OH BOY !!!   this is going to be the hardest part of being here......   some words start with 4 consonants and working out which ones you actually pronounce and how is tricky.  there are clicks and clacks and sucking of air and blowing air out the corners of your mouth with your tongue wrapped around your tonsils- or at the back of your teeth and then try to make a proper word sound at the same time. If i had lubra lips i think it would be easier.
latr on Saturday i was moved to a bording house in Mbabane as it as closer to shops and a bit cheaper for AVI.
After that i insisted n having Sunday off and did only what was necessary -  ate, drank copious amounts of water and tea and slept  for 10 hours.  i was finally over the jet lag.
the boarding house owner, Penny, similar age to me, and English widow who has lived  in Swazi for approx 20 years.  a delightful woman who also loves 'OUT OF AFRICA' and feels that she has a better claim on Robert Redford purely because she has been here longer than me.  !!!! She's knee high to a grasshopper (like Gran!) and easy to knock over in the rush..  but my first 'friend in Swazi'.
Malcolm will testify that i experienced some difficulty getting established with a bank that would allow me to draw out sufficeint cash to pay for a car.  Without  his help i would have been without emalangeni  -  that is like dollars !!!  AND thats n easy one to pronounce - the g is not g as as in goat - but g as in sing !!!
it must have been the sleep that worked because i found a car that hopefully will suit my needs and so we were then in the hands of the car yard and the govt depts in Swazi to get it registered and a plan to gt out of town a soon as possible.
i had purchased all the stuff i thought i would need to set up a dwelling that i had neither seen nor received descriptions that gave any clues that matched what i saw on Monday when we finally got a ute and a car loaded with stuff  to deliver to the house.   not your average 3 bedroom with ensuite.  it will be livable in no time,
finally bought the car on Wednesday - a VW LUPO.  about 6 - 7 years old from Japan.  they are imported through Dubai - no tax and sold by Pakistanis.  a multi cultural  effort.
Thursday morning went with the AVI country coordinator to arrange insurance.  we started this project at 9.00am and finally finished at 12.30pm  i am fast learning that nothing happens in Swazi quickly.
Patience will become my best friend.  . . . . . . .  when i find him / her . . . . .
I was escorted out of Mbabane by the AVI staffer and one of the other volunteers. and arrived at the house around 4.00pm on a day with temperatures around 37 - 38. unloaded the car and a neighbour,  Nomsa came to help me clean the house before unpacking anything.  this is a tiny 2 brm house and it took both of us 2 hours  to clean.
i fell into bed about 8.00pm after a cold bath, not because there was no hot water, but because it was so hot after the cleaning etc.
next day  - Friday 27th i finished unpacking and finding places for things, then decided to make sure i knew where i was and how to get to shops etc.  i have since learnt that it was 42 degrees on Friday.
I am living in a sugar cane area about 20 kms from Mozambique border.  if you look at a Swazi map - in the very top north east corner you will see an open v shape in the boarder shape.  i am very close to that.  the nearest town is Mhlume.  do not try to say that.  - it is one that needs you to suck and blow and wrap your tongue around your teeth etc.  I managed to get out on the highway - which is in excellent condition and i was travelling south towards Simunye and I realised -  I am in Africa and I am driving on my own for the first time and i feel so alive and so excited about what is ahead of me.
my next post will pick up from here with the neighbourhood i am living in and the people i am meeting and a bit about the countryside. . . . .  so till next time -  . . . . .  cheers from Swaziland.