Back to the grind in Jozi, we return to chilly, damp weather and heaping piles of trash.
Unseasonably cool temperatures combined with torrential downpours have made getting back into the swing of things a struggle. Fall has descended upon our previously balmy host country, albeit without the kaleidoscopic color display typical in the States. I’m thinking that our winter visit here two years ago may have unusually warm, and we have severely under-packed in the warm clothing department.
May hearkens the beginning of “strike season” in South Africa, and the refuse collectors union strike had been raging for three weeks when we arrived home, leaving mountains of garbage in its wake. Luckily, the wage dispute was resolved over the weekend, and trash collected the following Monday, though there are still some unattended rubbish piles a week later. World Cup organizers followed the whole ordeal nervously, anxious that other service providers might take advantage of the spotlight the tournament affords.
Everything seems to be breaking at once around here. Our front gate has developed an annoying habit of screeching to a halt mid opening, a leaky seal causes rain water to slosh around inside our car door, and the resulting surge from a five hour power outage claimed the Kirstein family TV set. The power outage, affecting a large portion of central Johannesburg and the surrounding suburbs, was rumored to be the fault of cable thieves, another ill omen for the upcoming tournament, little more than a month away.
I’ll take advantage of this forum to say happy birthday to Mom, and feliz cinco de mayo to the rest of you. A thought: if Corona was any good to begin with, you wouldn’t have to put a lime in it.
May hearkens the beginning of “strike season” in South Africa, and the refuse collectors union strike had been raging for three weeks when we arrived home, leaving mountains of garbage in its wake. Luckily, the wage dispute was resolved over the weekend, and trash collected the following Monday, though there are still some unattended rubbish piles a week later. World Cup organizers followed the whole ordeal nervously, anxious that other service providers might take advantage of the spotlight the tournament affords.
Everything seems to be breaking at once around here. Our front gate has developed an annoying habit of screeching to a halt mid opening, a leaky seal causes rain water to slosh around inside our car door, and the resulting surge from a five hour power outage claimed the Kirstein family TV set. The power outage, affecting a large portion of central Johannesburg and the surrounding suburbs, was rumored to be the fault of cable thieves, another ill omen for the upcoming tournament, little more than a month away.
I’ll take advantage of this forum to say happy birthday to Mom, and feliz cinco de mayo to the rest of you. A thought: if Corona was any good to begin with, you wouldn’t have to put a lime in it.
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I hit the links Wednesday night with Dad after my prolonged absence. As might be expected, it was not pretty, although I hit just enough decent shots to keep me coming back. The biggest disappointment, however, was the fact that the clubhouse no longer serves its deliciously watery beer on tap. What gives?!! Talk with you Sunday. Love, Mom
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