tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48214199658285492662024-03-13T22:36:26.927-07:00RoamerLilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-43259197681940761992018-02-13T05:29:00.000-08:002018-02-13T05:29:33.578-08:00Mount Kilimanjaro - Doing it the Lemosho way - Day _1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Klimbing Cili – Day Minus1</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s 7 Am and I’m on the scale.. 4 Kgs up the roof and 2
more away from my ideal fit weight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My knees are quite conscious of the extra blubber they will
have to haul up that mountain two days from now. But my stomach is rebelling. In
less than 24 hours there won’t be a decent meal in sight for 8 long arduous and
ridiculously freezing days. Did I mention the torrential rain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it will be a rainy hike up Mount Kili
and the weather conditions are going to try their best to go against our will
every step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here I was
worrying about camera chargers and extra battery life! There won’t be a dry
moment to snap that perfect shot. Guess Steph and I will have to get very
creative taking snap shots inside a 2 x 2 tent for 8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>endless days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But hey, if I stuff myself up with that whole bowl of
Avocado, then finish up with some greasy fries, I’ll be much heavier and the
wind won’t have it’s way with me afterall!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My friend Isabelle tells me in her village back home, they
ask the youngest of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>twin siblings to
plant a knife in the garden to keep the rain at bay.. Can it work long
distance??? Because I need that little boy of hers and 8 sharp knives to travel
along!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My friend Salomé has a travel friendlier secret ritual! “Put
three eggs in the garden and wish away .. your wishes should be directly to a
certain Santa Clara and the rain won’t dare sprinkly your way.. Hmmmm, gotta
find a way to carry three raw eggs intact on Lemosho, via Lava tower and the
Baranco Wall scramble!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Emilie on the other hand thinks I should absolutely do both,
and sprinkle some salt along the way! Afterall, if all else fails, we can end
up mucnging on a warm omelette in base camp as we watch the rain wash away the
tracks we should have followed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, It’s feeding frenzy till Day 0 hits in a
few hours time.. A nose dive in my bed maybe??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And a few trips to my clean comfortable bathrooms just to get my fill!
Oh Well,,,,,, It’s gonna be OK!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-36399109063109111282018-02-13T05:23:00.000-08:002018-02-13T05:23:40.206-08:00Mount Kilimanjaro - Doing it the Lemosho Way - Day _2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Klimbing Cili – Day Minus 2</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Schedules, schedules, logistics and then some..<o:p></o:p></div>
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It takes two days to book a life changing trip to
Kilimanjaro, but a whole three weeks to find subs to take care of the kids
while I’m gone! Nerve Wrecking!!! And certainly not life changing!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_RI10bHw9Y/WoLlzLSeUNI/AAAAAAAAFcI/r4Gsd9Y5iYAUz40oA46tGzLgQQqY4phogCLcBGAs/s1600/Logistics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_RI10bHw9Y/WoLlzLSeUNI/AAAAAAAAFcI/r4Gsd9Y5iYAUz40oA46tGzLgQQqY4phogCLcBGAs/s200/Logistics.jpg" width="200" /></a>Three kids ⇒Three school pick up times per day ⇒ Two to
three geographically-totally-unrelated sets of activities daily⇒ and ONE expat
mom.. You do the math.. it simply does NOT add up; no matter how you look at
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Miraculously it does.. Because I’m an expat mom and we EMs
have that super power to make it all settle in place somehow. We develop our
own beehive dance around pick ups, drop offs, extra tennis rackets, more
snacks, endless water bottles and the most hilarious of car-time motivational
speeches.. but it works! We make it work!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And I’ve got the greatest support system I’ve had in any of
my expatriations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So why does my plan look more like Haywire in a mad house than
a well synchronized Beehive dance??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve done the works.. Ballet? Check! Tennis? Check! Soccer?
4 times a week?? Also miraculously Check! Swimming? Check, check and check!!
(well it’s for all three kids), Horseback riding? Costs a fortune that
substitute ride, but still.. Check! Birthdays, school drop offs, pick ups..
Bike trainings, and Arabic lessons… It’s all in there and there is a beehive of
seven kind souls, 7 fellow expat moms who have stepped in to lead the dance..
Will it work?? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drGFaK7Mt_Y/WoLmnsSLfDI/AAAAAAAAFcc/GSEHd-8zkQc0oZM2I4JcV_1NqBuXeZ5mACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-02-13%2Bat%2B3.21.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drGFaK7Mt_Y/WoLmnsSLfDI/AAAAAAAAFcc/GSEHd-8zkQc0oZM2I4JcV_1NqBuXeZ5mACK4BGAYYCw/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-02-13%2Bat%2B3.21.41%2BPM.png" width="186" /></a></div>
Still on my chair, in front of my computer, a cup of
steaming mint tea in one hand and a buzzing whataspp group in the other. I’m
reading through the last changes of that mighty schedule and I’m out of breath
already. Kili is 3 days away and I have yet to twiddle my toes in my hardened
hiking shoes and yet… I’m already exhausted!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span id="goog_10924465"></span><span id="goog_10924466"></span><br /></div>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-69757187642741502012018-02-09T00:06:00.001-08:002018-02-09T00:29:32.754-08:00Mount Kilimanjaro - Doing it the Lemosho way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">K</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">limbing Cili - Day _6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Being an expat follower comes
with many different labels: Dependent – Anonymous Spouse – Domesticated
Partner<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- obviously none really
flattering to my ego! In short I am nothing beyond the walls of my household.
And that NOTHING is the one word that echoes in my head hours after each party,
social gathering or chance encounter and someone from my husband’s realm asks
me: So what do you do??????<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You spend the first few years
as a novice expat scrambling through fleeting career opportunities, that
shortly after become just job opportunities, which soon turn into <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>once-in-a-while consultancies.. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you don’t despair. In fact, you are so
busy building your identity as a super mom that your life actually does have a
meaning after all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Then you hit 40. You breath
and open your eyes, and you relax a bit. 40 isn’t so bad! Even for a career
less, jobless, bored roaming housewife. Kids are fine, healthy and occasionally
happy. Home is a safe warm haven of your own crafting, memories are busy being
woven and your birthday cakes are to dream for!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But then 45 lurks right
behind and the 50s bells begin to chime far in the distance! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You look around you and you
see your kids struggling to fit in, traumatized because your so-called safe
haven has just been breached, under your watch and they were bad people with
big guns. Your kids are addicted to gadgets and their grades are screaming for
the rescue squads. Other parents blame your kids for some crazy problems they
trapped themselves in, and dragged others along and you suddenly find yourself sinking.-
rather sky diving… and 45 is closing in, with 50 right in tow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You take another breath. You
open your eyes and you just see…. NOTHING! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So being the perfect mom is
quite an elusive prospect despite all the energy that went into it. And your
children are not just imperfect, but they are also unique in a beautiful,
unconventional but sometimes very destructive way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Even if you pull your mom
thing through and they emerge safe and healthy and with some luck, relatively
happy; in three years they will fly out of your cocoon one after the other. And
you will hold your breath, yet again, hoping they don’t nose dive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You are failing,… miserably..
or are you??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">OK you breath again.. and
again.. You suddenly decide to shake it all off!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Being a mom is the most
frustrating journey I’ve ever imagined.. You start off aiming super high. Then
as the years pass and your kids’ personalities start to shape, your dreams
shift with the rising tides. Every once in awhile a Monsoon hits. You handle
it. You think you got this but then a Tsunami emerges and the end is nowhere to
be seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That’s what being a mom
really feels like when you are an expat! Because there are no benchmarks, no
guidelines and every move comes along with a new set of unfamiliar
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You fall back on relevant
memories from your own childhood. Nothing in there helps: we had an internet
free, gadget free and a relatively simple childhood back then. You look around
and you hesitate. Your friends, if you are lucky to have made some as an expat
are wonderful people. But they come from over the world, each with their own
set of cultural expectations, barriers and benchmarks. You’ve known them for
what: 1 year, 2?? 4 at the most?? You love them dearly but are they really
equipped to help you navigate this damned stage of your life? Do the want to? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Some years it’s easy flow,
others it’s just a hormonal avalanche and the household seems to be anchored in
the eye a Perfect Storm but in an agonizingly slow motion mode. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You go with it. You yield. You
sink fast and you despair. You reach rock bottom and then you realize, it’s not
over! You can’t just accept defeat. There is a small number of humans that
depends on you standing tall and more importantly… standing PROUD! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now you need to climb all the
way back up again.. All the way to an elusive snow-peaked summit. You know
is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. You need to tell yourself
that you can make; despite your lack of fitness and inability to believe in
yourself. But if you make it, only then you’ll know!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s going to be OK!, you are
going to be OK! Your kids are going to be fine! Your friends will manage to
look through the turmoil and hold on to you till you emerge again. Till you
make the climb… all the way to the peak!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s Day -6 and the countdown
to the Climb has just begun….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><u>Disclaimer:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><i>This post won’t resonate with
any of the following echelons of expatriation:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The genius wife
who managed to carve a successful career alongside her roaming partner</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The satisfied
home maker who fulfills her own dreams off the career path</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The disgruntled
expat follower who knows how to be a social butterfly</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The financially
independent partner who can afford to create a parallel fantasy life alongside
her reality as a dependent follower</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span></i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Parents of the
perfect children who never ever engage in any inappropriate behavior or leave
you dealing with a trail of anger, shame, worry and sometimes even sheer fear</i></span></li>
</ul>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-44619367274037345762016-05-28T23:56:00.001-07:002016-05-28T23:56:08.753-07:00Do you speak Expenglish? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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Two years in South Africa and I already say EEZ It? Yuhh and
Shame!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yoh is when I’m astounded; and Yoh has come out every time I
go into a shop and people think I am French! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a French accent - he South Africans say..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the French, despite the flowery compliments know I don’y
do their language justice. After all I’m a product of the Egyptian education
system and that doesn’t position us well in life in general.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do however, spend some time everyday in the
French-speaking realm and my closest of friends are predominantly French. They
speak to me in Frenglish most of the time so yeah, I get it, I picked up the
accent and I fused it with some South African English. Add my Egyptian heritage
to the mix + 11 years in New York to spice it up and here you have it….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Expenglish!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no denying that English is the common language of
Expats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for the fortunate expats who
successfully forge the best of friendships beyond their national compatriots
orbits…with Italians, Argentinians, Spanish, Germans, Brazilians … and thanks
to the French school, also French; we manage to somehow craft our own special
accent. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Intercontinental spice mix gives it a flavor that is
unique to expats around the world. We know it, we like it, and best of all.. We
can never go wrong with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is nothing that we can utter that can be classified as
grammatically wrong! Because it’s all wrong.. And that makes it soooo right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes it sooooo unique and soooooo us – expats,
that our Expenglish becomes an inherent trait of our global identity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello, my name is Laila, I am an expat and I speak
Expenglish.. an all-embracing, judgment-free English that allows us to use as
many foreign words as we need, gesticulate as far as our arms can extend, and
make the weirdest of body movements to fill for the vernacular gaps. If I get
what you want to say then you are fluent, regardless of what you actually said!
I get it.. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t ask me how.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know why we get it? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s simply because it’s the only language in the world that
doesn’t carry any cultural baggage. It is not heavily impregnated with nuances
and connotations. It doesn’t differentiate between old and young, man and
woman, rich and poor, old money and nouveau rich or black and white. All you
need is your basic knowledge of the English language, and your rich experience as
an expat and you’re speaking.. Expenglish!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Two years in South Africa and I’m not worried about being
understood any longer. Speaking it like the locals is no benchmark for positive
integration. When I’m asked: where is that foreign accent from? I simply smile
and say.. Take your pick, it’s Egyptian, American, South African and French. I’m
all of those and still more to come. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-47857320956282621732016-01-08T04:27:00.000-08:002016-01-20T11:22:15.027-08:00How to Live UP your First Expat Year in South Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: red;"><b><span style="color: white;">ZA <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>100 - First Year
Bucket List (100)</span></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>This isn't another brag post. It certainly isn't another long monologue about being an expat! Although I tend to write a lot of those.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>This is a list…. Pure and simple!!!!</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>If you are into outdoors, you'll meet your bucket list here.. But if you also like to wear a flowery dress and put on a big sun hat that totally matches your pointy shoes, then head out </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>for a dainty High Tea, then this list is equally for you.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>If you are a traveller at heart and you wish to raise your family flag on each and every province, then HELLO partner :)</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>The idea is to give you a hint, a clue, a little nudge in a certain direction and a search word to open up the magnificent world of #Google, #Trivago and #Tripadvisor for you.. enjoy and let me know if you have a cool idea for my 2016 list</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: lime;">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Fifteen hikes</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Saamrus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Vergenoeg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Groenkloof<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Windy brow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Tswaing Crater <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Robberg Island<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wilderness River<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wonderboom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Rustig<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sugarbush<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Uytipik<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Shelter Rock<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mountain Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cape Town Botanical gardens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Five
High Teas</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Silver Birch tea garden (disappointing), Go for the Saxon by all means<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Michael Angelo – Piccolo Mondo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->54 on Bath<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kirstenbosch Tea Garden (Cape Town)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Maslow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Nine
provinces</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Gauteng<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->North West<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kwazulu Natal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mumalanga<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Western Cape<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Limpopo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Northern cape<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Eastern cape<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Free State<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Camping</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Borakalalo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Ten
cultural places</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Soweto on bikes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Arts on Main (Thursday monthly night market is cool)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Stanley 44 (Lunch)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Melville - Amazing arts scene<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Parkhurst - Cool restaurants and galleries<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Midlands Meander - Kwazulu Natal, this is a TRUR MUST<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Oriental Plaza - Indian heavenland <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kyalami (nice meanders and artsy shops)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cradle of Humankind<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fordsburg - Oriental and Middle Eastern hub close to Oriental Plaza<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Melrose Arch - Safe Haven in all this chaos<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Bryanston</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Organic Market - a little artsy island worth going to<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Ten
cultural events</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opera dinner (really cool experience with Gauteng Opera)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Barnyard theater (Cheesy but loads of fun for the whole family)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jo'burg Theater<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->PJ Powers (She's a national icon)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ultra (if you're a late comer to the Rave scene like me, this is a must)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->St. Pietersberg Ballet (there is always an international production a year)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Johannesburg Ballet (to compare notes)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Trevor Noah (H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Little shop of Horrors – Camps Bay<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->La Traviata (Some classics to balance to the cheesy shows out)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Parker’s Comdey Club (I actually understood most of the jokes)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a;">-</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a;"> </span><span style="color: lime;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Five
Picnics and fruit pickings</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Strawberry Farm (Tangaroa)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hartbeerspoort Dam (lots of activities)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wine tasting and Cheese (Cape Town)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Powers Park<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nirox Sculpture Park (worth checking their events calendar)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Five
Game drives</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kruger<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pilanesburg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lion Park<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Monate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pilanesburg (It's close and convenient, that's why we keep coming back)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-</span></span></i></b><!--[endif]-->
<span style="color: lime;">Five Touristic Sites</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Red Bus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Apartheid Museum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Satyagraha (Ghandhi's house) +Make sure you combine with lunch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Elephant Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cableway (Hartsbeerpoort)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Bird Garden (Monte Casino )<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ushaka (Durban) a must for kids<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Museum of Transport (Cool under explored) + Combine with picnic by lake next door<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">- </span></span><span style="color: lime;">Five new activities</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a;">(Done) (You can tell, there is a bit of everything for everyone's taste)</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Stand Up Paddling<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->African Fusion dance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cuisine Thai<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Accrobranch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cookie icing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">- </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Five
kids activities</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Avalanche<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Surfing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Paddling<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ziplining<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hiking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Quads<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Horsebackriding<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">- </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: lime;">Five
South African books</span> - I've become a D Meyer addict</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Deon Meyer .. Devil’s Peak<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Deon Meyer,, Thirteen hours<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Deon Meyer,, Cobra<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Deon Meyer,,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trackers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Blood Safari<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Dancing with a poor man’s daughter<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">- </span></span><span style="color: lime;">Five sports related
excursions</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Canoeing the Wilderness River (Garden Route)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Biking Park (PWC on Main Sreet)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Biking the river path (behind our house)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Quads<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Cullinan)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Horseback riding (Cullinan, North Pretoria)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
- - <span style="color: lime;">Five cool restaurants</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Four Seasons Westcliff Brunch with a view<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Cube (Atomic and weirdly yummy)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A la Turka (oriental fake palace with belly dancers and the whole 1001 nights atmosphere.. surreal)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span> The Blue Crane (Pretoria) Better for Sun downers and early lunch, serene and Blue Cranes are in full presence</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
e.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Col'Caccio (Chain like Pizzeria but I like it cause it's not junk and they give dough for the kids to shape and cook while they wait for their food)<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> -</span><span style="color: lime; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Blog about the bucket list at least 10 times :)</span></div>
</div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-4470074720055161002016-01-07T06:12:00.000-08:002016-01-07T08:59:37.896-08:00From Nikes to Hikes - Part 3 - Day Hikes in Gauteng - Summer 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Year two in South Africa begins and this time I’m not only
hiking, I’m actually in charge of the French community’s Hiking trips this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The fact that I’m not French--- that hiking is
a…well…..fairly new skill I’ve just added to my Expat profile --- that I’m
actually quite unsure on my feet and get what every French lady has explained
to me as the VERTIGE whenever I’m edging a cliff path… all of this… has
apparently equipped me to lead the group :D <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are a team a four actually, so I’m not the hero-hiker I’m
selling myself as here and my co-hikers are experts at it. So why did I
undertake the responsibility? Well:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I love it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I get to do each hike TWICE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I engage mild hikers like me who also have to overcome
a few phobias here and there to enjoy South African landscapes,, If I can do
it, they feel like they sure can! Not very flattering for my skills, but hey,
it’s great for social bondages… MISERY DOES LIKE COMPANY!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I get to explore beyond the footprints on well
marked hiking trails and I just love it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So far I’ve compiled the first 9 hikes to start with from
last year<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve left a few really good ones out and I’ll start with
them here along with some new. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Here are 8 Hikes to
Launch 2016 with …<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">1- Mountain Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/mountain_sanctuary.htm"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.footprint.co.za/mountain_sanctuary.htm</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: varies, maps
available online and at site<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFZdxQr7EJE/Vo5xB9ZRIJI/AAAAAAAACHw/poHKpLyLe24/s1600/IMG-20150617-WA0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFZdxQr7EJE/Vo5xB9ZRIJI/AAAAAAAACHw/poHKpLyLe24/s320/IMG-20150617-WA0011.jpg" width="180" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Animals,
Rock pools and gorges<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly:
Definitely<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: on
Website<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation:
several options, a great camping spot<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: </b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">25°
50'.09.42" S (25° 50' 10" S)
27° 28'.33.40" E (027° 28' 33"
E)</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX01GNDkz5k/Vo5wkvxoZKI/AAAAAAAACHo/H5GGPufbgpY/s1600/20150617_110417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xX01GNDkz5k/Vo5wkvxoZKI/AAAAAAAACHo/H5GGPufbgpY/s200/20150617_110417.jpg" width="200" /></a>Was probably one of the most scenic? Be careful with early
morning hikes in June in the sanctuary, it can be freeeeeeezinnnnng and I was
totally caught unaware!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Did I mention that I also slipped and fell into icy algae
-filled water? Still I’d definitely do it again and bring the kids along with
sandals and swim suits on hotter days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">2- Shelter Rock<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.shelterrock.co.za/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.shelterrock.co.za</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: 8 kms to the
top (elevation 400 meters)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Geology
and 1000+ year-old vegetation, abseiling, kloofing, rock climbing … .<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Yes
but long<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: on
Website, they allow a limited number of hikers per day<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: limited
through base camp reservations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: 25°50'09.7"S
27°39'09.6"E<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This one we did to celebrate a double birthday and it was a
fantastic day hike in the Magaliesburg region.. Our picnic was cut short by a
“controlled” wild fire that engulfed us and didn’t look that controlled to
us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we still managed it to the top
and we managed the picnic with a few nervous side-glances and the progress of
the bush fire! French champagne and sun-melted chees did it’s trick to dull our
senses and we lingered enough to call the day a success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hike is steep and I believe that, had the kids not been
among friends, they would have started whining half way thru.. But we planned
it well and they were happy! We were ecstatic!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Technically the hike is easy, no cliff hanging and no edge
hugging. You don’t get that intimate here with the mountain like it’s next-door
neighbor <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714;">Rustig</span></b>
with it’s wood ladders and some short but nauseating edge hugs!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-hqIfQey1Y/Vo5rIJGUbzI/AAAAAAAACGk/M71kC9kBOsA/s1600/20150524_115312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-hqIfQey1Y/Vo5rIJGUbzI/AAAAAAAACGk/M71kC9kBOsA/s320/20150524_115312.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5QKjqYssSM/Vo5rOb7Hq9I/AAAAAAAACGs/P8vXU8HlJl0/s1600/20150524_142145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5QKjqYssSM/Vo5rOb7Hq9I/AAAAAAAACGs/P8vXU8HlJl0/s320/20150524_142145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They called it Shelter Rock.. we totally used it as "climbing rock" and a "chill in' rock" and that's when I learnt that chill in' in french is LEZARDER.. as in lay still like a lazy lizard :D</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">3- Faerie Glen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.tshwane.gov.za/sites/tourism/NatureConservation/Pages/Faerie-Glen-Nature-Reserve.aspx">http://www.tshwane.gov.za/sites/tourism/NatureConservation/Pages/Faerie-Glen-Nature-Reserve.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: varies, maps
available <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Bird
Watching and City views<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Yes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: No need,
you pay 8 Rand at entrance. Unless you request a guided tour in advance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: No<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: 'S25 46 481 E028
17 484<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a city/urban hike in Pretoria, 40 minutes away and
quite small. Why do I suggest it??? Because in Jacaranda season, it offers a
spectacular bird-eye-view on the purple city. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
But since Jacaranda season is highly unpredictable and really really short.. Timing is your greatest foe!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">4- Sugar Bush<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/details.aspx?prid=412">http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/details.aspx?prid=412</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/sugarbush.htm">http://www.footprint.co.za/sugarbush.htm</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: 8 kms, map
online<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en-a9UgvPHU/Vo5sVMXNRHI/AAAAAAAACG0/HRTj9I9FSTI/s1600/noname-13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en-a9UgvPHU/Vo5sVMXNRHI/AAAAAAAACG0/HRTj9I9FSTI/s1600/noname-13.jpeg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Proteas
in Bloom<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Yes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: Through
Jacana <u style="text-underline: double;">0861Jacana (0861 522262)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: No<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another very close by day hike that doesn’t offer much
unless the Proteas (Sugar Bush) is in full bloom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not my favorite and the views are good but
nothing like the top of the Magaliesburg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s failry easy though and for that and the blooming proteas, it’s
worth a visit!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">5- Uittkyk<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://showme.co.za/tourism/uitkyk-hiking-trail-hartbeespoort-dam-magaliesberg/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://showme.co.za/tourism/uitkyk-hiking-trail-hartbeespoort-dam-magaliesberg/</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/details.aspx?prid=29"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/details.aspx?prid=29</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: 9 +_ kms<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: View on
Hartsbeersport Dam<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: A bit
too steep and little shade<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: Through
Jacana <u style="text-underline: double;">0861Jacana (0861 522262) - </u>+27(0)127342978<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or </b><a href="mailto:bookings@jacanacollection.co.za"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">bookings@jacanacollection.co.za</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: No
clue<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial;">S25 42.333 E27 50.714</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember the warning before the hike: It’s steep and it
keeps going up and up relentlessly! Well it was said in French and it sounded
more challenging :0 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
True to its reputation,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Uitkyk isn’t just a very difficult hike to pronounce! It’s a tough walk
with very little shelter and a couple of edge hugs along the summit. But It was
doable, maybe because by May I had gone up a number of the Magaliesberg summits
and I was getting used to the altitude and narrow paths. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the view on the Dam was just stunning, the best if I
compare to the other Dam facing hikes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wouldn’t say it’s not child friendly because it’s totally
doable if: your child is either passionate about uphill hiking, or resistant to heat strokes or well entertained with
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">6- Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/botanicalgardens.htm"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.footprint.co.za/botanicalgardens.htm</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0GAraX-vw4/Vo5tNTwd6TI/AAAAAAAACG8/vyCHf39q2rI/s1600/20150507_123428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0GAraX-vw4/Vo5tNTwd6TI/AAAAAAAACG8/vyCHf39q2rI/s320/20150507_123428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: 2.5 kms +- <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Walks,
picnic, Eagle’s nest restaurant<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Very
much so<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: Pay at
entrance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: No<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: </b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">27°50'40.7"E
26°05'13.8"S</span><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA5zY5JiZDw/Vo5us0Kk-sI/AAAAAAAACHI/vvTnZCeJ9mE/s1600/20150507_144050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA5zY5JiZDw/Vo5us0Kk-sI/AAAAAAAACHI/vvTnZCeJ9mE/s320/20150507_144050.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Hike is short and starts behind the beautiful waterfall,
so I should be forgiven for dragging the kids along a ridiculously steep hike
without enough water or sunscreen. After all, I though we’d be done with 2 kms
in less than half an hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, we never saw the waterfalls up close because the hike
deviates away from the action. Second, it’s a continuous climb to the top of
the ridge and although they say it’s interpretive, it’s not really designed to
lure the kids in!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gardens themselves are impressive and the waterfall
picnic area is beautiful. I’d go again with a picnic basket in tow but I doubt
I’d do the hike again!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">7- Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.klipriviersberg.org.za/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.klipriviersberg.org.za</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: Variable,
many options. We did a long multi trail 10 kms hike<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Hiking..
the river looks really unappetizing, so NO drinking or swimming, some animals
in sight: Zebras, kudus…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Very
much so<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: None,
free entrance for a change </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: No<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: </b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">S26 16.961 E28 00.574 (Silent
Pool entrance) .. S26 18.207 E28 00.663 (Recreation Center entrance in Kibler
Park)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu46gpmuZ4w/Vo5vmUbKTLI/AAAAAAAACHQ/SVca5Uw7RyE/s1600/20151123_120639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu46gpmuZ4w/Vo5vmUbKTLI/AAAAAAAACHQ/SVca5Uw7RyE/s320/20151123_120639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2AvOtSYBzo/Vo5v462UpDI/AAAAAAAACHY/ol0sMUV6dtc/s1600/20151109_104026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2AvOtSYBzo/Vo5v462UpDI/AAAAAAAACHY/ol0sMUV6dtc/s320/20151109_104026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The reserve is known to be the largest nature reserve in
Johannesburg.. Yes IN Johannesburg and that’s just one of many positive vibes
you’ll get out of this place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s near, a mere 45-minute drive away from Sandton against
the traffic the flow. Easy parking and free sunrise to sundown entrance makes
it all the more accessible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is something to be said about a nature reserve with a
beautifully detailed website. It usually reflects how well maintained and well
marked the trails are and this reserve stays true to both.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several entrances to the reserve and we used the
recommended “Silent Pool” one. No clue where the pool is or why it’s silent!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also did a fantastic trail mix and walked a good 10 kms
for about three hours and it was just great. There is a steep incline the
minute you cross the river to start the Red trail but it’s short and it leads
to a nice lookout point over the Jo’burg landscape. We then walked for a while
over the plateau and enjoyed the views all along. Later we descended and
crossed the river to go back on the blue trail, a flat riverside finale that
merited a huge iced coffee afterwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s important to load up on WATER on this hike, because
there are no vendors and the river looks quite polluted to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;">8- FROGS TRAIL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://www.getaway.co.za/activities/6-top-hiking-trails-pretoria/">http://www.getaway.co.za/activities/6-top-hiking-trails-pretoria/</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/frogs.htm"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">http://www.footprint.co.za/frogs.htm</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/default.aspx?page=1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/default.aspx?page=1</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #26f714; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Length: 8 kms +<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Activities: Hiking,
Swimming at the foot of a waterfall <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Child friendly: Very
much so<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reservation: YES,
through Jacana Travel <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:bookings@jacanacollection.co.za"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bookings@jacanacollection.co.za</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="mailto:rosa@jacanacollection.co.za">rosa@jacanacollection.co.za</a> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodation: Yes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GPS: </b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">S25.5485 E28.5675 (the
last 5 kms are on a dirt road)</span><span style="color: #0f0f0f;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This
is one of Gauteng’s best and most popular hikes. A must do in my opinion. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not far from Jo’burg, very close to Cullinan, noth of
Pretoria. It’s not as steep as I thought, but there is very little shade along
the way so stock up on those icy cold water bottles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Right before you reach the waterfall, you find yourself
trespassing on a little timeshare resort, where in our case, a retiree couple
was happily lounging till a bunch of loud hikers… Yes that’s us.. barged in and
flooded their peaceful moment with much unappreciated chaos … <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The good news is.. You can stock up from the bar on
premises.. The bad news is.. You can’t really dip into the pool and pretend
that Oops, you slipped!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a small double toilet hut right at the entrance of
the cascade and if you prefer to change into your swim suit – because it’s
simply too hot and stuffy to walk all the way with all this latex melting into
your skin – there is your private vestiaires in the bush.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We went in drought season so the waterfall was more of a
strong drizzle but the swim was seriously good! I wouldn’t drink that water, I
found the greenish tinge unappetizing but to swim, it was just perfect. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you have soft sole swim shoes, bring them on. I didn’t
and it wasn’t that bad, but it helps to walk on those slippery rocks for the
few meters till you access deep waters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExxZTwfNPiQ/Vo6ZRbyKcuI/AAAAAAAACIA/y4LgVMysz8Q/s1600/IMG-20160107-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExxZTwfNPiQ/Vo6ZRbyKcuI/AAAAAAAACIA/y4LgVMysz8Q/s320/IMG-20160107-WA0005.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Fabienne Perreux</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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On the bucket list for the first half of 2016 are:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hennops<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Silver lakes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay tuned and happy New year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-51361973392879493342015-06-30T00:05:00.000-07:002015-06-30T00:05:36.190-07:00Exit Plan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.maps-international.com/readonly/products_images/2000001112_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.maps-international.com/readonly/products_images/2000001112_1.JPG" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
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As years turn to decades and little flags are pinned at
least on a dozen places you’ve lived, the needle slowly tilts away from your
country of birth and starts swiveling like crazy in all directions.. You’ve now
entered the Bermuda triangle on an expat’s life map hanging on the wall. There’s no destination.. No clear point of
exit.. and if you do exit, well, there is no sure inkling as to where you
really want to end up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One early morning, on our way to school, I tell the kids:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->You know which countries are opening up now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Three pairs of sleepy eyes look up and they all ask, with little
enthusiasm: Which?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Costa Rica, I announce, ignoring their reluctance to engage.
It’s a morning ritual and I’m used to it by now. But I know I can always count
on Costa Rica to awaken their most treasured memories and loosen up their
slumbering tongues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Suddenly Tarek’s knee jerks.. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Let’s move there now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->Yes, definitely Yes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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T2 and T3 are silent.. They’re literarily rolling the idea
over in their heads.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T2 says he’s not THAAAAT ready to move yet but Yeah, why
not!<o:p></o:p></div>
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T3 is just silent..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I’m speechless!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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10 months only into South Africa and my ever-fidgeting T1 is
already planning his next move. He’s
happier here than he’s ever been elsewhere. This country was designed with his
special passions in mind. Nature, good weather, animals, hikes, loads of road trips
and fun adventures. Sure Middle School is tough, but this set-up is the best
and the most sheltered he’ll ever have, and he knows it. So why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I try to nudge a reason out of him, some deep concern he’s
reluctant to share, an angst of some sort, a bad experience he’s eager to leave
behind. But the truth is much simpler than that… My T1 has grown to be an
eternal expat. In his head, he’s a traveler, an explorer and settling down is
just a tangle of drama and broken friendships that his frail social skills have
yet to learn to navigate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaving is the easiest way to escape our failure to
integrate, to establish roots and to belong.
My T1 is a pariah at heart, and
our nomadic lifestyle offers him exactly what he needs, a fresh start whenever
loneliness creeps in and reminds him that friendship is a complicated affair. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For a fleeting moment on an early morning school ride, I
feel blessed I’m an expat mom.. I spend so much time helping my kids settle in
a new environment that I fail to appreciate the best gift I offer them over and
over again: An Exit Plan!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-18462365692411717182015-04-24T06:02:00.000-07:002015-04-24T06:02:25.060-07:00Expat Nostalgia - Why I believe global children are universal friendship donors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
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“Nina is leaving to France”, my daughter announces this
morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She says it without a flicker of emotion that runs through
her voice. I know she’s unhappy about it. She’s only seven and Nina is her best
friend, her champion, the girl who makes her feel special every morning she
goes to school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Dare I tell her that Mayen is leaving too? End of this year?
Back to the States where my Tamara also longs to be? Mayen is BFF too, and more importantly she also comes from New York, or close. The girls share heritage here!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I deep search into her eyes.. I see sadness, acceptance.. or
is it just my mind willing me to see in her eyes what I truly feel inside my
own heart?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the hardest part of life as an expat mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The loss you feel with every move is a family sized one! No
single portions here! You mourn every BFF any of your children ever made. You
start shuffling that ever-so-tight travel budget purse trying to figure out how
you’ll plan the next reunion. Destinations keep spreading as we move from post
to post and the children each make their own friendships, just to lose them
months or years later. And those friendships turn to virtual friendships, and
my job to plan for reunions turns into an impossibly tangled web of
destinations across the globe... This a UN tight mini purse, remember? they don't factor in friendship budgets when they calculate our worth as expat UN families. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I take a pause. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do they really suffer the way I think they do? My kids were
born into this life. They don’t know any other. Childhood friendships are a
foreign concept to them. Or maybe it’s a concept that they have redefined to
suit their rootless lifestyles. Maybe they are OK with it and I need to be
watchful not to overflow my own personal baggage onto their tiny resilient
heads. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I love this life, but I’m old enough to appreciate the
upside of this journey. And even then, I can’t but experience the sudden flip
when I miss a friend, or a moment or a memory that was forever etched in my
brain. A moment like now while I’m writing this and I remember that same moment
a year ago, when I sat writing about my upcoming move to ZA and I left the
writing to flip through photos of my trip to Costa Rica with Hoda. By the time
I was done I had to rush to go meet Estelle for a quick 5k run around her
house. We were training for my first 5 k
in New York,, a sort of a good bye bucket list that I had developed to cope
with the move, a list all my fiends conspired and obliged to fulfill.. I miss
my friends in Westchester.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-86988788129091516202015-04-01T06:55:00.001-07:002015-04-01T07:06:29.960-07:00From Nikes to Hikes (part # 2) – Nine Hikes to start with if you love it but just can’t look down without hearing your dying prayers in your head <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u>Egyptian Expat In Joburg – an amateur’s guide to living
Joburg to the fullest.. <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjZeV79dcO8/VRvg4i3vSeI/AAAAAAAAB6s/A9pROSrprqo/s1600/tswaing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjZeV79dcO8/VRvg4i3vSeI/AAAAAAAAB6s/A9pROSrprqo/s1600/tswaing.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tswaing Meteorite Crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So Yeah, I love to Hike.. I guess I always loved that walk
in the forest without knowing that this was in fact hiking: a sport, a hobby
and a very organized activity to undertake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had forgotten about it in humidity-pervaded Indonesia.
Totally missed it while navigating the sky scrapers of New York, did a bit of
it in Jordan, but then I was either pregnant or breastfeeding at the time.. Not
exactly your best hiker’s profile!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I relocated to the outskirts of New York. To every avid
hiker out there, Westchester is a hiker’s heaven. Every fall season, the
Catskills with their explosive foliage hues lure you to go explore the trails,
breathe in their colors and enjoy the serenity of a passing deer and the squish
of playful squirrels as they zip line above.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I landed ZA and my mind wandered to savannah plains,
zebras and giraffes. And ZA did not disappoint!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The thing about <b>Hiking
ZA,</b> is that every trail is an archeological site: Iron age, Stone age,
dinosaur marks and meteorite craters.. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The minute you set heels on a trail you are literally T-warped to another era in time, so well-preserved that halfway into your
hike, you begin to wonder.. Am I really walking the paw steps of those Rexes?
Did a meteor really blast through this rock I’m leaning on? Those cave
drawings, who was that Bushman who took the time to leave his art carved in
stone for me to see, thousands - if not millions of years later?<o:p></o:p></div>
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While Hiking around the country there are certain Must Dos
and Must Knows:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Most trails exist inside private or gated
reserves. This means they are for the most part well sign posted and well
maintained, but it also means you have to pre plan your hikes and call to
reserve in advance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->All Hikes I’ve done have elaborate websites with
detailed maps and descriptions. South Africans take their hiking.. just like
their biking.. very seriously!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Government run nature reserves do not require
prior booking for the most part, but there is always an entrance fee and you
have to check operation times to plan your hikes before gates close<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->This is South Africa and the African sun is
simply unkind to your skin so wear protection no matter where you originally
come from.. Believe I’m Egyptian and I still get burnt<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Bring plenty plenty plenty of water along<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Reserves that boast animal and game encounters
are off limits to pets. Makes sense!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Many reserves offer lodging from basic camping,
to luxury tents all the way up to spa facilities and bush lodges, you can make a weekend of it if you wish<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Hiking shoes are a must.. A trail is a trail
here and there is no easy way to break it to you! But hiking is no stroll in a
perfectly manicured English garden in the African bush<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Most trail sites will offer picnic facilities,
ablutions, and Braii (Southern BBQ), but you have to bring your own stuff<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Nature is revered around trails and you have to
show the utmost respect to your surroundings.. Breath in, observe, meditate
even but show respect to the plants and animals you encounter along your hike<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Bird watching is an activity on many hike
trails, and you can join a bird watchers club as a starter<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->All hikes I did are child-friendly and boast either
incredible views, animal sightings, or a dip in a natural rock pool and some
splashing in waterfalls<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->Mosquitoes, Ticks, and other fascinating
spiteful bugs will make a lunch feast out of you if you let them, so lather
yourself in bug repellents and wear long pants.. The pants will not just keep
the pesky creatures away, they will also prevent bush scratches and hopefully
keep snakes at bay!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve only been here seven months and I’ve done twelve hikes,
ten of which are only an hour’s drive from the bustling Gold reef town that is
Joburg. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So here they are from ‘awesomest’ to ‘awesome still’ but
without the WOOOW effect.. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: yellow;"><b>1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Robberg Nature Reserve </b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.therobberg.co.za/to-do/hiking">http://www.therobberg.co.za/to-do/hiking</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">GPS Coordinates: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Latitude:
-34.075937
Longitude: 23.370538</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">One hour away from Joburg – North Pretoria<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">9.5 km+_ trail with 2 possible shortcuts</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">No game sighting / Seals and possibly Whale sightings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">Pets (I don’t know)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 2700000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 3.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 4.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%;"><span style="color: white;">Strenuous- Edge hugging- climbing - But watch for High Tides timetable</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s not around Joburg but I just had to
throw it in there because it’s well, THE HIKE<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rabK23aA8wI/VRv2LE8NHUI/AAAAAAAAB8I/VE84OkSk-Z0/s1600/noname-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rabK23aA8wI/VRv2LE8NHUI/AAAAAAAAB8I/VE84OkSk-Z0/s1600/noname-5.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robberg Point.. Can you smell the Seal Stench?</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fjVYOKOzgw/VRv2M8BSonI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/dTAW_SP-lMQ/s1600/noname-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fjVYOKOzgw/VRv2M8BSonI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/dTAW_SP-lMQ/s1600/noname-6.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the sand dunes</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oit7Ugh3lZ4/VRv2V1ja0UI/AAAAAAAAB8o/PTr4eBlbDY0/s1600/noname-9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oit7Ugh3lZ4/VRv2V1ja0UI/AAAAAAAAB8o/PTr4eBlbDY0/s1600/noname-9.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dune Tumbling</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finish Line</td></tr>
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</span><!--[endif]-->Somabula</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.somabula.co.za/">http://www.somabula.co.za</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">GPS Coordinates: </span></b><b><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">S 25
42.622 E 28 31.936 <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">One hour away from Joburg – Close to Cullinan<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">30kms of trail possibilities, design your path</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets not allowed<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The website says it all. It’s only one hour
away from Joburg and it’s got tons of animals for close encounters during your
hike..</div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Tswaing Crater Reserve</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.hartrao.ac.za/other/tswaing/tswaing.html">http://www.hartrao.ac.za/other/tswaing/tswaing.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/tswaing.htm"><br />http://www.footprint.co.za/tswaing.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">GPS Coordinates: </span></b>Latitude 25.409 S Longitude 28.0958 E <b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">One hour away from Joburg – North Pretoria<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">7.5 km trail</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">No game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets (I don’t know)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Easy - But avoid summer heat</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Also an hour away from Joburg and 40 kms
north of Pretoria.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just the idea of walking along the walls of an
impact crater left by an asteroid that hit this excat spot of earth some 200
thousand years ago is mind blowing, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Groenkloof Nature Reserve</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/groenkloof_nature_reserve/">http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/groenkloof_nature_reserve/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">GPS Coordinates 'S25 47 379 E028 11 764 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Half an hour away from Joburg – Pretoria</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">3.5 and 4.0 and 10.5 km+_ trails <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets NOT allowed<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied – No need for Pre booking<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Easy – No edge walking – some inclines but not too steep</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
This is the first hike I did with the
family and even my husband who always feigns sleep when I propose Hikes as a
family activity, loved it!<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->Vergenoeg</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><a href="http://www.jhbhiking.co.za/main/v-sunday.html">http://www.jhbhiking.co.za/main/v-sunday.html</a>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">One hour s away from Joburg – Magaliesburg/ Hartbeespoort Dam</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">No game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets (I don’t know)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: blue;">Moderate –edge walking/crossing – heavy inclines (was really hard for me)</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Vultures soaring above me</td></tr>
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So happy I did it..Hated every minute of it.. Would never do
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</span><!--[endif]-->Rustig</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><a href="http://www.jhbhiking.co.za/main/rustig">http://www.jhbhiking.co.za/main/rustig</a>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><a href="http://www.rustig.co.za/">www.rustig.co.za</a>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">GPS
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b>Base camp - S25 48.522 E27 38.306</b><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">One hour and 15 minutes away from Joburg – Magaliesburg</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">3.0 to 9.0 km & 13.0 overnight +_ trails <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">No game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: x-small;">Easy / Moderate – some edge walking/crossing – heavy inclines <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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once more a mere hour’s drive from Joburg, nestled in the beauty of the
Magaliesburg</span><!--EndFragment-->
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>7-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wonderboom Nature Reserve</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.places.co.za/html/wonderboomnr.html">http://www.places.co.za/html/wonderboomnr.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://showme.co.za/pretoria/tourism/wonderboom-hiking-trails-pretoria/">http://showme.co.za/pretoria/tourism/wonderboom-hiking-trails-pretoria/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Half an hour away from Joburg – North Pretoria </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">2.8 km+_ trail <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">No game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets allowed<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied – No need for pre booking<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Easy/ Moderate – some edge walking – steep</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you know that Wonderboom
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The park, aptly named houses a
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>8-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Saamrus</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.saamrus.co.za/">http://www.saamrus.co.za</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">GPS Co-ordinates: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">
S 27.516175 <b>;</b>
E -25.945809<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">One hour away from Joburg – Magaliesburg region</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">7 km+_ trail <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">No game sighting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Pets allowed<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Entrance Fees applied<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">Easy – No edge walking – some inclines but not too steep<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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This was my second hike so naturally I was
wowed all over. It’s an easy long hike that meanders through the Magaliesburg
plains and hilltops. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><a href="http://www.footprint.co.za/windybrow.htm">http://www.footprint.co.za/windybrow.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">GPS Co-ordinates: </span></b><b>R513Turn off S25 40.772 E28 30.099</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Base camp - S25 40.882 E28 30.159<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">One hour away from Joburg – Cullinan </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">7 km+_ trail <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Lots of game<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Pets NOT allowed<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Entrance Fees applied <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Easy – No edge walking – some inclines but not
too steep</span></span></b><!--EndFragment-->
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The only reason this was my least favorite is that on
the day we went, we inhaled so much ash from a lightning-caused bush fire
the previous night.. The animals seemed quite frightened and wouldn’t get close
enough for photos, let alone a true encounter.. Maybe it was the after-shock of
the fire !<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ZwqEVfz1s/VRv3tCOCZ2I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/p-jycSe3Lh8/s1600/noname-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ZwqEVfz1s/VRv3tCOCZ2I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/p-jycSe3Lh8/s1600/noname-4.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-36388164147472656562015-03-16T02:53:00.002-07:002015-04-01T08:20:32.680-07:00From Nikes to Hikes (part # 1) – 5 reasons an amateur jogger might just give up in Joburg … 9 More to overcome that angst! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u>Egyptian Expat In Joburg – an amateur’s guide to living Joburg to the fullest.. </u></b><br />
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From Nikes to hikes, I never imagined that taking my outdoor
leisure activities to Joburg would be this challenging. I’m a hiker, yes I am.. That is I like to
walk in forests, enjoy a rock climb or two, assuming the incline is no steeper
than 15% .<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jogging on the other hand, was an on again- off again
passion of mine but I only took it up seriously when I decided I want to run my
first 5 k in New York before I leave. And I did! With very little training.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I landed in Joburg armed with my Nikes and ready to jog my
neighborhood away. I joined a hiking club through the kids school and inwardly,
I was gloating <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
For once, I am embarking on a new expat post with a better plan to make the
most of it for day 1… no whining for me! No time for nostalgia and homesickness
woes. I’m here and I intend to that it to the fullest.. Every single day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I hit my first jog.. Half an hour later I was panting,
navigating a thin pretty creek-side trail through blurred eyes and oxygen
deprived brain cells. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s the altitude, my husband said.. I could think of a
thousand reasons more to add to my pathetic state.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-indent: -0.25in;"> J</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">oburg sits at 1753 meters above sea level.. second only to Mexico City in height above sea.</span><span style="color: #424242; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">So if you’re not used to heights, it will knock you out of your first trail run in less than 30 minutes… listen to that buzz behind your eyes, it’s you system crying out… gimme more O2 NOW!</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As if this incredible altitude is not enough, the terrain is quite hilly with ridiculously steep inclines.. Up and down.. Up and down.. It just doesn’t seem to end.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">All of Joburg seems to be jogging every morning. While this can be a very inspiring social movement, the sight of so many fellow joggers passing me by effortlessly is actually quite annoying.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Joburg runners wake up way too early, by 9 am, just as I’m about to hit the gravel, everyone else is finishing up, victory smiles shining through their sweaty cheeks.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone is in full gear, and I don’t mean shorts, shoes and an iPhone stuck to their sweaty arm. This is hardcore gear: Racing shorts, Race numbered tees from previously conquered races, water bottle sticking out of weird outfit places.</span></li>
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You get out of your front door and you get that sudden rush that you are about to start today’s 5 K challenge among all these 1<sup>st</sup> class racers. Daunnnnnnting!<br />
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Here are some ways that have worked for me.. I still fall
behind, pant and act in all the non-inspiring ways I shouldn’t act when I jog..
But I’m working on it <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.troymanderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/female-jogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.troymanderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/female-jogger.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Alternate jog and walk inclines.. That’s what I
do when I want to conquer multiple inclines in my run.. I jog the first, walk
the next, and so on.. Eventually I’ll skip every two working my stamina up
slowly<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Don’t joke around with your breathing (like I
used to), there is no room for error at this altitude so no shallow breathing
here.. you need all the O2 you can inhale with every step you take, so make
those inhales count<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you are a groupie, you will find plenty of
running groups to join all around, I joined the one from my kids’ school.
They’re still hardcore for me, but it’s convenient and start off is always
right after drop-offs which is very convenient<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ignore the race tees blazing by. Run at your
pace and enjoy the incredible scenery that Joburg has to offer<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes they are all fit and light and agile and all
wrapped in envy-inducing halo qualities, but you’re here, in Joburg and you’re
already jogging, months after you’ve landed. That’s huge so pat yourself on the
shoulder and gloat.. You earned it<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Get a few Gym runs every once in a while to
uplift your morale. In a controlled environment and on a treadmill, you’ll find
that you go longer and faster without the after-shocks of a first few runs in
high altitudes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->Try not to jog alone.. Security remains an issue
and if you plan to take it slow at first, maybe walk a bit or even sit down for
a breather, you put yourself at risk.. I’ve done it though, twice and I was OK.
I didn’t feel threatened even when I did sit down to catch any lingering air
molecules that haven’t been inhaled yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you’re worried about uncontrolled environments,
check out the closed in trails. I heard the Botanical garden has amazing
trails.. I have yet to go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are some useful links for you..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <a href="http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=316&Itemid=52">http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=316&Itemid=52</a></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/za/johannesburg-gauteng/">http://www.mapmyrun.com/za/johannesburg-gauteng/</a></div>
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<a href="http://myrunnersworld.co.za/trail-running-in-gauteng/">http://myrunnersworld.co.za/trail-running-in-gauteng/</a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->9-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Finally, if you happen to bump into me on one of
these run days, let me know how you’re doing.. It totally helps to know that
you’re not alone out there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-78938028033855273832014-11-10T06:16:00.000-08:002014-11-10T06:16:49.474-08:00.com Moms - #Joziexpat chronicles <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As far as stereotypes are concerned, I proudly espouse “<i>Your Typical American Suburban Mom”</i>
definition. I carry a history of driving
a minivan on the streets of Westchester, a wardrobe dominated by yoga pants and
a bathroom drawer that carries all the hues for elastic bands I use to tie that
perfect morning ponytail high up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I did my gym hour with my peers every morning after drop
offs and I dragged my sulking face and objecting feet back home for housework
and cooking afterwards. Ultimately, I became a social media addict.. I made it
social, political, sometimes religious.. Anything to make my excuse for not
cleaning.. Yet another bathroom, legit!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is this much you can say on Facebook without
coming across as an empty headed, emotional fireball, totally bored with her
life despite all its blessings. So I
moved to the magical world of .com shopping.. It was perfect: convenient,
available, no time restrictions and no one sitting there to judge your every
click! Delivery was free on almost everything and if you didn’t like it… you
would just return it, also free of charge.. Welcome to American convenience at
its finest!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was explaining to some European friends here how, only
last year I was planning for my nephew’s wedding back In Cairo and I simply
didn’t feel the urge to go dress hunting. So I ended up buying the dress of my
dreams online and with 50% discount from ebay. To make it even sweeter, I
ordered 7 pairs of possibly matching sandals from Zappos and zoom, three days
later, I was trying them on in my bedroom.. Picked one up and just as easily, returned
the remaining 6 with a couple of clicks, a quick trip to the post office and a
full refund a few days later. That easy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the looks on their faces, I decided not to share my
nostalgia for my weekly virtual super market visits to Freshdirect, my secret
Santa amazon midnight sprees and the amazing deals I found on Groupon and
LivingSocial. Zappos was seismic enough for the fragile state of our newfound
friendship here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then came that moment all expats dread - or sometimes
anticipate depending on your personal experience - When you are told: WE ARE MOVING… new post..
new life. For me, that meant: more Internet time, legit time, to research my
new destination and explore its virtual benefits to give myself something to
look forward to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing about searching for info on South Africa online is
that it has this dramatic feel that only health sites are notorious for. If you
search your symptoms online, you’re sure you’re going to die before you make to
the doctor’s office. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But just like health sites, the drama turns out to be
nothing more than an exaggerated disclaimer.. Your symptoms are nothing but a
stress induced nervous entanglement… The issues with security in South Africa
don’t make your daily life a venture into a mine field either. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing my .com savyy eyes immediately caught on: shops
close at 6 pm on weekdays and are almost all closed on Sundays.. Then to make
it worse, I stumbled upon this great blog by an expat in Joburg and on it, she
lamented the loss of the amazon.com way of life…. Ooohhh.. Now I need a legitimate
excuse to be online.. fast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F-forward two months and I proudly sit right now to brag
about another misconception about South Africa I’m about to dispel.. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all .com buffs like me, who are either living in or
about to move to Joburg, here is a list of what I’ve found and already tried <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1- For amazon.com
there is always Kalahari.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2- For FreshDirect
there is PicknPay<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3- For Craigslist
there is Gumtree.co.za<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4- for Groupon… well there is also Groupon.za<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPw3hKI-tOI/VGDIUIzuk_I/AAAAAAAAB2o/40IPLijd6N0/s1600/gumtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPw3hKI-tOI/VGDIUIzuk_I/AAAAAAAAB2o/40IPLijd6N0/s1600/gumtree.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
and it’s just as
colorful and vibrant with daily add-ons and quirky stuff<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
5- for Zappos.. Unfortunately my hunt has not yielded much
in that department.. Yet.. but don’t despair.. I’m on it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After all, I’ve only been here two months now!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-6853324358419404332014-10-15T06:11:00.000-07:002014-10-24T02:32:03.347-07:00the Fourth Breed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I ask you to give me a Kleenex.. What I really need is
a tissue paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I urge you to hand me a Band-Aid.. What I really want
is any self-adhesive sterile cover for my wounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think Q Tips, Jet Skis, Tupperware, and Scotch tape… all
brand names generically used for all products serving the same purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now think bigger and profound terms loosely used but
actually have deeper meanings that create havoc and induce wars. Think
Anti-Semitism, a term Israeli fanatics adopted to point fingers at anyone who
dares criticize anything anti Israel and its people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now Zoom out even more and think that one word everyone gets
itchy when they hear in New York.. That word they told me to watch out for when
we moved to South Africa a month ago. A word everyone pretends they are
passionately against but can’t concede that we are all guilty of, in one shape
or form.. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think Racism!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living in the US you get bombarded with anti-racism
propaganda. Schools work hard to emotionally sensitize kids to be tolerant,
accepting and at least in public, non-judgmental!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is, I’ve always had an issue with this culture of
tolerance. Acceptance means that YOU DO see a difference, YOU DO feel that
people are segregated by color, faith, nationality or social status. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t want this for my kids! I didn’t want them to see
the difference, then learn to curb the urge to point it out.. I didn’t want my
kids to be politically correct.. I want them to POLITICALLY BLIND.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sine I’m neither correct nor blind, this task remains
elusive but I’m working on it <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we landed South Africa and again, we were told to watch
for three distinct breeds here: Africaans aka Whites, Blacks, and colored.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Naturally my kids all wondered and asked: which breed do we
belong to then?? Since they caught me clueless, on yet another important
subject: their identity, I had to improvise and bring out my deep voice of ‘sagesse’..
You know, that low pitch that only tells them that what I am about to say isn’t
just an answer to a simple question, it’s actually a crucial lesson in
life! Any mom would totally get what I’m
talking about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We actually don’t belong to any of the three categories. We
are African by virtue of being Egyptians, but we carry the mixed genes of over
three hundred years of colonization. You
can trace them all on the not-so-fine lines on my face.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was right.. but then, I was totally wrong!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I forgot to mention was that we are a very unique and
universal breed that belongs to non of the above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WE ARE THE FOURTH BREED….. We are Expats!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s true.. One of the most underrated, almost completely
ignored, virtues of being an expat is that you become so unique in your
experience that your deep-rooted prejudices suffer some seismic shifts
naturally… and you stop seeing the difference.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every post you live through leaves an imprint on your soul.
You see places, you learn languages, you eat food and you hear music. You read
books, you explore environments and … you forge friendships. Then you pack up and you do it again… and
again!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You learn to see logic behind actions, circumstances that
shape behavior. You adopt bits and pieces and add them to your own character,
and you embrace the change in you that only an expat can appreciate, and accept. Slowly you rise above geographical and mental
borders and you break free from the limitations of stereotype.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it’s not that we are Egyptian and don’t need to subscribe
to any local breed we live amongst. We are a global breed that keeps morphing
as it roams the earth settling temporary homes.
We open up to difference and we upload some of what we learn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 15 years of expatriation, I am still for the most part
Egyptian. I mean I speak it, eat it and act it a lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’m very much a New Yorker. My new friends here say I speak like one.. I
sure act as fast as one. Very much the impatient one and easily frustrated when
everything I want is not a quick click away.. Oh how I miss Amazon and
Freshdirect.com.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m also a very proud Jordanian and if you give me enough
time, I might still not say ‘EISH’ or develop a taste for Biltong, but I’m
positive I’ll be very much a South African carrying the traits of its three
breeds with a typical expat flare.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-43832584007280950022014-09-12T09:34:00.002-07:002014-09-12T09:39:16.484-07:00Ten South African expectations demystified <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I landed ZA a week ago, I brought along two full
20-foot containers, 6 big bags and a mind full of false expectations… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1 1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->South Africans do not all look like Charlize
Theron… And here I was worrying about my ego and how it would fit in with this
long legged community!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.africancrisis.org/images/Cartoon_Charlize_Theron_Benoni_where_she_lived.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.africancrisis.org/images/Cartoon_Charlize_Theron_Benoni_where_she_lived.gif" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2 2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->South Africa.. being in Africa.. is always
warm. I was warned that winter was short
but can get quite cold at night. This is not cold. This is brutal icy frigid
chill-blain-inducing weather and I can’t manage to get warm inside my house no
matter how bright the sun shines through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4 3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Africaan has nothing to do with English. I
listen to people talk for long minutes before I can catch a word I recognize, usually
it ‘s something related to <i>Pizza, Coffee,
Thank you or Please</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="webkit-fake-url://D7EC341C-0E25-4DEE-A6F9-1B7323C00965/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>5 4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Right is not always right. As a matter of fact
it feels quite wrong. I’m getting the hang of it, but I still feel like I’m
driving where I should be chilling and chilling where I should be steering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6 5-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->South Africans are extremely (as in.. really extremely) polite to the point that I have to remind my kids to
stress on the words THANK YOU and PLEASE every time someone talks to them.
Appropriate behavior is highly regarded and a wise one would not hesitate to
reprimand my kids should she think she needs to. My presence and their shock
would not deter a determined disciplinarian at heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><img height="200" src="webkit-fake-url://DB5B3A2A-3886-4113-A4D9-B8A154D26B7B/application.pdf" width="112" />6- Sexuality is not in the air, just as expected.. However.. The first thing I had to explain to the boys when I landed Sandton was why men need “Penis Enlargement” and why the ads for it are literally on every street corner around our house, all the way to school. </span></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7-</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">South African non-whites are not the only ones roaming
the streets for a dime or two. The ratio of white beggars is actually much
higher than I thought. They are not as witty or sweet smiling as their peers
with darker complexions and they don’t inspire you to reach out as much. But
they are there; a stark reminder that poverty is color blind does not discriminate. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8-</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In suburban Sandton, the explosive and colorful
African cultural realm I eagerly anticipated is actually hard to find. Whether it is because the area where I live
is predominately white or because the architecture and landscape look more like
an English countryside – only fenced in - than an African tribal dwelling
remains to be discovered. The first show
we attend here was a Canadian Circus that puts Cirque du Soleil to shame.
Tickets were quite affordable and yet.. The packed house was predominately
white. That is one aspect of Sandton life I totally intend to fully study and
observe.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->9 9-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->They drill you with talk about theft, house
attacks, violence, mugging and every petty and un-petty crime you can fathom.
You drive into your new residence and you are surrounded by high walls, topped
with sharp edges, topped with electric fences and then some. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But then you take a short walk in
the streets. You go for a drive around your new hood and there is a false sense
of security that is actually quite seductive. You wonder with this great
weather (only in the mornings still), why is it that people don’t walk
more. You look at smiling faces all
around: gardeners, garbage collectors, housemaids, and you wonder: why all the
fencing and the worrying? They can’t be criminals.. or can they???????<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1 10-<!--[endif]--> I don’t know where Disney
got his inspiration from when he created DUMBO’s stork. Storks are simply not
those gracious birds soaring the skies while dropping bundles of babies on
whimsical moms. They’re grey and ugly and God they can make a loud screech,
something between a long wail and an angry howl.. One week into the house and we
still can’t prevent the knee-jerk reaction to jump out of bed and shield our
faces from an unseen inevitable danger every morning when they exercise their
tonsils. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
I <i>I have to confess that only Walid insists those birds are storks.. I'm beginning to doubt his ornithologist claims!!!!!!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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As the days pass and we sit back to enjoy our first weekend
at home, I look up at my neighbor’s house and a stork is regally standing
there, staring down at me. Strangely enough, I’m in awe.. I’m in Africa and I’m
greeted by storks every morning. The weather is slowly warming up but I still
hold on to my fleece and my furry boots. The joke about body parts enlargement
posters never gets old and the kids still find it particularly funny. I can
drive without causing too much mental damage to pedestrians or fellow drivers
who happen to cross my way. I pride
myself for being neither white nor Indian nor black or anything in between. For
once my lack of characteristic features serves me well and I’m accepted
everywhere I go. I will not learn
Africaan but I might enjoy a few Zulu lessons when I get the chance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s good to be in Africa. Despite the many challenges this
post brings, it just feels like I’ve made a full circle and I’ve found home.
Almost!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-8382925583541139992014-09-11T00:10:00.000-07:002014-09-11T00:10:36.548-07:00New Post - New School: 1st day mommy blues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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That first day of school….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no Ursula to share a joke with about how
ridiculously pregnant we both looked and how that would affect our little one
starting Pre-k. We had our seconds a week apart and our friendship was sealed thereafter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were no Rola, Emanuela and Dania to wait outside the
school gates to chat and offer their friendship unreserved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no Alexandra to grab my hand and cheerfully say:
YOU.. yes YOU! You look like a fun mom who can totally fit in with us… in four
years I basked in Alex’s cheerful smile relishing every incredible friendship I
forged thereafter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There was no Nathalie
Bourrel to greet me as if I was an old friend returning from
just-another-summer-holiday, despite the fact that I had only met her two days
earlier in a picnic held for new comers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no Isabelle to engulf us all with her warmth
and positive energy as she stood at the top of the stairs greeting all new and
returning families. The way those kids ran straight into her hug was my first
indicator that my kids would be so well taken care of in this little
establishment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were no Katie, Nathalie Lambert, Nathalie Lonak, Kika
and Melanie to set me off on an incredibly crazy adventure.. I still remember
that first outing I joined. A biking trip to the city!!! I was too shy to admit
to my mediocre biking abilities, especially on someone else’s bike and
navigating very sharp bends and crazy slopes. That didn’t stop me from going…
or screaming all the way down to the station either <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. It sure didn’t stop them
from letting me in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were no Anna and Jeanna to organize a small weekly get
together for all moms with babies and toddlers. My T3 was only 1 at the time.
That weekly coffee was my salvation and the seed of a friendship with Estelle
who pushed me to conquer my first 5 k run five years later as a last New York
adventure before I set off to ZA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no Ranya to offer to come pick us up so we don’t
have to venture into that new world alone on the first day of school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no Noha to turn her schedule upside down to
accompany me to the Lycée in Maadi and just BE THERE in case I needed anything.
She never asked questions, never pretended to assuage my worries for she knew
that with a terminally sick father, three kids in a new and temporary
environment, there wasn’t much to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were no ready smiles, extended hands or even the small
gesture that recognizes that you are new and very welcome here. There was no animosity either! And the few I
went and talked to were quite nice. They did offer their advice and smile
readily enough after a few exchanges, but not their ready friendship!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s South Africa, I remind myself. Things take time to
evolve and materialize here. Preschool is hardly comparison material with
middle school, 4<sup>th</sup> grade and a first grader who still can’t fathom
what hit her and brought her to this new world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In New York with Ursula, we were young, a very small group
and well, both pregnant and our boys were cute together. In Jordan, our kids were
still babies and we were all non-French. This immediately set us apart for some
reason and accelerated the process. Back to New York and Lyceum Kennedy was
quite a unique place: Small, homey, very international and no one had the
intention to mix with only their kind. Celebrating our diversity was key to the
school and it permeated everything we did. We all belonged and we all added
spice to the mix.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Cairo, well, it’s my hometown after all and I have the
leverage of pre existing friendships that happen to frequent the same school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ZA impressions are different. While LK had less than 40 kids
last year when we left, Lycée JV here boasts over 1000 + students. The spoken
language for the past few days has been decisively French. This makes it
impossible to feel the international inclusiveness that I was hoping to tap on.
I’m sure it’s there. But I’ll need time and social skill to fish
it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all three countries friendships were established before
the first day of school. Some with parents of fellow Lycéens, others with people
from all walks. Not in ZA! The only person I met so far, through Walid’s work,
is a very sweet Chilean mom who unfortunately doesn’t drive. So until I master this skill in my new post,
hers would be a friendship patiently waiting to be cultivated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will come I remind myself. Hopefully a little faster that
the national ADSL internet connection that promises to remain an elusive dream
for a few weeks at least.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-65386695770124126722014-09-10T08:07:00.000-07:002014-09-10T08:07:01.430-07:001st day of school<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><img height="218" src="webkit-fake-url://0B29307C-E69E-4FBA-8E56-79876460FAC5/application.pdf" style="background-color: transparent;" width="320" /></span><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;"> You know that moment </span></i></b></span>when you walk into your new school, the
lost, and apprehensive look that you carry with feigned courage?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><i><b>You know that night </b></i></span>when you go to bed knowing that early next
morning you have to venture into unchartered territories, and navigate through
herds of humans who seem to know exactly where they are going? To you it looks
like they’re running mad in all directions, casting an intricate web and you
are about to walk into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">You know that early morning</span></i></b> when you take your first steps
through the school gates, stretch your cheeks into a tentative smile hoping
someone would catch it and smile back, maybe even say Hello?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><i><b>You know that first day</b></i></span> when you look into hundreds of faces
and wonder how you can feel that you are being both ignored and watched simultaneously,
and by the same crowd? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And they think kids have it hard on the first day at school.
No one realizes that we moms, expat moms go through it too only with the added
disadvantage of middle age insecurities and the dearth of self confidence that they
bring along.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, I’m talking about us, roaming moms not our kids as you
your mind might have let you wonder because inevitably, first day of school
worries are always associated with the little ones. So if you’re looking for a piece on children
and their worries on their first day of school, you’ve certainly come to the
wrong blog!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 11 years of motherhood I’ve done the first-day walk of
“fame or shame” over eight times in four countries spanning three
continents. All in all I can claim it
has been an arduous but not insurmountable experience. But as the kids grow older, coming across as
that great super mom on the first day of school becomes an illusive quest. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a roamer you get to reinvent yourself every time you set
foot on a new point on the map. You ask yourself: how do I want to be seen and
remembered four or five years from now? What do I want to do with my life in
the mean time? There is a sense of comfort in short term planning. You don’t
have to carve your standards in stone for life’s eternity. You know your life
span in any one given space is no longer than 5 years and it’s up to you to
make the best of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there are things that you can’t change about yourself no
matter how inspiring your new home may be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You cant change how shy and intimidated you feel on your
first day of school. You can’t hold back your yearning for acceptance and easy
friendship. You want your kids to be proud of you and you wonder what image you
should project first? Intellectual? Nooo nerdish. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Funny?? That’s clownish mom.. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stylish?? Really mom! You think that’s fashionable? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kind?? Well, nothing wrong with it, it’s just not cool!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What then?? What impression do I want to give on that walk??
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I thought I’d try the intellectually funny mom, armed
with skinny jeans (thank God I still fit into them), a warm kind smile and a
style pair of glasses to mix that kindness with easy style.. I thought I pulled
it off quite nicely till I dropped the kids off, and two hours later I made myself
a cup of coffee at home and it suddenly hit me.. I didn’t meet a single person
today, not one potential friend, or foe for that matter. While my kids will get
the whole day to connect with their future friends.. I was given a few minutes
in a rushed morning, juggling between three class lists and hurrying through
the corridors to deliver teary cheeks and clinging little hands to their new
classrooms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hmmm. So much for 1<sup>st</sup>-day-at-school
impressions…I might as well have walked in with my PJs on and it would have
been all the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-32683259243374480922014-09-10T01:03:00.000-07:002014-09-10T01:03:06.636-07:00Surviving yet another bad move – Part # 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>10 Bad Move Classics Every Expat Learns to Survive<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like a long agonizing pregnancy, followed by hours of
insufferable labor pain, every move I live through feels like labor day all
over again. If you do the math: fifteen years, three children and five moves,
that’s quite a toll on any human body, let alone their sanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every mother knows there is no such thing as a good labor
experience. So does every expat wife going through a move. There is no such
thing as a good moving experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all my moves, the bad ones and the worse, here are a few staples
an expat wife suffers through:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>1 1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Wrong size assessment<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I have yet to meet a fellow expat
wife who hasn’t had her container emptied out at least once in her career as a
roamer, because packers made a wrong judgment call on how big her box should
be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I’ve had one container emptied out
in the streets of Manhattan and left to weather it overnight. Hanan my friend
had hers shipped to a warehouse to be emptied out and reloaded into a bigger
one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
To add to the inventory of horrors,
we had one stocked-up container loaded onto a vessel and out to sea, before the
second one arrived to load up all of our leftovers. We ended with two small
containers, double the costs, double the paper work, and double the pain. Why
they never unloaded and waited for a 40 foot is beyond me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>2 2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Not enough wrapping material<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Movers arrived at my house four hours late
and fifty boxes short...50! I’ve heard
of two, five even ten boxes short, but fifty? Really?? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Beware of packers who come up with such
lame excuses, as “my car battery went dead and strangely enough, my phone
battery too.” Chances are, they got another quick job for the morning and will
try to blame you for the shortage of material that they have incurred. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
My not-so-decent mover blatantly accused me
of over-shopping between the time of assessment and packing day. To his bad
luck, I was so busy with move logistics that I forgot to shop for over three
weeks. When threatened to prove him wrong, he gave up the argument and focused
on loudly cursing” that crazy bitch” aka me to all his colleagues instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>3 3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Over-charging for “special requests”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Decent movers would give you a
proper assessment from day one, including required crates for glass frames,
paintings and other delicate needs. Most movers however, would come to you on
packing day and try to oversell. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
This last mover wanted to charge me
$400 for four closet boxes. When I asked him how he originally intended to pack
dresses and coats, he gave me that (are you seriously packing long dresses and
coats?) look and said that custom dictates they would be packed in medium sized
boxes just like kitchenware and utensils!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
When every question you pose
becomes a “special packing request”, know that you’re in for a really bad
packing job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>4 4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Over-packing<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
A novice expat can be fooled into
thinking that the more bubble and crushed paper, the safer her things would
be. A practiced roamer knows that over-stuffing
= more boxes = more volume = bigger space required = added costs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
There is no formula for proper use
of packing material. I can tell you to use your judgment but in reality, there
is no telling if a packing job is well done until you start unpacking at your
destination. If 95% of your stuff makes
it safe than you can start writing that Thank You note to your movers and go
online to give them a good rating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>5 5-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Under-packing<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike over-packing, under-packing is easy to detect. Anyone
can see when table corners are stacked uncovered; when chair legs pop out ready
to dig through the closest available box. Better pray it’s not your china box. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your biggest challenge is NOT to identify under-packed objects. It is to
convince an arrogant mover that that specific item needs further protection! Be
ready to hear some condescending “who are you to interfere with my job” and
“I’ve been doing this all my life and I’m the best at it” remarks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>6 6-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Bad stacking Strategy – How does an elephant
fit into a Coca-Cola bottle again?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your furniture is wrapped. Your canvas is crated. Your
memories and whole life are boxed. Now you wonder: How does an elephant fit
into a Coca Cola bottle again?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watching your life-long belongings fit like 3D puzzle pieces
into a container is quite the show. But
when one piece turns out to be a misfit; and when your packers have no clue
which piece exactly has caused this imbalance, you know you’re in for more than
you bargained for. Unloading and
repacking a container is the lamest and longest show that puts an expat’s
patience to the test.. More often than not, your character fails you. But
unlike a bad show at the theater. You can’t just walk out and leave. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>77-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>Step away lady.. We know what we’re doing<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Another classic some of us humbly take
on. In many cases that man is right. He
knows what he’s doing and you are just in his way. In most cases, there is no
way you can stretch yourself to cover five or six packers, working
simultaneously to kick the Energizer bunny out of business. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
I’d say in that case, sit back and chill.
You can’t tell a packer how to pack without stepping on a few big ugly toes.
And believe me, you really don’t want to do that. So let them pack and focus
your energy on praying that everything would be all right at the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>8 8-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>If I can’t stack it.. I’ll buy it.. at 5% of
its original cost!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That one did happen to me in Jordan. He walked away with a brand
new 8 velvet seat dining table because it wouldn’t fit. I was alone, with three kids and so eager to
push that baby out.. Oops I mean to see that container gates sealed, that I was
ready to accept anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a mover offers to buy your left-overs, know that there
will be left-overs; that he has an eye on a few; that he will get them in the
end; that he will package the deal as if he were doing you a favor in the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>9 9-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i>He said.. She said<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Many expat wives like me never see
their husbands’ back until the container is sealed. In Egypt, Walid was in
Israel. In Jordan, he was in New York. This time in New York, he was in South
Africa. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Packers rarely see the husband’s
physical absence as a source of concern. Why do you ask? Because this provides
the best alibi for a job badly done, with full pre-meditated intent. “But your
husband said over the phone.”… “Your wife is the one who made those request,
know get your cheque book ready.” And the creative list of he saids - she saids
list goes on..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i>1 10-</i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i> Split packing… Where are my
nails?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Here’s a novel one that can seriously bring
out the worse demons you never thought existed in you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
They pack your bed frame in one box; the
nails to put it back together in another. They attach a bunch of screws and
nails to a desk, only to discover that those nails probably belong to that bed
frame they forced you to leave behind because “there is no room for it, sorry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
You have that show rack missing a
connecting piece; storage boxes missing a corner; your own master bed missing
its nails!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Nothing I can say would help you should you
face that predicament. Hopefully you have a personal toolbox, -a legacy of a UN
husband who once thought he would have time to cultivate a Bob The Builder
hobby. And with some look, you might find just the right nails to fix your
immediate problems. I struck Nickel.. Which in that case was more valuable to
me than gold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One last thought before I go dig into some still-unopened
boxes in the hope to find that shoe rack corner piece… just like a mother’s memory of a long and
arduous pregnancy, a roamer tends to somehow forget all about this trauma a few
months after it’s over. You curse and
you scream and you swear you will never ever do this again. I cannot recall how many times I promised to
be out of home and out of country before the movers circle in. So far, I don’t
see myself doing a good job keeping that one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You get through it somehow. A piece of you breaks however: a
kind of trust, a sense of fake security. I don’t know what it is but it does
break. Miraculously, you learn to carry the damage with a lot of dignity and
pride. You flaunt your misadventures on social media desperately seeking moral
support, even if virtual. People tell you, you are doing a fantastic job. ..You
are a hero. And you truly are… Every
roamer is a hero in my view. Every time we survive a bad move we come out more
resilient. You arm yourself with good
friends and a supportive family and you go into it the same way you conquer a
Mud Run.. You know it will be crazy, painful, humiliating at times. But you
also know there is a finish line in sight and all you have to do is find a way
to get there. You’ll get a good hot
shower after and get to brag about how incredibly brave you were for weeks to
follow <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-38370329949825620232014-06-10T06:36:00.000-07:002014-06-10T06:36:02.527-07:00Moving out - How to Compress Five years of your Life in a Container Box - Part 1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Four closet boxes, check… Boys winter clothes, check… Shoes,
check… China and silverware, check… Camping gear, check…….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why does it look like the more I pack, the more clutter
spills and takes over my floor space?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The system is quite clear in my head. In fact, I have
fleeting moments of sheer pride in my planning and organization skills. But if
you pop in for a stroll around my house, you’ll probably think, poor Laila,
what a mess she has to deal with. No one seems to be able to read the system
behind the Labyrinth of cardboard and plastic I have created. At times, I think
I can’t navigate it either. Put I quickly push any doubts aside. The one secret
to a smooth move is CONTROL.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is my sixth move and by far the most chaotic. My last
was five years ago and the eldest of my children was only four. All I had to do
to make him happy was make sure his Blue Lightning McQueen would make it safe
to the other side of the ocean. It never did, but by the time our container was
opened, He had lost all consciousness of the 15$ toy. The lure of a trip to Target to replenish the toy closet in his new room had all but wiped away all
shreds of memory he carried along from his previous life. That simple!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now,11, 8 and 6; my kids are very conscious of the move and
have been yo-yoing between dumping their fears and insecurities on me, and
shooting three pointers filled with anger and frustration straight at my head. They
always score!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Generally speaking, they are handling the process much
better than I thought. But they are THREE, and I am ONE. It doesn’t take a genius
to quickly do the math and conclude that I’m officially outnumbered!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If there are any skills I have gained from this move, here
is a list I have been using as my default setting to smoothly ride this
avalanche of emotions, logistics and details. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Be Positive</b>. The UN alone employs thousands of
internationally designated staff. Add the private sector, foreign ministries
across the globe and I immediately feel less alone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Investigate the new destination</b>. Many roamers
have to deal with pit of the earth destinations. That alone can be cause of
serious mental stress, and in many cases, a separation of the family for more
child-friendly shores. But if like me, you have been blessed with a destination
you are actually looking forward to explore, do just that. Virtually explore
and plan your first series of adventures ahead of time. I already have a list
of Tree House hotels I want to take the kids to. Silly, yes.. Trivial,
definitely yes.. Crucial for my mental health.. YES YES YES<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Engage the kids in the process</b>. New beginnings
always bring new toys and new spaces in tow. My boys helped choose the car. We
debated for days the merits of another 7-seater versus a sporty looking Sedan.
My eldest two are boys, talking cars with them is always surprisingly very
enlightening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Be flexible</b>. Two weeks before departure, I was
boxing my house up, planning the dates for the container to ship when Walid
zoomed in on a great house very close to school – my one and only big condition.
The house is furnished! My mind went into loops and hoops.. What do I unpack?
How do I separate what goes into storage and what I have to absolutely take
along? Do I really have to take anything along? I need to create three separate
spaces: stuff that goes to storage, stuff that we take along and the packing
for our summer in Egypt. I have two weeks to go. I CAN DO IT! The house is
worth it.. Keep repeating that.. The house is worth it. Even if has no kitchen
per say and non-existent closet space… the house is worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
- - <b>You are a Butterfly in the making</b>.. It seems that my kids have made a secret pact to keep me on my toes. We are one family, they are all the offspring of one drained body, we are moving together to the same destination and YET.. they can't seem to agree on how to collectively deal. Accordingly, their needs and expectations from me are just as incoherently varied. As I said, I find myself constantly morphing in response to each of them. I can't remember how I personally feel anymore because my mind has been overtaken by three young but oh-so-capable armies of sorrow, eagerness, sadness, can't-wait-to-go excitement and then some.. I'm expected to embrace and understand. I do, at least I think I do. And every time I stop to think: where am I in all this? I pull hard on my mental brakes. It Matters naught... For I'm in a Morphing stage and soon I'll emerge more beautiful and free. (Unrealistic and totally untrue, and you're probably lollll-ing right now. But hey.. it works)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>If you absolutely have to <b>whine about the misery
of it all</b>, make sure you do it with an energizing spin. I chose to <b>whine and
hike</b>. Poor Hanan, a dear friend who has been quite accommodating. As we tread
unchartered trails and gasp at every wild animal sighting failing miserably to
capture the moment with an IPhone Selfie, she listens patiently and offers what I
need the most, JOKES! We laugh so hard as we share the various anecdotes that
have marked each and every move we both endured as career Roamers. Believe , we all go through it and we have loads to tell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Stay in CONTROL</b>.. That’s key.. Boxes are
cluttering your home… Kids are testing your ability to morph into mood soother,.,
anger bouncing ball, beacon of hope, anxiety catcher net, all in one afternoon…
cooking, cleaning and driving to activities remains unchanged despite the added
cardboard load… Stay in CONTROL.. Please don’t ask me how, I’m still figuring
that one out!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Don’t ignore your own personal sadness.</b> If you
are too eager to leave then you haven’t really lived this last post. The more
you live a destination, the deeper and more intricately twined your root system
becomes. Letting go isn’t easy. Better deal with it while you are still at it. Because
if you are like me, you bottle up and compress till the moment is gone; it will be so hard on the other side, you won’t know what has suddenly gripped and
crushed your essence. But newly established and still rootless in your new
destination, you won’t have the support system to lift you up when you whither
and fall. I know that’s exactly what I should be doing. But I’m still stupidly
bottling up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like and keep this list flowing, but I’m running out of
excusable time off of boxes. More purging awaits in the kitchen.. By the end of
today, I intend to claim victory with seven more Checks next to my to-pack
list. But before all, Taymour forgot his homework at home and I need to rush to school to save the day.. aka shield myself from the torrents of emotions should I decide to let it go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-32837752319903685672014-04-02T17:26:00.001-07:002014-04-02T17:26:24.096-07:00Suburban Navy Blues - the Westchester Expat Chronicles <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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Funny how the type of my car totally commands how I go about
my day: How I dress, how I walk/jump/hop/strut in & out of it, and how I
communicate with fellow drivers on the street. My car dictates how I behave. It
frames my state of mind. My car drives me even though I seem to be the one
steering and shifting gear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My car, for the past 5 years, designated me as a typical
soccer mom. A heavy and “safe” 7-seater minivan that drives like a school bus,
my Routan has faithfully driven my kids to school, soccer practice, karate,
ballet, tennis, and everything in between. Naturally my work clothes were already
boxed and out came my Lulu Lemons in all their galore. At least I did insist on
style even though in the end, yoga pants and sneakers have become my wardrobe
staples and in all honesty, they all looked and felt the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With three kids and a suburban lifestyle, a minivan is not
just a car. It’s a mobile kitchen, a children’s closet, a laundry basket and in
most cases a composting dump. When I calculate the average time I spend in my
car per day, over 5 years, it amounts to 5 to 6 hours PER DAY! Yeah, ask the
twitch in my right knee. It’s screaming MERCYYYYY…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even when I do try to rise to a rare occasion and feel that
urge to dress up, the glory of the moment only lasts till I reach my
destination: be it a fancy dinner, a show or just a night in the MPD. The
minute I step out of my Navy Blue Routan I get that feeling that people see through my
mini skirt and high heels. Oblivious to my shadowy eyes and glossed up lips, all
they see is a flashy blue Nike Fusion and thermal tights. I sigh inwardly and
resign to the fact that this is what I am: a soccer mom who should be doing
laundry and cleaning up my boys’ mess in their bathroom right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five years of that vicious cycle till I went one day to my
VW serve and they offered me a loaner car till mine was fixed. As I stepped
outside the center, a shiny red CC was waiting for me, brand new in all its blue
plastic. You wouldn’t believe but in my
loaner CC, I rushed home and unconsciously changed in skinny jeans and fancy
booties and headed back out, ready to face the world as a Foxy suburban mom…
whatever that means.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve had my CC for a month. YES MY CC! and I’ve changed so
much since. I even watch what I eat because a dew extra pounds simply won’t do
with my new self image. I still did my errands and gazillion activities but
with some drastic measures: No food allowed within the premises, No shoes off,
Clothes changed should and must be neatly taken out before your feet touch
solid ground, and if you absolutely have to ride my car, you’d better act like
a sophisticated suburban kid too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surprisingly, I never had to drill any of these into their
young rebellious minds. The CC had gotten to them too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every morning Walid would nudge me to call the service
center: Have they forgotten about us? He’d ask.. every morning I would calmly
promise to call and follow-up, knowing well that I don’t even have their number
and won’t bother to look it up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yeah, my car does govern my life and I can’t wait to ditch
the yoga pants and let my hair catch the wind in a uhummm not-a-routan-mobile <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-20797898125648819332014-02-08T10:11:00.002-08:002014-02-08T10:14:41.463-08:0010 Ways to Break Sad News to third Culture Kids – Expat Families <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I took on the prestigious job of ummm … a trailing
spouse, I was drilled with wise and no-so-wise advice on how to raise my future
expat kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Make sure to speak to them only in Arabic</i></b>. That one proved
difficult but really vital.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>They have to have daily contact with their family back home</i></b>.
Skype, photos, virtual dialogues, and visits helped with that. Long
uninterrupted summer vacations in Egypt have also anchored my kids to my
homeland.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Cook Egyptian food, Show pride in your homeland, Remind them of our
traditions…..<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eleven years later and a myriad of school international
fairs later, I take pride! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BRAVO... I have managed to raise at least one very Egyptian
kid, one semi-Egyptian, and one oblivious to what that really means but still
happy to be called Egyptian.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tarek, 11 speaks Egyptian as good as I do. Taymour, 8 has an
accent and funny translated vocabulary but the character of a true Egyptian
street kid <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>,
Tamara, 5 is struggling with Arabic but has no problem swaying her little
figure to the drum beat and proudly wears her costumes at culture days. It does help that Egyptian dresses have lots
of bling and bright colors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Molokheya is a staple on our table and Foul is our favorite
Sunday brunch dish. But my biggest achievement is their sense of belonging!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my kids speak about family, they don’t just mean the
nuclear, immediate, uni-cell family that most expat families identify with.
They mean their grandparents, aunt and uncles, cousins despite the wide age gap
and a few best friends (although friendship has a very different meaning to
them, but that’s another blog altogether).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s when it backfires.. I’ve had the misfortune to
deal with a strong family tie that has to be severed from afar twice in less
than 3 years.. or is it more?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, with the passing of my dad... One day he was there.. The
next the kids had to go back to New York with their father because BiBi (my
dad) was in hospital. Ten days later, they were told they would never see him
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’ think they quite understood back then, but they kept
true to their identity and they have consistently kept his memory alive; even
Tamara, who was only 3 at the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now, I had to break yet another sad news. Their
grandfather, Walid’s dad had passed. I was aware of two new facts: 1- They are
much older now. 2- Walid is not with us and won’t be for a while, which means I
have to break the news, absorb all aftershocks and do it alone!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when you do a job too well, sometimes all you reap is …
Heartache!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I go through a week of shock, mourning, blocking,
pretending, denial and anger with them, I learn a few lessons no one 11 years
ago has prepped me for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Expat kids have a deeper emotional attachment to
extended family. </b></span>They simply don’t take such ties for granted. Never
under-estimate the impact of such loss, especially if it’s so sudden.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When in mourning, Expat kids resent the
isolation this lifestyle imposes on them.</b></span> </span>They want to be there, feel what
everyone is feeling and see how things are done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>3-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Blocking comes handy when you live so far away.</b></span> What you don’t see, you simply don’t miss as much. That however, makes it so
much harder when summer comes, kids go back home, they start dealing with the
apparent loss but everyone around them has already moved on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4<span style="color: white;"><b>4-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->It is wrong to push the news to a later “more
convenient time”. </b></span> I was tempted to do
so, but I was wrong! An eleven year old sometimes needs to reach out and share,
not in retrospect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">5-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Kids are more resilient and bounce back much
faster. </span></b>So any attempt, no matter how tempting, to dig deeper and probe with
emotionally charged questionings is simply unnecessary torture. Don’t fool
yourself into believing you are doing this to make sure they don’t bottle it
all in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b style="background-color: white;">6-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Engage third party helpers.</b>. </span>Nothing helped my
son more than his conversations with his peers in school. He came back one day
and told me: “it seems that everyone of my friends has lost at least one
grandparent already”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7<span style="color: #666666;"><b>7-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Stop the urge to lure your kids into your own
web of chagrin.</b></span> If they see that you are fine and can live passed this horrible
experience, they believe they can too. SO suck it up! My bathroom floor can
attest to the millions of stifled tears it has witnessed in the past three
years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">8-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Some kids, one of mine included, can’t quite
cope with the concept of imminent death.</span></b> Their fear becomes so exaggerated that
they start questioning, when your turn will come, or worse, when theirs will. I
still remember Tarek’s first knee-jerk question when I told him that my dad was
gone. “What if it happens to you?” I told him I was confident it wouldn’t. I
lied and hoped to God, he won’t fail me on that one, at least for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->9<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>9-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Pray..</b></span> Kids need to believe in the afterlife; that
their beloved didn’t simply cease to exist; hat they are out there somewhere
receiving all our positive thoughts. It really helps during those first few
days. It doesn’t matter how you chose to pray, just allocate that time everyday
to channel some positive thoughts and send them straight to heaven. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1<span style="color: magenta;"><b>10- Follow their lead.</b></span> Don’t
impose your grief or the way you chose to express it on them. Give them space
to mull, roll and chew on the concept. They will come to you when they decide
to share and they will impose how they wish to do just that!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t wish this upon any trailing wife, especially one
like me, who feels stranded out here in snowy Westchester while my whole family
and friends are all gathered in mourning, seeking comfort from and around each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rest in Peace Oncle Abdel Halim and may this be the last of
our family sorrows for some time to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-11093007494448334092014-01-07T17:46:00.000-08:002014-01-07T17:46:34.497-08:00God Rest Your Soul ya Oztaz Tohamy! Arabic lessons blues in Westchester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fight # 1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t make some effort, you’ll never make it up to
the next level<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fight # 2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did you write that word again? Show me the paper! NOW!
Do you realize this is the hundredth time you write that same word, and you
still can’t get it write?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fight # 3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you do your Arabic?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An hour later… Did you do your Arabic?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Days later… Did you do your Arabic?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer remains the same no matter how repeatedly I ask…
I C.A.N.T.D.O.I.T.A.L.O.N.E… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes by now he’s as angry as I am<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fight # 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is it, I’m done, I can’t hold your hand forever.. we’ve
been stuck on this level for years now and I see no improvement. Worse, there
is no will to improve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m telling your teacher right NOW that you are not doing
lessons anymore. I AM DONE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tears are starting to flow … on both sides<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you know what?? Don’t you dare come in the future and
blame me for not writing and reading in your own native language. It’s your problem;
you deal with your own regrets. BAM!!! that hammers the last nail in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s only December, and I think I’ve been through this cycle
at least three times already.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write this, my son and I are not on speaking terms.
Thank God I can use my other two to communicate to him through. He on the other hand is tripping on guilt
wires, knee deep in frustration and drowning fast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This can’t be it: A life long struggle to teach my kids
their language. I had to endure daily hours of torture at school to reach the
level I’m at. And it was nothing to be proud of to begin with. Only through my
work in later years did my written Arabic so improve. So why am I torturing my
kids?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer is clear and simple.. Egyptian is who they are,
partially at least. Ten years of their
cumulative lives in New York have stretched that thread to their native
background real thin. They speak Arabic (at least the first two Ts), they eat
Egyptian food, they have some Egyptian summer friends. By some obviously I mean
my friends’ kids who see them for a few days every year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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We started lessons at the age of 4. We had weekly private
tutoring and homework dispersed in the days between. This year, I came to the
conclusion that it was simply not enough. So we upped it to twice a week and
twice the homework. That also translated, to my greatest “chagrin”, to twice
the fights, twice the time spent spelling the same words over and over, and
over and over, and again……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will come a moment when I will just give up. T1 has
had his shot. Languages were never T2’s
stronghold anyway.. and T3, well as usual, she gets the shortest end of the
stick simply because I’m just too tired by the time I get to her. The curse of
a third child! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Funny, how my dreams of pushing my kids to take the state
exams no matter where we lived, just washed themselves away. I always dreaded
the day I’ll have to face the truth that my kids are not Egyptian. At least not
in the same way I am. Surprisingly, raising global children becomes a much
easier task once we give up the notion of a motherland, a native origin. The
day has come, and to my relief, it’s not so bad <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
yet!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-23597707212513706702013-12-10T09:59:00.003-08:002013-12-10T09:59:29.942-08:00Roamer: Expat on the move - Packing lists<a href="http://roamer-lilo.blogspot.com/2013/12/expat-on-move-packing-lists.html?spref=bl">Roamer: Expat on the move - Packing lists</a>: Relocating to a new country has a very unique effect on our dialogues. I can’t claim that our conversations lately were as fre...Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-10243938133347513692013-12-10T09:59:00.001-08:002013-12-10T09:59:26.928-08:00Roamer: Expat on the move - Packing lists<a href="http://roamer-lilo.blogspot.com/2013/12/expat-on-move-packing-lists.html?spref=bl">Roamer: Expat on the move - Packing lists</a>: Relocating to a new country has a very unique effect on our dialogues. I can’t claim that our conversations lately were as fre...Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-44079924866637850282013-12-10T09:55:00.002-08:002013-12-10T09:57:21.013-08:00Expat on the move - Packing lists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Relocating to a new country has a very unique effect on our
dialogues. I can’t claim that our
conversations lately were as free flowing and fluid as they’ve always been. As
we grow older and our positions in life become so vastly different, the common
threads that usually weave themselves into interesting conversations begin to
thin out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He talks mostly about work and I listen only when he
mentions the kids, my friends or my workout routine. I talk primarily Yoga, Soul Spinning and Swim
classes and he listens only when the words “lucrative” or “paid consultancy”
permeate my free flowing monologues.
Otherwise, we communicate great! (Smirk)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So when I started telling him about my plans for packing up
the house, I didn’t expect much. I was proud with my decision to designate all
the Thomas tracks and trains as family heirloom, his silent appraisal of the
car roofing came as no surprise. At
least he wasn’t rolling his eyes… yet. I
kept talking anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: orange;"><b> - </b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: orange;"><b>I don’t think I want to give the kids’ Thomas
stuff away.</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Silence<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: orange;"><b> - </b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: orange;"><b>Maybe just the train table but not the tracks</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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More silence<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: orange;"><b>-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><!--[endif]-->I mean those tracks represent years of our boys’
early childhood</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Silence .. I’m thinking: eventually he has
to give in and engage, or else, his neck will go stiff on him for staring at
the car roof for so long.. and we still have five more traffic lights to cross
before I drop him off.. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b><span style="color: orange;"> - </span></b></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: orange;">You know what? I’ll put it all in a big box..
Maybe I’ll send it with you on your first visit</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a sudden neck movement. Yes, I
finally got his attention. I keep staring ahead, focused on the road<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: red;"><b> - </b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red;"><b>Why would I take a box full of train tracks on
my first visit?</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b><span style="color: orange;"> - </span></b></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: orange;">I don’t know, you’re going anyway, you might as
well take some stuff with you</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span><span style="color: red;"><b>Yeah, but after that first visit, I will go and
settle for 6 months. So I’m thinking: I need to carry as much of my personal
stuff as I can. Otherwise I’m stuck for months till the container arrives.. You
know, essential things like suits, shirts, shoes….</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <span style="color: orange;"><b>- </b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: orange;"><b>Really?? You want to take your clothes? But a
single box of Thomas tracks is too much for you? That’s just silly!</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Oohhh, did I just say that? Did I actually just say that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blessedly, I only had one traffic light left and he was kind
enough to laugh, just laugh!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He did do the Choo Choo signal as he left the car however,
and I think I heard him sing: they’re 2, they’re 4 they’re 6 they’re 8..
Shunting trucks and hauling freight………..<span style="font-family: 'Menlo Regular';">♩</span><span style="font-family: 'MS ゴシック';">♪</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">♫</span><span style="font-family: 'Menlo Regular';">♬♩</span><span style="font-family: 'MS ゴシック';">♪</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">♫</span><span style="font-family: 'Menlo Regular';">♬♩</span><span style="font-family: 'MS ゴシック';">♪</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">♫</span><span style="font-family: 'Menlo Regular';">♬</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to concede to the fact that... when overwhelmed I tend to panic about the ridiculous stuff, start packing the trivial "heirloom" items, spend hours making to do lists with all the things I should have done in the past 5 years, never bothered, but now must, absolutely must do before I go!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-41673160039443781372013-11-16T06:56:00.000-08:002013-11-16T06:56:18.668-08:00Expat ont the Move - Count Down Diaries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLWkXk4UC7c/UoeHIOsxQyI/AAAAAAAABcQ/5WH2mIRVWaY/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLWkXk4UC7c/UoeHIOsxQyI/AAAAAAAABcQ/5WH2mIRVWaY/s200/photo-6.JPG" width="133" /></a>I’m 40 this year.. So I had a list of 40 things to do before
I turn 40.. A list to do while I’m 40.. A list to do the decade of 40.. I’m
cheesy.. I know! But I am an expat housewife living in Westchester. That is
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I thought I had my lists all under control. Until a new one just
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I’m leaving.. and I’m loving my next hub.. We couldn’t have
landed a better destination.. a dream post.. Why then? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why am I bargaining for a few months more? A few extra
moments to do all the 40 things I set out to do the minute I heard we’re
moving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The expat mind is a very unique one. We spend a lifetime
carving a life that keeps changing on us. We take every move as an opportunity
to reinvent ourselves, to leave behind all the things we DON”t like about the
place we just left., to say goodbye to people we didn’t necessarily click with,
houses we couldn’t grow fond of, environments that stifled our desire to
thrive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And yet!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Somehow, everything we DON”T like about that place seems to
vanish. We are equipped with memories that can only retain the good stuff. It kicks in, not when we leave, but when we
first hear the words: “Honey, I got the job!”
(side note: Honey is not in our vernacular, I just like the cliché)<o:p></o:p></div>
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He looks at me and all I see is raw frustration. But you
said you would jump at it if this job comes, he says to me. Why do you want to
separate the family and prolong your stay here? It took you over three years to
even like this place and now you want to stay???????<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s right on all counts: I did hate it here when I first
move. Not because it’s New York, but because in and out, I’m no suburban wife.
I had to lock my professional ambitions up for 5 years. Did all the housework I
hate to do. Became the soccer housewife I swore I’d never be. One would think
I’d take any opportunity to jump ship even if it was half as good as the one we
have. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that’s not how the expat mind works!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9n1CxeRRY/UoeFZwrq7sI/AAAAAAAABcA/0vUHkCD4GCk/s1600/20131005_165621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9n1CxeRRY/UoeFZwrq7sI/AAAAAAAABcA/0vUHkCD4GCk/s200/20131005_165621.jpg" width="200" /></a>I did hate it when I first came. But I did manage to turn my
life around. I surrounded myself with the best friends Westchester can offer: Hip,
positive, strong and colorful people who kept adding and adding to my life. I
pursued passions I never had time to explore: hiking, skiing (not so much a
passion, rather a terrifying challenge), dance classes, movie nights and
infinite good food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NM9ZoLEdo18/UoeGpUx7SeI/AAAAAAAABcI/axoGT0QtN4E/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NM9ZoLEdo18/UoeGpUx7SeI/AAAAAAAABcI/axoGT0QtN4E/s200/photo-8.JPG" width="200" /></a>I survived 4 farewells and watched most of my friends go
year after year, wondering when it would be my turn. With every girls night out I realized how
incredible those friendships were and still are to my life. It boils down to
this: I had no job, little help, zero support system but I had sooo much fun!
And that’s what my mind chooses to hold on to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a flip coin, I tell him, If I chose to resist, to stay
who I am, to hold on to a previous life and count the days till the new post is
over, I give you 3-4-5 years of misery and in return I’m the happiest partner
when it’s time to go. Bring on the bubble wrap! Your house will be chopped up
in tiny numbered boxes in no time. I’ll meet you at the airport.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRaeXT2rGUM/UoeFZ4nYqlI/AAAAAAAABcA/B5D95qDR5G8/s1600/20131023_143210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRaeXT2rGUM/UoeFZ4nYqlI/AAAAAAAABcA/B5D95qDR5G8/s200/20131023_143210.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILW-IgfxHk4/UoeFZ_ZGXrI/AAAAAAAABcA/5TDeTzMB2Xk/s1600/20130915_163225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILW-IgfxHk4/UoeFZ_ZGXrI/AAAAAAAABcA/5TDeTzMB2Xk/s200/20130915_163225.jpg" width="200" /></a>But when I jump right into it, push my limits, explore the
options and cherish the gifts that every new post provides, I inadvertently
build a life, a good one! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every hike with a friend is a new root that inches deeper in
the ground. Every breakfast with the girls is a day that just started right.
Every dance class is a bad moment chased away and replaced with a rush that
colors my outlook on the days ahead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzJdv4MpaW8/UoeFZxN1qgI/AAAAAAAABcA/pq5yWDBXMxI/s1600/20130915_153646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzJdv4MpaW8/UoeFZxN1qgI/AAAAAAAABcA/pq5yWDBXMxI/s200/20130915_153646.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when I’m asked to go, I’m actually wrapping up years of
sincere friendships, fun moments and seriously good food. That doesn’t usually
happen with a happy face!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the count down begins….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
40 more things to do before I go……<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821419965828549266.post-67935306298871974702013-11-13T14:37:00.003-08:002013-11-13T14:40:35.311-08:00The life of a Westchester Mom - Halloween Madness <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndcQ-iO7ltk/UoP-n7FnECI/AAAAAAAABGc/5DAfrhyliF0/s1600/20131022_165513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndcQ-iO7ltk/UoP-n7FnECI/AAAAAAAABGc/5DAfrhyliF0/s320/20131022_165513.jpg" width="320" /></a>10 pm, Halloween night. Kids are bouncing off the wall on a
mad sugar high! I’ve been up on my feet since 8 and I’m simply drained to my
bones. <o:p></o:p></div>
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An hour ago when I walked in, Walid proudly boasted: “I
cleaned up the kitchen!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1oBs2873zU/UoP-n0YsMBI/AAAAAAAABGc/Pe8_b9Z6SS8/s1600/20131024_164131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1oBs2873zU/UoP-n0YsMBI/AAAAAAAABGc/Pe8_b9Z6SS8/s200/20131024_164131.jpg" width="112" /></a>Bless him, I thought. I left a huge mess behind as I rushed
out of the house to go pick up the boys’ friend, drop three of the 5 in my car
at another friend’s, and head to another for trick or treating in their hood. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Granted I still had the last batch of laundry to do, the
last two luggage pieces to close and all kids ready for bed. But the kitchen
was a nightmare waiting to unfurl and my hero had just saved me from the kitchen witch's axe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That is, until I stepped into the kitchen, an hour later….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FntU4ORbDvc/UoP-n1pH7qI/AAAAAAAABGc/Ecsm_EarqqI/s1600/20131022_170337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FntU4ORbDvc/UoP-n1pH7qI/AAAAAAAABGc/Ecsm_EarqqI/s320/20131022_170337.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ten days, a trip to Egypt and a huge wedding later, I’m back
and I can’t remember why I wrote that intro. It’s a good thing I had no time to
finish it up! Lucky Walid.. he’s off the hook this time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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Lilohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17566060398151098798noreply@blogger.com0