Bye Bye SA...I'll miss you...

Hello everybody.

I have been really busy and haven't had much time to write, until now, so here it is - the story of my first 12 days in the USA.

I left Durban airport, after saying goodbye to my family (I had already had to say goodbye to my "Margate" family 3 days before that, Rebecca I hope you didn't cry too much!) and the last words I said were "No, you're a push-nut!" ha ha that’s sounds pretty ridiculous I suppose, but my little bro likes that word that’s what he calls everyone and although no one is quite sure what it means, the giggle it produces when he says it so worth letting a 5 year old call you a 'push-nut'!

Riley, Roic and I at Durban Airport

I got on the plane, planning to sleep...that didn't really happen though, probably 'cos I was seated next to a very nice gentleman who was telling me stories about the airports he built and although this was totally fascinating *yawn* I probably would have benefited from a few more hours of sleep! When I arrived at JHB my friend had arranged for another friend to fetch me as she was driving back from Kruger and wasn't going to make it back in time. After hanging around with Jade and Craig, Annelize came to fetch me and instead of heading home (like I thought was the plan) we headed to her previous job, a cocktail bar...but thankfully we didn't stay too long. Once we reached home...I was thoroughly ready for bed! We woke up early the next morning and went shopping a little then headed to the airport.

Pictures from the sky

Once at the airport I meet up with a fellow au pair from Durban, Annelize decided to stay away from long drawn out goodbyes and so we parted ways then and there. Ravashnie and I just chilled for a while then as we were getting ready go through the boarding gates I noticed a young blonde who was brawling her eyes out, I asked if she was an au pair, and her family just laughed...she is a repeat au pair, so it gave me hope that if people come back a second time, it can't be that bad, right?

Ravashnie and I just before boarding

I am not even going to TRY and explain what me trying to sit still for 18 and a half hours looks like - use your imagination! After 10 hours of flying and at least 1 hour of delays (true SA style) when landed in Senegal, only to re-fuel and to have these security men come and check all the seats (for hidden bombs) and to spray disinfectant in the air all around us, Argh cough cough!

My first look at America

*Hi-lighted words are explained in the glossary page