Well, I'm back online. They have internet access here but I feel badly asking to use it all the time. Hopefully I'll get the login and then be able to access via my PSP, although typing on that thing will drastically cut down on how much I post here. Probably a good thing.
I've been experiencing headaches for the past 3 days, which I can link to a number of things. My first thought was exclusively dehydration and heat. I've been drinking water though so it didn't totally make sense. Then I thought it could be the muscle pain my shoulders, neck, back and entire body really has been in. My numbness (which some of you may have heard me complain about) has been acting up, in full force really. Finally, I realized that the headaches are connected to the most obvious answer of all. Caffeine withdrawal! I hadn't had a cup of coffee since the flight to Cape Town. Luckily, I took all the instant coffee available from each hotel room I stayed in and I've been drinking that. I think the soar neck still adds to the problem but with caffeine intake on my side, I'm doing much better.
Last night I went for dinner with my dear old friend Ida. It was lovely to reunite after 5 long years. I worked for her last time I was in Cape Town and she's invited me to spend the weekend with her next week. Seeing her meant I could unload my smuggled goods - an iPod for her granddaughter - at last. Oh, did I mention I got pulled aside at customs? I was about to stroll through the "nothing to declare" exit when I foolishly smiled at the guy in the "goods to declare" section. Well he asked me to go through there but much to my relief, he just asked me a few questions like 'do you have anything to declare? like cigarettes and alcohol?' and when I said no, he let me pass. Close call.
These posts are too long so I'll just break it down so far.
Yesterday went to Spier, place in wine country, for a picnic. Nice day in the shade. Last night dinner with Ida. Today rainy at first but now sunny and a cool breeze. This afternoon, going to orphanage to find out the situation. Hopefully get into some kind of routine just now (aka soon).
One note about false alarms. There are all these beeping noises all the time and 2 sets of armed response guards on patrol in this neighbourhood. Last night something went off but it must have been a false alarm since it was quieted quickly. No one let me know though so I tried to remain stealth for the next 1/2 hour or so.
Not sure when I'll get pictures up, haven't taken many yet anyway. I'll see if I can get something sorted though.
Feel free to post some words in Spanish if you guys know any. The grandmother and I seem to have a lot of time together - including going on walks - and really, I have no clue how to say anything!
Ole! (yes, I know, only appropriate to use Ole in Spain itself)
Hola Amiga!
ReplyDeleteHeadaches suck. Try soaking a cloth in cold water and then placing it on your forehead, eyes or back of your neck. It just might do the trick for you. Let me know what kind of things u want to say and I will translate for you. When in doubt speak French in a Spanish accent and she may understand. :)
M-LO