Settling in...

First night at Jackpot (The house we are renting from my brother). I like the fact that my brother and his wife have almalgamted their names into the name of their house. Much like Ingrid and I have Kingy as our call sign (King Glen & Ingrid). Gone are the days that the kids would answer, "You are the King Daddy", when I asked them, "Who is the King?" I guess that the King has abdicated his throne unbeknownst to himself.

Where was I? Oh yes, the first night at Jackpot. Working out where the light switches are and getting plugs and chargers set up. Getting used to the sounds of Africa; The pounding of the Ocean and the crickets constant chirping and the roof moving  gently under the force of the wind. Getting used to the bed and the duvet and the temperatures. Having the lighthouse strobe pass over every few seconds and illuminate the bedroom as the blinds allow slithers of light to pass on the sides.

Up in the morning and off to school, 6am this time for Ingrid. I lazed a little longer and found her on the deck outside with her cup off coffee. She had done a Yoga session and was looking out over the ocean. Coffee for me too! Today the wind had died and a walk along the beach to the coffee shop was on the agenda. Lovely was the feel of the sand between your toes and the occassional refreshing ocean that sneaked a little higher to try envelope your feet and calves and perhaps tempt you into her embrace. Turned out to be a 3km walk each way.

There you go. We went from the beach to the carpark to wash the sand off our feet and struck up a conversation with a helpful gentleman who offered to hold the tap in (one of those that stop if the button is not pressed) whilst we washed the sand off our feet. Turns out he owns the rustic and artisanal bakery int he next town. This is why we love South Africa. Talk to people and they genuinely talk back. Funny story, we saw him at the coffee shop where we were perched about a half hour later.

Interesting sign: 

Back home along the beach and then we drove to Jeffries Bay Mall to purchase a few odds and ends. Then a  change of plan, back to St Francis bay for a late breakfast at our favourite place, The Rambling Rose. Before that a short stop at the Internet place to organise wifi at Jackpot. After breakfast we did the shopping for dinner and bought a little booze. A lovely red wine for Ingrid and a white and a bottle of Whiskey to nip at for me. Food looks so healthy here!

A little afternooner (nap) got us to 3pm. I was visited by my brothers stepfather (lives across the road a few houses down). We tinkered with my sister in laws mountain bike and got that riding ready. To our delight the in laws of my brother lent us another bike. I am sure that the politicians will be happy with us! We get to decrease our carbon footprint by leaving the car in the driveway, and maybe we can buy off our guilt for having to take 2 extra flights because they were cheaper...

I tenderly suggested to Ingrid that she put on her bikini as we should go for a swim in the sea. I know of her fear of the ocean and sharks. To my surprise she went and got changed and 2 mintues later we were once again on our flipflops walking down to the beach and over the sand to the sea shore. I was sure that she would not go in, but again she walked with me to the waters edge and took her first few steps into the sea. It was not cold but it was also not warm. Again when she was about waist high I though she would cave and go back to the beach which is also her right, but the surprises kept coming. A little deeper, a little more of her body embraced by the ocean. And then there she was up to her neck and still smiling. Who is this girl? She was enjoying being immersed in the ocean and she did it all herself! I am so PROUD! Rome wasn't built in a day, but boy progress was made!

After a lovely shower it was WIne 'o clock! I tried to get the Netflix set up on the TV and as per usual it took about an hour to get the TV, Modem and Netflix to agree to let us watch. The option to watch is now available, but I am not sure I want to. The day will come when we have the urge, but that days is not today!

Settling in takes time, change takes time, but I do feel that changes are happening!