Tuesday 9th May 2023
The big chill continued today although the sun did come out and made everything look cheerful. I had an early hair appointment and I caught the tail of rush hour traffic all lined up at the non-working traffic lights. From afar, I could see one of the street vendors directing traffic at a huge intersection over the highway. He was really really good and he seemed to be enjoying himself. Perhaps I need to explain....
In South Africa, we have a huge unemployment problem. As a result there's millions of people that learn side hustles. Many people stand at traffic lights (robots) and beg, or sell items, or dance, or juggle or wash windows. I'm not usually a fan of this but not going to mention the negative reasons why, but this young man seemed to be revelling in his traffic orchestra and helping the flow. Some traffic conductors put out a cup for money donations but today's chap had only a backpack on top of his reflector visor. As I drove past he gave me a special wave and grin at my novelty car and it just cheered me up no end.
My hair salon was in the midst of a 4 hour stretch of loadshedding but everyone seemed to be in good spirits and I left the shop with shiny hair. I drove a different route to my first sister who had made a special lunch in honour of my leaving. I was touched. The dogs were very happy to see me and included themselves in our family photos.
Next up was date night at a local steakhouse. Second sister and I walked Molly quickly before we headed to the restaurant. The sky was stunning in sunset light so of course I had to take a picture. The date night meal is a great price and it was busy. Many people out trying to dodge the four hours of loadshedding in the area. The wintery air encouraged us to climb into bed straight away making my last night in South Africa stretch out. I have to repack my bag in the morning and edit down the luggage. Not enough room in my backpack, lol.
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