I can’t believe that I have been away from South Africa for five weeks now… Most of the struggles so far have been expected – Missing my family, getting used to the cultural differences, getting used to “having an accent” according to everyone around me, etc. Some struggles have been easily brushed off or adjusted. Others will take time. It gets frustrating now and then, it hurts now and then, but I have an amazing support system behind me. She has gotten me through some really tough days. I love her so much. This week was my birthday, which came with some new difficulties, but thanks to Amanda, was celebrated in the best of ways <3
Monday, 27/11 – Worked for most of the day. After Amanda came home from work, and we picked up the kids from school, we walked as a family to a nearby park, where we spent some of the afternoon just “being” for a change. The kids played on the jungle gyms, and Amanda and I even joined in to help Ryker go down slides and stairs, etc. It was a lot of fun to spend quality time together without technology getting in the way. We spent the rest of the evening snuggled up in the house.
Tuesday, 28/11 – Amanda stayed home for the day, which meant getting to spend the entire day with her! We built puzzles, and finished two 500-pieces!! I can’t remember the last time I got to build a puzzle before that, but it was so much fun. We even went out to “geek” some more, as we Pokemon Go’d for a while as well. It is fun getting to drive with her in the car, no specific destination, listening to music, singing and laughing. Reminds me a lot of what I used to do with my siblings in South Africa. It was a really fun day in general. I love getting to spend time with her, in any way possible. After picking up the kids, we spent the rest of the evening in the house, watching Netflix and having pillow fights.
Wednesday, 29/11 – Alex had swimming lessons, so we waited for her to get picked up, before heading to 5 different African stores around our area. Three of them were closed or non-existing, but we finally came to one that was open! And it was so awesome to go inside, as the sights and smells of Africa immediately grabbed at my senses. It was like walking into a corner shop back in South Africa. I was able to get some things from home. Things you don’t get in the US, like Milo, Nesquick and bully beef. Afterwards we went to the World market store, where I got to see more of our local products!! Aero chocolate, smarties, Nandos peri-peri sauce… I got to buy some actual products from home. Amanda went through a lot of effort to find places for me, so that I could get these products. She is an amazing person, and I am so grateful for her. After finishing our African expedition, we decided to have dinner at Rodizio, a South-American grill, with actual South-American staff working there. I got to experience what South American food was like, and WOW!! Definitely some of the best food I have eaten so far, since coming to the US. I think it also might have been the most that I have eaten since getting here. I am still not used to American portion sizes… But this was different, I felt like I could eat even more than I did!
Thursday, 30/11 – Had a peaceful day at home, working on the house and just “being”. Had lunch with Amanda at LeeAnn Chin, which is kinda a chinese restaurant, but you choose two main dishes and a side. Like I had lemon chicken and Mongolian chicken with noodles. It’s different, but really yummy too!!
Friday, 01/12 – Another restful day, doing work, being at home.
Saturday, 02/12 – MY BIRTHDAY!! It started very peaceful, Amanda making me waffles for breakfast!! Afterwards we started the day off slowly, cuddling on the couch. Amanda took me out for late lunch at Khan’s Mongolian grill. Essentially it’s like stir fry. You pick what you want and they make it for you! And it was delicious!! I would go there any day if I get the chance!! Afterwards Amanda took me to Mall of America. We stopped at the top of the roof, which allowed me to look out at Minneapolis and surrounding areas. It was beautiful with all the lights!! No photo was able to do it justice… I was spoiled like crazy, as she took me to a candy store. One of those where you just choose candy, weigh and pay. We also went to GameStop, where I went all out Geek!! I got coffee mugs, a Pokémon go +, Resident evil 5 on xbox1, and last of us on ps4!! My girlfriend is amazing <3 <3 We went to the Disney store again… Ugh I love the Disney store… We also got cookie dough. After which we sat down, enjoying local talent as they performed Christmas music in the mall. We got a Jamba juice and went to the aquarium UNDERNEATH the mall.. Yeah, like literally underneath it. It was AWESOME!! We were the last people to walk out of the aquarium, and headed home afterwards. We spent the rest of the night driving around for Pokémon and just having fun together. The best way to end an epic birthday, as she read to me in Afrikaans for the first time. A full bedtime story!! I was both shocked and amazed at how easily she reads it. <3
Sunday, 03/12 – We went to Minnesota Zoo!!! It was epic!! Spent almost all day there, seeing wolves, bears, beavers, etc… And endless list of animals I have never seen before!! The bears and the wolves were by far the best, although the bears were already asleep… They were right by the window, almost within arm’s reach though, which made it ten times better! There were three bears still very awake, but we didn’t have time to linger, since we had other plans too. We left around 3PM, as we had Santa pictures with the kids later that evening. Amanda read Afrikaans bedtime stories to me while we were driving to the photoshoot. She has come very far the past few months. I am very proud of what she has achieved in learning my language so far. When we arrived, Alex was really excited to meet Santa! So adorable!! The kids were comfortable with Santa. Much more than I ever was… Afterwards we went to a random residential home, where I saw the most spectacular Christmas lightshow I have ever seen!! They even had a music station that you could log into, which allowed you to hear Christmas music while you enjoyed the lights. It was amazing!! We spent the rest of the evening snuggled up at home…
So this is my final post. I feel that I have officially settled in to the point where everyday life isn’t overwhelming anymore. I still have a lot to learn, and cultural differences gets frustrating sometimes, but in general I am content with where how I have adjusted so far. I miss my family every day. Christmas is coming up – My first time not being with family. Amanda took us to choose our Christmas tree this week, so we are slowly heading into the festive mood at home. Not being able to help financially is still my biggest single frustration. You don’t realize how useless our currency is until you need to use it in a first world country!! Amanda and I have started working on our plans for our future. Everything is starting to fall in place. I am happy, I am exactly where I need to be. And so ends the blog about a South African trying to be American.
