Day 30: Chinese Foot Massage

Day 29: ouch!

I'm nursing a couple of injuries today, so there isn't much to report. So, here are a few pictures I hadn't yet shared. Enjoy!

Day 28: Big Five plus Wine

Today we got an early start. Mark picked me up at 6am and we headed out to a big five game preserve. The morning drive want very scenic because it was dark and rainy. However, when we arrived we were greeted with a wonderful breakfast. While waiting for our ranger to arrive after breakfast, I had my face painted in the tradition of Xhosa tribal women preparing for marriage (why? It just sounded cool). 

Once our ranger arrived, he took us and a group of 15 Chatty Cathy's from the US (here on a church mission trip) out on the preserve. The preserve was actually fairly small (22,000 acres), so the animals weren't exactly in the wild. It was really more like a zoo with a drive thru. 

Wikipedia says the African big five are as follows:

Cape Buffalo

These guys were in an enclosure because apparently they don't play nicely with the other animals. 

African Elephant:

Our ranger said these two males get angry at times and charge without warning. They seemed to be mellow today. 

African Leopard:

The only one of these I saw was stuffed and behind glass. The sign said it died of a snake bite. I forgot to take a picture. 

African Lion:

We saw two different types of these. Both sets were in enclosures -- sandbox issues again. Our guide mentioned that lions mate 20 times per day. To that, one of the Cathy's shouted out "ain't nobody got time for that!" Moving on...

African Rhino:

These guys (Higgins and Lady) had been poached for their horns a few years ago. It was kind of sad to see the reddish holes where their horns used to be. Our guide commented on how much of a problem poaching is and the lure of money for items such as rhino horns and elephant tusks. 

So after a morning with the animals, we headed off for a little wine before calling it a day. We made it just in time for the tail end of a wine tasting not far from my cottage. I'm so glad we did. It was just enough wine with excellent food pairings to top off a wonderful day with a great friend. 

And now I'm exhausted!  Cheers!

Day 27: Care Package

Moms are the best and mine is exceptional. On day 27 I received my care package from mom. It had actually been at the post office for almost two weeks, but that's my fault for not checking sooner. 

After complaining about not being able to find quick and easy food that I like at the grocery store, my mom was on a mission to take care of her baby. There's nothing like a package from home to brighten your day. 

My box was filled with breakfast items and snack foods to keep me going for the duration of my visit. Best of all (and my Cincinnati friends will understand), she sent me my absolute favorite cookies from home:  Busken Bakery tea cookies. 

Mom, I love you more than words can express!

Day 26: The Seven Dwarfs

Today I'm feeling like quite a few of Snow White's seven dwarfs all rolled up in one. If you don't remember them all, let me recap:

Dopey:  this was the sweet and silly one. While my typical demeanor might be characterized that way, I'm feeling dopey because it's taking FOREVER to get my models to run properly. 

Grumpy:  with power outages, petty theft and daily stomach aches to deal with, I've been a little testy lately. 

Happy:  despite the setbacks and the homesickness, I'm still quite happy overall and thankful for my many blessings. 

Doc:  well I am "Dr. Yates" right?

Sneezy:  although I'm not walking around with my finger under my nose, my stomach and my lightheadedness are telling me something is not quite right. 

Bashful:  I am amazed that I can go entire days without having actual conversation with another human. Maybe I should be just a little more outgoing. 

Sleepy:  and this is where we end this story -- once I can find some room in my bed!!

Good night!!

Day 25: Technology

I had a grumpy belly today so I decided to work from 'home'. Unfortunately, between power and internet outages, it was a day of frustrations. In fact, I'd better type quickly before I lose my internet signal yet again. I did get a chance to enjoy the beautiful day though. When the power was out, I took a walk to grab some lunch. Something was missing though:

Oh well, I did get a lot of work done though. It was slow and tedious work today, but at least I'm making progress. Tomorrow will be even better, right?

Day 24: A Day of Ups and Downs

Up:  I woke up this morning. 

Down:  I woke up at 3:30 and never went back to sleep. 

Up:  My baby boy sent me a series of text messages blowing me kisses and telling me how much he loves me and how special I am. He'll never know how much I needed that at that moment!

Down:  I went to a lunchtime presentation mainly because they were serving lunch and the lunch was tomato, cucumber and cheese sandwiches on white bread. 

Up:  I was finally able to borrow a laptop to use for my statistical modeling. 

Down:  I still have a bundle of issues to work out with my models. 

Up:  After the presentation, Mark suggested we sneak off and take the funicular to the top of Table Mountain. 

Down:  When we got there it was closed for annual maintenance. 

Up:  Mark suggested we go to the beach. 

Down:  After finally finding the perfect piece of art for my girlfriend Carol (and a matching piece for me) it was (they were) stolen from me while I was taking a picture of the ocean. 

Up:  Mark suggested that we watch the sun set over the ocean while having dinner and splitting a bottle of wine. 

Down:  I'm now in no shape to do any modeling. Ok, that one is my fault!

I'm done. Goodnight!!

Day 23: Long Day

Today was a long day. I woke up early so that I could have some quiet time before starting my day. I trekked to upper campus and back twice. I accomplished all of my goals for the day and came back and made a wonderful potato leek soup. Now I'm exhausted. It was a good day though. I focused on my awareness. I was 'in the moment' far more than usual. On my treks, I enjoyed the scenery. I gave thanks for the gift of another day and the many blessings that have enabled me to be in this place and in this moment. Mindfulness is powerful. 

Day 22: Lazy Day

It has been a rainy weekend so I haven't been out much. I went out for yoga this morning but I literally couldn't find a parking space. I ended up parking in the garage but got turned around so I couldn't find my way to the studio before the class started. 

I figured it was pointless to be upset, so I decided to browse at a bookstore and then do my grocery shopping. I was amazed by the number of people hanging out in the mall and lounging at cafés. I was even more amazed by the Woolworth's grocery store. When I think Woolworth's, I think five and dime and lunch counters. This place was quite different. They sold everything from bedding and clothing to groceries. The grocery store was the best (to me, at least). It was neat and clean and they played funky music. It was quite modern in the design, colors and efficient cashier queues. So yes, a trip to Woolworth's was the highlight of my day. I've spent the rest of the day doing laundry, reading and working. Now it's time to wind down with a relaxing cup of tea. Life is good!

Day 21: I've Reached the Halfway Point

I'm halfway through my trip and am amazed by all that I have seen and felt. There is something different about the culture here. I don't know if it's all the yoga or the lack of distractions, but something definitely feels different. As one of my girlfriends would say, this definitely feels like a "no judgment zone." Even though I'm the biggest thing in the room, no one gives me the side eye at yoga. Even though I'm a foreigner, no one seems to care or treat me differently. Even though I'm not as well-published as some of my colleagues here, they treat me like one of them. There are no expectations about dress or office hours. All that's expected is that you do the work. Wow. To be judged solely on your merits. Imagine that!

This whole experience has been quite enriching and rewarding so far. Today, I treated myself to a pair of beautiful shoes, hot yoga and a quiet evening at home with homemade soup and econometrics. Yep. I could get used to this!!

Day 20: Full Research Mode

Today I was completely engrossed in research and I have to admit that it felt pretty darn good. I read through articles explaining the logic for various study methodologies. I toyed with statistical code. I even had the luxury of just sitting and thinking about what it was I was trying to model, why and how to do so most efficiently. I'm a person who needs long, uninterrupted blocks of time in order to create thoughtful research. It is so nice to have that time. 

Day 19: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

What better way to wind down after a long day of quantifying the potential impact of South African bond market reform than a little live theater?

Mark cooked a fabulous dinner and then we headed off to the Fugard Theatre to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It was my first time, but Mark explained that we just had to get the boxes of random items (newspapers, glow sticks, confetti, noisemakers, etc. ) to use for the audience participation portion of the show. So of course I promptly snapped up two boxes while Mark grabbed us a couple of drinks. 

As soon as we entered the theater and settled into our fifth row seats, actors were already mingling about in full costume and deeply in character. Spooky Transylvania music was playing and I just couldn't hold back my excitement. 

The show was BRILLIANT!!  I had a blast throwing my confetti and streamers at all of the appropriate parts. The acting was superb and the singing and dancing was first rate. I felt like a schoolgirl because I was wearing an ear to ear grin throughout the entire first act. It was just so much fun!  As the show came to an end, I gushed to Mark about what a good time I had. Even he admitted that it was one of the best productions he had seen. 

I didn't think the night could get any better until we were exiting the theater and I saw the main character walking out ahead of us. "No way!" I thought. "I've just got to get a picture!!"  Lo and behold, when we made it to the lobby, there he was taking pictures with anyone who stepped up. I quickly shoved my phone in Mark's hands and squeezed my way in. As I swooped on for the picture, I repeatedly told this giant man how wonderful he was and he graciously thanked me for my compliments. 

What a wonderful night. What a wonderful show. I was on such a high, I didn't even care that my rental car battery had died by the time we made it back to Mark's place. Apparently someone is a little too accustomed to automatic headlights. Eh!  No big deal. That just gave Mark and me time to finish off that bottle of wine from dinner while we waited for roadside assistance. 

What a wonderful evening!  I hope that wherever you are, your evening is filled with great company and wonderful experiences just as mine was!

Cheers!!

Day 18: Writing and Revising

Not much to say about today. It was a full day of writing and revising. Amazingly, it took Mark and I five hours to revise our solicitation letter for study participants. Five hours!  One letter!  Ugh. Now I need to work on my paper with Zac and get ready to live Tweet with my UAB students at 1AM. It wasn't a bad day...just a day...

Day 17: Today Was a Good Day

Today was a good day for many reasons:

1) I finally kicked my self doubt and realized that I do deserve this and am capable of doing the work. 

2) I made a solid contribution to the bond market manuscript that I'm working on and am excited about the final product. 

3) I'm thrilled to interact with other researchers and attend seminars twice each week to hear some very accomplished academics present their work. 

4) Just as I thought the day couldn't get any better, Mark emailed and asked if I wanted to go out for Italian for dinner. 

5) I went to my second Bikram (hot) yoga class and actually made it through all of the poses without feeling woozy. 

It was a very good day and there are more good things on the horizon. I'm happy. I'm proud of me -- even if no one else is or understands why this is such a wonderful and meaningful experience. Yay me!!

Day 16: Playtime is Over

Today was the start of a new semester at UCT. I was a little nervous about meeting the students for the first time. What would they think of me?  What would I think of them?  How do you make an impact when you're only around for three weeks?

To combat my fears, I decided to wear my Aunt Lucy's classic St. John, pull my new hair back and don my school marm glasses. At least I'll LOOK like a professional!

After spending a quiet morning reading, I spent the afternoon with the Institute Director and a couple of graduate students. I now have a much better idea of what I'll be doing for the next few weeks. 

First up, I'm working on a research project with a student who is modeling the potential impact of a mandated change to the manner in which government bonds are traded in South Africa. It's incredibly interesting and important work. The hardest part is getting up to speed on current practices. Needless to say, I have a lot of reading to do tonight. Not only that, my student, Zac, wants to meet from 8-1 tomorrow to brainstorm scenarios on how the proposed change could affect market participants and quantify them so that the banks know if they'll be better off or not. Piece of cake, right?  Yikes!  I'd better get started with my reading and taking lots of notes. But first, let me unwind just for a moment. 

Day 15: Pancakes and Yoga

I woke up feeling a little down and lonely so I decided to find a way to shake it once and for all. I decided to do all of the things I never get the time to do and maybe (just maybe) I'll develop some good habits that will stick with me. 

First, I decided to walk more. Everywhere I've been outside the US, people walk routinely. At home, I park as close as I can to my destination and barely even walk my dog. I checked my pedometer, and I've been averaging less than 6,000 steps (3 miles) per day. Fitness experts recommend 10,000 steps (5 miles). That's a big change overnight, but maybe I can increase my daily average by 1,000 steps each week. How?  Well, today I walked to breakfast and then the grocery store. That was about 1,000 steps (0.5 miles) each way. Tomorrow I'll walk to work. My GPS says that's about 1 mile (2,000 steps) each way. 

Breakfast was awesome, by the way. Check out the view from my table and my perfect breakfast:

Second, I'll exercise. I've been wanting to try (hot) yoga for quite some time but have never gotten around to it. I think now is the time. If I fall on my face, at least no one knows me. I tried it this evening and I'm still recovering!  It was 90 minutes in a 105 degree room attempting to perform 26 yoga moves. I didn't make it through all 26. After about 70-75 minutes I stretched out on my mat and quietly waited for the torture to be over (since you're not allowed to leave the room during a class). Wow!  Next time I'll opt for just 60 minutes!

Finally, I'll eat better. I haven't had much of an appetite since the hubs left, so I thought this would be a good time to eat a little cleaner and hydrate a little more. So, the plan is 2-3 liters of water per day and cutting back on the big six:  alcohol, caffeine, dairy, meat, sweets and wheat. 

Do I still miss the hubs? Like crazy!  However, this is a fantastic opportunity that I'd be a fool not to maximize in every way.  Plus, I take the hubs everywhere I go...

Day 14: World Music

Tonight, Mark and I grabbed a bite to eat and then went to the Cape Town World Music Festival. It was actually held in the old (1905) Cape Town City Hall. This is actually the historic building where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after being released from prison. City offices have been moved out of the building and now it's mostly used for concerts. What an amazing piece of architecture and history!!  Oh!  And the music was pretty good too!! 😄

Day 13: Happy Mandela Day!

Today I celebrated Nelson Mandela Day by volunteering at a community center in one of the largest townships in Cape Town. The event was organized by students and was quite impressive. The idea is that on Mandela Day you should volunteer 67 minutes of your time to serve others in honor of the 67 years that Mr. Mandela spent doing that very thing. So, at 10:20 this morning I boarded a bus to one of the poorest neighborhoods I have ever seen. 

I had heard the stories, but seeing it in person was a different thing altogether. I was texting Mark from the bus and once he learned where I was going (unaccompanied) he flipped out a little bit. 

I promised Mark that I would not leave the group, I would not wander off and I would not try to teach financial literacy to the residents. 

Then it was time to get to work. The students had arranged six different activities from which the volunteers could choose. Even though it was fairly chilly, I chose gardening. The plan was to section off part of the play area for a small flower garden using donated materials. First though, we had to pull all of the grass and weeds BY HAND!  Fortunately, the kids were eager to help. 

With about 10-15 kids and volunteers working on a fairly small plot, we had the weeds cleared in no time. Then, it was time to add topsoil to the sand so that the flowers would have a fighting chance. After that, we worked in compost and fertilizer -- all with our bare hands!!

It's amazing how quickly 67 minutes goes by. By the time I had finished with the fertilizer, the bus was pulling up to take us back to campus and collect the next group. My student leader, James (in the back on the left in the blue t-shirt), said that I could spend the day there, but I needed to get back and do some work (and beat the rain). So, I said my goodbyes and climbed back on the bus with the rest of the students. 

What an amazing experience. James tells me that he is there three days each week. I'm thinking I might join him once or twice while I'm here. Those kids were no different than my kids or any others that I see every day at home. Unfortunately, they have a much tougher life. I thought about all of these things on the ride back to campus. I watched a man herd goats near the freeway and counted my blessings once again. Thank you Mr. Mandela for all that you did for South Africa and reminding me of how very blessed I am.