Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A Brief Pity Party

I didn't come to South Africa to hang out with other Americans, but it's always nice to know at least ONE other person from your home culture, right?

In all the time we've been here, we've only known one other couple from the States (ironically, our home towns are only 90 minutes apart). It was so nice to share a cup of coffee every now and then and have someone from my home country to use as a sounding board or get a good dose of perspective without worrying about cultural misunderstandings.

Today we had to say good-bye, as they're moving back to the States. Our kids went to school together, so the children are also feeling the loss.

Good-byes stink, and they never seem to get easier, no matter how old I get.

7 comments:

liza said...

Hi!, I am an American in Pretoria. I just moved here last May. I am a 57 year old woman with 3 children and 6 grandchildren and I am from Iowa. Right now I live in the country N of Pretoria in a garden flat. I would love to have another American friend here now.

Anna said...

Hello, Liza! Perahps we can meet for coffee sometime if you're keen. Do you know where the Kollonade shopping mall is?

Is your family here with you?

I look forward to meeting you, Annie

liza said...

Yes, I do know where the Kollonade shopping mall is. I would love to meet you there someday for coffee.I am only here with my soon to be South African husband/man. His name is Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

I look forward to meeting you too, Liza

Anna said...

Hi, Liza. Just let me know what days work for you. Weekends are better for me. If there's a coffee place closer or somewhere else you'd like to go, let me know. I'm free next weekend 29-30 August.

liza said...

Hi! Annie,
Yes, the 29th will be great! Say, about 3. We can meet at Kollonade shopping mall. You pick the place and let us know. Chris would love to meet you too. I am not used to driving to far from home yet.Are you on Face Book? I am look me up as Beth Freytag Gerst.
Talk to you later.
Liza

Anna said...

The 29th at 3:00 sounds great! How about House of Coffees upstairs? Looking forward to meeting you, Annie

liza said...

Great! We will be there. See you then.
Liza