Marie-wind! (...like 'rewind'... get it??)

Fun, Facts, and Follies From The Last Few Days (or, in this case, weeks)

• Last week I was very nearly hit by a police van. We're talking about the difference of a mere few feet. Note to self: traffic comes from the left.

• Central heating is a rarity in SA. Because the temperature flux is so moderate, cold nights simply require more clothing instead of a higher dial setting.

• There are 7-11s here! But sadly, no slurpees (oh the horror!)

• As a Canadian, I am used to those in the service industry referring to me as "Miss" or "Ma'am". Here, they say "Lady!", as in: "Lady! Lady! Lady! Put your luggage here!". It is tough for me not to interpret this as being very rude.

• On my flight to Cape Town, I had the good luck of being seated next to a very handsome South African zoologist. He not only helped me with my nearly-overweight suitcases but also in my moment of panic when I thought my driver failed to show at the arrivals gate. Angels do exist, ladies and gents.

• .... as do creepy customs officials. As I went through U.S customs on my flight out of Canada, the U.S officer grabbed my passport, took a good hard look at my photo, and then glanced up at me and smiled while saying: "Yep, those are definitely your eyes". Umm, what?? Did he just hit on me or is he just really into physicality-based passport verifications?

• Biggest frustration so far: THERE ARE NO ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN BATHROOMS. This may seems like not such a big deal, but think about it. No flat-irons, no hair dryers, no eletrical toothbrushes or shavers... nothing. All that junk normally reserved for Canadian bathrooms is suddenly resigned to your bedroom which lacks both the mirror space and counter space for getting anything done in an efficient manner. Drives me insane. 

• Oh, and the outlets are different in both shape and voltage. This means the simple act of plugging in said flat iron is no longer simple at all. It take plugging it into a voltage converter, which is then connected to a plug converter, which is then stuck into the wall. Oy.  

• Cape Town law courts has two benches outside their doors which sent chills down my spine in the worst way. The first was engraved with the words: WHITES ONLY. The other: BLACKS ONLY.