Week two was a little better, I felt a little more settled in. Lots of things happened! Easter Sunday started out with a wonderful church service at my adopted church home, the Protestant International Church. I have never been so warmly and enthusiastically greeted by each attending member! Although it was only my second time there, I felt very much at home. We sang the familiar hymns, including "Jesus Christ is risen today!" which made me feel more at home. Then after we went to the church social room for a festival potluck lunch. The tables were overflowing with native foods from all over the world - a plethora of tasty, colorful choices, including wonderful desserts. I sat at a table with several other Americans and people from England, Australia, Kenya and the Philippines. Wonderful.Then a few of us went to the Embassy, which is very close by, for an afternoon of swimming and lounging at the American club. It was very hot and the pool felt great.It was a very nice Easter, and I was very grateful for the fellowship of my new friends, but I was homesick for the things I missed - the Hallelujah chorus, Easter lilies, corsages, Easter bonnets and baskets, chocolate bunnies and peeps, and of course, church and brunch with my daughters.When I left the Embassy, I picked up Millie and we went to our house to spend our first night in our new home. Like the first night in any new place, it was a little creepy, especially after dark, but we eventually got comfortable and went to sleep.By far the most memorable experience of the week happened before sunrise on Monday. I'd been waking up very early, still adjusting to the 9 hour time change. I woke up very early on Monday morning, and at 6am I was in my kitchen making coffee. While waiting for the coffee to brew, I was putting away dried dishes. I opened the silverware drawer, and there was a lizard in the drawer! It was about 8" long and actually looked more like a baby alligator, for the second that I saw it anyway, before it disappeared over the back of the drawer. I was ran outside to get a friend, who came in with me to find it. I think he was only vaguely aware of what it was, a rat? A snake? A bug? We could find no trace of it and after my heart stopped pounding I got ready for work. I told a lot of people about it that day and everyone has seen them in their houses, not a problem as they eat bugs and generally stay out of the way. I haven't seen it since and am chuckling about it now, but it sure did give me a start! I had lots of meetings with people during the week and things went pretty well. We are near the Pakistani cafe, and I ate lunch there almost day. They have about 4 things on the menu each day, different varieties of chicken or beef biryani or kebobs, flavored rice, salad and a big round of flat bread, all for about $1.50. The food is delicious and spicy, sometimes hot. They serve breakfast too, something like an egg sandwich served on flatbread, for about .75. Can't beat the prices!
I have also hired a cook and his first day was Friday. He made a delightful zucchini-veggie dish with rice. He is coming again Monday so I will see what he comes up with.
On Thursday night, a lady from church hosts a bible study at her house. About 15 people go, and she has a cook who makes a wonderful dinner for everyone. It was absolutely delightful to be in this small group.
Today I went with my friend and my gardener out to the flower markets to buy some flowers and plants for my yard and terrace. The nurseries are extensive and very lush and exotic. I picked out pink roses, flowering bushes, cactus, climbing flowers, tomato plants, large potted plants, herbs and turf grass, and delivered to my house, it all cost under $100! My gardener is going to start tomorrow, so check back for photos of the finished product.
Millie seems very happy. She has her own room with a porch to spend her days, and she seems to like that. She likes everyone here and although many people here are afraid of dogs, they seem to like her too. I'm so glad she's here with me.
People here seem to be very nice, friendly and helpful. I have enjoyed talking to everyone as they are very friendly and enjoy talking about their families.
Email me, if you would like my address,if you'd like to write.
Only regular US postage is required as it is flown out of DC. Delivery takes 2 or more weeks.
I think that's all I have for now, will check back next week! Hugs and all best wishes everyone! XXOO
I have also hired a cook and his first day was Friday. He made a delightful zucchini-veggie dish with rice. He is coming again Monday so I will see what he comes up with.
On Thursday night, a lady from church hosts a bible study at her house. About 15 people go, and she has a cook who makes a wonderful dinner for everyone. It was absolutely delightful to be in this small group.
Today I went with my friend and my gardener out to the flower markets to buy some flowers and plants for my yard and terrace. The nurseries are extensive and very lush and exotic. I picked out pink roses, flowering bushes, cactus, climbing flowers, tomato plants, large potted plants, herbs and turf grass, and delivered to my house, it all cost under $100! My gardener is going to start tomorrow, so check back for photos of the finished product.
Millie seems very happy. She has her own room with a porch to spend her days, and she seems to like that. She likes everyone here and although many people here are afraid of dogs, they seem to like her too. I'm so glad she's here with me.
People here seem to be very nice, friendly and helpful. I have enjoyed talking to everyone as they are very friendly and enjoy talking about their families.
Email me, if you would like my address,if you'd like to write.
Only regular US postage is required as it is flown out of DC. Delivery takes 2 or more weeks.
I think that's all I have for now, will check back next week! Hugs and all best wishes everyone! XXOO
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