My first week in South Africa

Thanks for all your mail and messages! It was really nice to get them, feeling supported by you!

Now I'm a bit more than one week here in Jo'burg. Time for an update. I don't know where to start.

Maybe at the beginning ;-) I arrived in Jo'burg and Sam picked me up. He is the project manager here in RSA, but also my room mate. Which is good as I'm not lonely here. So the first days I just could follow him as he knows all ways.

We are living in the north of Johannesburg, in a rich area. Our house is situated in an appartement complex, with a swimming pool, bar and fitness room in the middle. Everything is really secured here with high fences, control stations and guards. Not really a happy surrounding ;-( But I guess I better get use to that. Anyway, our house is ok. Own room and bathroom for each of us. Furter a big balcony, facing the swimming pool. As it is not that warm at the moment (22 degrees, but stil spring), nobody is using the pool yet.

During my first working days we tried to get me sattled as good as possible. But until now, internet, mail and all technichal support is not funny and cost a lot of energy. But away from this, it's fun to be with other people and discover an other working surrounding. Bit by bit I come in more in to my tasks for the next months. And which each bit I start to realise how big this event is! And feel happy that I will be a part of it.

Today we had a meeting with the Local organising comitee. They are based beside the new stadium in Jo'burg. The feeling to stand beside this huge stadium, which I just know from TV, is great!

Today I was driving our car for the first time. Uhhh, exciting. Trough the city and on the left side! Next week I wil get my own car, so I better be prepared.

Beside work there is not so much to do at the moment. I'm looking for some evening activities but think that soon I will be busy with working in the evenings anyway. But there are enough plans for weekends. To start that we will go to Mozambique for getting the dive licence. Or to the Victoria Falls up in the North. Next week we will have some site visits that means I will come around in the country! Cool. Can't wait.

That some first impressions. There is much more and each day I experience new things. I will try to keep you updated as much as possible.