Arrival in Ingwavuma

Saturday -

And today we arrived at our final destination - Ingwavuma. More about that to come.

We spent the early morning trying to sort out computer things. We were sorry to be leaving Durban without exploring it all. However we (or at least I) still got to appreciate from afar the magnificent new football stadium. Imagine Wembley by sand and sea. It has an arch running over the top. When we return we hope to take a tour over the top. Mary is also keen on investigating bungy jumping from the roof (which is apparently on offer).

We were due to be picked up at 10.30 but our lift arrived at 12.50. Our driver was called Enoch and his lady friend was called Cornelia. They had already picked up the one other English doctor (*) who will be working in Ingwavuma named Shabana. We all crammed into an old Ford truck and headed for the local supermarket to buy food basics (+ marmite and Finn crisp biscuits).

Our journey up was smooth. Enoch proved to be an excellent driver - easily the best we've ever had in Africa. Cornelia acted as translator. Durban's number one radio station provided the in-car entertainment. As promised by Adam Elliott the English/ American pop selected for the listeners was at best erractic. Nonetheless it gave me a chance to sing along to some long forgotten songs (e.g. enigma - return to innocence). Cornelia's accompanied me in much of my singing and her big booming laugh followed all of my jokes. I began to feel immediate and intense affection for all Zulu women (and thereby a sense of understanding for President Zuma).

By the time we arrived at our hosptial accommodation, it was nightfall. We were shown to our accommodation. We have been placed somewhere for the week while our permanent residence is fixed up. Suffice to say that it wouldn't be entirely Susie Toulson's cup of Rooibus (sp?). 'My family and other animals' doesn't begin to capture the biodiversity on offer. But thus far all have kept themselves to themselves. Reassuringly, we have antivenom on site (something I am keep telling myself in preparation for snake encounter number 1).

Before bed, we met up with most of the other doctors and med staff + partners that are living on the compound. All were very friendly. One was a teacher. I will be visiting his school on Tuesday to investigate opportunities.

Mary is now asleep beside me. Her last question, prior to losing consciousness was 'What do cockroaches do?'. I think she meant 'Are they dangerous?'. I reassured her that they have received a grossly unfair reputation. It seemed to do the trick.

(* - Mary - poking her nose in beside me - would like all to be reminded of the fact that she considers herself Candian.)