Roughing It

It's a sunny, crisp, autumn-like day, as has been every day so far. Cool in the shade but warm and relaxing in the sun. Clear blue skies. Now enter the best brunch you have ever had, as seen in the photo. Hannah and James' friends, Shawn and Rodney invited us to their house for a day-long brunch event that put my heart-shaped waffles and fruit to shame.

We arrived around 1pm to mimosas, wine and all the food you see, all made by the two of them. There were lentil-stuffed peppers, red spinach dip in a home made bread bowl, potatoes with a Thai chili jam, savory muffins, cheeses and kudu sausage from the grill... to name a few.

Their house was something from MTV cribs. very open layout, living room with huge doors opening to their wrap-around yard, open kitchen that led to their wonderful open-air patio, and so much sunshine and natural light to satisfy your need for vitamin D.

Around 6pm we decided we needed to head back to the house to prepare for our own get-together! Friends were coming over to grill out on the back patio. I give props to everyone for drinking mimosas and wine all day only to transition straight into beer and barbecue!

James cooked up chicken wings and lamb chops in their braii (grill). Braiis come standard in South African houses since it is such a large part of their culture, which makes me wonder why Americans haven't caught on given our summertime obsession with grillin' burgers and have a bud light.

-As you can tell I haven't been lacking in activities so far, and it's all thanks to my awesome hosts! This country is beautiful and it is really a shame everyone had to live behind gates (both around the house and inside) and electrified fences. It almost seems a waste to have such amazing yards and tree-lined streets when you mostly can only drive past.

-I'm still learning the nuances of the culture and even though it is very diverse there seems to be a racial separation between servers and those served. Margo and I have been told that Cape Town is a much more social, integrated atmosphere, so I look forward to seeing what the southern coast has to offer!

**I apologize for the combined paragraphs. Blogger decided to stop working.