The little things...

They say that life begins at the end of your comfort zone, in which I can completely relate. When you are away from the comforting appeal of everyone and everything familiar, you are forced to open your eyes wider, and by doing so you see the world a lot brighter. You see more of the world too, as you are focused on your surroundings, your inner being, your mannerisms, your personality and your demeanour which ultimately reflect your actions, your perspective and your doings.

 On a lighter note, the little things that seems to wedge into my evening thoughts are frivolous yet have caused a stir of sorts. The Stop and Shop for instance, has self service pay points in which you scan your own goods and proceed to purchase your own items. This is something new to me, coming from South Africa, this would not occur. Driving on the right side of the road, makes perfect sense, and being able to turn right at a red robot, apologies, traffic light, again, makes perfect sense. The assortment of cereals, is something that humours me, Captain Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Frosted Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, Cheerios, Coco Pops, Apple Jacks, Trix, Raisin Bran, Reeses Puffs, Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruit Loops, Golden Grahams, Life, Frosted Mini Wheats, Weet-Bix, Pops, Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Krispies, Rice Crispies Treats Cereal, Honey Nut Cherrios, Golden Crisp, Honey Smacks and Crunchy Nut to name a few. Of which I have tasted eleven.

 The convenience of online shopping, is reasonable, dependable and efficient. There are no bank charges at Bank of America, doors are left unlocked, keys are left in the ignition as people run into stores, celebrities are common here, I've already seen Ricky Martin and Eric McCormack. Keith Richards from the rolling stones lives down the road from me. The police do their jobs. Dogs are adored, and treated like children everywhere, there is no such thing as mistreated, neglected strays. People are friendly and life is great !

Weekend Festivities...

This last weekend, memorial weekend, was my first real weekend in terms of socialising and getting out. It was a mixture of successes and failures, tears and laughter, but all in all a great time!

 Thursday night was spent at a local arts festival in which they close off main street, and local artists or potential artists of the like perform and display sculptures, paintings or even live graffiti are on vehicles.

 It was here I was able to broaden my worldwide friends base which led me into Friday night local saloon antics. Black Bear Saloon is a typical American sports bar slash club dance scene in which girls and boys are strongly looking for a good time. I mention this because the forwardness of American boys is somewhat shocking but then again also refreshing. Saturday I explored my local beach, Compo beach, with my Thai neighbour, the weather was fantastic, close to Durban with the humidity, a disappointing discovery since humidity is such a killer! The sand is pebbly and white, the water is as flat as road and transparent as glass, and the little shop selling everything from hot dogs, to ice-cream to candy and Melissa and Doug toys is so convenient. Saterday night I had my first train ride into the City that never sleeps, exploring the avenues and walking through Times Square in heels and a party dress was a new experience. Sunday I headed back into the city to revel in one of America's top sports, baseball, I thought cricket was tedious, baseball was no exception haha. I loved the ambiance and patriotism. The bunch of girls I spent the day with, from Germany to Netherlands to Brazil, was so wonderful. Experiencing this journey with people all over the world is such an eye opener, I feel as if I'm travelling to their countries through their stories and anecdotes, I feel so blessed to be involved with girls of different cultures.

United !

They refer to America as a United Country, this is not surprising considering some of my experiences. The communities work together, they follow the rules with no complaints, they do what's right with a smile on their face. Efficiency exists, everyone wants to help everyone in any job line, any situation, with a friendly attitude and willingness. It's such a breath of fresh air. If you are online enquiring more information, you receive a friendly phone call within minutes asking if you need any assistance, what they could do to help you. If you walk into Bank of America, you come first, there is no pressure, they want to help you. The bank's have drive through ATM's, its efficient. The Home Depot has self service teller machines, if we had those in South Africa people would steal, not here, there is trust. A supervisor at Starbucks gets you dental, full medical, pension assistance, income protection, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter assistance, tuition reimbursement and free coffee. This is a coffee shop, and you get dental ! If you litter you pay a $219 fine, the small things make the difference. In South Africa if you commit a crime you in and out of jail, comparing the size of these crimes with the repercussions, there is no comparison. America has the foundations in place, so their infrastructure is strong and long-term. The patriotism of the Americans is lovely, every sixth or so house has their American flag blowing in the breeze. People are proud to be in their country. It's really admirable. Jobs are not discriminated against one another, being a Nanny in Connecticut earns you a higher salary in one week then being a full time secretary for a medium sized company in South Africa for an entire month. The people and the country, it just feels right.

Shop, drop and pay !

Need therapy, affordable with proven results, go RETAIL !! A day at the mall in the States is nothing compared to the dismal shopping experiences of Empangeni Civic Centre or Musgrave. Having felt a bit homesick over the weekend, dropping into Danbury was the obvious cure. The options are endless, the quality is brilliant. and the prices vary from insanely expensive to super reasonable. Sipping on a White Chocolate Mocha Grande and nibbling on a chocolate glazed Dunkin Donut made me feel all American.

I want a chipmunk

I started running this week, the fear of obesity due to portion size has scared me into a religious running routine around my neighbourhood. I get greeted by deer, squirrels and chipmunks as I make my way down the short dirt road to meet with the tar road on the corner, protected by copious amounts of oaks and maples that form a guidance of direction. I can't help but make this strange " awwww " sound with every chipmunk sighting, hoping they start singing and chatting like Alvin.

Meeting another South African was wonderful, to be able to relate to frivolous things like how we miss Mrs Balls Chutney, or proper South African biltong made for laughable reminiscence. She married within a year of being in the country, hmmm, I ponder to my possibilities. Finally taking the driving dive was super, the feeling of being on the right side of the road knowing its right but feeling so wrong, was all but overcome in a matter of minutes. The size of the vehicle I drive is the true challenge, but so exciting learning something so simple yet so new.

I met up with a bunch of Au Pairs in the area to watch a late show at the  "Bow Tie" cinema. It felt so great to be out with people who are in the same position as me, doing the same job and of course the same age. Although it was just a movie, I had such a great time. Laughter really is the best medicine, and with the symptoms of home sickness, "What to expect when u expecting " was a great prescription for the evening. Needless to say the journey back home through the woods was animated with "Wrong Turn" and "The haunting in Connecticut" references and similarities.

Frank Pepe tastic

I had some great skype sessions this morning, back in SA everyone is settling in for the cool winter night air, munching on dinner or waiting for some evening comedy show on Mnet. How great is technology, honestly, keeping in touch has never been easier. It holds massive power, bringing people closer together yet also having the ability to rip people apart. I was amusingly frustrated today seeing Dexter (our 2 or so month old Jack Russel pup) and not being able to feel his soft warm body squirming through my hands as he comes at you with crocodile teeth ready to catch any part of your clothing or limb for that matter. I miss that little guy profusely. A proud big sister writes this as I learn I have the next Lance Armstrong for a brother. He's cycling those 10 kilometres like they're candy in a box.

My family is fantastic, they are a true example of how money does not buy happiness; warmth, generosity and kindness does. I keep getting treated to amazing places and of course, being fed. I have seen more food, purely due to portion size, in the last 8 days then I have in the last 6 months. I was fortunate enough to stuff my face with Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana pizza of a tomatoe based pie with mozzarella and salami. Pepe was founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant who immigrated to New Haven, Connecticut, known today as the best pizza in the USA. Crunchy crusts, fresh herbs, salami sensation, tomatoes so juicy, nothing was shy, yet the thin base was perfectly oven baked in the original fire masonry with original 3 metre long pizza peels. I am pickled with a smile deliciously spread across my face.

Working World, if even..

Today I woke up and started my working journey, it's part of the experience, and it's not bad work, these kids are great. I found myself clinging to my duvet as if it were my shield from the lurking chills sweeping the floors below me ready to pounce. I hit snooze twice, and browsed facebook to coincidentally come across this picture, chuckle.

On route to drop off's, I was treated with my first Starbucks experience, I indulged in the first to catch my eye " Cinnamon Mocha Latte" Grande, I gathered I would try each and every one on my journey, and in three months I should have a favourite. It was magic to the lips, I no longer place a stereotype on Starbuck's lovers, the legend exists !

After running a few errands and learning the routes of my soon to be daily routine, I was greeted with mail, old fashioned, in an envelope, in a post box mail. My heart fluttered with excitement despite the inevitable bestower. Bless you mom. I scurried downstairs to peer at the contents, it's a secret you will have to let your imagination fly. Here's the evidence though:

For Jenny

I watched my first baseball game today, it was a little league match between the Dragons and the White Caps, the calibre might not be Red Sox material, but the importance of the game was just the same. The outfits are adorable, miniatures of the top dogs, I took a picture so you can revel in my awe.

Mother's day, a day to appreciate the love and care our Mother's have for us all, the work, the time and effort they put into making us happy and successful and safe. Such a blessing to be a Mother, such a blessing to have a Mother. I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with a mother and her three kids. I was spoilt, taken to a stunning French restaurant that is decades old with original wallpaper, using china and sterling silver cutlery which was screaming with history at every mouthful. Not to mention the taste explosion from the combination of flavours. For appetisers I enjoyed the Lobster, Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus, Fava Beans & Pea Green Fricassee served over Leek, Potato & Parmesan Truffle Ravioli, Lobster Truffle Sauce. For Entrees I fell in love with the Sautéed Filet of Striped Bass, Roasted Corn, Zucchini & Basil Risotto, Fiddle Head Ferns, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon Basil Sauce. Satisfied would be an understatement. Of course while a talented pianist strokes the keys to create a posh ambiance. The perfect day, the only thing missing, my dearest Mother, I wish I could fly over the oceans to be with you today, you mean the world to me. I love and miss you.

Home is Where the Heart is

Miles away from the faces I love, the road I cross to get bread and milk, the red Ferrari that blasted Gotye as I embarrassingly sang and gestured, the warm ocean view, the constant phone calls from mom each day, the dates with my Nat, the familiarity of home. What is distance, Urban Dictionary candidly and simply describes it as "big, huge, ugly thing that keeps friends, Best friends, lovers and others away from each other. Distance usually causes random phrases like "I miss you!" or "My day is always worse with out you like today! " haha. That's pretty much what it is.

This last week has been emotional, emotionally draining, emotionally overwhelming and emotionally tiresome, shots of busy schedules and cocktails of Jet lag have made me drunk with fatigue. Thankfully this is day six and tomorrow I should return to normal, whatever that may be. My little town, emphasis on little, is just peachy, at first glance I felt like running in the opposite direction, after only two days of exploration and sight seeing I have come to peace with my new surroundings. Hey, New York is a train ride away, right ! In my short time I've had dinner and a show at a Japanese restaurant where cutlery is juggled and sharpened an arms length away, onion volcano's are ' doped ' is what they say here. I had lunch at a typical American Diner called Orem, as well as a Hot Dog at the Snack Shack, I met a Thai Au Pair, I watched a local play production of the rendition of Snow White, adorable, talented kids, I've had a history lesson on the American Revolution, been inside a YMCA, watched HBO and had a brand BANG with millions of Candy's and chocolates. Connecticut, one of the financially wealthiest states in the country, is overflowing with history and modernisation, people and trees and busy streets, safe and secure with tons to do.

Just for interest sake, Ice Tea is not like Lipton, it's literally tea that they have cooled and serve, a Philly Steak wrap is really not great, Root Beer tastes like liquorice, 20% tips are expected despite bad service, the South African accent apparently sounds like a mixture of the "European" and "Australian" accent, Sim cards don't exist here, Cable has over 500 channels, squirrels that are small are not babies, they are chipmunks, 25 degree Celcius is a scorcher of a day, a Written off car is "Totalled" and big ass trucks are the common means of transport. Every country, every city, is unique and splendid!

Big City Life

I've seen movies, paged through newspapers, browsed magazines and heard stories, but nothing prepares you for the sights and sounds of the city with your own five senses !! New York City, you can smell the air that exudes fast paced life and dollar dollar bills, you can taste the pretzels, Wendy burgers and 7 up, you can see the kaleidoscope of lights beaming from towers of enormous screens, you can hear the NYPD sirens and beating hearts of 100 excited foreigners aboard a bus that has taken us directly into the city that never sleeps. Yellow cabs and monuments, gorgeous churches and 57th street, history and fame come together to form an explosion of divine mess and perfection, a thrilling contradiction!

Unfortunately due to my infamous lack of time management my camera let me down moments into the tour, my eyes however, store a permanent array of scenes and emotions together at every glance. Stopping for dinner at a food court overseeing Brooklyn Bridge, we are torn for choices. Lady Liberty, or Liberty of Lightening is but a pin sized wonder in the distance. Coffee with Miranda and Carrie at Magnolia Bakery is a pass by dream. Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, for treats and coffee on the go. History lessons and celebrity addresses, we are able to take a step into the depths of the City. Central Park, a city of flowers and fauna all on its own.

I met Richmond, an assistant of one of New York's finest, trotting the streets to serve and protect. We stood in the drizzle with not a disappointed bone in our bodies as we skip to " Grand Slam " to browse the Big Apple's abundance of souvenirs, we pose with Captain America on the way, and we liaise with the local vendor of the " I love New York " hoodies that are stacked and piled on carts, colours and sizes, a colourful garden of purchasable memories. My throat was sensitive from all the gasps, as every corner was another exciting recognition of something South Africa did not have. All in all, a short and wonderful first impression that will stand the test of time. Thankfully I am an hour train ride into the centre of the City where exploration will be emancipated.

Times of Travel

Jet lag, it exists !

A total of twenty hours and twenty minutes flying time, as well as eight hours and thirty minutes between flights, making a total of twenty-eight hours and fifty minutes. Every second - worth it! Saying goodbye to my loved ones was elevated dramatically by a special pill my gran precariously offered me with the words ' Here, take this.' An anti-depressant, that inevitably would wear off, thankfully in the arms of my beloved Caitlyn. Her gift - a book of the USA, will be made an antique from page turning and bookmarking. Thank you for all the send off's, Mom, Paul, Gran, Mitch, Matt and Nicole, you are wonderful! The rest of you with your words, your texts, phone calls, posts, the love, the warmth, truly grateful and utterly smitten by each and every one of you.

Saffas! (South Africans), you beauts, strangers one moment, family the next, making the journey more bearable and enjoyable. Airports (Frankfurt and Newark) are the size of  some towns in Kwa-Zulu Natal, but getting lost with a new friend is tiresomely tolerable. Those wicked little screens 30cm from your face, giving you series, documentaries, movies, music, at first glance you feel indifferent, an hour into the flight, having to share your personal space with strangers, sleeping awkwardly, that screen, is now your best friend! Randy, a ' Row mate ' allowed me to make my first impression of the local American, well done Randy, you set the bar high.

Arriving in New Jersey, we are greeted by the eminent Starbucks! Exhaustion is momentarily discarded as we are overwhelmed by the finality of our long travels. Signage !! Yes, "Route  79" on the road signs, driving on the right hand side of the road, WiFi in a moving bus, American lingo, the NYC skyline in the far distance, the surrounding aromas, the greetings of girls and boys from all over the world, WE HAVE ARRIVED !!

Organized Chaos

Time is but a small glimpse of what was once a boundless obstacle in my departure process. Months turned into weeks, weeks turned into days, days have turned into the last few hours. My adventure is in reach, and my hands are itching to grab it and never let it go for the next year. The prep work has been tediously bearable considering they all make up the steps to the ' please fasten your seat belts as we get ready for take off ' moment. Packing has been a journey on its own. A year of clothing, supplies, memoirs, shoes, accessories, takes a lot of mental strength, big decisions in a woman's life.

Amoungst my decisions of chaos

All the songs I have been hearing over the last few days all seem to mention a state, majority being New York City, I guess it's like any moment when something is of interest to you, you automatically pick it up in your surroundings and everyday activities. Either way it makes me giggle like a teenage girl when a boy sends you a " Will you go out with me? yes. No. " note.

T-minus 21 hours until boarding. Whoop