Gas Anyone???

So I finally had to get gas for the car today.  It ended up being R440.00 which equals about $55.00 USD!  What the hell am I driving...an Excursion?  LOL!  My tiny Chevy cobalt cost me more money to fill up than my Jeep and I still had a 1/4 of a tank left.  Thank goodness I seem to only need to fill up once every 3 weeks.  LOL!  And no...I didn't have to pump my gas.  NJ and South Africa have something in common!!!  :-) 

Speaking of driving...today I saw a very interesting sight.  It isn't uncommon to see people at the traffic lights trying to sell you something or ask for money.  But today it was quite a different scene.  There was an older man who I can only assume is homeless NAKED on the side of the street at the traffic light.  The weird thing was, was that he was wearing shoes. I truly didn't know where to look, but my view was right in front of his frank and beans.  The BMW behind me must have seen this man before because he just blew the horn, told me to drive and for the man to get out of the way.  What a way to start the morning........

What a BUBBLY day!!!

Today we celebrated the launch of the new Cadbury Dairy Milk..... Bubbly which is an aerated  milk chocolate.  The month of August is to show our support for the new launch.  Every Friday the colleagues will wear their new zip up running jackets or shirts. (Yes, the company provided this for the team) The office celebrated this launch in style with delicious food, a milkshake bar, a jukebox (and yes..I picked Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi to represent), a photo booth, cotton candy, cookies, decorations, track suits and of course the chocolate.  It was a great way to celebrate and thank all the people who worked on the brand.  Congratulations to Cadbury's newest chocolate bar.  It has had huge success in the UK so let's hope it does just as well in South Africa.  A great way to start the weekend....here are some pics...

The product of the hour!!!

party in the cafeteria

pre party decorations

photo op for the office hotties

cotton candy anyone?

Music time...BORN IN THE USA!!  Yeah..I picked that!

I had a very delicious vanilla milkshake with bubbles

coffee area

decorations

walking to the party

this is how they presented the candy bar to us Sorry it is upside down.....

David's new zip up running jacket

Swaziland

Swaziland definitely has it's down falls, but it truly makes them  up with the people.  These people are the most humble, genuine people I have ever met.  They are extremely hard workers and just absolutely so kind.  The plant however is the worst I have seen.  I am amazed at how much product they can produce with such little resources.  It puts your life into perspective.  I have been to a lot of plants all over the world, each with different capabilities and I always try to learn something from each one of them.  Hoping to pass on knowledge to others for a more efficient industry.  From Swaziland, they don't have the money for a new cooker, they don't have the resources for full time line supervisors, but what they do have is the heart for their products they make.  That is something priceless and should be passed all over the world.

Speaking of products....I have experienced awesomeness.  I have eaten eclairs off the line when they are hot.  OMG..these are delightful.  I devoured a product called PS.  They are caramel candy with white chocolate center.  Holy Crap I have hit the mother load of deliciousness.  I stole a whole bag off the line.  They all melted into one big candy.  I don't care...it is still edible. 

Swaziland itself has nothing.  It is very flat and run down.  People are just trying to make a living.  The place I stayed in was very nice.  It had botanical gardens all around and crystal blue pools.  It was much hotter there than in Jo'burg.  The airport (if you can call it that) might be the size of the RD&Q center in Whippany.  And I think that is being generous.  It was a 20 minute flight on Swazilink airlines.  I didn't know what to expect.  I kind of thought to myself, if there was duct tape holding the plane together I wasn't getting on it.  But it was fine.  Definitely an experience.  I saw a lot of cattle, an Ostrich and a lot of geckos.  One was in my tub.  I made an agreement with him.  I told him he could stay as long as he stayed in the tub.  He listened so I named him Rico.  LOL!  It was a very long 3 day trip that benefited myself and the plant.  I can honestly say however....it is good to be back in my temporary home in Jo'burg. 

Here are some pics...

Swaziland Airport

apartments

random building and dirt roads

front view of my bungalow

police

view of my bedroom

airport gift shop...no joke

What a beautiful day in Jo'burg

It simply has been the best weather today.  Amazing.  So amazing that when I went for my run I didn't realize that I went 4 miles one way.  I did turn back around and "jogged" back only to take in some wonderful sites of the lush land.  I am sitting outside on my porch with my 2 new best friends Levi and Savannah (my adopted dogs for the next 3 months)  They are so friendly and keep me company all the time.  They see me off to work and when I am home.  It isn't Bally Rio and Taj...but it is a very nice companionship. 

I need to pack for my trip to Swaziland tomorrow.  Need to leave my lodge at 4:30 am.  Ugh....but I am looking forward to a new place.  It is all in the experience!!

Enjoy your Sunday my friends.  Here are some pics of my home away from home and my adopted doggies...

my home

kitchen area

oasis

gated community

LEVI

Savannah

Tennis anyone????

view from the driveway

Food for thought.....

Happy Saturday to all of you!  It was a long week, but the weekend is here!  Well, almost half way through for some of us. 

I went to the mall....today (Thinking of Robin Sparkles from HIMYM)  Anyway...it was a very clean mall with interesting stores.  There were different ethnic cuisines from hamburgers, to coffee cafes, to sushi, to pizza.  I decided to try the South African Pizza.  It was good.  I ordered a bacon pie.  I couldn't buy by the slice, just a medium or large pie.  The pie came out and it was equivalent to the small pie from Domino's.  Thin crust with veggies on it too.  Not sure if that is common to have the veggies on a meat pie, but I am not going to complain since I love the veggies.  The pizza did not have a lot of sauce on it, and the cheese looked like it had basil on it.  My comparison to the South African pizza is the frozen Celeste pie you get at the grocery store.  I will try different places too before I make my final judgement call.  David- when you are in NYC...you need to get a "slice" of pizza.  That is one staple you will have to do before leaving.  Oh and also a bagel! 

So like you all know I went to McDonald's last week.  A tid bit of information for you...their "large" size is the "America's" medium!  LOL!  Also, their "party bag" size of chips are even smaller than the US regular version.  Everything (fast food) is smaller portions here.  This could definitely explain why the woman getting me a lab coat yesterday told me I could wear the medium or even a large but I wasn't a small.  :-(  LOL!  Oh well.  I will bring my American curves here with confidence.  I am going to send David to Costco for him to see how an American eats and shops.  LOL!

I went to the grocery store today.  I am quite addicted to the Pick and Pay.  I am also addicted to the Cadbury white chocolate lunch bars.  It is great seeing all the chocolate products on display.  There is so much happiness and pride when I see that down here.  Such a difference from Hershey and Mars...especially since I work for Cadbury/Kraft.  The pick and pay is a very clean store that offers a lot of options.  I think I found 6 pick and pays in the 5 mile vicinity.  That is the only chain supermarket I have seen though.

Ok..well, I am going to watch a movie now.  Everyone enjoy your Saturday.  Tomorrow I will pack for my first trip to Swazilnd.  I am really excited.  I have huge shoes to fill being David's temporary replacement.  However, I will definitely not be pushed over.  Swaziland...meet D-WOW!  Bringing a little fiestiness to the land! 

Here are some picks of the mall, me driving, Jo'burg and the pizza.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela

Today is South Africa's highest praised man's birthday.  Happy 91st birthday to Mr. Nelson Mandela.  Now unlike a US celebration, this iconic hero does not guarantee a paid holiday!  On the contrary.  Today was a day where Mandela has asked for 67 minutes of your time.  67 minutes today should have been dedicated to some charitable service.  Even if it was from babysitting, to having a bake sale or even knitting blankets for the poor, 67 minutes should be devoted to a good cause.  Kraft today had a bake sale.  Baked goods which were savory and sweet were made by the confections and the chocolate team and sold.  All profits went to an oorphanage and all left over baked goods along with Cadbury chocolate found its way to the kids as well  :-) 

67 minutes of charity work is based off of the 67 dedicated years Mandela has served towards South Africa.  He kindly asks all South Africans "Rich or Poor, black or white"  that 67 minutes of work today might reflect a lifetime of improvements and happiness.  Some people have taken the 67 minutes to the extreme.  On a local radio show, the crew decided to volunteer for charity work at a local inner city school.  However when they got there, they saw the extreme improvements, equipment, attention, and care that the building needed so they made it a year long project.  The first order of business, fix the broken windows, set up a security alarm system so the laptops and gym equipment do not get stolen anymore, and paint the outside of the building.  The year long project will also include after school programs, a new futball field (soccer for my US friends) a new garden and a program to attract more volunteer teachers.  The influence this man has on this nation is incredible.   88% of the South African and World population based on numerous poles, place Nelson Mandela as the worlds most significant leader.  Closely behind him....Martin Luther King Jr and Obama. 

So once again, Happy Birthday Mandela.  Enjoy your favorite dish tonight (tripe) and have a long and healthy life.  If you don't know too much about Nelson Mandela, I would suggest you read some articles on the man who never backed down, fought for the people and the land he loved so much.   

Little swimmers and Avocados

I went to the grocery store for the first time yesterday and the first thing I walk into is a stand of avocados and beer.  One thing I have noticed is that avocados are very popular here.  A lot of people bring an avocado, scoop it out, spread it on bread add salt and pepper and that is their lunch.  Pretty healthy lunch but is it filling?  Plus, I do not like avocados so I will stick to my soup.  I officially am starting a diet tomorrow.  Since being here I have been eating like crazy.  I would love to enjoy the cuisine, but I need to do it moderation.  I have been having a big lunch and big dinner.  I asked Yvette here to prepare me smaller meals when I eat at the lodge.  Even at the lodge there are avocados everywhere.  Kind of odd, but in Thailand I experienced everyone ate mushrooms.  So I guess this is the choice of the people.

I do have to apologize to some today.  I am in a foul mood today.  Stress has been getting to me.  No one said that this job would be easy and I never anticipated it.  I just never assumed I would be dealing with so much on the East coast as well.  Eventually in the coming weeks my communication and work load will have to diminish from the East.  I worked yesterday for 14 hours.  I am very appreciative of this opportunity and I am relishing in it as much as possible, however the stress today and yesterday hit me.  Travel plans have been set and I will be travelling a good amount.  I like to travel...but to Nigeria?  I don't know.  But it is part of my job now....so it has to be.  I am sure it will be fine.  David likes it there.  But then again David isn't me.  So for the people I have spoken to today and snapped at I apologize.  I do want to reiterate though, I am not being treated like a princess.  The lodge is not heated at all.  The only thing heated is the floors.  Since winter is only 2 months they don't include insulation or a heating system.  So when it gets down to 30 F here all I have is this bedspread to keep me warm, but by the time I get home I am exhausted so the cold is a minor problem.  Yvette is great, but I can cook as well.  However when I get home from a 12 hour day the last thing I want to do is cook.  Oh and my "accident" wasn't that big of a deal.  Though the hubcap would beg to differ.  Sorry for the bitching and clarification, but this isn't a vacation.  It is however a great experience and I am very grateful for it.  I do miss everyone though.  I feel like I have been gone for a month and it has been only a week.

So moving on from my bitch fest..stress out...I was flipping through  South African Magazine and came across a very interesting article.  It was about male sperm and how many men in different regions have "active" sperm or little "drowners"  Come to find out the US and UK have the most little drowners while South America and Sweden have the most productive little men with the CAN DO attitude.  You ask why I bring this up....well, the advertisement before the article was a martini glass filled with Swedish Fish!!!  And yes, they are Swedish Fish.  My question to you all....do we get a profit from this and who the hell are we selling our license name to?  LOL!

 

HOLY $H!T

Well, I drove today...by myself with no instructor.  I have no idea where he was, but in the end I couldn't wait.  Good thing because he never showed up.  So I self taught myself to drive on the opposite side of the road. I hit a curb going about 20 mph or 32 km (and yes, I need to check if my tire is flat tomorrow morning because I F-ed up the rim and both tires!) After that incident...it was pretty easy.  The only complications I seem to have is getting out of a parking lot.  For some reason that seemed to be the hardest.  I am just hoping that I don't need to get both tires replaced.  If so I am making Kraft pay.  That simple!  Oh..did I forget to mention that a rock hit my windshield and now there is a crack too?  Not that I could have avoided that..but COME ON!  Either way, after the nerves settled and I hit the curb I was in a comfort zone.  The GPS SUCKS too.  It told me to go right and after a half hour of driving I decided to turn around.  Thank god I did when I decided to because there was their main intersection.  It was just as crowded as 287 and the speed limit is 125 km (75 mph )  Not quite ready for that yet.  I turned around and went the opposite way the GPS highlighted and sure enough my destination was right there.  Freaken A.  But the driving was necessary for me to feel comfortable. 

After my misguided adventure from the GPS, I passed a lot of malls.  Unfortunately, just like Bergen county, the stores were mainly closed on Sunday's. To paint a picture of what a South African mall is, picture a strip mall.  Something to the extent of the Rockaway Mall where Target is.  The one sign mentioned the biggest mall in South Africa.  I would say it is equivalent to the Livingston Mall.  LOL!  One thing that is interesting however is that they have these 5 star restaurants in the mall itself.  High priced meals right next to a "Gap"  Kind of weird. 

I also wanted to go grocery shopping.  I know now that the shopping center closes at 4.  LOL!  We are definitely not in NJ anymore.  After work tomorrow I will either have to get my tires fixed or go to the Pick and Pay.  That is their "Shoprite" 

One thing that I find very interesting about Jo'burg is that every store I was able to walk into plays a TON of 80's music and the golden oldies.  I was in the McDonald's jamming to the Everley Brothers.  It is a huge trend I see down here.  Especially 80's music.  Speaking of McDonald's...on my quest, I had to stop in to see what a South African McDonald's was like.  They do not have as many items on the menu as a McDonald's from the states but their food was quite delicious.  I would say one of the best chicken nuggets I have ever had.  Relatively cheap as well.  They have a "Royal McDouble" , "Royal Mac" and the typical, chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets, fillet of fish and the single with or with out cheese.  It was VERY clean though.  Extremely neat and the service was fast and fresh.  Quite a good experience. 

Ok everyone- pray that my tires are ok and that they don't become flat or that I need new ones.  Or if I do that the place accepts American Express because I REFUSE to pay for this!!  Should have had an instructor.  Though...I do feel comfortable driving.  Just wish I didn't hit the curb.  Of course on the left side.  Oh well. 

Enjoy your Sunday everyone.  And Congrats to Jim, Johnny, Craig, Pete, Paul and Catherine for completing and surviving the Warrior Dash.

Miss you all.  Enjoy some pics...

Lazy days

Today I decided to catch up on all of my sleep.  The driving lessons have been postponed due to the rain today.  I think eliminating a variable is important so tomorrow I will be driving around Jo'burg.  I think it will be all ok.  I just hope the GPS works in the car.  Though anyone who knows me knows that even in the states I barely can use a GPS. 

Today I watched TV for the first time in South Africa.  It is interesting.  I do have a movie channel in my room.  I was watching a movie and they kept bleeping out the words God, Lord, and Jesus.  But they would allow the F word.  They also bleeped out the word cock from cockpit, but yet they showed boobs from Get Him to the Greek.  It is a very odd censor.  I spoke with one of the people in the building and he reiterated how important religion is in South Africa.  Yeah, I get that...but it was just something I didn't expect.  Even after reading the books. 

They have a channel here that is a copy of E!  However, all I am hearing is how much the SA commentators are dissing American singers, actors, athletes etc....  It is quite eye opening to see how others view America.  To eliminate the anticipation.  their view is that Americans are spoiled and lazy.  SHOCKER! 

Today, Jim, Craig, Johnny, Pete, Paul, Catherine and Paul are participating in the warrior dash.  Good luck to them.  I will be thinking of them while I am laying in bed relaxing.  Have fun and be safe.

Stay tuned for my post on the driving tomorrow.  As for now...I am going to eat dinner and relax.  Hope all is well with everyone...

And I promise more interesting details on this blog will come...

Jealous....

Here are some pictures of outside my bedroom window!!!  Tonight's dinner is a traditional African deep fried pork.  I am not too sure if I will be able to stay up to enjoy the authentic meal since jet lag is starting to kick my butt.  Today at work was crazy busy.  Multitasking numerous projects and countries takes a toll on you.  However they do believe in work life balance in Kraft South Africa. Typical start time is 7 and work till 4 or 5 with a half hour lunch.  On Friday the co workers try to leave right at 4.  Though I am missing out on summer hours in Whippany, the respect of a balanced life is well appreciated here. 

I go for driving lessons tomorrow.  Wish me luck.  A cold front is coming in.  So far the "winter" weather has been high of 50 in the morning rising to the mid 60's in the afternoon and dropping down to the 30's at night.  Tomorrow a cold front is coming in with some rain.  High of 40.  Still better than snow. 

I will get some pictures of Jo'burg this weekend.  xoxoxo

Working girl....

Today was my first visit to the Jo'burg office.  It is a very clean, shiny building.  Marble, granite, stainless steel, and glass windows make up this 2 story building.  I am shocked at how crystal clean everything was.  Not to say Whippany is dirty, but this place is prestige.  The lab areas are much smaller than Whippany with less equuipment.  But yet functional for what they need to do.  The cool thing about Jo'Burg's office is that they do a significant amount of chocolate work.  So for those of you who love chocolate...it is a paradise.  There is chocolate everywhere.  There was a "tasting" sample of a new Caramel product.  Much better I must say than a Halls tasting!!!  The working areas are long desks with no dividers so there is no privacy.  However it is not loud at all. I met a ton of people in the matter of 10 minutes and do not remember 1 single name.  LOL!  However they all offered to drive me around since I SUCK at driving on the right hand side of the road.  The small group of people that work at the Woodmead office are extremely lovely.  They are willing to help and want to learn.  They are interested in NYC and of course...THE JERSEY SHORE!  I had to explain that not EVERYONE from NJ is like Snookie.  LOL! 

The building is 2 floors, RD&Q majority are downstairs while marketing and finance are upstairs.  Like us, they have a small cafeteria.  Ours is actually slightly larger but not by much.  Food selection is similar to what we use to have.  I am not even sure how our new catering service is in Whippany, but unlike Whippany the cafeteria is lower cost and soda is free!  Today we got to pick from these hot meals: roasted chicken with wild rice, turkey lasagna, or spinach quiche with a mix of salads and soups to chose from.  However if that didn't tickle your fancy, they have a large selection of sandwiches made to order.  Basic meals, but something for everyone. 

The day was full of project information, forgetting names, and trying to remember where the ladies room was.  One thing I definitely need to remember is that to exit or enter any room you must use your security card.  I forgot a bunch of times and walked right into the door.  If I wasn't obvious before that I was new...I sure did then!!! 

Time difference is quite ideal for a extended business trip too.  While I was on some conference calls I was still able to speak with Whippany colleagues and address anything that needed attention.  David is really excited to come to the states.  The last time he was in the US was over 30 years ago.  He told me what he remembers about the US is Dunkin Donuts.  I told him things haven't changed...just expanded!!!  I was only able to fill him in on some details regarding his projects, but he will be fine.  He is extremely smart and a Wikapedia genius.  You think I am lying...think again.  Ask him anything....he knows it. 

I skyped with Jim today.  Showed him my lovely pad.  Hopefully this weekend I will take some pictures.  By the time I get back to my rent a home it is dark.  So keep a look out for weekend pics.  And wish me luck with my driving lessons.

Hope you all have a great day.  In an hour Ivette will have my dinner ready.  I apparently am having dinner with the "family" here.  Today's dinner choice...Pad Thai curry with chicken.  Again...rough life. 

We're not in Kansas anymore....

It is finally here.  I am in Jo'burg.  The city (from what I could see since I landed at night) is truly a little version of the Big Apple.  There are tall buildings, a lot of lights and CRAZY drivers.  Getting through customs was very easy and everyone in the airport was super friendly and extremely helpful.  David, my counter part who is swapping with me will be landing in JFK on Saturday.  I told him not to expect the same respect.  I got to my villa.  It is in a gated community for security purposes and is so pretty.  I haven't seen the grounds yet because it was evening when I arrived, but the suites are quite nice. The chef for the place is named Ivette.  There are only 10 rooms.  Each room has a small kitchen area(but why cook when I have a personal chef who said she would make me anything I want!), a bedroom and bath.  There is a lounge area, bar, exercise room and computer center in the building as well.  Full 24 hour services for cleaning and laundry.  Rough life.

I landed to 65 degrees.  Oh and that reminds me...they have heated floors and blankets in each room.  Perfect for people like me who are cold in 80 degree weather.  Tomorrow I will be at work at 7 am.  Hopefully after work I will take an adventure out to the little big apple (wannabe) and explore.  Though I technically am not allowed to drive yet since my driving lessons don't start till Saturday. 

I encountered my first South African bug.  It looked like a giant lady bug.  It was hanging out by my door.  I pushed that sucker far away.  Not ready to deal with dinosaur size bugs just yet.  The flight here was cool too.  They had traditional South African and African music playing.  Their food selection was all authentic traditional meals.  I ate a lot of couscous.  And so far...the coffee isn't too bad.  Not as good as Singapore, but to be honest...not as terrible as the coffee I had in Colombia.  Go figure.

It is a 6 hour time difference, so it is time for me to hit the "heated" sack.

Oh and one more thing..a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little nephew Max who turned 10 today!!! 

Stay tuned for pics and more descriptions of South Africa.

Let the journey begin!

I have landed in Washington after one terrible turbulent flight. I am sitting in the Lufthansa business lounge drinking a whiskey and looking over work notes and logistics for this trip. I can't help but still be sad from leaving my home, family and friends, but reality is setting in and the excitement is building. I have about an hour and a half to kill before my flight to Jo'burg. I hope you all are having a great day so far and my next post will officially be in Africa's Big Apple!!!

Ps. Both pieces of luggage totaled over 100 pounds. Hopefully David is strong cause he has some heavy lifting to do at the airport when he picks me up.

Saying Goodbyes.....

I still have not packed. But I am enjoying my time with family and friends. Saying goodbye to my family who got me a delicious cake. And congrats to the Jackson Hewitt softball team for their win! Saying goodbye is pretty hard...

Procrastinating

I am truly excited for my new adventure.  Though you probably couldn't tell from my lack of motivation to pack for the 3 month journey.  Tonight is July 8th and I have not packed AT ALL for my departure on July 10th!!!  But, the Yankee game is on and I need to watch.  I seriously doubt I will get NY sports in Johannesburg!