A drive through Lonehill

We still get asked questions about life in Lonehill (and Johannesburg). Therefore we thought it best to do a blog entry not only showing security measures but the typical sights of Lonehill. Below are the photo's we took this afternoon as we drove through our suburb.

The entrance to our cluster (complex), Pineslopes Park Estate. Nearly all clusters have similar entraces with remote controlled enty & exit gates and manned 24/7 by a security guard (they have pepper spray only).

One of the security guards at our complex, James. Incredibly friendly & always has a smile.

Lonehill Residents Association employs a security agency who randomly patrol the streets.

The security guards man and observe major intersections or corners.

They also have vans which patrol the suburb.

The mock tuscan architecture that is being used for 95% of new residential construction.

Always street vendors. This time someone selling the weekend newspaper at a fourways stop.

The Lonehill shops- quite upmarket in appearance and very civilised (for Joburg).

The petrol boys

The traditional thatched roof with an obligatory lightening attracting pronger!

Security measures on perimeter fencing. 2 lots of electric fencing & green metal spikes.

Road closures are a common occurence in Joburg. Access is permitted only through one entry & exit point to enhance safety.

The Lonehill Koppie (hill) - a natural rock formation in the middle of the suburb

The reserve surrounding the Koppie & shopping centre in the background

The reserve is a popular place for relaxation & exercise

No need for Vegas when you have Montecasino... gotta love it!

We really enjoy living here & feel completely safe running around the streets each day. As you can see, the suburb does not cut any corners in relation to security measures. You learn to accept these measures and they are now just a 'normal' occurrence in everyday life.

Viva Johannesburg!

First impressions

Thought it time we touch base and let you know that we are still here!!! We have been very busy since Jen's arrival. Mainly involves trying to lease/buy cars & getting the necessary documentation, sorting out my work VISA, sorting out housing.... We are getting an Audi A3 which we should have by Friday. We can't wait to drive it! Second car to be confirmed (but hopefully purchased by early next week). I have been dropping Pete at work each day so that I can use the hire car... looking forward to sleep in's in the near future and really being a lady of leisure- enjoy it while it lasts I say! I have met with Charles Orbach (accounting firm) and am now in the process of obtaining documentation for VISA (copious amount) and then getting it processed ASAP. They are lovely people and I look forward to starting (probably another 1-3 months though due to length of time to get VISA). I seem to fill my days quite easily with daily food shopping, lunches, breakfasts, gym, organisi...

Harrison James Chandler - born 9 June 2009

Harrison James Chandler arrived at 14:30, Tuesday, 9th June 2009. Weighing in at 3.86kg and 55cm long, he was delivered via c-section surgery. Both Mum and boy are in great health. Dad is besotted with them both even after changing the 1st nappie!! Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! Tipping the scales at 3.86kg (8,5lbs)

Andy & Mel drop by

Within 3 days of saying goodbye to Ian and Julie, we had new visitors... Andy & Mel! They managed to squeeze in 4 days in RSA on the way home from their European holiday so we ensured they had the maximum African experience as time would permit. Friday was dinner at the African themed Moyo's, including local African entertainment, tribal face painting (unfortunately mandatory for all foreigners!), and African cuisine... Then we whisked them away for a weekend of game and camping at Pilansberg. Unfortunately they brought the winter weather with them from Europe (ha) so experienced intermittant showers for most of Saturday, however we were still lucky to see 2 female lions roaming through the savannah. Sunday was more game viewing prior to the return drive to JHB via Pretoria and a quiet night that we all needed at home. It was great seeing Andy & Mel again and we loved showing them a tiny morcel of Africa! Mmmm.... Don Pedro's at the Bull Run

Chandler's Overseas

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