Chandler's Overseas

Well… where to begin. It has been one year since our arrival to new jobs, a new country, new city & new continent. Although a pathetic cliché, where has the time gone! The year has been filled with contrasts, excitement, frustration, learning and contentment. When we first landed at the airport in early October 2007, we weren’t sure what the next 2 years would hold for us. We weren’t even sure whether we would make it to our new home safely from the airport (mostly due to the constant barrage of comments and concerns we received from friends and family in Australia prior to our departure). As is the way with all travel, work or play, go with the flow and bring yourself to give people a chance, ignore your constant scepticism and a good result is usually achieved. This has been a common theme throughout our Stay so far and has got us to see and experience more of South Africa than most South African’s! It has to be mentioned that it is not only our attitude but Pete’s expat wage tha...

As per a previous blog entry (December 2007), Pete is part of the team getting the Port of Ngqura into its first phase of operation. On Wednesday the fist ship arrived in the Port; a big occasion considering construction has been going for nearly 6 years. This ship is large however it seems to look like a toy at the dock that will eventually be capable of fitting 2 Panamax container ships!!

Last Sunday we had our first Aussie visitor in a while. Nelson arrived for a three night stay to unwind in preparation for Phil's & his long awaited holiday to Europe. Nelson was determined to just relax, read and cook for the days he was here which included making as many spring rolls as would fit into our freezer! In preparation we bought wrappers, mince, cabbage and carrot. Feeling slightly guilty we went to work in the morning and let Nelson loose in the kitchen. The result was 100 (exactly, according to Nelson) beautiful spring rolls! Whilst he didn't mind making 100 spring rolls, he did complain about the size of our grater... Nelson grated 1kg of carrots using this grater! We also enjoyed Nelsons Chicken & pork Adobo (a Philippino specialty dish). Thankyou Nelson... come back anytime!