Ubuthongo, Ubuthongo, Ubuthongo (Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!)

Today was a nice, slow, and lazy day. I had planned to go back to The Pavilion, but that didn't exactly work. I woke early, around 6. At that time, no one else was up other than the cleaning lady and the animals. I had the chance to talk to a couple of people on facebook, but then my laptop battery was running low and I decided to copy my roommate, Simon from Scotland, and go back to sleep. Next thing I knew, I heard Simon walking down the steps saying, "You still asleep? Its already two!" Groggily I got up, read for a bit, and then went walking outside.
   I haven't seen much wildlife yet, though I had noticed a couple of stray cats around Durban, as well as heard large amounts of birds, only having sighted a couple. I went down to the little pond at the hostel and saw it contained fish that looked similar to a bluegill though thinner and more colorful. I also noticed a group of tiny tadpoles as well as water-bugs. I am kept company by the resident pets, and had a feline bedmate last night. He is such a funny tabby with big greenish eyes, and a penchant for begging for meat scraps (he did get the fatty parts of my lamb chops!).
  Along with the cat, the dogs are sweeties but are not allowed inside. I've noticed it's quite common to have several outside guard dogs as well as hire protection from an armed response team; though the lab and the Rhodesian Ridgeback seem much more likely to lick you to pieces! Rhodesian Ridgebacks were actually developed in South Africa to hunt lions, and have a very unique 'mohawk' in which the fur on their back forms a ridge. This evening, I was pleaded with by the dogs to play fetch with a log, even though it was raining. Here they are poking their heads through the widow for attention.

   At around 4, I had 'breakfast' which consisted of eggs, bacon (more like fried ham here), and toast with peanut butter (yes, I did bring my own along). It was very good, as is most food here I have eaten. I spent most of the rest of the day, or what was left, sitting outside, talking, and doing things on the computer. I was excited for dinner though, as a braai (barbecue) had been planned. Unfortunately, the high humidity turned into an "electric storm" and boy, did rain pour. The power ended up going out, so I spent some time looking out the window at the storm. Lightning illuminated the entire sky, which I could see a vast expanse of, being in a hilly area where my vision isn't blocked by surrounding houses. The braai eventually did get cooked, and I ate a boerewors (similar to bratwurst) and lamb chops. The power also came back on, and hopefully I'll have another go at the hot tub tonight. 
   I didn't end up going to The Pavilion because I woke up late, though I have already made plans with Teeze to take me to the Victoria Street Market tomorrow where I am hoping of buying a sari.


-Becca