Today was our first full day at our one-year home. I went to the bank and found that my ATM card didn't work, because it had been "frozen" due to inactivity (unused for 2 years). Had to zip back home to get my passport before they would "unfreeze" it.
Then, I went to Stellenbosch University to set up internet access at the house. But, nobody in Administration was around to give me a username/password combination—everyone returns from holiday next week. I got temporary access established, sort-of. Looks like the outgoing email ports (25, 465, 587) are blocked, though. So, we're a bit hampered at the moment. I'll try to sort it out next week.
We went to the store to buy our first groceries. Thankfully, our landlords supplied enough groceries for us to make it through breakfast and lunch. Thanks so much!
This evening, the light was spectacular near sunset (see below). I don't know why it's so nice here; maybe due to reflection off the mountains, maybe because of the low, thin clouds tonight. Regardless, I snapped a couple photos of Catherine and the bougainvilleas in the front of the house.
We also were reminded about just how difficult and fragile life is. Via email, we heard that Tracy's cousin's cancer is rather advanced. Because she looked so great at Christmas, the news today is difficult to take. We're hoping for more information.
--Matt
