Cable thieves

I suppose the fun stories and pictures have already been posted. Time for a little less fun? It happens quite often that people get their power cables stolen in South Africa / Botswana. The thieves strip the stolen cables, and sell the copper to the scrapyard. It had been happening around us quite a bit, and the night we came back it was our turn. It was only a matter of time, as the cables were not buried, and thus a very easy target. We had already taken this up with the landlord, but our concern was ignored. Not really too much our problem (rental houses have their advantages….) except for there was a holiday on the Monday and Tuesday, with no electrician being available. The power in the house was still working, but not in Marys place, and not at the borehole pumps. This meant no water, resulting in no showers, no flushing toilets, no laundry (with a piles of sweaty hiking clothes) etc etc. On Wednesday evening we were all connected again, this time with the cable properly buried. I guess this is all part of living in Africa.

Last weekend we volunteered to help with a family fun day (fundraiser) for the SPCA, the local animal shelter. We had the task of selling drink and food tickets, but it was nice to see so many people turn up, and be surrounded by puppies, kittens, donkeys, rabbits, goats and even guiney pigs. I think they made a load of money, which helps paying for veterinary bills for dogs like Sech (he is still with us….)

Besides this we have been enjoying the rugby worldcup. For those from the non-rugby countries: Australia and New Zealand, two of the biggest favourites, were kicked out of the tournament. South Africa did make it through, and is playing Argentina in the semi finals next weekend.

Alan has left us and settled in Johannesburg. He has started his job two weeks ago, and found a nice place to live. His permit has been approved, and everything has worked out perfectly for him. No more sober driver for us though.

Nothing else to report on, except for work, new projects, courses etc etc, but that would make this just too boring.

J1