Thursday 27 August 2009

A reason to never leave Ingwavuma.

Her name is Thembe. And she's our cleaner. She comes once a week, cleans our house from top to bottom, polishes our floors, changes our sheets, hand (yes, hand) washes all our clothes, and irons them too. And for this we pay her the princely sum of 100R (about a tenner).
I think I'm in love. (although having your underwear handwashed and ironed by someone else does feel a tad strange)

4 comments:

  1. Oh Caroline! This blog thing is amazing. I am so impressed by your writing! it all sounds utterly amazing - such an experience - I am very envious and would love to have the opportunity you are! Totally coming out to see you. Have just emailed you and suggested February so let me know what you reckon. Keep up the blogging - it's brilliant to hear what you are up to, and please take care of yourself! Fay xxx

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  2. Time to throw away all those grey knickers then.

    Han Q (keep adding the Q so Dr Han doesn't get confused pregnant head and thinks she has been writing to you ;o)

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  3. Oh wow how I miss home. See we all grew up with a 'Thembe' in my case - Maria - who is my hero! May interest you to know that until about 10 years ago pension and holiday pay was not standard for housecleaners in SA at all. Not only was it not standard - but the majority of 'employers' thought it really rude when the 'employee' would ask about these kind of things. It was seen as more than reasonable grounds for dismassal.
    In that respect at least some parts of our little gem has come a long way. As for the R100 pay - yeah - well, it's a gem in the rough.

    Stoked that you are enjoying the experience. Han mentioned you may be going on a little East Coast trip round Durban-way sometime. If you do - try and go past Amanzimtoti/Umkomaas (or Toti as known by the locals). It's a lovely little place. Croc world may be worth a visit - though you've probably seen better in Australia Zoo. the Aliwal Shoal is great for diving if you've got time. [check out http://www.durbs.co.za/website/Index.aspx for info on things going on in your area]

    Also - if you have a weekend away to Cape Town try and blog it in advance and I can get my friend Sulette to show you around and take you out for some cocktails!!

    Keep it regular - geek me up!
    xx

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  4. Still loving the blog C - I'm thinking book deal when you return?

    Hope you are supervising judicious and delicate handling of your smalls.....

    O x

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