Life in America…
We are really enjoying it. In many ways, Life can be easier here in the States. We have been really lucky to have already found a great group of friends, which helps. We have a busy social life here in Atlanta, and Riaan really enjoys seeing the outcomes of his creative building for various events and parties.
General day to day bills are more affordable, and most everything is is done on-line. From accessing your child’s school schedule to downloading Coupons for grocery shopping. I don’t think one country is better than another, it’s a case of each offers something different and unique. Not one country has it all, would be great to combine the best of both Worlds!
What does Michelle & Riaan miss most about SA
Family and old friends are what Michelle & I miss most. Luckily through email and Skype we make sure to check in regularly and not miss out on things back in SA. Every morning I get my EWN News-feed so I can keep up with the SABC’s antics!
There is a Cape Food and Beverage Store in Atlanta, where we can buy ‘urgent’ items like Appletiser, Marmite, Mrs. Balls Chutney and Ina Paarman’s spices. It’s incredibly expensive, so it’s a treat once every few months! The funny thing is that most of our friends who have been on Safari in SA have learned to love Nik-Naks, so this is the biggest treat that gets shared around.
What does Riaan miss about Afrikaans (e.g. sêgoed)
Riaan misses the humour, and especially the Afrikaans of the coloured community in Cape Town, where he grew up. The humour is unique to our culture and can’t be found anywhere else.
Michelle says, Riaan’s English has grown in leaps and bounds! Surrounded by the American accent, Riaan often says that he feels as if he has woken-up in a movie. Especially living in the South of the USA, where the accent can be really thick. Both of us have to listen really closely to what people are saying.
Michelle is audio editing, and doing lots of voice work. Her Australian accent is really good, and she has booked a couple of commercials with her Aussie drawl. We spend allot of time laughing as we walk this new adventure together.
Do they visit SA often
As a family, we haven’t been back yet and would love to holiday in SA as soon as we are able to. Our son Rainn, now 6 years old, remembers so much about the country and wants to see his friends from the Jan Harmsgat Wine Farm, in Swellendam, where he grew up. We all 3 miss the bush, miss the animals, miss the veldt.
How is the atmosphere after the elections in America
Mixed really but generally that’s the case after most elections. Everyone is waiting to see positive results. The primary thinking is that majority Citizens are getting behind the President and assisting him with generating good results. The majority of people want a good life and will support the Trump for the next 4-year period.
About their little boy RAINN
Our beautiful Rainn has settled in nicely and is loving his new school, karate and creating new friendships as well as developing an American accent. Rainn has a pet Chinchilla from South America, her name is Chillie and she is fluffy and ever so sweet. We bought a tiny Chinchilla Harness on Amazon, and are getting her comfortable with the idea of going for a walk, or should I rather say, going for a ‘jump’, as she hops just like a baby Kangaroo!
Their eco work
For now this has been put on hold but we do keep our ear to the ground with the latest products etc that are being developed.
