A couple of months have passed since my last update. More than 6 months here and I feel somewhat more settled on some days. While other days, not so much.
I was told that winter here is the most pleasant time of the year and, as predicted, it is true. The daily, almost oppressive heat and humidity has given way to pleasant breezes and temperatures in the upper 70s low 80s throughout the day with lows in the low 70s to upper 60s at night. The “Ilha” across the bay from my apartment is usually a very busy place on Sunday in the summer for the local Luandans. However, today, I went to have lunch with others at a restaurant on the beach. It was so pleasant with only the expat community enjoying the beach. I have the veranda windows open presently to enjoy the breezes as on Sunday the traffic below is not too annoying. It is amusing to see the local people wear jackets to keep warm at these temperatures.
I have stayed in Luanda on most weekends these last couple of months. There are social events at times but other times, there is a need just to be alone from others with whom you work and see daily. Last night I went to the British Embassy with a group of Americans to watch and cheer on our soccer team as they played England in the World Cup. It was a fun time and happy that the US did not lose but tied 1-1. I have also explored the streets of Luanda on foot and finding that the actual city itself is not that large. There are some stores that have reasonably priced items such as clothing and home items. But it is still difficult to know where to go for other items such as car maintenance items etc. Slowly, I suppose I feel more comfortable living here. There seems to be slow improvements in the quality of life here. There appears to be less garbage on the streets in certain areas of the city although I always wonder whether it is that I am becoming accustomed to it. The lines at the gas stations have decreased dramatically. There is speculation among us as to why this is. Some think it is because there are more gas stations opening outside the city while others speculate it is because there has been less cash dispersion by the government to the employees. Whatever the reason, it is a welcomed improvement.
I could have never imagined that volcanic ash could disrupt my traveling plans to Europe. I was to travel to Berlin for our State Department med conference in April; the weekend that the main disruption in travel occurred in all of Europe. At the time, I felt desperate to leave Luanda and was very disappointed that my plans were not to take place. However, I recovered from the disappointment and felt more able to deal with life here.
The conference was rescheduled a month later and I did travel to Germany at that time. I flew to Frankfurt a day early to visit with Anne and Thorsten in Saarbrucken (2 hours by train from Frankfurt). Anne stayed with us in the early 90s when she was an AFS student. Jim and I had traveled to Germany to be present at their wedding a few years ago. They welcomed me to their new “old” home they purchased last fall. Although this house is in decent shape for a 1900 house, there are maintenance issues that need to be addressed. It brought back memories of those same types of decisions we had to face with the N. Avondale house.
I traveled on to Berlin for the conference which took place at a hotel in the middle of Berlin at Pottsdamer Place just down the street from the American Embassy and the Brandenburg Gate. At the Med conference, I met other Foreign Service health practitioners and physicians at other posts. The continuing education focused on the relevant topics for us in the Foreign Service. At the end of the day though, I could enjoy the city. I love Berlin! As the daylight remains until close to 10 pm, I was able to walk the city streets after the conclusion of the day’s proceedings. I enjoyed the good food and ate too much while there. It was also nice to stroll about shops in a relaxed, clean atmosphere. I went to one of the operas available and toured museums I had not seen in the past. And I enjoyed the efficiency of the Germans being able to leave and arrive on time at all my destinations.
While at the conference, I confirmed that I will switch to the summer bid cycle. In the Foreign Service, the tours at one post last 2-3 years. The time to switch posts occurs either in the summer or winter although most people switch in the summer. Depending on your cycle, you “bid” on positions in posts that are available during your transition time. Decisions are made by you, the new posts and the need of the Department as to where you go next. Since I came to Luanda as a 2 year posting in November, this is considered the winter cycle. But because Med is small compared to the other groups, they prefer to have everyone on the summer cycle. So, I either have to “curtail” a few months early or “extend” 6 months longer to be included in this cycle. I have chosen not to extend. So, I will remain here until next summer. I also can have some say as to where I will be posted next depending on those places that will have an opening.
And, finally, and most importantly, Jim is scheduled to move to Luanda in a few weeks. Our plan is to meet in Lisbon, Portugal on July 3. I am taking my R&R to Portugal and I was able to route Jim through Lisbon. It is hard to believe he will finally be joining me. He sold his office and closed on the sale last week. He has closed his practice and is completing the courses he is teaching at Xavier. The lease on the house on Paxton ends on June 30—we will be “packed out: at that time and he will be on his way. Of course, I worry about how he will adjust here and how he will occupy his time. The director at the English speaking International School has promised to employ him at least 2 days a week for now with the new school term in August. What else he will do is not certain. But, he tells me not to worry that he will be ok and can manage for the next year. Another chapter begins in the ongoing adventure.
