Day 35: Visa...CHECK!!!!

We have had a couple busy days in a row, so it was nice to have a day to lay low.  This morning we lounged around for a bit before getting ready.  We had scones with jam (sounds British doesn't it?) and Nicolas drew in his notebook.  We dropped by Bev's house to pick up Simone (she works in the mall we park at to go to the Consulate) and headed to Sandton to pick up Nicolas' visa.  Since we had such an awful time finding our way around the the mall the other day, Simone kindly showed us where the food court was.  Yup......we were right by it on Monday, just one level too high.  Oh well....live and learn. :)

We decided to go to Nando's for lunch.  Nando's is a chain restaurant that specializes in chicken.  We chose it because it seems healthier than a burger and fries (though I do love burgers and fries!).  We sat down at a table to wait for our food and a man walked up and said "Longstreet's, right?"  Um......yes.  How does anyone here know us???  It took Kevin and I each a second, then we recognized that it was our contact from the U.S. Consulate office.  He was also having lunch and saw us sit down.  In a mall that big with lots of restaurant choices, what are the chances???  Anyway, we enjoyed our lunch and then headed to the Consulate.  There was no one waiting outside this time, so we got in quickly.  They did have to check my bag three times because they thought I was bringing in headphones.  I explained that it was the strap of the cross-body purse that's inside the backpack, but they had to run it through a few more times to be sure. :)  Better safe than sorry.  We had to wait a little bit once we got into the second building.  There was an older couple going back and forth with the lady at the window about what paperwork was necessary for her to immigrate to the States.  Yes, we are glad that we have had so much help in this process!  Once they sat down to fill out paperwork, we were able to request his visa and received it quickly.  We verified the info, thanked Nicholas (our contact that we ran into at Nando's) and were on our way!  We tried to stop in and say hello to Simone at work, but she must've been in the back room.  Sorry Simone!!

We went back to the guest house and Nicolas changed into his swimsuit.  Once again, with rain yesterday, the pool was cold.  So, he spent most of his time on the tiles drawing with water and his finger.  He could do that for hours.  So fun to watch!

After the pool and a bath to warm up, we had dinner.  It has been a few days since n home at night to do homework, so we made sure to get back on track tonight.  We did subtraction cards and some activities with following directions.  After homework, we had chocolate mousse for dessert and finished Flat Stanley.

Tomorrow is another day with no agenda.  We are going to look at all the suggestions we have received on what we should do with our remaining time here in South Africa and try to make a plan.  The time is going to fly and before you know it, we'll be home in the snow!

Here is a picture of Nicolas with his visa - ready to fly!!!

Wooo hooooooo!!!!!

9 days left in the sun!

The Longstreets