Culture collision

At the moment we have the only guests so far that I haven't clicked with staying with us. They are two Chinese Canadian guys - father and son. The dad only speaks Cantonese and doesn't understand a word of English, so the son translates. I found them really awkward when they arrived on Wed, and by Thursday I had decided that nothing we could possibly show them in South Africa would excite them in the least as they seemed set on being unimpressed. But after a home-style SA braai last night, complete with TSC's magic braai broodjies (toasted sarmies made on the fire), they have lightened up a lot and we even sat around the table after dessert (another SA favourite - malva pudding with custard) chatting about our different cultures.

While I work today, TSC has taken them to the Rosebank African Craft Market and then to a dim sum restaurant I found in Illovo (the dad was originally a dim sum chef in Hong Kong, before they moved to Canada, so I'm hoping this place doesn't disappoint). After that, we're heading to Croc World and then they're off to tonight's game at Soccer City.

They leave tomorrow night and then on Sunday TSC and I are off to a warmer part of the country for three days to recuperate before our next (and last) guests arrive for eight days.

I just realised today that tomorrow it will be a full month that we've been hosting visitors. Now I understand why I've been a bit tired!

Off to get some work in before we see the crocs. Have a great weekend and please shout for Ghana at the soccer!

As requested...

A short summary of the visitors we've had so far:

• 2 x crazy, fun-loving, affable, not-very-concerned-about-time Mexicans
• 1 x chilled, sweet, un-British Brit who lives in Barcelona
• 2 x lovely, can't-drive-a-stick-shift-but-game-for-anything-else, thoughtful Americans from South Carolina
• 2 x self-sufficient, quiet, pleasant New Yorkers (originally from the Philippines)
• 2 x generous, curious Canadians (1 of whom was born in Romania and grew up in Spain)
• 2 x relaxed, easy-to-talk-to Aussies who have been travelling for three months
• 2 x young, friendly Malaysians (at the stadium as I type)

TSC and I are loving it, although it is rather exhausting to host all these people. We are looking forward to a break next week between guests and are considering finding a nice sunny spot to getaway for a day or two and be looked after by someone else.

Three guests to go and then we're done. I'm going to miss the buzz and meeting new people, but I am so keen for some sleep!