AUTHOR: Nancy TITLE: South Africa… DATE: 2/18/2009 04:56:00 AM ----- BODY:
February 18, 2009

After a nine hour flight from Sengal we are here on a remote farm in the northern part of South Africa near the border of Zimbabwe. Anton and Rudi met us at the airport and after taking a look around, I realized we were back in civilization, even though the murder rate in Johannesburg is horrifically high. Luckily, we are far away on a remote farm surrounded by private farms and game preserves.

We're staying with two artists who have created a garden paradise overlooking beautiful green rolling hills. Leslie and I have comfortable mattresses on the floor of the half finished loft, organic vegetarian meals, and two great guys to entertain us. The weather is warm and comfortable, we have plenty of bug repellant, a pond in case we want to swim, and there are great places to walk. Not to frighten you, Mom, but on the way in we nearly ran over a huge python.....Rudi said it's only the second he's seen in three years, but there it was along with the warthogs to let us know that we really are in Africa!

The good news is that I think South Africa is really on board for stoves. From what Anton and Rudi tell me, the largest brick maker in this area is very, very excited about the project. There is a lot of money for what they call upliftment. The country's economy is in good shape and they are excited about improving the lives of the blacks in the townships. We are very close to the border and immigrants are coming in daily by the thousands. I have a meeting with the City Council and the brick people in the next few days, so keep your fingers crossed that it is as good as it sounds. They also use lightweight concrete so stove heft may not be an issue. Nobody cooks flat bread, so Don's new molds may be just perfect. Leslie and Anton are busy designing new products for import while I type away.

Nancy

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