Co-ordinating (day 10)

WEDNESDAY

So today I had to get my drivers license renewed before lockdown happens. Sudden reminder with a late letter. Eek. It was up before sunrise to make coffee, pack some rusks and head for FH Licensing Department so that I would not be number 256 in the queue. Driving over Boyes Drive was surreal - sun coming up, quiet waters, everything quiet. No indications of the coming frenzy of buying, shopping and shut down.

Turns out that FH takes things easy and I was first and alone in the queue until about 7.45. So I was first in to the freshly sanitised offices and then first out again by 8.20. I supported local businesses along the way home and bought cinnamon sticks and bread from Olympia Cafe, a bagel and cream cheese from Xpressions on the Beach and then took a few pics of the empty stretch of Muizenberg. Not a surfer in sight! Reminded me of pics from early 20th century (except mine was in colour).

I met a few interesting people on the way. The extra lesson teacher stocking up on jigsaw puzzles... carrying six to the tills at Readers Warehouse. To keep her anxiety at bay. Comment from she who shall not be named: "well, she earns lots of money doing extra lessons mom!" Personal thought: "Darn, that's at least R1500 in puzzles right there! I should be an extra lesson teacher!"

The security guard who turned up an hour early for work at the licensing department, with a smile for each person who entered plus hand sanitiser, a wife, three children to feed, a baby on the way and no idea if he will be paid for the next 3 weeks.

A child who is complaining about being bored already. And we are not in lockdown.

A walk with my son in Kirstenbosch's empty gardens before we are denied access to mountains, guineafowl and fresh air. With showers of rain passing through and gorgeous birds flashing above us, sharing the simple meal of bread, tomato, a peach, tea and a cinnamon stick.

The stark contrast of life in the townships right now as staff from one of the NPOs hand out emergency food rations to children who may not receive their one meal a day for the next 21 days.

Co-ordinating for lockdown...