Valerie

The introduction of the main people I share things with in Joburg would off course not be complete without introducing my 'roommate' and colleague Valerie. She truly deserves a whole chapter in fact! The first time I met Valerie was in June last year, at the 'braai' which Enablis organized for Paul-Evence and myself at the end of our feasibility study for Accenture Development Partnerships. I wasn't too sure before meeting her whether she was extremely shy or arrogant, as we had not spoken before. But it turned out that evening that she was quite an interesting character! This (certainly not typical) American woman, who studied Middle Eastern culture (or something like that) in California, benefited from a Fullbright scholarship to do research in Koweit, moved to South Africa and worked for different Unions and policies for local economic development and black economic empowerment , was actually very funny, vibrant and interesting! I remember joking with her that she must have been one of these hippies in California when she was at university there. So when she proposed to share a place, as both of us are traveling quite a bit - internationally for me, all over South Africa for her - I did not hesitate for a second. And it turns out that we're having a lot of fun when we're both in Joburg, cracking one of the wine bottles which get delivered by case at the office through her wine club membership. I asked her why she moved from California, as Hollywood would have welcomed her with her 'character imitation skills'. She's normally never there over the weekends, as she goes back home to Upington to be with her kids, and also spends 2 weeks per month there. So I have my own quite private moments, but I found out that it was actually very nice not to live all by myself and share a place with her. We're looking for a bigger place to share now, as our accomodation in the little cottage next to Monica and Wessel is only temporary...And oh yes, she's head of special projects with Enablis, and at this moment she's setting up our trade platform which should be up and running in the next months, next to a million other things...Really a bit of a workaholic! I have to go and visit her and her family (and 5 dogs) in Upington and go rafting, now that I finally have healthcare cover (hurray!)...