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@olderdiva12345

Good Evening in Zambia. It is 11 a.m. here in Florida, USA.

My familiarity with Africa is non existant. Only in South Africa and through my first husband, as said. He lived with his English family, the father being a high ranking officer in the British Military and he attening boarding school in South Africa. The family lived just outside of Johanasberg. I have not been there but have watched "Out of Africa" soo many times. Once long ago I had an opportunity to go with a friend to live for six months and declined the invitation. It is somewhere I've always wanted to visit and perhaps live in the most southern part of South Africa. It is, sadly, now too late for that adventure and I know nothing of the politics in your country or those of South Africa at this writing.

I loved my short time in Portugal but, again, I was married to a Frenchman and there is where we moved and lived for a few years until God decided he needed him. Before we moved to the South of France we spent 3 months driving around Europe with no itinerary and loved the freedom of that; experiencing the different cultures, their costumes, customes and the food, of course.

I know nothing of the dating sites you mentioned. I am sorry. Good luck with that and be careful as I have found that people lie about their age, education, weight (especially) and are incluned to post photos that are anything but current. I could write a book about the "Do's and Dont's" of dating.

I believe that the year you have selected for your life style change is too far away. You are 29 and in my opinion it is time to put on your Big Girl Panties and get on with your studies and life in general. Have you considered Switzerland with many small, charming villages? I have stayed in several. A beautiful country and your French would be accepted as well as the other languages you speak.

A bit ago this morning I asked my husband to read the last two days of what you have written and he and I agree that your eloquence and maturity is amazing. This leads me to say to you that if I were as talented as you appear to be I would strongly consider becoming a writer. Only you know the topics with which you are familiar and most comfortable. One quick start would be your local newspaper as a contributer or a columinist - or begin a book. Obviously writing a book can be done anywhere you choose that offers the solitude you desire. I honestly believe you have this talent.

Again, I must say that the United States, at this time, is not a peaceful place and gender and color have somehow taken hold of many Americans including the politicians and the bitterness and attitude I see is not only frightening but very sad. This may pass or not. I discourage you from coming here as crime is high and as stated ratial issues are out of hand. This is sad but true, my friend. If I am remembering correctly your mother is close to you and I hope she is guiding you. I am trying to guide you as well and I am at an age that I quality for that position.

It is now almost noon here. I have put chicken thighs, red skin potatoes, muchrooms and it is swimming in a Parmason and Roasted Garlic salad dressing - all in the crock pot.

It is always such a pleasure to communicate with you. I hope to hear from you again soon. Enjoy what you may have put in your crock pot for your evening meal. Judith...please excuse any miss spelled words. Spell check is not automatic on my PC. Ciao for now Tabitha.

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Replies to "Good Evening in Zambia. It is 11 a.m. here in Florida, USA. My familiarity with Africa..."

Hi Judith,
Your meal sounds lovely. The other day, I was telling someone how I cook like that. I chop up everything, throw it all in one pot, and go and nap.
Don't worry about the spellings, as long as I understand what you are saying, we are good. Where I do not understand, I will ask for clarification.
The state of things in the US sounds very worrying. I did not know it was that bad. I will definitely look elsewhere. I had not considered Switzerland, but I will now.
The year 2026 was arrived at because my current grad school program ends next year, so I cannot move this year or next year. I will mostly be working on my research next year, I need to be here. I could start planning my move next year though, instead of deferring it to 2025, and move in 2025. I would have to look for a new job though. If I move in 2026 and I move for school, I get to 'keep' my job here for the duration of the PhD program. I would like to have my salary coming in when moving because I don't know what the situation would be with my meds and healthcare in a new country. I would then search for a job there.
You and your husband are sweet. I actually do write. I am in the process of writing 2 books, one is a poetry-adjacent book (both fiction and non-fiction, and the other is a diary of sorts.

Too bad that seeing Africa isn't a possibility for you now. It is an intriguing place. I have been here my whole life and it still makes me stop in my tracks at times. Movies and documentaries don't do it justice, there is so much about it, it is impossible to accurately depict all of it, the good and the bad.
I am close to my mother, though we sometimes get very busy and don't get to spend as much time as we would like together. And she does guide me, a lot. Sometimes her guidance is a no, she looks at me and informs me she has decided on my behalf. Most of the time, she gives counsel and perspective.
Yes, you definitely qualify to give counsel and guidance, fairy godmother Judith.
The dating apps. People seem to be growing more and more mischievous and deceitful, especially online. I am very restrictive of how much information I have shared on the apps. I have also stated that I am looking for friendship, not hookups or love. I am a very cautious person with dating. I need to know at least 1 reliable person in common with a guy, and said reliable person should know the guy well (plus where he lives and/or works), for me to go out with a guy. My last therapist was very concerned about this, apparently I need to learn how to take risks on people.
Please do share the dos and don'ts you have gathered thus far.