Housewarming

Last night I had a housewarming/birthday party to break in the new living establishment! I invited several of the wonderful people I have met here so far and we had a bring-and-braai. This basically means that I’ll provide the fire and everyone will bring their own food to cook and drinks. I made brownies (for some reason they flopped this time, I think too much cocoa powder – really need to get those measuring cups!!), oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies, crackers and cheese, and a pasta salad and several other people also brought food to share. It turned out great! The best part was that I figured out that I can make a fire right in my own front yard – about fifteen feet from the house. And you know what that means…. S’mores anytime I want!! I made this American delicacy for a few last night but on the whole everyone seemed too stuffed from the food to try one. Unfortunately graham crackers don’t really exist here but there is a very plain cookie called a Digestive (sounds appetizing, huh?) that is pretty similar and definitely a good substitute. I got a couple lovely housewarming/birthday gifts – people obviously know me well already because I got cupcakes, cookies, and chocolates!! In addition to some awesome lotion, a shoulder bag with a giraffe on it, a basket thing, a couple plates, and some spices to start me off.  It was a wonderful party and I truly enjoyed the company, food, and playing Catch Phrase with all of the friends I have met here so far!