Today was the day Corrie Van Kampen invited us to join them at Hua Hong Chinese Restaurant at 1:00. It is located on the second floor of the Manzini Lifestyle Mall next to SuperSpar. Virginia’s hip joint was a little better this morning, so she felt like she could go, as long as I would provide an arm to assist.

We left a little early to pick up some prescription medicine (without a prescription) and while there, we picked up some antibiotics to use after my need for the stronger antibiotic is over.

We got to the restaurant a little early and was able to use the lift [elevator] to get to the first floor. The bottom floor in southern Africa is called the ground floor. The next floor up is called the first floor, so the lift has buttons labeled ‘G’, ‘1’, ‘2’, etc. We waited outside on the balcony/hallway at the restaurant where there are padded benches and tables. These must be for outside dining as a waitress came out and wanted to take our order.

When Van Kampens arrived, we were lead to a private small air-conditioned room inside which had a round table that could seat at least eight. In the middle of the table was a large lazy susan which was used to distribute bowls, plates, silverware and food dishes. We started with Seaweed Egg Soup. Virginia and Hans ordered Chicken Chow Mein, Corrie ordered Stir-Fried Vegetable and I ordered Sauteed Diced Chicken and Cashew Nuts. We also had a huge bowl of Fried Rice to share. The meal was quite good and the price was very reasonable.

The Van Kampens had heard of Virginia’s painful hip joint and brought a walker and forearm crutches that Corrie had used after a car accident. Virginia decided that the forearm crutches would work best for her. Most of the time today, she only used one, if she remembered at all.