first movie at the "cinema"

**Happy Birthday to Momma Mag!!!!! We wish we were there to celebrate with you. Make sure you have some Rumchata and a margarita for us!**

Last night, we decided to check out the local movie theater (called the "cinema") to see Iron Man 3. We loved the movie! Have any of you seen it? We were a little scared because the cinema is located in a facility that is also a casino, mini-golf course, bowling alley and hotel. It was actually pretty nice, but we were laughing our asses off because there were so many entertainment options under the same roof. 

The cinema itself is similar to those in the states but has smaller screens, different movie snacks and weird chairs. It has stadium-style seating.  I will take photos next time we go (it was too dark to get good ones last night). The cinema had 7 movies to choose from - 6 of which were American films. Way to represent, America! haha.

ZA'ers don't use butter on their popcorn - they use flavored seasoning salts in very unique flavors like onion-cheese and roasted chicken. Yep, you read that correctly: roasted chicken. The tabletop and floor around the salt shakers looked like a scene from the beach because of all the salt that was dusted on it. 

The best part was that it cost R50 (less than $5) total for our two tickets. Then we spent another R25 on a coke and a sugar-coated gummy candy that was oddly addicting. So, we spent less than $10 on a movie night. We are used to spending at least triple that at home. Score!

{individual tickets are not issued; only a receipt. They tear the upper corner upon admission}

A funny tidbit...there were about 10 people seeing Iron Man 3, but the theater showing Fast and the Furious 6 was COMPLETELY packed. There was not an empty seat in the entire theater...on a Wednesday evening. Weird!

Mat had a training class today at a power plant that is under construction. When it is completed, it will be the largest coal-fire power plant in the world. How cool is that? There are currently about 15,000 people working on it but many of them are on strike right now. We learned there is a "strike season" here which can cripple the country. Tomorrow we have a tax-preparation class and another safety and security briefing with the B&V security guy.

Sorry for the lack of photos today, but I will make up for it this weekend - promise! I will leave you with a photo of some funny signs posted on the outside of many neighborhoods around here.

{hooting means honking}

Love,

Jess & Mat