You'll notice I stopped updating before the trip was over.. you'll also notice this post is months after the trip. Perhaps one day I will finish this.. but for now I still find myself too emotional to address it.
This summer was a experience that I doubt I will ever have again. I find myself starting to organize pictures.. yet have to stop as tears begin to fall.. i find myself wanting to re-write all this.. to organize my story.. yet tears fall as well...
I am glad to be home with friends and family.. my heart is ecstatic to be back with Cole.. yet part of my is longing for Africa.. part of me wonders how Rabithebe is.. and if he is getting food... part of me sees the continuing issues in Zimbabwe and South Africa and wants to contact my friends to ensure they are still all ok... part of me is still in Botswana.. It is sitting on the top of Kgale hill.. it is watching the sunset but praying it never goes all the way down...
Even as I type this I feel the tears begin to fall.... Botswana you haunt me!
I long for far off vistas
For days of childrens play
I seek to find solace
But find sorrow in the way
My heart is calling out
A beating tribal song
I really start to wander
Where I do belong
First a video for Jacob!! (my nephew)… Look Jakers!!!! A crocodile!!! Uncle matt could have reached out of the boat and touched these guys!!
Isn't he a keeper? Looks like he just wants to give ya a big ole kiss eh?
Onto the post
So obviously my thoughts post has been a little delayed.. However this comes with good cause:
(FAIR WARNING.. I WROTE THIS IN INTERVALS OVER A DAY SO A LITTLE ALL OVER THE PLACE)
1. Internet has been a little sketch recently and
2. Last night I had internet but was not feeling too well so came home and laid down for awhile before going to bed (In my defense before anyone brings up the fact that we went out last night I had one (uno, single, un, 1) drink (it was delicious by the way and served in a small tea kettle rather than a glass.. how novel)) but yes I also ate an insane amount of pasta to the point of making myself sick (but it was amazing!!)
Of course I am a quasi hypochondriac and thought I was dying of something (possibly Malaria because my feet are covered in bites).. haha but yes all good (infact said bites I believe now to be flea bites from the animals at ShoeStrings.. oot!! and I do have a spider bite on my right calve as well!!! but it is almost faded away)
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Anywho! Thoughts and feelings.. wait!!! why am I able to type at this time you may ask! Well let me explain (and the title).. but first I must run and do some stuff.. be back in about 30....
And I have returned.. did ya miss me? Okay so it is a Friday a little before noon.. Jack and I intended to wake up early do laundry and then meet everyone at Tlamelo... well the laundromat is locked up :(.. seeing as the laundry service we use has been taking longer and longer (and my clothes always come back dingy, covered in lint and soap deposits) i decided to hand wash all my laundry.. woot for new adventures!! So today I am handwashing all my laundry!! (Grrr some of the bowls I bought in Zim rubbed onto one of my fav white shirts and left reddish brown stains.. so I must visit the store to buy bleach in a bit after I finish the load that is soaking in the bathtub.. yes bathtub!!!)
Thoughts and Feelings
It is hard to put into words everything that has been going through my mind recently.. partially I never want to leave Bots. (or Africa for that matter.. haha Zimbabwe kinda pulled me in too)... however the other part of me is ready to get home, see family, friends, and Cole!!, and start working/finishing school...
but one night as I sat in Zimbabwe things really started hitting me... Although I love America and everything I have there.. nothing really says I must be there the rest of my life.. there is no chain tying my down and I think I have always known this but just made excuses... "Oh.. it’s just soo expensive to live abroad" "Oh.. I just couldn't be that far from my family" "Oh... I don't know any foreign languages" and as I have met people from all around the world I have realized it is all a bunch of BS I have been feeding myself..
Now before my mom has a heart attack I am coming home.. but I think I need to really start exploring my options for my future much broader.. in 5 yrs.. 10 yrs.. will I still be on US soil? I have in the past few years began to think about things like peace corp, projects in India, and other such placements I can use my degree and training for.. and the more time I spend here the more I have realized just how possible those "far fetched" options are...
I have no decisions made.. none really begun.. in all honesty I am in a very confusing and odd place emotionally right now... but I love it because I know I have grown... I have always been extremely reliant on others to make decisions and to basically lead my life for me.. and this trip has really shown me that I am able to do it ya know?
Infact I am already planning my next trip.. more to come later….
(Sorry this is all probably gibberish.. haha imagine how my mind is!!)
New topic... I shall entitle it "I am going to bawl"
Yesterday was my last day in the toddler class... they have holiday and won't be back until July 28th (the day we leave for CapeTown)… The four of us (Jack, D, Meeks and I) bought a couple cakes for the kids to have… and just spent the day hanging out with them..
I don’t know if I had mentioned this prior but before coming on this trip I loved kids.. but!!! Had the whole hold them/play with them when happy and give to someone else when upset/diaper change/hurt etc… this trip has changed that in me. I’m not saying that I want to go out and adopt kids (eww!!! or go through the process of making one..) but everday here has taught me that yeah I have my short comings (a lot lol) but I think I could raise a kid without screwing it up too much right? Haha I still would love to throw Rabithebe, Drama, Tsolophelo or a whole list of others into my backpack and bring them home!
But yes.. right now it hasn’t really sunk in that I will be leaving these kids who I have truly grown to love with all my heart.. no more “Teacher Matt!!! Monphontlea” (sp?...... basically means spin around) no more snotty noses and yogurt hands… When it does I think I will probably lose it and just start crying.. and I know with my emotional track record the waterworks are going to happen for awhile everytime I remember or talk about this experience..
She’s Broken!!
Haha ok when a kid gets hurt, is sad, is mad, or just won’t smile I call them “broken” ((the teahcer’s get a laugh out of it))… well yesterday one of the little girls fell (or something.. no one saw it) and the teacher was convinced she had broken her arm.. well we were all skeptical because after awhile she was moving it and although still a little teary wasn’t really wailing anymore… none the less I was chosen to help escort her to the health clinic (where I met some really sweet girls who are pre-med at UB and were observing).. well after a nurse looked at it she went to get the doctor who in turn examined it and decided the little girl had to head to St. Marina Hospital.. turns out she most likely fractured some bone in her arm (not the usual one either.. some random other one… he spoke Setswana fast and the girl translating couldn’t figure a way to explain it)… so yeah.. sad day for her…
Lovey Dovery Mushy Crap
So this trip has taught me a lot about Cole and I’s relationship.. I am a staunch believer that distance is a horrible thing for a relationship.. but as my trip draws to a end and I finally get to see him for the first time since January 7th (at about 1:30pm central time lol).. all I can think is how strong our relationship is… everyday I hear people (with every right to) moan about how horrible it is to be apart for so and so weeks.. one or two months etc etc… and I think.. damn 7 months… try that on! Haha but yes they have every right to be sad.. lord knows a part of my heart has been missing for the past 7 months.. but we made it.. and I think this just is proof that this is a love that is going for the long haul :D
The Rainbow City!!!
So.. Cape Town is nicknamed the Rainbow City.. not really anything LGBT related BUT!!! It is still one of the largest gay friendly cities/destinations not only in Africa, not only in the Southern Hemisphere, but in the entire world!!... aka although I have loved Botswana and Zim… I am about ready to be in a country where my sexuality is not illegal again (haha heck its even less illegal in SA than it is in the USA…) But yes in addition to the fact I can finally be myself (granted I am no flaming queen but it is going to be nice to not have to refer to Cole as my girlfriend Nicole ((sorry babe.. lol loooong story)) and to not worry about people as much) but I can also hit up some of the best clubs/parties ever… :D
Also, although Cape Town is known for not being “real” Africa because of its very western feel I am super excited just to take it all in.. walk down the winding streets to the ocean views.. spend hours just window shopping the open air markets.. chase the JackAss penguins.. just everything.. haha this is going to be the closest feel I will get of a European style city ever and I plan to get everything I can from it!
This being said I have decided to drop the idea of extreme adventure in Capetown for a couple reasons:
1. The bungee jump is a ways away and I will be spending wayyyy to much time traveling to it and back
2. The cage diving is also a ways away and will be spending waayyy to much time on the boat to get out to the diving spot
3. It is really close to the end of my trip and I don’t want to get hurt this close to being home
And finally (and most important)
4. There are a lot of markets and shops in capetown.. and although jumping of bridges and swimming with big big fisheys may be fun.. my ass can spend some quality time/money shopping!!!
So next time I come here (which is one of my new goals see below) I will be extreme.. but this time it is beaches and shopping and museums and shopping and hiking and shopping!
Goals
I have made a few goals recently for myself and I want to put them in writing:
1. I will come back to Africa some time within the next 5 yrs
2. Within my life I will visit all 7 continents (yes even Antarctica)
3. Within my life I will see all 7 of the natural wonders of the world (three down.. can you name them? Show me you are reading by telling me below in comments!!)
4. Live for atleast 5 yrs of my life (consecutive or in at most 3 installments) abroad
So yeah.. that is what I have thus far!!!
Money Sucks
This is a important topic for me to discuss for two reasons.. one because of some heavy thinking I did (kinda touched on earlier) and also because I had a panic attack last night about it…
First the panic attack… the plan was my parents would draw money out of my account for bills etc while I was gone… well last night as I realized my checking account was getting low and I needed to a)borrow a little cash from them and b)move some cash from savings it hit me… they had never taken any money out of my account.. aka if they had I would have been in the hole quite a while ago… turns out they are considering it their help in this trip.. which is great don’t get me wrong!!! Love them.. more in a sec.. but! Money is a really touch subject for me.. like really really.. I always want to know how much I have.. where it is.. how much is on my credit card etc.. because I am terrified that I will be stupid and put myself into debt and be a burden and yeah… it just freaks me out when I am low on funds… so yes last night I cried for awhile as I talked to my mom about it all because Matty doesn’t like being broke..
BUTTTT!!!! (we are talking big butt… like two pigs fighting under a blanket butt)
I also need to realize that I have been doing a lot of thinking about money recently and told myself that if I had to use my credit card (I have used it.. lol) or borrow money from my parents (Oot I have lol) that it is OK.. I am in Africa.. my first time out of the country and although not my last (see above goals) it is ok if I am a little indebt because it is an amazing opportunity to grow, learn and discover!
Also, when in Zimbabwe we met a guy named Jono who is 25 and has done a lot of traveling.. this first thought to my mind was “I could never afford all this” aka I am limiting myself!.. he made a good point.. if someone stops paying the outrageous price for TV, for a High-Tec cellphone… if someone stops eating out so much and buying so much junk they don’t need.. within a year or two they have more than enough money to travel abroad… and I think I need to file that into my mind and always remember that…. If money is the only thing limiting me in life (even beyond travel) and I am willing to let it limit me than something is wrong… I need to change something because yes money is a big deal but it is def. not the biggest… am I making sense?
Parents
Also, a quick shout out to my parents 1)because they are amazing and 2)because they are amazing lol… my parents have always been there for me and this trip has just reshown me this… I was far from a spoiled brat as a kid… but I never was in need… my parents were always able to provide me with everything I needed and often a lot of what I wanted… I am very fortunate in this fact… they also have always been there for me emotionally… no matter what is happening in my life I know that all I have to do is swallow my pride and talk to them about it and they will be there supporting me and loving me no matter what… so thank you mom and dad.. I don’t tell you that enough!
Well.. I have a lot more I can type.. but lets save it for my next rambles eh? Check out my pics I have been putting more and more up ((also I add to preexisting folders so check them out too)) in addition check out some short videos at the account name MatthieuJesus on Youtube.com… now off to lotion my hands.. lol detergent and bleach does a number let me tell you!!
Much love and see you all soon
Matterz
What is this?! Matt is actually going to give you all a real update... woot woot! It will be brief up until this weekend because!!! I was in Zimbabwe!!!! Which to sum it up: Amazing!
Note: I am very very behind on uploading pictures.. sorry for that.. i will try to do some tonight but no promises..
Second note:
Survey... I want to do one more extreme adventure before I leave this wonderful place.. so should I
A)Go cage diving with great white sharks (check out info by googleing "Cape Town Shark Diving"
or
B)Find transport to the worlds tallest (according to Guinness Book of Records) bungee jump? (Bloukrans Bridge)
Type your opinion in the comments below!!
On to the summary:
July 4th- Went to Bull and Bush with Jack, Meeka and Danielle for a 4th of July night.. met friends from other states.. had dinner.. danced the night away.. Big fun!!
July 5th-Went to thingy at embassy... they tried super hard to make it feel like a fourth of july picnic from home.. was kinda bleh (very family oriented) but fun.. and I got painted as a bunny!! (Jack was pirate.. imagine us shopping and riding kombis!!)
Rest of time was normal week.. lots of fun with the kids... Phemo is talking to me!! (wait didn't talk about that did I?... Phemo was playing and fell and busted his chin and knocked out a tooth... as kids will do he blamed the nearest person.. me... made me sad) but yes he is back to being my little buddy! And I am getting more and more little buddys (aka finally learning the kids names)
Ok now for the main event!
Travel!!!!!
The Zambia girls left last Tuesday by bus to go to Livingston... Myself, Jack, Meeka, and Danielle woke up early on Wednesday to buy tickets to Kasane (same bus) however we discovered that no buses ran on Wednesdays...
Ever the creative bunch we opted for a mixture of originals plan (all trains) and new plans (all bus) and came up with the great zimbabwe train/bus adventure!!
After a day of packing, laundry, shopping and money exchanging (most things in Zimbabwe must be payed in US as the Zim. dollar is pretty worthless now (up to tens of billions of Z$ to 1 USD) Kinda sad... but yes after all that we rushed to the train depot and grabbed a sleep for a ride to Francistown... after a fun night on the train (I sleep well on them due to rocking and repetitive noise.. i am odd i know!) we arrived early the next morning and waited for a bus to Kasane (in bots. by the border)...
Two kinds of buses run from F-Town.. one is regular size.. usually cramped but ok.. and the other is a minibus.. which is basically a Kombi with a couple extra rows... guess what we ended up on?
....
...
Did you guess? What cha think? Well as it turns out we got a big bus (yay!) but as it did not fill up they moved us to a mini-bus (no yay)... but I can not complain.. i got the second row seat by the door.. aka I had to move in and out alot to let people in and out.. BUT!! lots of leg room... they others (mostly Jack) were not so lucky :(
That afternoon around 3ish we arrived in Kasane and ate some yummy chicken while waiting for our transfer to Vic. Falls town (in Zimbabwe).. he arrived.. we bought food (none in Zim :(...) and headed to the border... OMG!!! we saw animals left and right! it was like a mini-safari... after crossing the border (it took forever due to some paperwork junk) we were on our way and 45 minutes later (and one elephant sighting for miss. Meeka) we arrived at our back packers... Shoestrings!
ShoeStrings!
Pretty much in the middle of town sits a quaint little backpackers/swinging bar named Shoestrings... it was to be our home for the weekend and was amazing!! Meeka should have pics up soon but let me paint you a picture! Huge dogs (2) part bull mastiff part greyhound... adorable cats (Sparkles and Gonads).. amazing staff.. lots of color, music, a gorgeous pool, hammocks, the whole shebang.. plus a nice little place to order food named the Blue Baboon!
Night one!
Although really really tired we all decided to sit out at the bar and meet some people.. and that we did! Jack and a guy from Vancouver named Jono grabbed some instruments and with a couple guest artists had the place swinging all night as we sang, danced and just had a great time! It was official.. we were going to have an awesome night!
Day one!
We got up quasi early and met with a nice lady named Joy from Backpackers Bazaar.. she set up our activities!!!
After we got ready we ventured out and walked to the falls... all I can say is wow! Look at my pics once they are up but realize they don't do the falls justice... the views.. the rainforest.. everything about the national park screamed amazing!! If you ever get a chance please please visit them (hit up the Zambia side too.. but realize 70% of the falls are veiwable from Zim vs. 30 from Zam)... there were rainbows.. and rain shooting upwards and just beauty everywhere (plus big big drop offs that would so not fly in the US)
A couple hrs later.. drenching wet.. we walked back out of the park and headed towards the border... no we were not escaping we were headed to the Zambezi bridge (google it) to view the falls.. and and.. for me to jump!
AHHHHHH! that is right.. that afternoon I...
1. Strapped onto a zipline and flew across the gorge from the Zambia side to the base of the bridge.. pretty and quasi scary because of height.. but fun...
2. Bungee jumped the 3rd tallest jump in the world (approx. 111 metres.!)... it was intense.. amazing.. and terrifying! You must see the video.. i am trying to figure out how to convert it to put on youtube but currently i have a copy and my mom has a copy.. it is amazing!... i scream and bounce and.. wow!
3. Did a bridge swing of the bridge (aka they strap you in.. you run off the bridge.. totally against everything you think you should do... fall for a couple seconds thinking you are going to die.. then begin to swing back and forth with the bridge and gorge all around you)
Overall it was prob. the most amazing and intense experience of my life
After it all we got my video and walked back to the backpackers where we had night two of jamming music (the place was packed!!)
Day 2
Myself, Meeks and Danielle awoke early and headed back across the Bots border to Kasane to hit up Chobe.... That morning we hopped onto a boat and spent a couple hours cruising down the Chobe river (lots of antelope.. hippos.. crocodiles ((which i took soo many pictures for my nephew Jacob))... birds.. just the whole shebang!) and one elephant way way off...
Then we had an amazing lunch buffet at a gorgeous resort then jumped on a safari truck and headed into the park to see a crapload of elephants, more hippos and other such animals.. and giraffes!!! ((no lions.. sad day..))
That night we again had a night of jamming but it was much smaller and i turned in early...
Day 3
Again me and the girls awoke early and headed out to Wild Horizons national park for whitewater rafting down the Zambezi... I have been on a lot of whitewater trips but this one truely blew them all away.. it was fun.. intense.. everything!! It started with the morning prep and tea.. then a ride to the drop site.. sort off.... they drop you off at the top of the gorge and you walk down... and down.. and down.. not too bad but a nice hike and gorgeous views.. I even found a small waterfall to use as a water slide.. SCORE!!!... then it was into the boat.. D and I were in a boat with 4 other assorted people and Meeka was in the other boat (she didn't like the idea of paddling her first time out.. smart move)... our guide was Colgate.. 40 something years old but in better shape than I ever will be!
The rapids were intense! and most boats flip atleast once.. ours never did.. even when we all purposely jumped into the back in one small rapid and the boat was almost straight up in the air.. haha so later we all jumped in and rode a rapid while holding onto the side of the boat (later in a calm spot we all looked at the crocs on the shore... see the conflict here.. lol)
The end of the trip started much like the start.. but now we were tired.. most people take approx. 20 minutes to climb out of the gorge.. they told us there was cold beer and I was up in about 16 minutes (record is 6.. that must have been one crazy mofo!) After a nice lunch (and cold beer) we headed home and had our last night at the Backpackers Sad...
Travel home!
Just like the way up we took a minibus and train.. except this time I was far from as lucky.. I was in the seat with a tire hump at my feet and a large large women at my side... not to be hateful to larger people.. but she had at least 100 pounds on my weight (not hard to do of course)... in addition she might not have bathed recently and her breath was kind of wack... as a term of endearment I privately called her Mma Jello... the reason for this is as the ride went on she would fall asleep with her head on my shoulder.. then she would be laying on top of me where i couldn't breath and her hair up my nose (barf).. at one point I not so gently pushed her off and leaned forward.. she in turn place her arm on my back and slept back there.. :(.. so i leaned back and put my arms behind my head.. her head in turn laid into my armpit... aka it sucked... but hey it was an experience (the other 3 had it just as bad)
We took turns eating/waiting for the train tickets in F-Town and Danielle and I had an interesting experience.. as we sat eating our delicious curry dinners at The Pizza House (nice place we have now eaten at both times we have been in F-Town) a gentleman approached out table.. he proceeded to try and sell us bootleg DVDs (not uncommon here.. in fact I have bought about 6 disks from stores(about 300 movies in total i think).. however when we declined he reached into a pocket and pulled out about three other disks.. "special" DVDs he would give us a good price on.... Danielle and I almost choked as we looked at the pictures on the DVDs.. after a lot of saying "no thanks" he left and we cracked up.. then the electricity in F-Town went out... so from now on D and I have the memory of our candlelit porno dinner.. lol!
We arrived home this morn!! and I spent the day cleaning.. sleeping.. and stocking up on groceries for my last couple of weeks...
Look for an update tomorrow on my feelings and thoughts recently.. a lot has got me thinking recently and it is a good thing but kind of scary when you suddenly realize how many options are out there... I guarantee readers that although I come home in 3 weeks this will not be my last trip abroad... too much has changed inside me now!.. for the good!!!!
Remember to answer the survey and goodnight all!
((also visit Jayne's blog and leave birthday wishes for Thursday.. girl turns 21 in a foreign country)
I feel the need to re clarify a little! I wrote my last e-mail post very quickly before I jumped onto a train!
The just in-case paragraph has nothing to do with Zimbabwe.. lol it has to to with the entire Africa trip in general and me bungee jumping.. sorry if it confused peeps and such but I do this kind of thing whenever I fly anyplace or do anything scaryish (haha i even did it when I got my wisdom teeth taken out with a note in my pocket)
I also mentioned we are going to Zim (we are here.. it is amazing yet kind of sad.. more about that later).. today I jumped off a bridge twice and glided across a valley!! But more on that later!!! Yes we are in Zimbabwe.. and yes the US State Dept. has warned all US travelers to avoid Zim.. but please all readers rest assured that we are a) save and b) well informed (we contacted the US embassy here and I was in contact with them up until the day we came.. they informed me that although they have released the warning that the threat level here in the city of Vic. Falls is extremely small..((it is seriously super far from any big cities and within walking distance from Zambia and driving distance from Botswana if anything were to get spooky)) We are surrounded by many people from the US and our only concern is using US dollars (we have so forgotten how.. lol) and getting food ((no food here.. :( so we had to buy groceries in Kasane))
I then went into how happy i am right now just because I am getting to do so much amazing stuff (jumping from bridges.. seeing a world heritage site.. etc!!!) and this was just me being dorky and wanting people to share in my happy!!
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Basically I love you all.. my friends, family, cole.. i love the world no matter what because although it has much hate and sorrow to it there is also so much joy and love.. i am in a place in my life with friends i am happy to have.. a family i wouldn't give up for the world.. and a partner who truely makes me believe the world can be a perfect place.. i am happy and just incase I dont mention i love you!!! i want all of you to know this...
ahh time is going!!! love all and dont worry!!! lala bye
Tomm. is chobe!!
Hello all!
What what what!!! a two post in a row? haha this one will be short.. just sitting in my room listening to music (hence title.. points for who can name the song) and eating some toast and jam as i sip my tea... aka a nice quiet night...
Today was good.. back in the classroom which makes my dad because i get to see the kids and just spend the day with them. They seriously light me up inside (well most of them.. some are quasi abnoxious.. i ignore those.. or run them into trees ((long story and it really really wasn't my fault... but can we say dharma?)) but yes I got to see a lot of the kids today who really make my days worth while... also teacher decided to brush my hair it is getting crazy long!
So today in pre-school we read a story about children and AIDS and it really got me thinking.. working in the US where i was not able to even go into public highschools even i wonder if our system of HIV/AIDS education is failing.. i mean the thought i seem to get is that if one talks about HIV people assume that sex will play a part.. i can assure you todays story talked about a lot but never was sex mentioned.. so.. yeah
Having a kind of hard night too... i am sure you know tomm. is the 4th of July... last fourth cole and i set off fireworks with my family.. this fourth my family and cole are thousands of miles away.. :( I did get to talk to Nikki (Cole's sister) today though... his family is having a big BBQ and such.. i am totally jealous!!! we shall see what the Embassy cooks up!!
Also before I go.. i must discuss my supper... it was yummy (no goat because at the time i was cooking i had no water :S) but yes I boiled some pasta (bottled water.. mwhahaha) and then mixed in sauted onions, garlic, and peppers in addition to some oil, feta and gouda.. and on top had crumbles of feta... aka very very good mac and cheese.. not to toot my horn.. but get me in a kitchen and good things are bound to h
Dumela Borra le Bomma!
So you will realize this post is not as promised... but i have good reason.. and and i did not have goat stirfry lastnight.. also a good reason.. but i assure you the meat is marinating as I type!
So my week! It is kind of scary that I have been here already for half my trip... a couple short weeks and I will be back in the US :( So today I began making a list of what I will miss about Botswana... some of the highlights include
1.The kids
2.Friendly people
3.Black Cat Peanut Butter
4. Peri Peri Sauce
5. Hand Pies
Trust me it will grow much much longer!
I was sooo tempted just to type this as another recipe (Goat Stir-fry... spicey.. flavorful... very good!)... but mom has nixed that saying I must write a real update :P Thousands of miles away and still in control :P
So Tlamelo is still amazing as always! Today was my first day back since I left for Maun (Monday i did laundry/errands and yesterday was a national holiday) I got to see Rabithebe and found out he has another older sibling who goes to regular school (not sure if said older sibling is a boy or a girl... but nice kid!!)
MAUN-
Okay so first I must describe the transit to Maun... but I will give you a second to look at a map of Botswana in an effort to get the layout of what I am talking about.. I need you to look up Gaborone.. Francistown.. Maun and if you can find it the Boro river ((in the Okavango)).... find it? not yet!? ok Ill wait some more... maybe go grab some chocolate brownie icecream ((that is right.. matt is coming back with a booty.. fat cakes.. icecream... carbs with every meal... im getting me a tush!!)
But yes... we (me and the girls.. Jacks stayed home for a weekend of hanging with the roomies and locals) but yes we decided to take the night train from Gabs-Francistown.. it was fun but meeka and I decided to be thrifty and ride the Club car instead of a sleeper (the girls rode 1st class sleep)... let me describe club...
1.no heat
2.lights on all night
3.reclining chairs that were stuck in recline
4.people from economy class constantly sneaking in
5.no heat
6.people walking through non-stop
7.did i mention no heat?
So yes we arrive in F-town early the next morning (left gabs at 9pm) and begin a trek across town to catch a bus to Maun ((meanwhile a group of students from England who had been in Africa for approx. 6 months teaching decided to follow us to the bus... remember this for later in the story))
The bus comes quite a while later and after about 20 people come on trying to sell stuff (I bought a soda.. some mints and some fried chicken!!) we were off... it wasn't too bad.. we stopped to pick people up randomly and i slept off and on.. only one bathroom break!
Soon we arrived in Maun and it is quite different than in Gabs... around here it is mainly Gypsum as the rock type so the dirt has a red tinge... well in Maun it is like walking on sand all the time.. really fine white sand.. tres purty!!! It also has more trees and water and such.. and is a lot more touristy.. which to me is a bad point but eh.. thats life!
We quickly grabbed some Taxi's and headed to Audi Camp (our home away from home away from home :P)... the England group decided Audi sounded good as well (notice they were just following us? lol!)
Our site was great.. pop tents with a little table and two rather comfy cots! Meeks and I being the sexy peeps we are shacked up together in the Mopane Tent whilst Jayne and Danny hit up the Camelthorn (i believe) tent and Marinda and Leslie took the BuckThorn (i think) tent..
I wish I could describe the wash room well.. meant to take a picture but yeah that didn't happen.. soo to describe.. it was a round building split into two down the middle (one side for guys one side for girls)... in effect it was a round wall that was approx 7-8 foot tall.. cement and plaster with African designs... and approx five feet in from the wall the thatch roof starts ((if that is confusing sorry.. basically the roof doesn't come all the way out so parts of it are open air.. aka open air showers and sinks... really really awesome but cooolllld in the mornings...
We spent the first night just chilling and headed to the bar (amazing.. also had no walls so open air) and restaraunt (down some stairs overlooking the pool which in turn overlooked the river also open air).. the food was delicious! (I had Lambchops.. a nice red wine and for desert a Apple and Ginger Pud)
The next day we awoke early and Meeka and I grabbed breakfast.. then all were off for a morning horse back ride through the area.. it was fun and makes me miss riding horses.. my first horse was San.. the biggest and in my opinion most stubborn.. but he was fun and lord could he run... however halfway through Meeks and I traded as she and her horse ElZabib (i think that is spelt wrong.. ill call him El) didn't get along.. this horse was atleast for me a lot easier to handle.. but omg did this horse love to run!
We had a nice picnic by the river with the horses cows and donkeys (lots of wild donkeys in botswana) then we were off again. We actually crossed the river twice.. and im not talking water on our feet cross.. it came all the way up our horses into our laps!.. cold but fun
The best part came at the end when we were allowed to canter along the riverside if we wanted.. myself and El took off and pretty soon we were full out galloping.. it was AMAZING!!
Sadly it had to end and we headed back to Audi for the afternoon.. since this was our Vcay of sorts I threw on my suit and headed to the pool.. COLD!!!! but i swam a bit then layed out with the girls for lite drinks and sunbathing all afternoon.. then back to the amazing restaurant for dinner (this time I sampled the Pork Schnitzel and had amazing mousse for dessert)
Day two was amazing as well.. again we awoke early and jumped into a safari truck to head to our Mokoro trip.. in my opinion the truck was fun too! we saw wildebeast, some zebras and a steenbook (antelope) or two!.. it was also bumpy and we crossed some water!
A couple hours later we were at the Boro river slipping into our Mokoros (traditional tswana canoes hued from wood such as that of the sausage tree, the ebony tree or other hardwood trees... now they are making Mekoros ((notice spelling)) of fiberglass to save the trees) The river was amazing and I can not explain it so look at pics.. but a couple fun stories
Elephant!
We never saw it.. had your hopes up eh? however we saw a tree shaking and heard it as the elephant attacked trying to get the fruit
Hippo!
Okay this is funny.. all the time in Maun everyone talks about the dangers of hippos right? ((reportedly they are the animal that kills the most people in africa)) Well imagine the fun of being in a wooden boat surronded by really flipping tall grass and hearing Slosh! Slosh! Slosh!... all of our guides froze and motioned for us to be quiet... ((meeka and I's quide actually slowly began backing up)) after much tense quiet time we silently headed out again.. wish had seen a hippo but kinda glad didn't see it then!
Giraffe!
Okay... so the last two have kind of been build ups with no BANG!.. well here is a bang for you! A little ways down the two mokoros ahead stop and everyone is pointing... Turns out leslie had spotted a lone Giraffe just grazing in some trees by the shore.. it was a nice butt view (see the pics i took).. well meeka and I's guide decided we needed front row seats.. so he passed the other two canoes and took us as close as possible... so guess how close the giraffe was when it spotted us.. turned and bolted right infront of us!!! it was sooo gorgeous and i was in such awe i seriously forgot to take pictures! But yes.. awesome!
After we left our mokoros.. the safari truck (and the loud lady from Australia who laughed funny and i quasi wanted to strangle) we were back at Camp and freshened up before going all out at dinner... Meeka and I met for pre-dinner cocktails (I had a dead donkey shot.. yum.. and a Mai Tai.. she had the same shot and a long island) then we met the girls for dinner... i had a nice lamb and curry with rice.. delicious white wine (Chardonnay mix) the Apple pud and a yummy coffee.. a good goodbye to Maun if i do say so! The next morning we had a quick breakfast and hit the same bus home... but the train was all sorts of fun.. let me share!!!
Train!!
Actually...
Train Wait!!
Our bus arrived early afternoon.. the train left a 9.. we had a lot of luggage and were very tired.. Jayne and D found out bookings didn't start going on sale till 6 so we sat at a cafe.. played cards blah blah until 530 and jayne, d, and myself headed up to the station (about 5-6 blocks) to get tickets ((all of us in second class sleepers)) Well here is the fun.. and i shall right it quickly
530 we leave
Girls decided to go back and get books also get everyones money
600 we still wait.. line is longer
630 we still wait.. start to worry girls with luggage will be worried
635 wait
650 I walk to girls with luggage.. help them into pizza place.. carry some stuff to train depot
715 line has been moving for awhile.. wait in sidelines while girls wait.. walk back with stuff to pizza parlor..
730 while rest of team eats I wait for jayne and d
735 group of obviously gay batswana guys (in 20s) sits at next table.. i make mental note to mention in blog a spotting of the rare motswana homosexual
738 I search out jayne and d and find them on the way with tickets
Sum it up we get out pizza it was amazing and we make it on train... more fun!
They place me Jayne and D in one suite and the other 3 girls in another (there are 3 empty beds in both of our suites.. go figure).. random futbol player comes into our room.. he is cute we don't mind his ticket doesn't match and he doesn't talk much... drunk "friend" of futbol player also comes in.. he is creepy... and severly creeps jayne out.. after he leaves and futbol player dissappears on cellphone for a couple hrs we lock door and go to bed.. my bunk swayed and it was all clanky.. so i felt like a baby in a crib.. slept really really well!
We get back to Gabs.. back to UB and i should sleep but but!!!! i check e-mail and end up not sleeping!
We have laundry issues (see other blogs.. im getting tired of typing and you are getting tired of reading)... and that night i stay up late to talk to coleio.. miss him! I am starting to plan my return and i now think it will work out!!!
So tuesday was my exercise day.. we go to Tlamelo (no school for Sir Setse Khama day) and find out that the project is also closed.. Jack goes off with a local friend and the girls and I wait for kombis.. and wait.. and wait.. all Taxi's are busy too.. so we start walking.. well i am in for an adventure and walk all the way back to UB (they got a taxi).. this is basically from one side of town to another.. approx 1.5-2 hrs.. really fun!
Then I relax for about 30-45 mins before my roommate Mike asks me if I want to climb Kgale hill will him and friends.. (see previous post for first time climbing) I am in.. we climb it.. ((they never had... glad i came! or they might have got lost)) and watch the sunset.. really pretty but!!!! we had no flashlights.. so the 4 of us had to come down the hill through the thorn trees and all the rock rubble in the dark.. lots of fun!!!
That is why i didnt update last night.. too tired!!! sorry mom!
Today (i will make this short.. gawd i ramble)
We went to Tlamelo and I saw Rabithebe.. (no phemo :(... maybe tomm?). it was amazing as always and i was pooped by the end!
Now why the title? i forgot the other day to mention Billy.. he is in a lot of my pics and is one of my favorite kids.. buut is kind of unique! there are a couple obviously special needs kids here (Taj and the grabby kid) but I think Billy may be a little touched as well.. some days he is a normal happy kid and will play with us for hours.. others we will see him on the side of the road covered from head to toe in dirt just screaming (not crying just screaming over and over) and nothing can stop the screaming... so yes he is.. unique... but today was the first time in a while he has been the normal happy kid when i am around and i was sad to say goodbye.. so yeah this post is dedicated to him
Other than that not much tonight.. really good supper and excited for goat and potatoes tommorrow!! Also want to thank people for commenting.. it makes me happy and glad to have ya'll!
Finally.. if you haven't seen it watch "Bridge to Terabithia" I know random.. but i watched it tonight and it made me cry.. i know i am weak but there are reasons!
1. It was one of my favorite stories as a kid and to this day i love the book and the movie does it justice
2. I used to have a friend and he and i would seriously spend hours in the brush behind his house fighting "creatures" and just using our imaginations to create worlds
3. Whenever I was having a hard time as a kid there was a place on my farm that was my own little world.. and to this day when i see the tall cottonwood that grows there (you can see it from a loong ways off) i get a lump in my throat
so yes i am weak.. but watch it!!!
Boroko and talk to you monday
Matt
P.S.-For those of you worried.. yes although the US is now saying all travelers should avoid Zimbabwe I am still going next wednesday.. im super excited! wish me luck!
Super Billllyyyy!
I promise I will write a long post soon.. but for now just too tired to put it all down.. do check out new pics from my trip to Maun and expect lots of fun stories!!!
Goat Pizza
Ingredients-
1 pre-made pizza crust (with sauce)
approx 1/3 cup diced goat meat
approx 1/2 a small onion (half rustic cut half minced)
1 jalapeno (half rustic/half minced)
4 cloves garlic (2 rustic/2 minced)
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp oil
approx 1 tbsp cola
Mozzarella cheese to taste
italian seasoning
Preheat oven according to crust directions
Saute rustic ingredients in butter and cola add dash of seasoning then place aside. Cook goat with minced ingredients in same pan with oil. Spread all out on pizza crust covering with desired amount of shredded mozzarella. Season. Bake according to crust directions and enjoy!!
((tonights supper for me... someone has to eat this goat.. tomm is goat stirfry and wednesday is goat potato soup!
Like i said big update tomm!
much love!
Matt
Dumelang Borra le Bomma!
So I have come to the concluscion this will become a weekly blog.. haha or atleast that is how I have been typing it! I hope all is doing well back home and in the U.S. as a whole.. due to where I am at I feel so disconnected and can only read news snippets! Glad to read that Ste. Gen didn't float away in the flooding but sad to hear about all those that did! Also wanted to give a quick shout out to Colin and Titus in addition to everyone else from the X. Miss you guys! Also!!! Congratulations to Donna for stumbling onto my link! Good to know you are reading (does this mean I have to keep it clean and pg? lol!)
So another week has flown by in Botswana. I think for the most part the novelty has warn off and the culture shock is ending. However! This does not mean it is growing boring.. just means I am now comfortable enough that I can take in much more of my surrondings!
My week was tiring but a blast as always! There was a lot of Tlamelo (which we found out the TL makes a CL sound.. like in cluck) and as always I love those kids to death.
However, two things really made my week.. one was the toddlers and the other was the adventures of supper the goat!
First the toddlers.. Last week I tagged a long with Danielle to the preschool on wednesday.. well I was hooked and went back this wednesday to spend the day in the Toddler class (a lil over 10 kids that are a little younger than preschool). Those kids are adorable! and they really seem to enjoy having me around (who doesn't enjoy a tall white guy with long pullable hair and a soft heart for big brown eyes?)
Therefore I have decided that I will begin doing the toddler class twice a week and work at Tlamelo the rest of the week (and after class is over!)
Today I realized I am really getting attached to a lot of the kids and this is both a good thing and a bad thing. Good because it is an amazing time and they just make me soo happy to be surronded by so many smiling faces that are just happy to be there ya know? It is bad because I know leaving is going to be hard. Today it hit me that there are probably going to be many times where I wonder... "Where is this kid now?" "How is this little guy doing?" "Is so and so still alive?"... and those are going to be moments that hurt :(
I want to adopt a kid... and as much of that comment is a joke.. part of it hits on something I have realized recently. I feel that prior to this trip I had the nice to play with but throw them on a shelf idea of kids.. aka I love kids but when they aren't happy I like giving them back to parents. Since coming here I don't know.. it sounds dumb but something clicked on and I know that some day in my future I do plan to adopt because I think I could be a great father... yeah i know odd paragraph but that is why my blog is a ramble blog!
So.. if I were to adopt..... :D
PHEMO-
I am prob. spelling his name wrong, however i can tell you the H is silent. He was one of the younger kids that would always kind of sit on the outskirts of groups and just watch all of us.. aka he is adorably shy. Well as I started helping in the preschool/toddlers class he began to draw to me and now everytime I am around he is there beside me. It began he would just stand beside me.. then he began holding my hand... then he wanted on my back.. and now he just sits on my shoulders. The thing is he doesn't talk, he doesn't want to play, he is content just being up there... and now everytime I see him I give him a sucker! haha so I have a silent 6 yr old (or maybe 5) who just chills on ym shoulders and gets really pissed if another kid is up there....
RABITHEBE-
This is my kid... seriously! you have read about him before... the child I refer to as Rabies is actually called Rabithebe (how perfect is that?.. without knowing it I was soo close!) But yes he is actually in the toddlers class and now is constantly searching me out to be held. He is a nutcase (like seriously verging on crazy) and that is what makes him so adorable! There is nothing like a 3 yr old that will sit down and talk to himself... get up and run in circles.. sit back down and stare into space.. dance and sing.. then run up and jump on you smiling like a madman.... he and phemo now compete for me lol but there is enough matt to go around!
TEPAUL-
I know I am spelling this wrong. This kid is the word reserved down to a T. Meeka, Jack and I noticed him always watching us and like Phemo trying to be close but not interacting. I think he may have hepatitis or perhaps Sickle cell.. but his eyes are extremely jaundiced and he looks very very sick. However, Meeka and I have been working on his shyness and today we had him playing and laughing with us as we ran around....
I actually have a pic somewhere of me and these three playing today and I dunno it just lifts my heart to be around them...
You will notice my favorites are all three boys.. there is a reason for this... the girls come in two types: Type one is really shy and terrified of me.. and type two are really aggresive and in one word scary! However! there is one girl that although she is a little wonky makes me smile every time!
DRAMA
No.. her name is not Drama.. but if you were around this little girl you would understand. She crys at the drop of a hat... is a diva and a half and has to always be the center of attention.. That being said she is also adorable! I taught the kids the Macarana and now everyutime she sees me we do it together
I had a very hard conversation with the two Toddler's teachers. They are both wonderful women trying to raise their own kids and working jobs that barely pay. That being said it was hard trying to explain the difference between America and Africa because they think I must be very rich. And in all honesty if they made the money I do even working at Walmart.. they would be rich. One helped start the school we work at.. worked there 14 yrs and left to work in town for 10 yrs and has now come back.. they are just.. yeah i am fortunate to know them.
I had to share with you some funny stories with the kids.. and the stories are *drum roll*
Sand castles:
As I sat talking with the teachers I noticed something odd out of the corner of my eye. One of the preschoolers (Mmpho I believe) had whipped himself out and was proceeding to pee into the sand.. meanwhile another kid had a yougurt cup and was trying to catch it... this escalated into about 4 other boys doing it and many more watching (boys and girls)... meanwhile the teachers are commenting on it but in no way stopping it and I crack up as the kids begin building sand castles.... really makes me want to wash all their hands before they touch me eh?
Fat cakes and creepy man:
If you have not done it yet look up Fat Cakes online (Also know as Magyiwana (sp?)... they are soo good! well meeka and I decided to buy all the kids (toddlers and preschool) each one (they are really really cheap) and so we ordered 40 fat cakes.. the vendor ladies jaw almost hit the floor! Well as we walked back a smelly man was following us.. and by us i mean me.. well he followed me into the school yard.. down the passageway and into the preschool play area.. I am a little freaked and catch a teachers attention.. she mentions he is messed up in the head.. he gropes me ass.. and i run and hide while the teachers gets him away!
For those of you who really know me you know I am kind of a show off.. here in Africa there is no exception. Some of the kids realized I was really flexable.. told friends.. and now I get large groups of kids wanting to see me stretch.. one day I had like a mass surronding me.. and like clockwork by crotch of my pants ripped.. hmm Dharma?
Before I move onto other subjects one more mention of the kids.. I have talked about Thabo (really Thabogo).. but slowly I am befriending more of the 10-14 age group and it is really fun because everyday it is like I have a bunch of little brothers around me to pick on! One is even a little budding contortionist.. but yeah these guys make me really sad too because I know they are hitting that age where life suddenly is all too real and they live in situations that kids back home would never have to live through :(
New subject... I want to throw a shout out to the girls (mainly Danielle and Jayne) for making a delicious meal for black out friday (we still call it black out friday although the black outs have stopped)... they made us brinner! and it was delicious!
Last Thursday was a blast... after the project Leslie jack and I hit up Game City (a mall by the project) so I could buy a new pair of jeans.. we ended up eating and having coffee at a place called Mugg and Beane.. and just hanging out reminded me why I love having those two on thr trip ya know?
Friday was fun too! Lesliehad some kids playing in a futbol game and we were all invited.. it was a blast to hang out and watch the game and I talked with one of my kids (Ketshepheone). Also took a lot of pics.. look them up!
Wow this is getting long and I am not even to the good part yet! Ready for a spoiler!!! there is a chopped up Goat in my fridge!!!!
Okay.. to start at the begining! Saturday the group tagged along with Jessica and Anna (two girls who went last year and came back this year for a diff project on their own).. they are working in Gomadubu doing a feeding project on Saturdays and doing an amazing job! So we all piled into Teacher Shelly's truck and took the long drive out to the village. I know I have been in Africa.. but the village really brought it home.. off in the middle of a scrub plain.. miles of visibility.. very little technology.. it was rustic and beautiful!!! The local Taxi's were mule driven carts (they let me help drive!!!!) We had a blast playing with kids.. helping cook.. and and!!! They gave us a goat!
I named the goat supper and was informed that it is a man/boys job to slaughter. Gulp! Jack isn't big on seeing animals die so It was left into my hands... Bigger Gulp! When it came down to it I gave the knife back to teacher Shelly's son and had him do the actual killing.. I will spare you the details.. but lets just say lots of blood! However, I managed to watch the entire slaughter from beginning to end (I even helped hang and clean the carcass.. skin the head.. and remove the bottome jaw!!).. I only left once when I almost blacked out!! So yes.. look at pics!!! On the way home we went by a butcher and had it cut down further into steaks and such and meeka and I had goat that night!... taste grassy (while at the village they cooked the liver and the intestines.. both interesting to taste.. many of us tried the liver.. but i was the only one crazy enough to try to the intestine)
Jessica and Anna were given a chicken and Marinda did the honor of taking it's head off.. remind me never to piss her off!!
It was kinda cool sitting with the guys (Shelly's 20 yr oldson who's name I can't type and Mateo a 34 yr old guy).. they explained to me how to properly slaughter a goat and the culture beind it. A young man first starts on chickens.. then he is given the goats head to skin.. once mastering that he does a whole goat.. and finally a cow... a boy is not a respected until he can do a goat! I would be laughed at.. lol... Shelly's son did his first goat at 16 and has no interest in doing a whole cow!
So we headed home.. i hope to go back! and on the way back while at the butcher's Shelly's (boyfriend.. friend.. old man.. i dunno) offered to buy me a beer.. well i actually told him I would buy him one so Jack myself and this guy went and got beers.. it was fun! Downside I came home and had a few drinks as well.... well normally this would be fine.. however i had been in th sun all day.. was very tired.. was sunburnt.. and had drank maybe two things all day.. this meant that Jack ended up taking care of me.. and I spent sunday in bed :(
I miss Cole more everyday... its kind of odd.. not only can I not have him.. but I have to be careful who I talk to about him :( I had a really dumb sad moment on the way back saturday.. i was thinking about our goat and how they mark who owns what by ear slits.. which is how sheep are done as well... which is in the movie brokeback mountain (don't like that movie btw).. which made me think of Cole.. aka everything makes me think of Cole.. and although I love who I am with here.. I know he would be having the time of his life here and we could share an amazing adventure together!
I shall see him soon!
Okay one last thing then I am off to sleep! Tonight Meeka and I had a night out.. it was fun! We went shopping then grabbed a delicous dinner and Cafe Portugal then headed home for a movie night... a good ole fashion date.. woot!!
Well off to sleep.. going to see my kids in the morn!
Dumela Borra le Bomma!
Yet again it has been awhile and many many adventures later! Currently I lay in bed getting ready to pass-out for a loong day!
Hmmm what can I talk about.. nothing much is up really.. i mean I am only in Africa... lol! It has been great as always! Time for stories!
The Weekend!!!
Saturday was another Zebras' Game... (see former post about futbol game). However, myself and all girls except Danielle decided to skip out and head to a village known for it's pottery work... Start scene.. 5 americans walking around a huge bus rank looking for the one we want... fast-foward and wide angle shot of said americans sitting at correct bus stop waiting... que Matt being bored so grabbing Meeka and going on a search for food... some fried chicken and a hand pie later Meeka and Matt return.. discuss with other's and decide to skip village travel and head to Botswana Craft via taxi!!!
I have decided Taxis and kombis are the best way for us to get to know one another, because let me tell you nothing says how are you like sitting in each other's laps! Luckily everyone on the team is pretty good about showering and wearing deoderant!
Botswana craft is like a playground for me! It is full of crafts not only from the Batswana but also the San, and even going as far to northern african peoples. Aka it was amazing just to see the artwork but into some of the pieces.. then like the gates of heaven opening we stepped into the gallery where they keep the really really nice Botswana baskets (look them up.. they're kind of a big deal :P) and my jaw hit the floor.. let's just say i am going back to do some shopping before we head home!
Saturday night the same group headed out to Primi's (a quasi italian restraunt)... Jack and Danielle had been there for lunch so skipped out. If you ever find yourself in Botswana go to Primi's (I might be spelling that wrong.. hmmm) and order a Jam Jar.... not overly alcoholic.. and very yummy! On the way out of the mall we hit up Milky Lane for icecream (DQ ain't got %^$# on this place.. yum!!!)
Sunday is where all my new pics are from (seriously.. new pics.. go look on my photobucket!)... we went to Kgale Hill for a hike (heard of this hill? well type it into google I'll wait... ok find it? yep we hiked it! it was a blast and only sucked in a couple places where I was out of breath... I think some of the team (including myself) are a little out of shape! It also made me sad and reflective for two reasons.. reason 1).. you guessed.. COLE!.. he and I often go on hikes around Manhattan and Ste. Gen and sitting at the top of the peak looking out all I could think of was how much fun he and I would have had hiking it together.. but! this just means I have another reason to bring him back! reason 2).. Alaska... what? you don't see a connection between Alaska and Africa? well they both start with As! haha also I would hike alot with my family in Alaska and I have had some of my best moments in that state so kind of sad that I haven't been there in a few years!
But enough sad stuff! Kgale hill offers a great view of just everything around.. (Gaborone is pretty much a flat cracker.. but! randomly around the region are hills... i believe made of Gypsum.. that suddenly sky rocket.. aka it is beautiful!) So yes.. look at pics! After we got back (omg! i forgot to mention.. we went with new friends Luke and Grahmn.. missonaries from Canada) the group went to a Portequese (sp?) place called Nando's.. it was better than I expected (the menu offered chicken.. and don't get me wrong I love me some clucker.. but there wasn't much variance and i am kinda getting clucked out.. lol).. but yes I got a wrap with extra hot peri peri sauce (I will wait again while you look that up... waiting waiting.. sounds good no?) my mouth was on super fire! needless to say I am totally bringing a couple bottles home!
Monday... blargh! Today was fun but a little tiring! Myself, meeka, jack and Danielle were the group that didn't go early to teach.. but we were so proud we were going to make it on time if not early to help cook at the project.. however us being the dorks we are decided if one Tklogwene kombi goes to the station then they all must right? wrong! we ended up on the complete other side of town! (I must admit it was partially my fault because I was all like, "sure lets just see where this one goes!") So we walk around a bit and find a kombi to Game City (A mall right by Old Naledi.. yay!).. well this kombis hugs the whole outskirts of the city and takes forever and a day to get to Game city.. upon arriving we grab lunch (yeah.. it took that long!) and then catch a cab (which we get lost in Old Naledi) two hours plus after we left we are walking into the project!!!
The project is the project.. I love it to death but only so much one can say about it.. lol.. plus this is getting long and pretty soon you will be moving onto a blog that is cuter and younger (speaking of which I shaved off my goatee.. it looks horrible.. A) my skin is really irritated where the facial hair was ((don't as me why.. having hair causes me skin to get inflammed and crack.. same thing with my scalp :()) and B)with long hair I look like a really ugly women.. :( aka the facial hair will be regrowing!
Today I played it a little calmer at the project and spent time with some of my favorite kids...I have to admit although Rabies is crazy (his real name is not Rabies btw.. he told me it today but I couldn't understand him.. he is really young and talks quiet) but although he is crazy I found out today he is just an attention Junkie.. so spent a lot of time playing with him today.. haha Champ (told us we should each take a kid home.. I lay dibs on him.. if anyone gives me problems I will sic him on them! See below for a picture of him..... Isn't he a insane looking kid? but soo cute!
We are doing a lot of travel planning right now and I will talk more about it later.. but for now I want to discuss Zimbabwe... yes.. the place you keep hearing about in the news... in about a month half of us will be going to Zambia and the other half are going to Zimbabwe... why the split? different opinions.. Zambia is admittingly easier to plan a trip to... easier to stay in.. and of course a small amount safer.. (plus they have better rainforest around Vic Falls)... on the other hand Zimbabwe is cheaper to travel to.. views much more of the falls (70 percent is viewable from the Zimbabwe side).. and our lodging is within walking distance of the falls... but I kind of have a personal reason for wanting to go and it may sound dumb... but Zimbabwe is of course going through extremely hard times.. and things are just getting worse... this country has a very rich history and is reportedly gorgeous... I am afraid that if I don't take a chance now to visit that it will be many many years before It will even be safe to cross that border (if it will even be possible in the coming years).. aka I want to visit the country while I still can!
For those friends and family memebers worried.. please don't be.. yes the capital is a scary place right now.. but the people of Zimbabwe are a friendly people and the tourism trade (although taking a hit) is one of the few things keeping the economy from getting worse (if it could)... so we will be safe and having an amazing time.. and I am sure the Zambia group will as well.. haha maybe we will see one another on the Zambezi bridge! (awesome bridge that spans the river between the two countries infront of the falls... also 3rd highest bungee jump in the world.. yep i am so doing it!)
I did have a sad moment this week I want to share.. Sunday morning Jack and I walked to do some minor shopping at the main mall before we went hiking.. well I quickly grabbed a couple hand pies and parked it on a bench while waiting for Jack to get KFC (to spoil then end it took around 30 plus minutes for him to get it)... well as I sat a random guy walked up and started talking to me ((not as uncommon here as one might think lol))... well it was broad daylight.. people were walking about.. and I seriously had little money on me so I felt pretty secure in sitting and talking with this gentleman for awhile... as it turns out he was a student in his last year from Zimbabwe who had come down to Gab City to try and find a job over break and make some money to pay for classes... as he told me his story he actually began crying a couple times and of course asked for money ((which i with a heavy heart politely refused)) however he stayed around and we discussed the current state of his country and... well lets just say seeing a grown man honestly cry in such frustration and hopelessness and the stories he told of how people are having to live is something that will stick in my mind for a loong time. Hearing him say over and over how he would be better if he had just been born American made me step back.. life is far from perfect in the US... but comparitivly even our poorest have it made.. and i think that is something many of us have forgotten... not to get all political but as we fight a losing battle in more than one country (and look to start more) our fellow human kind are suffering countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana, and Sudan and the list goes on and on and spans to other continents... how did the US go from a caregiver and become what we are? just a personal moment for me...
but yes I talked to Richie (Marinda knows his actual name.. but Richie is close) I really had some reflective moments and hope to get his e-mail from Marinda to see if life turns around a bit (he never found that job in Gabs and last I knew was trying to find a way to get back to Zimbabwe to finish college).. ooh yes.. he actually had met Marinda at church that morning and walked her home after the service.. small world!
Well kids.. this has become way too long.. sorry about that but soo much to say! A shoot out to Kevin for the comment, much love for Cole.. miss ya babe.. and happy father's day dad! (I know it is a day late.. i tried calling yesterday but for some reason he wouldn't pick up.. must be having fun in Hawaii!)
Sala Sentle!
Matt "kagiso"
I keep wanting to update this.. to tell all my avid readers about how my trip is going. However, it seems with each moment I am awash with so many emotions and feelings that writing in here and trying to solidify it all is quite a task to undertake.
My last update was the morning of our lazy Sunday. In all honesty it was that and only that, a very lazy day. However, I did take a walk to the very very back of campus (imagine a long two lane road through the brush that ends at a fence). It was kind of nice to have the solitude to just clear my mind and walk. Heh it was also quite nice to try to hunt out animals, lo and behold the largest thing I saw other than a bird was a creepy praying mantis I named Frank.
Our team night was fun as we headed to Game City (a really nice shopping center) to hit the movies, however we ended up splitting up on the combis and myself,jayne, and meeka actually ended up going the wrong way. Awhile later, (and a taxi) we were at Game City but the rest of the team was nowhere to be seen. Blargh! As we waited I decided to try my ATM card at a Stanbic ATM (I have a debit card and an ATM card). However, the machine wouldn't even take my card. The conversation that ensued...
Me-"Dumela Mma"
Security Guard-"Dumela"
Me-"Mma, is the ATM broken?"
Secuirty G.-"It is working"
I try again
Me-"Excuse me Mma.. I don't think its wo.."
Security G-"It's working!"
Me-"Well it won't take me ca.."
Security G="It's working!"
I gave up and began searching for the rest of the team. Once all together we ended up going to see "What Happens in Vegas" (Another romanitc comedy.. grr!!!)
Monday was the great debit card adventure... *play theme music* Meeka and I awoke early to walk to the Main Mall where I stood in the wrong line for about 20 minutes at the bank that owns the atm that stole my debit card.. once in the right line the fun ensued.
I told her my issue and she asked why the card was captured.. i of course stated it was because I was an evil and bad man.. no seriously the machine really didn't give me a choice.. she didn't seem impressed :(
After a little haggling (although I had a photocopied picture of the card, the times matched up, i had copies and the actual of all my IDS except my Passport... i still tech. was not supposed to be able to get it without my passport) She gave it to me threatening next time i better have my passport and that they often cut up cards from different countries. Hopefully there will never be a next time!
I of coursed spent the rest of the day at the project (i called it "the project" because Tlamaleo is hard to spell)
Tuesday was another day at the project and was a heart breaking moment for me. We have a kid who comes to hangout but doesn't eat named Thabo. According to him he has class at 1 everyday and that is why he can hang out. Thabo is 13 years old, speaks moderately good English and had hands bigger than mine (one of which is decorated with a fingerless glove.. Jacko-esque). Well as we were walking to the Combi many of the kids came along and Thabo was one of them. As we walked he and I were talking and he began trying to convince me to buy him a banana from the shop. I was in a hurry and of course had been told you buy for one kid they all will want it, but lets be honest im way too soft hearted to say no... then the cincher he told me in a sad pleading voice "I'm hungary" so I handed him a 5P coin (less than 1US).. what can I say I am a sucker.. haha but the little punk pulled the same lines on Jayne and Danielle.. I will have to remember to beat him up :P
It was decided that today (wednesday) we would all come early to help those that have been at the Naledi Ed. Center so I ate supper, hand washed some clothes (go me!) and then went to bed so I could get up wayyyy to early and start getting ready.
I had a blast! Myself Jack and Meeka joined Danielle with the preschoolers and spent the morning playing games, chasing kids, telling stories and singing songs! I was Barny minus the annoying voice and add much better hair! (My hair is soo shaggy right now.. advantage I can just let it be.. disadvantage the dry weather is bad on scalp and I have to get dandruff shampoo... plus it means the kids can try to braid my hair.. can we say owww?)
The kids are pretty well behaved.. however some you just want to sit down and tell them what... my alternative was to eithier a)ignore the ones who bite, hit, scratch etc.. or b) pick them up when they yelled for me.. take them to the other end of the playground.. but them down and walk away... :D
Thabo visited and I gave him a fat cake (look them up.. omg heaven!) but yes i am a sucker and i know it.
Then it was back to Tlamelo where I honestly did very very little today other than serve as entertainment and a jungle gym for the kids ! :P What can I say I'm funner than a cardboard box!
Our day ended on a sorrowful (yet inspiring note).. we have been very advantaged on our trip.. yes we have seen sorrows.. and yes working with the kids can be hard knowing many may not make it to adult hood... but today brought it all home.
After Tlamelo closed for the day the director and counselors took us on a walk of Old Naledi (the surrounding community) we saw so many sights and sounds.. but one I think will stay with everyone...
Champ (the director.. his actual name is Mathata which means problem.. lol) led us into a small one room home where a lady was laying on a bed on the floor. If you have read anyone elses blog you have her story but let me sum it up. She is a mother of 4, is taking care of her mentally handicapped sister, will most likely be kicked out of her house by the gov. within the next 6 months.. is HIV+ and has been paralyzed from the waist down since 2006.. to add to it her husband left her when all the problems started. If there ever is a moment I have been speechless it was in the women's presence... as previously stated my heart is too big and soft.. and as a human i couldn't help but want to bawl for her plight... as a volunteer I saw it as a moment where i still need to grow.. my heart had so much sorrow that i almost missed the fact that through it all she was happy... joyful and hopeful... i almost missed a chance to learn because my heart was soo heavy knowing I can't always help.
After a small prayer with her we continued on our way meeting other amazing people. (exp. a sweet gogo with only one hand and many many kids and grandkids).
I kept being hit with the social work delimma of the system def. failing somewhere. This is what I came to experince and see.. it's just a little harder to stomach than I thought.
tomorrow I hope to go with Danielle back to the preschool... what can I say I am a big kid! I need to catch my sleep so tomm. I can catch those kids! Sorry for randomness!
Love
MAtt
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