In Maseru. I'm the alternate (and eventual) safety and security representative in Leribe. So in case anything hits the fan or comes close, I'm making sure us Leribeans are safe and secure. Which means I get to break lockdown (again) and spend the weekend with fellow PCVs at the training site -yesssss. The fact that I now have bed bugs at my site makes this stay that much more wonderful. And don't tell me to tell them not to bite. I've tried. My hairy, bitten legs are proof it doesn't work.
Work has been good. Slow, but that is probably going to be the pace for the next two years. Visited some schools which were very nice, but lots and lots of kids. Have a workshop the beginning of March I can prepare for and more teacher meetings. At those meetings, I mostly sit there thinking about lunch (rice or papa with the chicken...) as they are spoken in complete Sesotho. But I'm usually put on the spot to teach something at some point during the meeting, so I'm developing mini-workshops for those situations. Awesome.
Been visiting Hlotse with fellow PCVs in town. It's so nice meeting with fellow Americans to speak complete English, drink cold beer, and gripe/celebrate about life. I love getting to know people that I would have otherwise wouldn't have known. They're fantastic.
I've started running the morning (slow and short). I found I had trouble falling to sleep, so I had to do something. I wake up wicked early (5:20) and hit the road. That way, there's less people to stare at the Lahooa running and less people to greet. I also have an amazing view across the green valley to the misty Maluti mountain range as the sun rises over the peaks. A great way to start the day. I also do yoga in my rondavel. I don't have a mat, but I discovered the linoleum is covering a pure dirt floor, so it's not that bad.
I hope all is well stateside. I hope everyone enjoyed Valentine's day. I know I did, listening to the love songs chosen by the South African DJ's: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Bed of Roses" stick out in my mind. Classics.
I'm there somewhere.
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11 comments:
WOW! Will and I celebrated Valentines Day by doing the hokey pokey to those exact songs! I guess the mad wicked cool Philly DJs must be getting tips from their South African colleagues!
PS -- You are captain of the Safety Patrol??? That's is super cool--do you get a badge and a sash?
Perhaps a Batarang or a cool utility belt with lots of batarangs?
Hey N.B.:
Sounds like you're getting very organized with the Safety Patrol, Discussion Groups, running, etc. Not much doing here. Grammie and I are going to the Symphony tonight. Had snow this week but it's almost gone now. Very cold, but nice today. We think of you often.
Love and Hugs,
Grammie and Grampa Jens
Hey N.B.:
Grammie is concerned about the bedbugs you're living with. This can be eliminated. We'll send you two cans of SLA cedar scented spray that will kill many bugs including the ones that are eating on you now. Spray your bedclothing and around the edge of your rondaval. Also if you have hangers to hang your clothes you can spray them and let them dry and you will be attacking them everywhere. The odor is pleasant and it disappears within a short time. We'd like to know of your success in combat.
Love,
Grammie & Grampa Jens
People who live in Leribe are called Linare, in Quthing they're Liphakoe, and so on.
Best
Hey Novs. Just got back from elk toss! None of the girls (except Pam, who wins everything) threw the elk like you can throw an elk. I wonder what the natives would think about elk toss? Maybe you should try to explain it to them. It really sucks that you have bed bugs. And it's gross. Sorry, I'm just saying.... (JK) Hey, congrats on the safety patrol! They were always the really cool kids when I went to school.
PS- Mo and Sam came to visit the other week and she asked that I tell you hello and wish you well.
Hi Nora Beth - Love hearing about your adventures! Getting up at 5:20 is "wicked" early....you sound just like a "Mainer" :).
Take care and love,
Aunt Kathy
Nora do you have delusional parasitosis? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202678.html
Darling Nora Beth - What a fascinating adventure you are having and what important work you are doing - if you came from Georgetown, Mass., I would already have written about you.
I will be keeping up with all your adventures, and it is also fun to hear what all our relatives have to say. Be safe - stay well. LOVE, GREAT AUNT SALLY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOVER!!!
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