This one's for Will and Jane...

... because they rule.

Living in lockdown - 13 more days! Looking forward to a long vacation weekend in the more mountainous region of the country in Qacha's Nek (the "Q" is pronounced with a click). Been exploring Leribe and all it has to offer. Visited Tarsha in Mamohau and enjoyed her quaint village by the lake. And making pumpkin in dirty water.
Helped with a workshop this week which was both frustrating and rewarding. Frustrating because of the lack of resources for the teachers but rewarding because of the response of the teachers to my help. They are so hardworking which makes my job that much better. The last day they sang and danced traditionally for me before presenting me with gifts. I love bo-'m'e. I also had an area teacher meeting this week where I taught my teacher's how to create rhymes and use a planning sheet. They loved it, so I was smiling widely on my walk home from school.
At the workshop (and many times I visit schools), I'm given a huge plate of food. Here's a glimpse into that part of my diet. Papa is the staple food here; the best way to describe it is compact grits. That you can scoop like ice cream. Though not nearly as tasty. Meroho is greens diced (every single part) and cooked with lots of salt. Chicken (cooked or fried) on the bone; I've eaten parts of the chicken I never knew existed - and I was an anatomy TA. Before I leave, I must try the fried chicken feet they sell on the street. Peaches are aplenty now, but resemple apricots and have less fuss than those at home. Which I'm totally cool with. Corn is sold grilled on the cob and is interesting to eat. I cherish any cold drink I can get. Having no fridge sucks.
So taxi fares have increased because of the higher gas prices. There's no escaping it.... anyway I've taken to hitching. I know, I know "that's so unsafe Nora!" If I wanted to play it safe and conventional, I wouldn't be sitting here in Africa. Plus Dad used to hitch all the time. Every hitch has been awesome. The first with the wife to the Irish Amassador, Dee. A lovely woman, and a lovely ride (air conditioning and leather seats). Most who give a lift (as it's referred to here) are well educated and always ask me about the elections coming up and whether I want Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama to win. I've had some great, political conversations! I've met lots of interesting, sweet people; the Basotho are very kind. Except for a lot of the teenagers. MEAN GIRLS Africa. When they say hello, they speak very high and nasally because that's what they think Lakhooa sounds like. I tell them I think something's wrong with their noses.
Anyway all is good. Ups and downs. But I'm living well. Hope all is excellent at home.