This week has been a week of sitting in a class room and listening to lectures. We have learned some really interesting things, but if I were to blog about them it would be some really dry reading. I will just write about this past weekend and other random observations and stories.
On Friday night all of the students decided to check out the night life. We went out, and were fortunate enough to locate an empty combi, that all of us could fit it. At first the driver took us to this really sketchy bar, but we quickly decided to go somewhere else. We were looking for dancing more than drinking. We ended up at a nightclub called Ozone, and it was really cool. The music was good, even though we were the only people there for the first two hours. Apparently people usually go out quite late in Gabs. After we had been at Ozone for awhile our combi driver come back to join us. It was really uncomfortable, he was a creepy individual. I guess you get that in every large city. Eventually we ended up getting rid of him, but next time we go out we are going to look for other modes of transportation!
Saturday we went to the Game Park at Mokalodi (spelling?). It was a good time, we were able to see many different kinds of animals, but it wasn’t exactly a safari. Some of the animals we saw were free to roam around for the most part, but many of the animals were still maintained for safety reasons. We were able to see elephants, zebras, kudos, impalas, cheetahs, warthogs, ostriches, rhinos, hippos and a few other smaller animals. I took some really awesome photos of the elephants, but most everything was too far away to get a good picture. At the end of the drive we ate an amazing bush lunch, it was the best food we have had here so far.
The rest of Saturday and most of Sunday passed pretty uneventfully. However, on Sunday night most of the group went to go eat at a local Asian restaurant which was good time. The service was terrible, but the at least the food was good. The conversation was good too, even though the end of the dinner ended on a bit of a lively note. We had invited a few of our new friends to join us for dinner, and you could say we had a bit of a cultural exchange. Some how the topic of women’s rights and equality came up, and a heated debate ensued. We had two males’ students from Botswana on one end of the debate, and then four of us (who happened to be females) on the other end of the debate. It was enlightening; Botswana is definitely a patriarchal society. At one point one of the guys even said, “Women belong in the kitchen!” We ended the conversation peacefully, but unfortunately we were unable to convert Kevin and Justice.
Since we haven’t done anything exciting since Sunday, I will write about a fun story from last week. Early in the week, when we finally were able to get on the computers at the library, I was walking up the stairs when I tripped . I luckily was able to catch myself, and Mary (the women I was with) and I just laughed at my klutziness. Embarrassingly enough however, the next day while walking up the stairs I tripped again. These stairs are quite tricky, or at least that’s my excuse. The second time I tripped, I wasn’t lucky enough to catch myself. I ended up flat on my back, laughing so hard I couldn’t stand up. I think I laid on the groud laughing for a full minute or so before I was able to pick myself up. I didn’t seriously hurt myself (just a scratch on my wrist), but I have since earned the nickname “klutzy”. I actually trip over things all the time here; I have become a source of entertainment. At least I make myself laugh!
That is all I have to report at this moment. It’s time to go home and relax for the evening. Tomorrow is another full day!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
More tales from Gaborone (Days 3 - 5)
Wow, it has been a week since I left for Botswana, so much has happened in such a short amount of time. I have been really busy for the past couple of days, so this could be a long entry. I believe that I left off on Tuesday, so I will start with Wednesday…
On Wednesday we traveled to a women’s centre. This center is much like the women’s shelters we have in the states, but it is a little different. Often times the counselors at the shelter do marriage counseling and financial independence training instead of just working with battered women. The shelter does do a great deal of work with battered women as well. It was interesting to hear the woman in charge of the centre talk. She explained that this is the only women’s centre in all of Botswana, so many women travel thousands of miles just to get protection.
After going to the women’s center, which is easy to find, we traveled to the actual women’s shelter. The location is hidden in order to keep the women safe, which is good idea. I felt uncomfortable going to the women’s shelter because I felt like we were being intrusive. If there had not been any women there, it might have been different, but if I was a woman in need of the women’s shelter I would not really want to be put on display. Luckily we only stayed a few minutes and no one seemed that uncomfortable with us.
After the women’s shelter we went back to campus for lunch and then explored more of the city. (Gaborone is also called Gabs, so look out for that in order to avoid confusion in later entries!) Food in Botswana is interesting. It feels like we are eating all the time here! It is nice in a way because we all feel very taken care of, but on the other hand the food is so heavy sometimes I think it would be best just to skip a meal! (I don’t though; I would feel bad wasting food.)
The food is much heavier than in the United States, and there is much more meat. At first we didn’t have many fruits or vegetables, but after a few meals the people preparing our food noticed that vegetables and fruits were are favorite things, so they have started preparing more. The best thing I have had so far is this tasty soup they serve with everything (rice, potatoes, millet etc.) that is made out of onion and tomatoes. I also really like the pumpkin, the chicken and surprisingly enough the cooked veggies! (I even ate peas!!!) There have been some things that I don’t like (liver, tripe, beans etc.) but I do try most everything.
Thursday was another eventful day. In the morning we went to go visit Holy Cross Hospice, a non-profit organization associated with the Anglican Church. The purpose of the Hospice is to help those people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS or cancer (90% HIV/AIDS, 10% cancer). During the day, those who are able to move around travel to the hospice for day care, those who are too sick to leave their homes receive home care. Sadly, the Hospice is severely understaffed, with no doctors and only one full time nurse, two nurse aids and a few social workers. The organization does what it can with the staff they have and volunteers, it’s just a shame they don’t have more help.
The hospice also has an after school program for youth. This program focuses on getting youth from high risk areas out of the streets and keeping them in school. We asked if the hospice provides HIV/AIDS prevention education, and the staff told us that HIV/AIDS prevention education was a part of everything they do. There is a link to the organization below.
http://www.holycrosshospice.org/index.html
After going to the hospice, we were driven around the different parts of Gaborone. We were shown the ghetto, Old Naledi, were the poorest persons live, and were then shown the upper-class neighborhoods. The difference between the rich and the poor is astounding. We had been aware of a significant gap between the rich and the poor, but when shown these two neighborhoods it really hit home. Once again, I felt uncomfortable being driven around Old Naledi because I felt that we were being disrespectful. We were driving in a compi (van used for public transport) while following a new Jaguar (our professors car). I felt like a tourist. Some students were taking pictures, but I could not bring myself to do so, I did not feel like I should gain something, even a picture from someone else’s misfortunes.
The rich neighborhood we went to was quite classy. The houses were huge and there was even a huge golf course we drove through. All of the houses are surrounded by huge fences with electrical wire at the top to deter theft. There seems to be very little middle class here, and it’s depressing. I suppose it is the same in other countries, but it feels much more pronounced here.
After touring the rich neighborhood we ironically went to Botswana Craft, a nice, trendy craft store. The crafts were all beautiful, but it was a mostly tourist focused shop. I didn’t buy anything, I want to explore the area more, and have a change to buy crafts from the people who have made them. I am sure I will have plenty of opportunity to shop, as we have gone to at least one store almost every day this week!
On Friday we went to a “traditional village”, which in reality was only a mock village. It was very educational. We were shown several customs that used to be performed by the Bushmen before modernization. The village is a nice way of keeping a piece of history alive. We were shown how a man picks his bride, and a traditional marriage. (One of our American students and one of the Botswana students/city guide were chosen for the honor.) We were shown how the women would do various tasks around the house, like thatching the roof and cleaning the floor with cow dung, and how to pound sorghum. We were shown traditional dances and we were given traditional beer (it was nasty). It was a lot of fun. At the end of the afternoon we were given a “bush lunch” with traditional foods, but I don’t know the names of anything we ate. It was a lot of the same stuff we eat everyday at school.
I should end here, because this entry is already far too long and I only have 30 minutes left at the computer. I will update again soon…
Still to come:
- Housing.
- Computer and Library problems/adventures.
- Me tripping and falling on my bum.
- The Game Park.
- Nightclub adventure.
On Wednesday we traveled to a women’s centre. This center is much like the women’s shelters we have in the states, but it is a little different. Often times the counselors at the shelter do marriage counseling and financial independence training instead of just working with battered women. The shelter does do a great deal of work with battered women as well. It was interesting to hear the woman in charge of the centre talk. She explained that this is the only women’s centre in all of Botswana, so many women travel thousands of miles just to get protection.
After going to the women’s center, which is easy to find, we traveled to the actual women’s shelter. The location is hidden in order to keep the women safe, which is good idea. I felt uncomfortable going to the women’s shelter because I felt like we were being intrusive. If there had not been any women there, it might have been different, but if I was a woman in need of the women’s shelter I would not really want to be put on display. Luckily we only stayed a few minutes and no one seemed that uncomfortable with us.
After the women’s shelter we went back to campus for lunch and then explored more of the city. (Gaborone is also called Gabs, so look out for that in order to avoid confusion in later entries!) Food in Botswana is interesting. It feels like we are eating all the time here! It is nice in a way because we all feel very taken care of, but on the other hand the food is so heavy sometimes I think it would be best just to skip a meal! (I don’t though; I would feel bad wasting food.)
The food is much heavier than in the United States, and there is much more meat. At first we didn’t have many fruits or vegetables, but after a few meals the people preparing our food noticed that vegetables and fruits were are favorite things, so they have started preparing more. The best thing I have had so far is this tasty soup they serve with everything (rice, potatoes, millet etc.) that is made out of onion and tomatoes. I also really like the pumpkin, the chicken and surprisingly enough the cooked veggies! (I even ate peas!!!) There have been some things that I don’t like (liver, tripe, beans etc.) but I do try most everything.
Thursday was another eventful day. In the morning we went to go visit Holy Cross Hospice, a non-profit organization associated with the Anglican Church. The purpose of the Hospice is to help those people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS or cancer (90% HIV/AIDS, 10% cancer). During the day, those who are able to move around travel to the hospice for day care, those who are too sick to leave their homes receive home care. Sadly, the Hospice is severely understaffed, with no doctors and only one full time nurse, two nurse aids and a few social workers. The organization does what it can with the staff they have and volunteers, it’s just a shame they don’t have more help.
The hospice also has an after school program for youth. This program focuses on getting youth from high risk areas out of the streets and keeping them in school. We asked if the hospice provides HIV/AIDS prevention education, and the staff told us that HIV/AIDS prevention education was a part of everything they do. There is a link to the organization below.
http://www.holycrosshospice.org/index.html
After going to the hospice, we were driven around the different parts of Gaborone. We were shown the ghetto, Old Naledi, were the poorest persons live, and were then shown the upper-class neighborhoods. The difference between the rich and the poor is astounding. We had been aware of a significant gap between the rich and the poor, but when shown these two neighborhoods it really hit home. Once again, I felt uncomfortable being driven around Old Naledi because I felt that we were being disrespectful. We were driving in a compi (van used for public transport) while following a new Jaguar (our professors car). I felt like a tourist. Some students were taking pictures, but I could not bring myself to do so, I did not feel like I should gain something, even a picture from someone else’s misfortunes.
The rich neighborhood we went to was quite classy. The houses were huge and there was even a huge golf course we drove through. All of the houses are surrounded by huge fences with electrical wire at the top to deter theft. There seems to be very little middle class here, and it’s depressing. I suppose it is the same in other countries, but it feels much more pronounced here.
After touring the rich neighborhood we ironically went to Botswana Craft, a nice, trendy craft store. The crafts were all beautiful, but it was a mostly tourist focused shop. I didn’t buy anything, I want to explore the area more, and have a change to buy crafts from the people who have made them. I am sure I will have plenty of opportunity to shop, as we have gone to at least one store almost every day this week!
On Friday we went to a “traditional village”, which in reality was only a mock village. It was very educational. We were shown several customs that used to be performed by the Bushmen before modernization. The village is a nice way of keeping a piece of history alive. We were shown how a man picks his bride, and a traditional marriage. (One of our American students and one of the Botswana students/city guide were chosen for the honor.) We were shown how the women would do various tasks around the house, like thatching the roof and cleaning the floor with cow dung, and how to pound sorghum. We were shown traditional dances and we were given traditional beer (it was nasty). It was a lot of fun. At the end of the afternoon we were given a “bush lunch” with traditional foods, but I don’t know the names of anything we ate. It was a lot of the same stuff we eat everyday at school.
I should end here, because this entry is already far too long and I only have 30 minutes left at the computer. I will update again soon…
Still to come:
- Housing.
- Computer and Library problems/adventures.
- Me tripping and falling on my bum.
- The Game Park.
- Nightclub adventure.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Reaction Paper
Here is a copy of my reaction paper that was due for class. It may have some of the same info from the last blog, but I thought everyone might like to read it. (There will be more soon, but I can only write so much in one day!)
Botswana so far has been a very interesting experience for me. As I had already travelled to an African country in the past, I didn’t really know what to expect in Botswana. Most of the information I had on Botswana was the information I was given in the orientation before leaving the states, the information I used for researching the group project, and other bits and pieces of information I could find online. I had only met a handful of people who had ever been to Botswana, and all they really told me was that it was an amazing experience and that it was really cold!
My first glance into what my stay in Botswana would be like took place on the plane ride from South Africa to Gaborone. When we got on the plane, all of the passengers and all of the airline employees were speaking in Setswana. Even the instructions that were given before the plane took off were given in Setswana before they were given in English. Before leaving for Botswana I was under the impression that English was the spoken language in Botswana, and that seems to be not true. Even though most people from Botswana speak English very well, Setswana is used much more. Even though I was unprepared to be around so many people speaking Setswana, it does not really bother me that English is not the spoken language. I think it is wonderful that the people of Botswana have held on to such an important aspect of their culture.
The second reaction that I had also took place on the plane. When we were boarding the plane and I was looking around at the people who were surrounding me, I could not help but wonder if anyone on the plane had HIV/AIDS. It was more of a curiosity than anything else. During my stay I am bound to meet people living with HIV/AIDS, but it is questionable whether or not I will know their HIV/AIDS status. The idea of being surrounded by people with HIV/AIDS does not bother me in the least, I am just more curious about people’s life stories. I would like to know what kind of people are living in Botswana with HIV/AIDS, but I suppose that is none of my business. Since HIV/AIDS is still so highly stigmatized here, the last thing I would want to do is make anyone uncomfortable.
On the topic of HIV/AIDS, one of the most noticeable trends of the trip so far is the lack of discussion on the issue. As a country with such high HIV/AIDS rates, I was expecting the issue of HIV/AIDS to be much talked about, but I feel that is not the case. Even walking and driving around the city I expected to see HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements posted everywhere, but they seem to be few and far between. When we do see HIV/AIDS prevention or testing advertisements, they have all been in English instead of Setswana, even though the spoken language in Gaborone seems to be Setswana. As we have gone to several different organizations, the orphanage, the women’s shelter and the hospice, HIV/AIDS has not been the main topic of conversation. Even as we have asked questions concerning HIV/AIDS, very little was said about the problem.
I have mixed feelings about the people from Botswana. Mostly, I love the people and I love the culture. Most people have been very friendly and very helpful. When I have greeted people, most everyone has had a friendly response, and has been more than happy to assist me in trying to learn the language. Many people have stopped to ask questions about where I come from, and why I am here. I have enjoyed sharing my story, and learning others stories. On the other hand, we have encountered some problems with a few groups of people.
The first problem we encountered was at the airport when several pieces of our luggage were left in South Africa. The airline employees immediately blamed the delayed luggage on us, even though we had no control over the situation. We retrieved our luggage the next day, but it was not the most positive welcome to Botswana. The second problem we had was with the librarians. There seems to be a lot of red-tape that we have had to go through in order to get access to computers. It is a different way of doing things, which is understandable, but the librarians were not very friendly. I also feel very out of place at times when I go somewhere and speak English, I have feelings of guilt for not being familiar with Setswana. These are minor problems however, and I doubt they will have any lasting effect on my overall experience in Botswana.
The other aspect of the culture that has been difficult to get used to is the fact that Botswana is a patriarchal society. It has been very evident to me that men are dominant in this culture. I would feel very uncomfortable going anywhere alone, because even when I am with people I have been getting a good amount of attention from men. Most men seem to be perfectly respectful, but others have been very forward and overly flirtatious. I don’t feel threatened most of the time; it is just an aspect of the culture that will take some getting used to.
So far, my favourite experience has to be going to the SOS Children’s Village. I really enjoyed learning about the organization, even if I don’t agree with the way the organization is run. I absolutely loved playing with the children; it warmed my heart to see that even children in need of care are so happy. I’m not sure where I want to work yet, but the SOS Children’s Village is a definite possibility. The only hesitation I have with working with at the orphanage is the issue of attachment. I think that working with the children all day could be heartbreaking when it is time for me to leave, but it would be a very rewarding experience. I’m sure that when working with HIV/AIDS, there is always the chance of leaving heartbroken, but I knew this before applying for the program.
I am very excited for the remainder of my stay in Botswana. I think that as I learn more of the language and the culture, the more comfortable I will become in Gaborone. I am very excited to start taking Setswana lessons, as well as start working for the organization I choose. I am looking forward to going out on excursions, and meeting even more new people. I do think there is a change that the experience could be very draining physically and emotionally, but it is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity that could very well have a lasting affect on my life and my future.
Botswana so far has been a very interesting experience for me. As I had already travelled to an African country in the past, I didn’t really know what to expect in Botswana. Most of the information I had on Botswana was the information I was given in the orientation before leaving the states, the information I used for researching the group project, and other bits and pieces of information I could find online. I had only met a handful of people who had ever been to Botswana, and all they really told me was that it was an amazing experience and that it was really cold!
My first glance into what my stay in Botswana would be like took place on the plane ride from South Africa to Gaborone. When we got on the plane, all of the passengers and all of the airline employees were speaking in Setswana. Even the instructions that were given before the plane took off were given in Setswana before they were given in English. Before leaving for Botswana I was under the impression that English was the spoken language in Botswana, and that seems to be not true. Even though most people from Botswana speak English very well, Setswana is used much more. Even though I was unprepared to be around so many people speaking Setswana, it does not really bother me that English is not the spoken language. I think it is wonderful that the people of Botswana have held on to such an important aspect of their culture.
The second reaction that I had also took place on the plane. When we were boarding the plane and I was looking around at the people who were surrounding me, I could not help but wonder if anyone on the plane had HIV/AIDS. It was more of a curiosity than anything else. During my stay I am bound to meet people living with HIV/AIDS, but it is questionable whether or not I will know their HIV/AIDS status. The idea of being surrounded by people with HIV/AIDS does not bother me in the least, I am just more curious about people’s life stories. I would like to know what kind of people are living in Botswana with HIV/AIDS, but I suppose that is none of my business. Since HIV/AIDS is still so highly stigmatized here, the last thing I would want to do is make anyone uncomfortable.
On the topic of HIV/AIDS, one of the most noticeable trends of the trip so far is the lack of discussion on the issue. As a country with such high HIV/AIDS rates, I was expecting the issue of HIV/AIDS to be much talked about, but I feel that is not the case. Even walking and driving around the city I expected to see HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements posted everywhere, but they seem to be few and far between. When we do see HIV/AIDS prevention or testing advertisements, they have all been in English instead of Setswana, even though the spoken language in Gaborone seems to be Setswana. As we have gone to several different organizations, the orphanage, the women’s shelter and the hospice, HIV/AIDS has not been the main topic of conversation. Even as we have asked questions concerning HIV/AIDS, very little was said about the problem.
I have mixed feelings about the people from Botswana. Mostly, I love the people and I love the culture. Most people have been very friendly and very helpful. When I have greeted people, most everyone has had a friendly response, and has been more than happy to assist me in trying to learn the language. Many people have stopped to ask questions about where I come from, and why I am here. I have enjoyed sharing my story, and learning others stories. On the other hand, we have encountered some problems with a few groups of people.
The first problem we encountered was at the airport when several pieces of our luggage were left in South Africa. The airline employees immediately blamed the delayed luggage on us, even though we had no control over the situation. We retrieved our luggage the next day, but it was not the most positive welcome to Botswana. The second problem we had was with the librarians. There seems to be a lot of red-tape that we have had to go through in order to get access to computers. It is a different way of doing things, which is understandable, but the librarians were not very friendly. I also feel very out of place at times when I go somewhere and speak English, I have feelings of guilt for not being familiar with Setswana. These are minor problems however, and I doubt they will have any lasting effect on my overall experience in Botswana.
The other aspect of the culture that has been difficult to get used to is the fact that Botswana is a patriarchal society. It has been very evident to me that men are dominant in this culture. I would feel very uncomfortable going anywhere alone, because even when I am with people I have been getting a good amount of attention from men. Most men seem to be perfectly respectful, but others have been very forward and overly flirtatious. I don’t feel threatened most of the time; it is just an aspect of the culture that will take some getting used to.
So far, my favourite experience has to be going to the SOS Children’s Village. I really enjoyed learning about the organization, even if I don’t agree with the way the organization is run. I absolutely loved playing with the children; it warmed my heart to see that even children in need of care are so happy. I’m not sure where I want to work yet, but the SOS Children’s Village is a definite possibility. The only hesitation I have with working with at the orphanage is the issue of attachment. I think that working with the children all day could be heartbreaking when it is time for me to leave, but it would be a very rewarding experience. I’m sure that when working with HIV/AIDS, there is always the chance of leaving heartbroken, but I knew this before applying for the program.
I am very excited for the remainder of my stay in Botswana. I think that as I learn more of the language and the culture, the more comfortable I will become in Gaborone. I am very excited to start taking Setswana lessons, as well as start working for the organization I choose. I am looking forward to going out on excursions, and meeting even more new people. I do think there is a change that the experience could be very draining physically and emotionally, but it is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity that could very well have a lasting affect on my life and my future.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tales from Gaborone (Days 1 & 2)
Dumela!
So, it’s day three in Botswana, and I am having a great time. It seems like we have been here forever, I have so much to write…I don’t know where to start! I guess I will start with the plane ride…
From Athens to the University of Botswana, the travel time was 30 hours. We were on the plane from Atlanta to South Africa for over 16 hours straight! (We stopped in Dakar for fuel and a fun security check.) We have very little problems with the flight, though we were a bit late getting into South Africa. A few of us also had some missing luggage, me included. We had to go pick up our bags the next day, luckily nothing was missing. We arrived at the University of Botswana at 9pm, we had a late dinner and then all of us passed out. It was exhausting.
One of the first things that everyone noticed in Botswana was the language barrier. When we stepped on the plane from South Africa to Botswana, Setswana was the main language spoken. Everything had to be translated into English. Before we left for Botswana everyone was under the impression that English would be the main language used. While everyone knows English, there is a noticeable language barrier. We most always have people with us who speak Setswana, so it’s not so bad, just surprising.
One the first full day in Gaborone, we had a brief orientation that discussed security issues and introduced us to the University, and then we spent the rest of the day getting to know the area. We went to one of the local malls, and got a few needed supplies and to walk around a bit. The city seems to be build around the malls, with the centre of the city being “The Mall”. We have a mall within walking distance of the University, and it was a few restaurants and some coffee shops. It’s called Riverwalk, and I have a feeling we will make this our local hangout (We went there today, not Monday…). Monday night we all got together and just got to know each other a little better, it was good times.
On Tuesday we had a more interesting day. The first stop in the morning was the SOS Children’s Village, a local orphanage. We learned how the orphanage is operated, and then we went inside to play with the preschool children. The orphanage is set up in an interesting manner. There are about 16 houses at the orphanage, with several children living in one house with a house mother and often an assistant. The idea is that each child has a family within the orphanage to give them as normal life as possible. The house mothers are local women who have raised their own children. The older children go to the local schools and the preschool age children attend a school within the SOS compound.
The children were so cute. We were having such a great time with them that we actually stayed longer than we were supposed to, and postponed are other morning activity to the afternoon. The Children’s Village is one of the organizations we can work for, and I am really considering it. The only bad thing is, is that HIV and AIDS is not really talked about. The only mention of HIV or AIDS was when the question was asked how many children in the orphanage are suffering from the illness. We were told that 18 of the 180 children have the disease. I also have a feeling that if I work with these adorable children, that I will grow too attached, but we will just have to wait and see.
Tuesday afternoon we went to a local village to see a more rural community. This community, Thamaga, owned a pottery workshop and store. We were able to go into the workshop and see how the pottery was made. All the workers were very nice, and the pottery is fantastic! I bought a few pieces to take home, cross your fingers that it gets home ok! The villages surrounding Gaborone are a mix of modern and primitive. There are a lot of smaller more traditional looking buildings, but there are also a lot of modern structures. It was interesting to see.
Tuesday evening was pretty quiet. We finally figured out how to get onto the library computers without a hassle, but at that point I was so tired I could hardly think straight. I ended up going back to my room and passed out before ten p.m.! The jet leg hasn't been too bad, but it does have it's moments. Today I am doing much better, but it will still take a few more days to get completly used to the time difference and to recover from the hellish flight.
I am getting tired of writing, but I will put a few talking points to remind me what to write about for my next entry…and it will also give you something to look forward too! Here they are:
- Dichotomy between the rich and the poor.
- Food.
- Housing.
- Computer and Library problems/adventures.
- The women’s centre.
- HIV/AIDS
- Me tripping and falling on my bum.
- Anything else I can't think of right now!!!
Peace and Love,
Megan
So, it’s day three in Botswana, and I am having a great time. It seems like we have been here forever, I have so much to write…I don’t know where to start! I guess I will start with the plane ride…
From Athens to the University of Botswana, the travel time was 30 hours. We were on the plane from Atlanta to South Africa for over 16 hours straight! (We stopped in Dakar for fuel and a fun security check.) We have very little problems with the flight, though we were a bit late getting into South Africa. A few of us also had some missing luggage, me included. We had to go pick up our bags the next day, luckily nothing was missing. We arrived at the University of Botswana at 9pm, we had a late dinner and then all of us passed out. It was exhausting.
One of the first things that everyone noticed in Botswana was the language barrier. When we stepped on the plane from South Africa to Botswana, Setswana was the main language spoken. Everything had to be translated into English. Before we left for Botswana everyone was under the impression that English would be the main language used. While everyone knows English, there is a noticeable language barrier. We most always have people with us who speak Setswana, so it’s not so bad, just surprising.
One the first full day in Gaborone, we had a brief orientation that discussed security issues and introduced us to the University, and then we spent the rest of the day getting to know the area. We went to one of the local malls, and got a few needed supplies and to walk around a bit. The city seems to be build around the malls, with the centre of the city being “The Mall”. We have a mall within walking distance of the University, and it was a few restaurants and some coffee shops. It’s called Riverwalk, and I have a feeling we will make this our local hangout (We went there today, not Monday…). Monday night we all got together and just got to know each other a little better, it was good times.
On Tuesday we had a more interesting day. The first stop in the morning was the SOS Children’s Village, a local orphanage. We learned how the orphanage is operated, and then we went inside to play with the preschool children. The orphanage is set up in an interesting manner. There are about 16 houses at the orphanage, with several children living in one house with a house mother and often an assistant. The idea is that each child has a family within the orphanage to give them as normal life as possible. The house mothers are local women who have raised their own children. The older children go to the local schools and the preschool age children attend a school within the SOS compound.
The children were so cute. We were having such a great time with them that we actually stayed longer than we were supposed to, and postponed are other morning activity to the afternoon. The Children’s Village is one of the organizations we can work for, and I am really considering it. The only bad thing is, is that HIV and AIDS is not really talked about. The only mention of HIV or AIDS was when the question was asked how many children in the orphanage are suffering from the illness. We were told that 18 of the 180 children have the disease. I also have a feeling that if I work with these adorable children, that I will grow too attached, but we will just have to wait and see.
Tuesday afternoon we went to a local village to see a more rural community. This community, Thamaga, owned a pottery workshop and store. We were able to go into the workshop and see how the pottery was made. All the workers were very nice, and the pottery is fantastic! I bought a few pieces to take home, cross your fingers that it gets home ok! The villages surrounding Gaborone are a mix of modern and primitive. There are a lot of smaller more traditional looking buildings, but there are also a lot of modern structures. It was interesting to see.
Tuesday evening was pretty quiet. We finally figured out how to get onto the library computers without a hassle, but at that point I was so tired I could hardly think straight. I ended up going back to my room and passed out before ten p.m.! The jet leg hasn't been too bad, but it does have it's moments. Today I am doing much better, but it will still take a few more days to get completly used to the time difference and to recover from the hellish flight.
I am getting tired of writing, but I will put a few talking points to remind me what to write about for my next entry…and it will also give you something to look forward too! Here they are:
- Dichotomy between the rich and the poor.
- Food.
- Housing.
- Computer and Library problems/adventures.
- The women’s centre.
- HIV/AIDS
- Me tripping and falling on my bum.
- Anything else I can't think of right now!!!
Peace and Love,
Megan
Friday, June 8, 2007
Goodbye!!!
The time has come; I am leaving for Botswana in less than 24 hours! It has been a crazy week trying to get all of my papers and finals taken care of, on top of work and packing! Trying to say goodbye to everyone has been difficult, so I wanted to post an entry to say goodbye, and to say that I will miss everyone!
I really don’t know what to except once I get to Botswana, but I know that I would not be going if I didn’t have the love and support of all of my family and friends. I will try to post entries and pictures while I am in Botswana, but I have no idea how often I will have access to the internet. Just because I don’t write many e-mail or post many entries, doesn’t mean I have forgotten about you!
I love you all (you know who you are), and I promise to come back in one piece!
Love and Peace,
Megan
I really don’t know what to except once I get to Botswana, but I know that I would not be going if I didn’t have the love and support of all of my family and friends. I will try to post entries and pictures while I am in Botswana, but I have no idea how often I will have access to the internet. Just because I don’t write many e-mail or post many entries, doesn’t mean I have forgotten about you!
I love you all (you know who you are), and I promise to come back in one piece!
Love and Peace,
Megan
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