A poem I wrote For a class this semester about Bots

Midnight Walks

Last night, I was a pregnant Motswana,

waddling slowly, my full belly

leading me down the sand and dust path,

as I rubbed my stomach in a circular motion,

it felt soft, and yet so strong, all while the warm

sun poured over every inch of my body,

soaking through my clothes. Rays burnet

the top of my head, my shoulders,

the back of my calves.  Then with a smile,

and filled with content, I feel for the first time

I fit in here in this foreign land. I am African

because of you, my unborn love. You,

kicking inside me, a tiny forming person.

As my eyes slowly open - ten stretched fingers

firmly planted on my stomach -

my heart drops and I realize, you will only

be an image I will never fully conceive,

dreamt up at a time when I felt most free.

And your time within me ended before it began.

last but not least

Hard to believe I know but this is the last blog entry from Africa. My time in Botswana is now over and I am sitting in a hotel room in South Africa (Jo-burg) waiting to fly to Thailand tonight. It is so hard to believe, what’s hard to believe you may be asking? Well that it is over, that a semester of school could possibly go so quickly, that I can feel so much like myself but know that I am so different, to know that life has gone on with out me at home, but really not knowing that it has. I think that this last thing is what I am going to have to get use to the most. I am not trying to be vain in any way but it is such a weird concept! Having friends and best friends at home and they having lives without me, things getting done on campus without my help and dedication, kids growing to love other babysitters (God forbid, I would die!). It has even happened with in my family and it is so interesting to see. I would ask questions here to everyone and anyone about what is going on in their lives, and I know that it is a hard question to answer, but it seemed that in most cases I would get a good/fine/okay/great and then the question would be flipped back to me and I would take up the rest of the time talking about myself and I am sorry about that, because I really wanted to hear about everyone else! And what I was ‘missing’ while not in other people’s lives.

I have really become thankful for all of my friends and people that are in my life while was here. I never realized how lucky and blessed I was to have such wonderful people in my life who are so caring and selfless in the fact that they cared so much about me while I have been over seas. It has meant the world to me especially while I was in a program where I was pared and in many cases forced to be with people whether I liked them or not, and I think a big part of me had to grow up in that aspect. I in no way have ever liked of supported fake people, and no most times when I didn’t like some one I would not pretend, I would try not to be rude but at the same time, I now see that this is not the most mature way of handling things. I have had to get over the “showing” of my feeling for people and do it in a way that I felt comfortable with, ie not being fake, and I think that this was a good lesson for me, and kind of a grown up one. However, as I said before, it made me realize how outstanding all the people in my life are. So thank you to everyone that has supported me while here whether you did it in a way that I could constantly see, or through positive thoughts and feelings, talking about me (positively) in groups, e-mails, Letters (Melissa!), IM’s, ect. So thank you.

I have really enjoyed writing and I want to keep people updated on my Thailand trip so I am going to keep on writing, it anyone is left out there, and/or cares. Also if anyone would like to get a post card from Thailand let me know, and I will put one in the mail for you. I have had the time of my life the past 4 and half months and I cannot remember a time in my recent past where I have been so happy, no, not everything was perfect, most wasn’t actually. But it gave me reassurance that my long-term goal, for my future of turning into a Hemingway, in the sense that I could be an ex-patriot and continue writing (not with the whole taking of ones life thing, don’t worry), was not only possible but quite likely to happen again. I loved exploring and learning about the new cultures and even in the set backs humour was always found. The whole idea of growing as a person to me was the best. I try so hard not to be an “Ignorant American” or a hypocrite and I found that for me the best way to avoid this is through traveling and see what others expect from others asking the questions that you are ready to hear the answers too, and not fight back when the answers are not what you like or think that they should be. Okay so here it goes buddies and pals, the last Botswana/ African Cheers (what I will not miss) and Jeers (what I will desperately miss!)! Watch out cause I’ma get fancy!

CHEERS! Jeers!

No more men: shaking, grabbing, hugging, touching, calling, hollering, shouting, asking to marry, asking for phone number, asking to come over, ask to go over, starring at me. It got a little annoying at times, like on bad days irksome. No more ‘mean girls’. It took a long time for the girls in my classes and around campus to start to like me, most never did. I am a tall while girl that dresses differently, and thanks to the media in the US has the reputation without doing anything of being easy and a boyfriend ‘stealer’, non of which are true, there for it was a constant to be talked about in Setswana, pointed at, twice pushed, and looked at in a very mean way. Having a professor who thinks that you are brilliant because you are from the States, therefore ostracizing you from the rest of the all Batswana class, OR a professor trying to make you look as stupid as possible because you are from the states and not as ‘smart’ as you think you are, therefore ostracizing you from the rest of the class as they laugh at you. Cutters!!!! People ALWAYS cut in front of me in lines and thought that it was so funny. I DID NOT think that this was funny and it was the cause of the only time that I lost my temper in the whole 4.5 months. I will cross the streets now with a totally different mind set. See some drivers think of pedestrians as a sport and speed up to hit them as they cross here. God is it scary!

The friendships that I did make. My roommate Yamiche, although from the states was my most constant and probably best friend in Botswana. The Haitian born Georgetown University student was a hilarious, open-minded, and smart asset to out CIEE group. We are very similar in many ways, but our differences I think is what strengthened our relationship. I don’t think that we would have been as close if we were not roommates and able to have ‘girl’ talks with each other or go on double dates. See we both met and began dating people over here. Her Boyfriend. Eddy, is from the DRC, but is now living in Gabs with his folks while going to UB. I spent more time with them probably then any other people while here. Thanks to Eddy and his knowledge of Gabs, Africans, and complementary corky sense of humour (to mine) we got on beautifully. And he was able to save me many times. He also got alone quite nicely with boy, so that helped Miche and I because we were able to do a lot of fun things together around Gabs that others in our group never had the opportunity to do. Miche is staying the summer in Gaborone and will be working for a Newspaper there as an Editor of some kind. I am going to miss her and I really hope that we will be able to maintain a long lasting relationship! The sunsets and the natural raw beauty that is everywhere you look in my experience in Africa. People being able friendly and the interested in what you think about their country and how to make it better. People care so much about what is going on, and the lack of apathy that I experienced was so refreshing and welcomed! My money, for the most part (in nearly everyway, but groceries) going further then it would at home! It has been so wonderful! However I have still managed to spend more then I have in 3 semesters, or maybe its just because this was the first time I haven’t had a job since I have been 13 and the lack of income is starting to freak me out. But then again that is my own issue. Walking Everywhere and tons of outdoor activities (camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming)! I really hope to keep this one up at home. But I have walked so much over the last few months and the fresh air and the sense of adventure and excitement everywhere you go has been awesome. There are so many more things that I am going to miss, but its kind of nice to know that I can really come back at anytime, and something tells me that I will.

Trying Things, the African way!

Yesterday I got an HIV/AIDS test right here on the good old University o f Botswana campus, not that for any reason I think that I have contracted the disease while being here, or had any concerns, but if Obama did I’ll do it. No but really, I thought that it could be a really substantial and memorable experience that I could do before I left this country, which seems to be quickly approaching. I don’t know, I guess I am just to much a produce of my up bringing and that consist of two important things: do on to others as you would like to be treated (which is still makes things interesting when you have siblings, even into your 20’s . . . or just a head ach for my dear mummy Kay), and before you make up your mind about a person walk a mile in their shoes, because a persons life is never a glamorous as you may think it is. This latter one always really hits home considering my lovely health. But I’ve digressed, let me continue this last month here I have really been focusing on really trying to see, feel, and experience everyday culture here. So to me being a student at UB having an HIV/AIDS test is with my fellow peers was something that was important for me to do at some point, also if I am going to preach at home and at my own campus awareness I have to practice what I preach, eh? So I sat down in the consulting room before hand and got asked tons of questions, some in which I didn’t always find necessary but I have come to learn that I am the white girl and something about that is novel. After confirming that I had prepared myself for the outcome no matter what it was I was sent into the lab which was across the hall. This is were I found things to have a wonderful comedic relief, I don’t know how many of you have ever gotten an HIV/AIDS test but I have found that one matter what, you freak yourself out, you maybe I am just an extremely worrisome person, however all of my friends who have been tested have said the same thing. I think it has a lot to do with the stigma’s that people have with HIV/AIDS and the lack of information people have about it in most of our worlds that we are living in, also most people in the states I feel don’t know about the great advances that have been made with ARV’s, making it that this is no longer a death sentence, still serious no doubt, but not a death sentence.

ARV’s are free here in Botswana so any one that’s CD4 count gets down to a certain number, one that means that they have moved across from HIV to AIDS they get all of their medical for free, yes logically you would say why let it even go there, but they do, and research is being done to make sure that in the future it doesn’t have to go there but for now . . . Anyway I am a little scared that here in Botswana - because of the free ARV’s and the fact that they personally see everyday that this is not as much of a death sentence, that they are not being as careful as they once were, and the pregnancies on campus are definite conformation of this. Oh and how cute these pregnant girls are!!! But that is a totally different subject for a different time, and really doesn’t help that I definitely think that pregnant women and the cutest most beautiful things ever.

Sorry for the anecdote, sometimes I feel like a position while I am writing these, but anyway the comedic relief in the lab room . . . the guy that took my blood had pictures of himself taped to the white walls all over the small room. One in his lab coat posed in front of the needles and rubber gloves, one of him looking dashing in his sunglasses, oh many more. However the best part for me was the music in the background. R. Kelly. People love him here! But not just R. Kelly, it was R. Kelly singing about two girls he just met and was getting to know (yes in the biblical sense) who had “crazy legs” and the effect of two women with “crazy legs” on one man. What an interesting song to have one while testing people for, in this country is mostly a sexually transmitted infection/disease. If just made me laugh. But the waiting outside in the hall with others for 45 minutes did not. That gave me time to think, a lot. On the upside, I um . . . made some friends while waiting, all for the same thing. I was very happy and excited when my results came back, and I was even happier that I had taken the test being able to sit with my peers and understand a little more.

Oh and on this journey of mine . . . I also got my hair did. I feel pictures are necessary to fully understand this wonderful thing, it was quite interesting, it gave me a little bit of a head ach, and those braids were really tight! It was a good thing and a bad, some people didn’t look at me look at me, talk to me, or try to touch me as much, and it stopped me from playing with my hair all the time, which is a horrible habit. Lastly, hair is really hot, and it was getting to the point where I was like, should I shave it all off, do this, that, and I can’t tell you how much cooler I felt, ahh it was nice. However on the other hand some people looked, talked to me, followed me more and it made things just as interesting, but not really in a good way. Also the headaches man the respect I have now for anyone that gets their hair braided. It takes a few days for it to stretch out. I also was getting lots of frizzies, so it started to look bad kind of quickly. But hey I did it, it was only 60p = 10 USD and I will always remember it.

It was called a fish tail braid if anyone was wondering.

Oh and today is an important day for all those Dems out there, so keep your fingers crossed!

And lastly I am having a beautiful quilt made and I got to design here in Gabs and I get to see it for the first time (not finished but still) this up coming weekend, I will try to take a picture!

venting

Today, yesterday, and tomorrow, mosquitoes are, were, and will be my mortal enemy. I fight with them all day, but especially at dusk as they bite my feet, back, and arms. When I try to seek refuge in my own postage stamp room, they patiently wait for me within my clothes in my closet until they know that I have crawled into bed. It is then that they emerge and they buzz in and around my ear to let me know that they are there, while I am defenseless in the dark moments of the night. Tricky basterd. See I feel that I have lived in this country long enough to not have to look like I have been overcome with a permanent case of the mumps, measles, small pox, or chicken pox. However, for the past three nights I have had very active fights with one active pest. He has been winning until just recently. While I have been writing this, I can proudly say, “I have taken the punk DOWN!” and he did not leave one drop of blood on my strong hands either as I pulled him off.
Yes, I know what you are thinking: A. Ew! Elizabeth that is so disgusting, why did you need to share that?! (the answer to that is to prove further that I won this battle, he can’t bug me anymore, and he didn’t get me once tonight, although let me tell you that little bugger tried!). B. Wow, I think she has spent a little too much time thinking about bugs while in Africa, and I’m scared (and I have). C. When did my gentle loving of all creatures, Eliz, turn into such a blood thirsty murderer?! Or. D. All of the above
If you chose D, don’t be embarrassed of yourself, least of all me! This is because I am embarrassed enough for the both of us. Please, don’t think for a second that I like the murderer that I am turning into. I am a little scared of her, yet the worst part of it all is that I have begun to enjoy killing these foes long ago. Even worse, I have started to look forward to the different sound that each one makes as I step on it or smack it to its doom. I know, I know, I preach being a pacifist, I am ageist the death penalty, and as little as five months ago you could have found me walking a spider outside. It’s also true that I study Buddhism, and strongly relate to this religion. But pray tell me . . . how many times are Tibetan monks disturbed a day up in their cave or monastery, way up in the mountains, to ants crawling up there feet and legs biting you every step of the way!? As you may have read in a past post . . . I am now dealing with roaches, and I only know of one way to get rid of them, and that it by killing them, ahh, but if you just knew that satisfying “pOp-ing” sound they make as they get squashed. The sigh that I breathe out after this is a great one, and the only thing that I can think of is, “This is one less roach that will try and crawl in my ear tonight!” And if you are wondering, NO, no roach has ever been caught on my body. However! I have heard stories and if you want to hear them just ask my mom about her early nursing days
Let me just close with this, as I pause to scratch another bug bite, I realize that this whole thing was written because I am sick of feeling like a horse shacking and swatting fly’s off my body, or even near my body. I no longer, if ever, care to see and observe the powdery residue left /loose on the wings of a moth after it is killed, I don’t like being woken up to ANYTHING buzzing in my ear, and I don’t think it is cool to have different kinds of spider bites mixed in with my mosquito bites. So, in conclusion, I am going to need a little vacation from bug on my return to the States, and if you want me to come over, have your exterminator’s receipt out for me to see and confirm upon my arrival to said places. Thank you and I hope that you really enjoy your bug free nights rest, because I rather not think about how many bits of “protein” I will be able to enjoy as I sleep and my body and mouth relax.

Oh and on a much lighter note, if anyone is looking for a good new band, I really like Vampire Weekend. I also know from personal experience that they are on the Jukebox at Shubba’s. I you happen to go there for any reason, play one of there songs and think of me, I will be sure to send you good vibes back. Oh and high fives all around . . . don’t get too excited, but if you want to jump up and down, well that’s understandable . . . Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s new album is coming out in months! My count down has long since started. And NO, “Broadripple Is Burning” did not make it on the new album, and your right, NO, I don’t want to talk about it.

Now, also featuring . . . Weird!

yep you got it. I have been struggling the last couple of post because there are things that i want to write about but they fall neither into the cheer nor jeer categories, thus starting the new category today entitled "Just Weird". I think that i am going to start with this one first today, and pray that one or both of my parents don't pop up too often from their stay here. . . just joshing ya'll!

Weird . . .
* Group projects, sorry i know this ones kind of lame, but i haven't had a group project since i was in middle school and now i have three, which is just new and i really don't know how i feel about it.
* My program here in Botswana is over and done in less then a month, and i lonely have a week and a half classes left before finals begin! Where did all this time go, and how do you get some of it back!?
* some kids in one of my group projects asking if i knew how to talk like a black person from the US. After i hesitated, one speaking up and just blurting out, "you see we can understand black people from your country better then we can understand you, so if you just talk like you were black for our project on monday i think it will be better for everyone." To be perfectly honest i really didn't know how to respond, or what to say when they continuously asked me to do it, and i still don't. Personally i find this on the weird side because if i were to walk around doing this at home for a presentation well some form of disciplinary action would probably be taken, and i think it is offensive, however . . . who knows, let us just say, i talked how i always do for our presentation, and everyone stared at me as if i had marbles in my mouth. But what else is new.
*Getting extremely board. You would think wow, she is in Africa, how could she ever get board, and i even think that myself sometimes. But with no car, no bike, and some prohibiting restrictions (ie class, and papers that i signed saying i wouldn't do this or that), there are times that i really don't think i have enough to do. But these are the times that everyone prays for when they are super busy, which is oddly how i like to live my life, so i am going to hold on to these feeling an remember them next time i don't think i am going to fit it all in. (PLEASE in no way think that i am not enjoying every min. i am here, Because i totally am, i just sit reading more then i would like to at times, esp when books are kind of hard to come by.

Cheers!
* White Sox baseball! God i hope its a good year and not just a good first few weeks.
* My mom and dad coming and visiting
*gambling with my mom and dad, and making lots of money!!!
* I am Officially going to Thailand, and i am leaving in one month!
* The nights here in Gabs are starting to get cooler . . . so maybe the days will a little.
*Clean laundry! and Clean sheets . . . It just such a task that it is a celebration when ever it is done!
* Everyone i have talked to in Africa, not only supporting Obama, But loving him!
*Seeing every animal i could have ever wanted on Safari with Bob and Kay.

Jeers.
*Bank of America forgetting that i am in Africa until May 3rd for the 4th time, thus not allowing me to take any money out of the ATM. boo
* My cell phone getting lost and having to go through the struggle of getting a new one.
*Cell phones having a 5sec+ delay when talk to people in the states. It makes me not want to talk to any one and it makes me grumpy.
* Missing people, not home sick, i just miss having some people in my life.
*My US roommates not doing there dishes after they eat and now having roaches in my apt. I am not a happy camper.

Easter

In honor of the Easter Holiday I going to post a little poem I wrote about Jesus Christ. I hope you can enjoy it and not get to offended.

Myth

Today I heard a myth, but
I heard it yesterday too.
It’s been preached to me
since I exited the womb.

The first time I kneeled
in front of your image
I thought I saw your face.

When I would swing,
The wind blowing my hair,
the bounce of the swing
Dropping my stomach
into my legs. I thought
that the drop was your
spirit entering me,
proving that I was special.

Something told me I could
be next to hold you reincarnated within me. But as the years passed, my belly never swelled.
Now I’m forced to stop and think
about you, pondering if you ever were immaculately conceived.

All the stories I heard in school
Readings, teachings, and
The homeless man who
screamed on the street
started to make me see you
Just like a made up myth.

Fun, fun, fun!!

Cheers everyone! Sorry this has taken so long but with my semester break and then classes starting to actually demand things from me (weird I know), it has been a little hectic oven in sunny hot Gaborone. But Since it has been such a long time, let me get my lists out and begin!

Cheers!
* Every and any kind of Potato Chip you could ever want, think of, dream up, be grossed out by. For example Tomato, Smoked beef, Chive and spring onion, Mexican Chili, BBQ Chicken, Poppy seed lemon chicken and spice, Chutney, Thyme Chicken and Poppy's, Salt and Vinegar, and of course sour cream and onion. There are many more flavors, don't for a second think that these are the only ones, these are just the only ones that I can remember off the top of my head.
*As always the monthly 4 rolls of TP. We got them a little late this month . . . almost too late.
*Going and staying in Maputo, Mozambique. Take this as you will, but it is meant in the most positive way ever . . . Maputo is what I thought going to live in Africa was going to be like. It is a beautiful place, yes poverty stricken, a little smelly at times/places, but beautiful! Everything was brightly colored from the land scape's and flowers, to the dress of the people, to the houses and advertisements painted everywhere, on everything. Women walked around with babies strapped to either their backs or their fronts, and carried bags and baskets that were bigger then they were on their heads. Everyone that i came in contact there was very nice and helpful and although i know NO Portuguese as all (and the people i was with only knew French, Creole and a little bit of Spanish, slackers), we were still able to get around easily.
Being on the water again was so nice! I really didn't realize how much of a water person i was until i went 2 months without seeing any water ANYWHERE. The Indian ocean was so warm i felt like i was swimming in a Bathtub, it was amazing. Boats are everywhere and range from huge liners to little things that you are a little surprised to see float. But where there are boats and Ocean .. . . there is SEA FOOD!!! Some of the best tasting food that i have ever eaten in my life. Everything was fresh and very well prepared God my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
The vibe the city gave off was what i loved most. It was so relaxed, fun loving, friendly, very affectionate (there seemed to be couples everywhere) safe (children were always out playing and out with their parents until the wee hours), and because of the European styles, architecture, way of eating and life, it gave me, because of the culture i am from, the feeling of an unassuming classiness. If/when I live internationally, I could easily see myself here, there seemed to be no tension in between the races African, Portuguese, Indian and tourists all seemed to blend in and hang out together with out a second thought. It really was the picture of how human interactions should be.
There is nothing bad i can say about the time i spent there, now the 8 hour cramped car ride back from joberg to Gabs because the guys we hired to drive us back got lost, for four hours causing us to then miss our over night train to meet up with our group, leading us to a 12.5 hour bus ride through Botswana cramped sweaty, hot, tired, hungry, and only stopping once after 7.5 hours into the trip. Well we can talk about that some other time.

Due to my roommate coming home i have to peace, however there will be more to come quite soon about the rest of break and cheers and jeeres

WOO and BOO

Cheers!

- Semester break one week away! Mozambique here I come! I will be fulfilling a goal and dream by going to Mozambique. I did a semester long project on it Soph. year second semester, so I became quite attached and interested in the people and demographics there. Also I will be able to swim in the Indian Ocean! How cool is that. A new countries, Continent, and Ocean all with in a few months!

- Having an outstanding weekend in South Africa with my uncle and his dear friend, who was turning 50. It was so great to see him and get to go to a different part of South Africa, talking and socializing with people who were either from South Africa or had lived there for a long time. Hearing their views on their president, culture, racism, and even Botswana. Not all of the answers were always easy for me (and the two friends of mine that came along); but I think it is one of the reasons why we had such an amazing time. The fact that the Cultural Village we were at and the surroundings at the party we amazingly beautiful didn’t really hurt either.

- My apartment being sprayed for roaches. Mine wasn’t as bad as other peoples but it was starting to get there, and now I don’t have to worry about roaches for at least a few weeks depending on how good my roommates are at throwing out their trash. Keep your fingers crossed.

- Nate. Oh, Nate. The one boy in our group. He puts up with 9 girls, loud, sassy, feisty, and at times moody girls. He is a superhero, although his lanky body by no means resembles a body guard, when ever he is out with any or all of us, no matter what time it is, he tries his hardest to be protective. How cute. Nice, smart, and positive; we al love Nate, and let him know, which only embarrasses him . . . causing us to go to far sometimes, but he always takes it like a champ. He is going to be such a ladies man when he gets out of here, because he will know the ins and outs of “the female”. Bless his soul.

- Getting my Frisbee! I am so excited to play, I feel like another part of my soul has met up with me here in Botswana. Now, once I find swings my life will be complete. Really, it doesn’t take too much to keep me happy.

- Kay and BobFather will be here in a month! How much fun the 3 of us shall have, I think that it is time to start briefing Kay on heat, dessert/sand, BUGS! (so far this week I have only gotten 2 misquote bites. This is huge news, I was having an average of 10 bites a day for a while), Africa Time (an hour to two hours later then expected), and lastly and most importantly the male attention! Anyone who knows Kay knows that the woman doesn’t need the confidence boost, but no person can really help it when you are being told that you are pretty or someone wants to be your friend, or marry you.

Jeers.

- Trees that look like they have toothpicks growing on them, that if you et to close get stuck in your hair, causing you to get caught in a tree while walking down the street. These are tricky little devils too because the person that is stuck in them cannot get themselves out without making it worse and/or pricking themselves over and over. Causing the person stuck to be laughed at, as well as danger of slipping and falling when backing up on the sandy sidewalk. Kind of like me today, so not only are you left with messy hair but you are also a little scrapped from the fall, not to mention quite humbled. People don’t really hold their laughter until they are out of ear shot here. But I don’t mind I am sure it looks pretty comedic and I would laugh if I saw it too, but maybe I wouldn’t stair as long . . .

- Going to the biggest diamond mine in Botswana (when thinking of this mine, don’t think of glittering rocks popping out everywhere, think of what a quarry and you will have a better idea in your head of what this looked like). I am sure that on the right day and right time this could be a wonderful trip. Yet whenever someone has to get woken up at 5AM to get in a mini-van and drive two hours to see a diamond mine in 100 degree weather does have its down sides. Also being surrounded by rocks as they hold and reflect the sun light at you from all different angles, while in long pants, a hard hat, reflective vest, and heavy work boots for two hours can be a little dehydrating. It also kind of stinks when the key/password holder to be able to get into the museum to see the diamonds and how they are step by step mind in on holiday doesn’t help a ton. This field trip also caused me to really complicate my South African weekend plans which were then not fully figured out until the night before, causing a bit of stress. However they up side was that my friends and I were able to go to a super fun pool party Friday night, which in the end made everything nearly even out.

- My hair not getting as blond as I was hoping it to get by this time. I know petty and vain to things I said that there were no room for in Africa, but I donno, I guess I was just expecting to become an instant toe head again . . .

Long time no writing . . . woops

Cheers!

- My monthly allowence of T.P. complements of UB has arrived! They give us four rolls a month. It really is cut throat in my Apt. when it comes to T.P. some people are greedy and just plain sneeky, which can at times cause middle of the night bathroom break issues.
- No Starbucks or McD's in Botswana. At times when you really really need an iced coffee, this can be a little trouble some. Yet, at the same time I find it so cool that the two places in the states that you can always find to refresh you, and at this point in time all over the world, are not here. I mean what other time in my life will i be able to meet other college kids that have never had a Big Mac or a tripple grande Vanilla Non Fat extra foam latte
- Getting the chance to camp and get away from Gabs every now and then. Don't under est. the wonderfulness of it.
- Obama! this past weekend. Way to go dude!
- Having a cell phone that has snake on it! You have no idea how fun this can be when waiting in lines or waiting for your professor in class. What a wonderful game.
- Going on field trips in college (although in this one case if causes a few problems, its still fun). On friday i get to go to a diamond mine and to a pottery place . . . cool, eh?
- Getting mail! Thanks kiki and MEL they were awesome!
- My semester break being one week away! Hellllllo Mozambique!
- Students protesting in class by shouting, clapping, and yelling how they do not agree with an asignment, point, or test. Its really quite fun to watch.

Jeers.
- Egypt winning the African Cup. I really would have loved if a country from Southern Africa could have won.
- Having to leave a day later then expected for joburg. Boo.
- Not seeing Bucky again . . . Knock on wood (no pun intended).
- Time in Botswana movie too fast! If it keeps up at this rate i wont have enough time to do everything that i have been planning on!
- 6 hours of Setswana class a week. It stinks. Our teacher hates us kids from the States and comes to class 10-20 min late each day and then yells at us about how we act like we don't want to be there . . . maybe it is because we are picking up on a message that she is sending out to us. hmmm.

picture update

these are the worms and me about to eat it, i swear i am not this pale any more. God thats kind of scary to look at.

this is a village we went to on a weekend adventure, near the earliest cliff paintings in Botswana.
These are a Funny sign, that really sums up a lot, the cemetery and Botsi's kids with dear Sarah.

This Just In.

I have many new Cheers today:

- I have hot water. I went to take a shower today, expecting the worst, and as i was getting ready to bite my lip and jump in . . . i noticed that low and behold, the mirror was beginning to fog up. Thank You.
-The pool started getting cleaned today so i will be able to start swimming again soon. Let me explain, because of all the rain the sand from a construction sight near by fell into the pool and so it had a sandy bottom, this happened nearly two weeks ago. I have also told myself that by the time i leave i will be able to swim a mile, considering swimming 400m (one lap around a track) is painfully difficult for me this is a Challenge will, as you can see, a capital C. But I have realized that I am a better swimmer then i thought i was and was always told i was (thanks family) . . . . . . . Oh, speaking of that, word to the wise, if you ever have a kid who passes out from dehydration at the end of second grade because this kid is a super fast runner (I don't know, maybe fastest girl in her class with a 7:19 mile). And you, the parent, after taking her to every doctor in the city of Chicago, don't find everything wrong with her, STILL think that she is epileptic, just tell her. Don't tell her instead that she is a horrible swimmer and can't go in ANY water with out at flotation device, and supervision, when the summer before she could. I don't know and this just happens to be a summer you spend two weeks at a cottage in WI, with the gentlest lake ever. Just think again and don't, because it may hurt their confidence as a swimmer and when they are in the water for years and years to come.
- There is a rumor of swings, i shall keep everyone posted.
- I found my first old grave yard in Gabs. It was to bury British soldiers that were involved in small battle in the mid 1800's while protecting there little proctorial (pictures to come). If you didn't know this was a hobby of mine don't worry about it, and please don't think of me differently, i don't have time to explain it right now, but someday.
- I got my books for my classes today . . . 20 % off, I'm still broke from it though, calm down, i don't want any one to get too excited.
- I finally am going to start volunteering, you have no idea how excited this makes me, and what makes it even better . . . is that it is going to be with little kids, sadly (for them) orphans, but i really miss all my little ones in CT, so maybe this will help a little bit.

- I have my creative writing class tomorrow. woo woo, I really haven't been writing as much as i have planned/ would like since i have gotten here.
- And, I got an e-mail from Kay Dallh-ingg today, saying that the one of my poems has made it to the semi-finals of the competition that Kay and Bob so selflessly submitted it too.

Peace out,
Stay Well.

Cheers and Jeers! update

Cheers!
-Being in Africa a month!
-Feeling at home in Gabs.
- Obama winning South Carolina.
- The rains finally stopping! Botswana has seen more rain in the past 3 weeks then it has in about 12 years. It was really intense.
- Being able to have an elementary conversation in Setswana. I kind of feel like a big deal now.
-Being able to go to happy hour with Batsi, the love of my life, and program leader on Friday afternoon
- Being able to go out to lunch with Batsi and his wonderful and beautiful children on sat Ages 10 and 9.
- Becoming a Gaborone WASP for a day. Sunday a few friends and i went to the Gaborone Yacht Club for lunch. You may be asking, Elizabeth, are you crazy? Gaborone is in the dessert, there is no water for MILES! well that is when i would have nicely informed you that there is a man made dam here and that is where the yacht club is (when we all first saw the signs we were laughing pretty hard). Well once you travel about 4km down a dirt road off the main road you get to the yacht club. It is beautiful, don't get me wrong, it has the natural raw beauty, that I have found all over Botswana. However, they do not have food here, and only a bar with a thatched roof. Sadly our hungry tummies could not full, but the surrounding beauty of the dam itself was enough to fill our eyes completely full. the birds out there were awesome. Well after we traveled somewhere else to go get some lunch, my friend Sarah and I went to our riding lesson. For 60 pula (9 USD) we had an hour long horse back riding lesson. I know how to trot on a horse now! it was a very exciting and fun. However, my legs and butt are still very sore, its 3 days later. The stables were just as beautiful and RAW as the yacht club, they are owned and run by a woman named Kern, who I think is the Soul and best Anti-smoking campaign i have ever seen in my life. It was a really fun day, i now refer to it more as, WASP goes to wild west. But let us be honest with our selves, can you picture me having it any other way?
- Getting mail from my mom and dad. Thanks guys!
-being asked by a woman who works at the grocery store if she could touch me . . . She had never touched a white person.

Jeers.
- Daily/Nightly black outs because there is a power shortage in All of Southern Africa.
- Going into my second week of not having hot water. Things to consider: Showering, Washing dishes, Forgetting or hoping that today is the day that it will be fixed and then getting into the shower and no hot water.
- as well as a kitchen sink drip that is just out side my door and oddly loud.
- the swimming pool being dirty. Its just such a nice pool it is really a shame.
-Not having internet (i know that i have used this as a cheers before and it is, but sometimes i just want to look something up).
- Teachers who tells you in your HIV/AIDS class that a theory for how it has started and spread was by a fighter jet that passed and dropped fumes of HIV/AIDS, thus spreading it to many many people. Sometimes the prof's here give wrong information, it can be funny sitting in your chair thinking, "wrong, thats just wrong". But that is when it is about harmless things, if anything My HIV/AIDS preventions and control class should really have all her information together.

this was not proof read because i have to go to class, thanks for understanding!
Go Well.

thoughts and a story

I have been thinking a lot about racism since I have arrived here. How did it start? Why? When was the moment were it went from a concern to a problem? What can I do to end this? What can we do to end it? Can it be ended? Is there such a thing as a non-racist white, black, brown, green, blue, tan, gold, olive, yellowish person (I hope so!)? Is it right that I am pissed because whites in the past ruined or hurt me and potential friends, lovers, kids, because of the pigeon holes that they have put others in? How has it affected me, the person I am, and how I treat other people? Wow. colonization was A. Brutal. B. Just a bad idea for the most part.

Today a girl in class passed me a note it said, “Hi my name is Girlie! Would you like to be my friend?” In my opinion I don’t think that there is a better way to start ones day, a new friend and socialism. The two gifts that keep on giving. I told you I would love to be her friend, she was pretty and I am not in the position to pass up any friends let alone good looking ones (please note the sarcasm used as humor). I asked her in my note back what she liked doing for fun, she responded, “going clubbing and going on drinking sprees with my friends”. I don’t know if she did this to impress me because of the wonderful reputation that kids my age from the States have of “BLACKOUT or get out”. However I told her that I liked to chill with friends and going to movies, because my mom has always told me that friendships that are based around drinking are buddies, not friends, and I would love more Batswana friends. She is an English and Sociology major(s) too, so already we have so much in common, we said that we would go see a comedy at the cinema together. I hope it works our, because I was kind of prepped to have some concerns.

Again, at our orientation, I was warned about the motives people may have in befriending me, and I have taken these warnings to heart. Considering I have been approached to take and pay for at least 13 people to come back to the states with me and live at my home with me, buying meals for others, buying peoples grocery’s at the store, buying and covering people at clubs, and also to leave specific items that I have worn here when I leave for cretin people. Basically a big ol’ dollar bill sign flashes and screams from slightly above me head.

This is why I have started to tell people I meet who ask how I came over and if I am rich, that I am on scholarship and funded by my government. This is something nearly every student can relate too because the Botswana government pays these kids to go to school and gives them a stipend. I think that the States should look in to this, I am already freaking out on how I am going to send my kids to college and I don’t even have a boyfriend right now (not like I haven’t been asked and nearly stalked concerning the issue since I have been here). The fact that the government pays for most every student really does give a different feel to the education and the intent to learn, I have observed, but it’s still getting done.

Good morning God, GOOD GOD! Good morning.

***** A concerned reader cautiously brought to my attention that I may have a few spelling and grammar errors thus far in my blog, knowing that these are not my strong points, and it has caused a little bit of insecurity within myself in the past. I would like to address this now; it is true, I am not a good speller, and I am very comma happy, they are just so cute and I like people to read my writing as if I were talking to them. So I put in the commas as little pauses or breaths of air. As for referring to my ancestors and spelling the swear damn “dam”, I did this on purpose. I am a very superstitious person and in my eyes you never know what the dead can to do to you, and I rather not find out by cursing these people I never knew. But I still wish they could have spent more time in the sun.**

When I was going through my orientation into Botswana life, we were told that our United States humor would not always translate. We were also told not to talk as openly about sex as it is know that we do in the States, in any context really: jokes, puns, stories, but especially not to make comments or ask questions of any sexual nature to Batswana (meaning the people who live in Botswana). We quickly realize this also meant all HIV/AIDS topics as well, because to the people if asking how they have, in their lives, been effected by HIV/AIDS, if they know anyone, or if they are worried about it at all, it would be as if I was asking them about their sex life and how they practice.

However, with that as my introduction, I have learned since I have been here that although you may no talk about sex, showing off ones sex is a different story. I understand that it is hot out, and culturally many tribal people where different types of clothes and beads on different parts of their bodies, personally I think it is beautiful. What I don’t think is beautiful is public urination, especially when it happens any where for 5 to 20 feet from you. It is true, I understand that nature calls, however these incidences seem to happen up against the building that people are leaving are very near to one that I have personally noted has a bathroom. To be fair I have to say that I have only really had a problem with this at dusk and on, but why so close to me and other people?! Yesterday morning, I woke up naturally on my own around 8:15. Not thinking that any of my friends were up yet I opened up my curtains, for some natural light, and went back to my bed to lie down and read my book (The Autobiography of Malcolm X, a powerful and life changing book) when something catches my little eye off yonder out my window. To my amazement I see a man, not a little boy, but a man, standing on the ledge railing of the residence hall walkway wall, which is directly across the patched crab grassed area used to hang dry clothes from my room. Aside from being concerned for this mans safety I was wondering what he could possibly be looking for, for one of his hands was on his hip while the other was on his forehead making a visor. Which I can confidently say is the international sign of acutely looking for anything at any distance.

I really think I know what he was looking for, and I will let you in on it, please try to calm down, I know you are super excited. Okay here it is, this man, who was glistening in the morning light, had to Must have, been looking for his clothes, because they were no where near his body. There at 8:30 in the morning is a buck naked man standing on a ledge that if it was any windier out (there are reasons that I know it was windy out in which I will not go into detail about) he would have fallen nearly 20+ feet.

Well obviously I put my nose back so far into my book it took me minutes to focus my eyes on the words, and for all of you that have read Malcolm X he was still hustling at this point in the book, so I don’t think he would have been too offended, at least I hope not. I naively thought that 1. By the time I had finished four pages he would be gone. And 2. There was no way that he would have ever been able to see into my room, in which I was lying in my minimal summer PJ’s. However to my surprise when I looked up a second time, my new friend, I’ll call him Bucky for identification sake, was now sitting below the ledge with only his shoulders up being exposed, thankfully. Not so thankfully, Buck S. Naked started waving very enthusiastically in my direction, not wanting to be self absorbed or vain in anyway, I pulled my blanket up to my chin and began to read once again. However, 10 min later when lost in my book I looked up to ponder a point, and Bucky was still there and again tried to waving in my direction, I realized that he wouldn’t have been able to miss my reflective white skin from anywhere and this is when I rolled slyly off of my bed right into an army crawl and only exposing my hands to the window pulled my curtains closed.

This is the last time I have seen Bucky.

I can’t say I miss him. Isn’t this a lovely way to start a Sunday morning? Good morning God. GOOD GOD! Good morning.

Cheers and Jeers

are these not the cutest kids ever?

Cheers!

- Kittens EVERYWHERE! So cute, and will let me pet them sometimes.

- Classes where teachers are really excited to have a student from the States, the reasons vary: different opinion, perspectives, approach at school work, and even at times as an example (that’s not as fun)/. However any way I look at it, this is really going to help me as a scholar and an intellectual who has an opinion.

- An Olympic size, outdoor, swimming pool!! On campus! It is such a comfort on the days where it is 32 degrees, Celsius, and there is not a cloud in the sky. Nevertheless, as I learned today, it can at times contribute to a jeer, but who is to blame but my dam ancestors who didn’t spend enough time in the sun?

- High dives!

- Finally getting the number to a place that sounds interesting to volunteer at, for youth prevention dealing with, and helping kids who have HIV/AID.

- Not having a car, and being close enough to everything that you can walk. Also for public transportation, that is always really excited you are there. So what if it is a white rumbling van that can fit 8 comfortably, forcing 13 people inside of it? It cost less then 50 cents for a ride, you always get right where you need to go, and it is so easy to believe that you smell really good, and you should know, because your nose is shoved very far into your arm pit to avoid other smells. (Secret Clinical Strength, I am proud to announce is wonderful, and really, really does her job, so fresh, all day. It was a great investment.)

- The US dollar being strong somewhere in the world, and coincidentally in the very place I am live right now!

Jeers.

- Sun burn, along with odd burn (and hopefully someday tan) lines because of sun screen that melts off.

- Not knowing if people are talking about you or not. Yes, this may sound petty, but after a long day when a person maybe tired, and a group of people are starring at this person, while the group is talking ¾ in Setswana and ¼ English. Some people, I may know, can get a little paranoid.

- Bugs. Of all kinds. Everywhere you could imagine. Millipedes, centipedes, mosquito’s, cockroaches (these are not in my room thank It, others I know have not faired so well), moths the size of my hand, and others bugs that look interesting, however I do not know the names.

- Phone calls to anyone but Orange customers = expensive.

- No walking at night alone or in pairs, one of my favorite things to do in order to clear my head. But we were told it was not safe and I promised my mum, I would not play the invincible card.

- The startling statistic that 50% of the University of Botswana campus is infected with HIV/AIDS.

- Lastly, Africans have a very hard time understanding sarcasm. I know maybe I will be forced to change my ways . . . Or maybe I will just make the world a funnier place.

- OH! And I haven’t found any swings yet. But I have faith that I will, and I shall keep everyone posted on this magical necessity.

Catch up!

Here is my first e-mail that I basically sent out four different times before I decided to Do the whole blog thing:

The stars in Botswana are amazing, i have never seen so many in my life, i kid you not. Last night i say the milky way, i have never been able to see the milkyway before in the US. I will fill you in all the way, so i will start at the very beginning. I hear its a very good place to start.

the plane ride wasn't that bad at all, that was the part i was most worried about. My closest friend here thus far is a very nice young lady named Sarah, I think you would like her her . . . today we were those people who were running narrators to the lives, actions, and "thoughts" of those we were with. What fun, eh?

It is so beautiful here, and hot, and already I am starting to get lil tan which i know you were really interested in. Last week started our first week of classes . . . . KIND OF, you see no one shows up the first week, not the teachers not the students, no one really, its silly so i go to class everyday sit there for 20 min hoping that someone comes and then i leave. Everyone of my classes is about africa in come way or another and we have started planning the most amazing trips, i just hope that we have enough time for all of them . . . you are so invited to come. . . I have been told by our main instructor and others that over 1/2 of the university population is positive with HIV/AIDS, and i am going to start volunteering soon, with orphans or at a clinic, which for me, is really exciting. Being here is so much more then i was expecting thus far, I mean its not perfect . . . . as you will see, but it is like something i have never seen/experienced thus far.
I found a kitten the other day, and i brought it back to my apartment with me, i named her rain cloud (mura a pula) because her coloring looks like a rain cloud, but she is so sick and skinny, less then a lb prob. I didn't keep her, because she is peeing EVERYWHERE! not cool, not cool at all, esp when you have to wash your clothes by hand.

Okay so maybe i don't HAVE to wash them by hand but i don't know where the laundry room in on campus and i lost my map, and considering the whole third world country, i don't even have Internet in my own apartment, and everywhere is BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper)I have just assumed that the washers and dyers may not be in tip top shape. But i am really happy to be here and i am meeting the coolest people. I think that you would really dig it . . .

My Address

Hiya.

I thought that i would explain the pictures, they where taken when i was on a hike a week or so ago it was early in the morning, and the first time I had seen any water since i had been in the country, it is man made and well hidden, but these views were so beautiful.

This picture is from a traditional dinner that we went to about the 3rd or fourth day in Gaborone, I ate a huge gross worm at this dinner, i don't have a picture of me eating it on my camra but one one of my friends gives it to me i shall post it, because i feel it is one of those things that you have to see to believe. However I am posting the picture of the house in which this all went down, this way you can see some of the kids in my group. Next time i have internet i will post the game reserve pictures! These pictures of the animals are so amazing!

Oh yes, and here is my address here just in case anyone wants to send me anything . . . and get something back in return!

Miss Elizabeth Otter

c/o Batisrai Chidzodzo, CIEE

University of Botswana

International Education and Partnerships Office, Room #149

Private Bag 0022

Gaborone, Botswana

Welcome to Botswana as I know it!

Welcome! After battling with myself for the past two weeks, I have finally made up my mind and I shall be having a blog VS the whole group e-mail thing. This is because one of my biggest fears in life is being boring, thus boring other people, and since I have a tendency to ramble on when I write and have already started to e-mail people back. Seemingly, writing the same e-mail over and over, for these people I am starting a blog, just so they can choose which entries sound a little to similar to what I have already written to them.

I have been wondering what I would write about, and this as well has been plaguing the start of the “blogging”. But what better way to start than by letting you into my smart, witty, free-spirited, wired, and at times immature head, and how I look at everyday life and their simple pleasure in this new place, or the things that I really could live with out. So begins: Cheers! And Jeers (which was once a segment in my high school news paper).

Cheers!

- 9 hours of Sun!!

- The primaries!! and being surrounded by people who know so much about them, and seem to be as excited about this turn in out government and policy to come.

- Pasty skin, on the down fall.

- Going to clubs, and being told, “Eh! White girl, you really know how to dance”! It is something that I have always known, but it feels so nice to be finally recognized, if only they could see my sister and me in action together. However, my amigo here, Sarah, is doing a good enough job.

- No classes the first week of school. A tradition that I did not know about until half way through last week, after sitting in each classroom alone wondering if I had the right room/times. But hey, I am definitely not complaining about it, I have almost finished two books already.

- Reading for FUN again! How I miss that during the semester in the US.

- There is no such thing as American vanity here, it is too hot, and there is something about this humbling experience i love.