(The title is totally made up and a French would be annoyed by the audacity:) )
Sorry for the delay but it was between updating this blog as promised or preparing for the beast (pediatric boards). Second, it is next to impossible, for me at least, to sit for 2 hours waiting for a picture or two to upload. I'm determined to figure out a way to tell it all in pictures.... so here's to the first attempt.
It is the day before the test and I’m determined not to open a book or look at a prep question. The creative part of my brain has been dormant for quite a while so this should be a challenge.
Gaborone (or affectionately called - Gabs by many)
Has been a surprise from the beginning – diverse, and hardly lacking in anything indulgent. From Italian, Indian, Chinese restaurants serving delicious food to stores selling items walmart would frown upon. It’s refreshing not to see McDonalds or Starbucks in every corner, but somehow KFC made it through. I even get to sample some tasty injera/wot once a week at a place called “Abysinnia”. We go to the movies, some of us has joined a gym - I procrastinate, shop on weekends, enjoy a nice cappuccino while browsing the web at a free wifi cafe. A few minutes' drive into the surrounding villages do still tell tall tales of poverty and desperation, though.
Batswana/Matswana in Botswana
The people are easy going and love their tea breaks two times a day (in addition to the one hour lunch). Batsawana is someone from Botswana and Matswana describes the people of Botswana. Although one can get by with English, knowing Setswana can get you much farther – the language of Matswana.
The children, the work
I expected to find the work rewarding but still get gratified by the end of each work day. It’s the smiles of the kids that is forever plastered on their faces, their uncomplicated view of life despite its difficulties. It’s the families that show up every time, traveling for hours from their respective villages. It is the grandmothers, the aunts, uncles and neighbors that help raise the kids that have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. I’m grateful that I’m constantly forced to question my own beliefs and standards of how things “should” be. I wake up everyday hoping that I’m once again forced to step out of that damn box :)
The new people in my life
We’re stuck together might as well make the best out of it? Maybe, but it came naturally for us to understand and rely on each other, plan surprise birthday parties for spouses, weekend getaways and finding time to enjoy what Matt cooks and his wifey graciously shares :) Work is bearable and life’s awesome because of them.
I’ll tell you more as it happens. Don’t hesitate to plan a visit, once I start putting up pictures you will :) there’s plenty of room here in Gabs.
Cheers, come again….
