August 11, 2013
Yes. That's the sunrise. And no, I'm not just now going to sleep like I would be back in the states...it's a Sunday morning, and I couldn't keep my eyes shut past 5:45 because of my new routine...and the roosters. Nobody else is awake, so I'm using this time to tell you about yesterday.
We had a cultural food day where all of the volunteers, trainers, and host families gathered and cooked traditional African food. People were encouraged to dress up in traditional clothing of the tribe they represented. Since I'm going to Caprivi (which is now called Zambezi...they changed the name of the region a few days ago) my language teacher brought me a wrap to go around my waist. It's perdy and wraplike.
Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what the day was like:
We (and by "we" I mean "they") had to slaughter a few chickens and a goat. I stuck with peeling potatoes and shelling water lily roots. It got pretty graphic...and while others exploited each animal's death, I chose to keep the camera away as they bled out. So, sorry if you were looking forward to that....
Mmmm vegetables. Pat is an onion chopping expert now.
Open fire cooking...it's hot and way too smoky, but the food tastes so much better. This was at the Silozi speaking table. We cooked potatoes, fish, fish heads and water lily roots, chicken, and porridge. The best way I can describe the taste of this region's food...is...swampy....? Yea....swampy. Ill get used to it. I have no choice.
I think that's spinach...*shrugs*
The traditional colors for this tribe are pink, white, and black. I adore their dresses. And the guys look pretty sharp, too.
This table is the Afrikaans table. I liked their food the best because it was closest to German food, and at least that's something I'm familiar with.
Mama Rosa. She's my language teacher for Silozi. Words can't describe how happy she makes me.
Ryan loves her just as much as I do.
Josh is stirring up some worms. I forget what the technical name is, but they're sort of like giant caterpillars. After they're cooked they actually taste pretty good. Just make sure you have something to wash it down with...
This beautiful lady, Lacy, was my vegetable prep buddy all morning. She's also going to the Zambezi region. I have a feeling we're going to become pretty good friends over the next two years. So, remember her name and face because you'll probably hear more about her later.
This is Susan. She takes on the mother role of the group pretty naturally. She taught in the states, so I'm sure she's ready to get out to site and start working.
There's too much awesome in this picture.
I want to steal Olivia's dress.
June got her hair diiiiiid.
The babies and kids here are the best. And Rouchelle still looks pretty, even in whatever that is they had her wear.
Jolene...my host sister is too cute for her own good.
The difference between kids here and kids in the states....here they are actually interested in what we're doing at any given moment. I feel like most kids back home could care less about the people around them and worry more about themselves. If I ever have children, I'm going to make it a point to try to culturally round them out. Oh, and that's Aaron. He's a sweetheart.
Mmmm, bread.
And no day is complete without dancing of course.
:The event was a success. We filled the training hall with plenty of mouths to feed. I ate things I can't pronounce, and I also ate things I'd rather not know the name of. But for the most part, I could get used to all of this traditional food.
Anyway, I've got kids to play with and work to do. I hope you're all doing well wherever you are.
Random thought of the day: the birds here sound like styrofoam rubbing together....o.O
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