Nxai Pan Trip - Part III - Where we camped

Just chillin' at the campsite.

In Canada, kids carve snow forts.  In Africa, kids carve termite mounds.

Becka's new friend.

The spikes are to keep the elephants away from the washroom taps.

Nxai Pan Trip - Part IV - What we saw

We saw this giraffe and his two friends on the drive up.

Some of these baobob trees are more than 2,000 years old !

The gang at the baobob tree.

Ostrich parade.

Zebra and  Oryx.

This ellie was making its way to our campsite.

This hornbill and his pals entertained us at the campsite.

The Kori Bustard is the world's largest bird that flies.

I am fascinated by kudu horns.

We followed lion tracks along the side of the road.

The flat pans.

Another breathtaking African sunset !

Nxai Pans Trip - Part V - Meanwhile, at the watering hole...

First up - the wildebeests.

And off they go !

Next up - the zebras.  You can take a horse to water....

....but you can't make it drink.  The zebras were extremely wary.

Now it is the elephants' turn.

Meeting up with old friends.

An elephant sundowner !

Carfree, or Carless ?

Since I arrived in Gaborone, folks have been advising me to get a used car.  Many expats do, as they are fairly easy to sell at close to purchase price, making it an affordable way to get around.  Due to the dry desert climate, cars don't easily corrode, and consequently don't depreciate in value very quickly. 

Gaborone is fairly spread out, so it can take some planning to get from point A to B without a car.  There is a transit system of sorts, but it's not really reliable and takes a bit of figuring out.

However, when I lived on the other side of the tracks and witnessed the rush hour bottlenecks on the bridges crossing the tracks, I balked at the idea of owning a car.  Who needs that headache ?

I came to learn and embrace my daily transit routine.  It got me out and moving and put me in touch with local people I would not normally meet in the cocoon of a car. This has led to some interesting encounters (see Taxi Talk posts).  It has also made me a bit vulnerable (I was pick-pocketed once). 

When I recently had a chance to go in on a car purchase with my house-mate, I decided I would continue with my carfree existence. 

I have come to value my morning walk to work.  It is really the only exercise I get.  If I had a car, it would be far too tempting to drive to work every day.

For the odd time I have an arm load of groceries, I don't mind paying for a taxi ride home.

I have to admit, though, not having a car does make it a challenge to explore on weekends, and there have been times I have regretted my decision.  I don't explore very much during evenings, either. But, truth be told, I enjoy my quiet evenings at home to cook dinner, check e-mails, read, etc.  It's nice to not feel like I should be rushing around, just because I can.

So for now, I will continue to be carfree and carefree -- or carless and careless ?

Those who have advised me to get a car also argue it's a good move for security reasons.  Just yesterday, a new friend of mine was mugged on her morning walk to work.  Is it just the luck of the draw that that hasn't happened to me yet ? 

Cross your fingers that I continue to be safe in my carfree life here.

"You'll do" (Taxi Talk - Part II)

Taxi driver: "I stopped for you because you are white."
Me: ?
Taxi driver: "I want a white girlfriend."
Me.  "Why do you want a white girlfriend?  What is wrong with having a Motswana girlfriend?"
Taxi driver:  "I want a white girlfriend."
Me: "Well, it won't be me.  I am too old for you."
Taxi driver:  "Then you can find me a young white girlfriend.  And if you can't find a young one, then you'll do."

Tips for Batswana Students Moving to Canada

I was recently asked to provide some tips for Batswana students moving to Canada.  Here's what I came up with, based on my observations of cultural differences.

1. Winter wear. Canadian winters can be long and cold.  You will need to have warm winter wear.  There is good selection in Canada, so you don't have to stock up here, but you do need to budget accordingly.  Invest in winter boots with a good sole.  Streets and sidewalks can get very icy.
2. Crossing the street. Don't jay-walk.  Cross the streets only at the marked crossings.  People get ticketed for jay-walking.  Remember when you first arrive to look in the opposite direction from what you are used to before crossing.
3. Invitations. If new friends invite you out for dinner, drinks, etc., don't assume that they will pay for (treat) you.  They may expect you to pay your own bill (go dutch).
4. Meals. Lunch is served earlier than it is here; usually at 12:00 pm.  People will often have a light lunch at noon and then a bigger dinner in the evening, at around 6:00 pm.
5. Greetings. You may notice that strangers don't greet one another on the street like they do here.  Don't be offended if someone doesn't return your greeting. If they don't know you, they may not feel comfortable talking to you.  Strangers tend to avoid eye contact, especially in elevators.  However, if you say you want help or directions, people are usually pretty helpful.
6. Addresses.  People are less formal, and will often ask that you call them by their first name.  Your professors may be a little more formal than other people, though.
7. Personal space.  People like to keep their distance and aren't as used to physical contact as are people here. 
8. Public displays of affection. It is not common for heterosexual men to hold hands or have physical contact with one another in public.  You will see couples displaying affection, though.
9. Dating.  It takes time to get to know people.  Don't be discouraged, but try not to come on too strongly.
10. Bartering.  It is not common to barter, particularly not in stores.  You can negotiate, though.

Christmas in June - Part II

Despite my best intentions to not exploit the children of my friends and co-workers, I couldn't resist sharing these photos with you -- these kids are just too darned cute !  I took these pictures at a young lady's 3rd birthday party on June 30, with a Christmas in June theme.     

Like little kids everywhere, Lola and her friends delighted in coloring, face painting, jumping in the jumping castle, and feasting on hotdogs and cake. 

They laughed.  They cried.  They had fights.  They made up.

One little fellow pegged me as his go to person.  Every so often, there would be a tug at my leg, followed by "Teacha?", and then a story or plea I'd need interpretation to understand.  I understood the request to use the facilities in time, but was too late for the "so and so is painting on the jumping castle with paints" tattle. 

I hope these photos will help Lola remember what a fun party her parents organized for her. 

You are only 3 once !  Enjoy, Little Lady !