School “started” back up last Monday. My school has a serious problem with learners taking extra vacation days. The first three days of school we didn’t change classes but instead just took roll. Out of my class of 25 we only had 13 learners. I also spoke with my head of department; I am no longer a register teacher for my fifth graders. Peace Corps doesn’t want us to be register teachers because they are supposed to follow the learners through several years of school. We can, at most, follow the learners for two years. He also changed my entire schedule by giving my favorite class (tenth grade math and physical science) to the other teachers and giving me another grade eight math class.
The other big news is that a World Teach volunteer is coming to my school to help out in the computer lab for three months. The World Teach volunteer will also be staying in the spare bedroom in my flat. I’m excited to have a little more company. It is highly recommended that Peace Corps volunteers don’t go out at night due to the statistically higher probability of being robbed. It’s winter now so by 5:30pm I have to be in my flat. Essentially I have no life and go to bed around 9pm. Also, it’s really cold at night. Every night is probably in the 30’s or 40’s and my flat has no heater or insulation. It’s not a problem because I have a nice sleeping bag. The problem comes in trying to get up at 530am while simultaneously trying to stay in my nice warm sleeping bag.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Holiday travels
My travels this last holiday break began in Gobabis for my friend Martin’s birthday. After a few days hanging out in Gobabis I went back to Rehoboth to meet up with some friends. We took day trips to Windhoek for Zambian visas and other necessities. On Friday April 29th we went to Windhoek, saw a movie, and boarded the Intercape bus system. The Intercape is a business that sends charter buses all through southern Africa. Twenty three hours later I arrived in Livingstone Zambia. The following day myself, Edward, Sam, and Quinn went into Botswana on the Chobe National Preserve safari. The morning was a boat safari along the Chobe River where we say hippos, impalas, crocodiles, elephants, and a whole host of other animals. It was the most expensive part of my journey and well worth every penny. We were given lunch at a really nice lodge and then preceded to the car safari. In the car safari we got to see all the same animals except much closer. We also got to see lions but they were too far away to get a good picture.
The following I went with Barbara, Quinn, and Sam to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is one of the greatest things I have ever seen in my life. My favorite part was called Eastern Cataract and was not for weak hearted. In this area there are no barriers to keep you from the falls and we actually walked out on a cropping of rocks, slippery with algae. I describe that area as standing in the middle of a tropical storm because of the force of the wind and rain. It was nearly impossible to see the falls through the mist but if you stood there long enough the mist would dissipate for a few seconds and a view of the entire falls would appear. While standing there I’m pretty sure my brain exploded.
The next day we traveled to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. This side had several hiking trails that we did, and a large craft market. I went with Nikki and Sam, and the scariest thing that happened was when a baboon charged us. So many people come to the area with food in their backpack that if you open your backpack, the baboons will charge you and try to steal food. And trust me; it’s terrifying when they come right at you.
I needed a break, so the next day I stayed around Livingstone and I got a pair of pants made out of a chetenge. A chetenge is a traditional African clothe/skirt that many of the guys got made into pants and the girls use it as skirts. My last morning was spent in a constant state of terror as our group prepared to go bungee jumping in front of Victoria Falls. I did not bungee jump. I zip lined from Zambia to Zimbabwe. A feat not easily accomplished by me due to an extreme fear of heights. In the afternoon our entire group (about 20 people) went on a final cruise. I then ventured back to Rehoboth after the craziest week of my life.
The following I went with Barbara, Quinn, and Sam to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is one of the greatest things I have ever seen in my life. My favorite part was called Eastern Cataract and was not for weak hearted. In this area there are no barriers to keep you from the falls and we actually walked out on a cropping of rocks, slippery with algae. I describe that area as standing in the middle of a tropical storm because of the force of the wind and rain. It was nearly impossible to see the falls through the mist but if you stood there long enough the mist would dissipate for a few seconds and a view of the entire falls would appear. While standing there I’m pretty sure my brain exploded.
The next day we traveled to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. This side had several hiking trails that we did, and a large craft market. I went with Nikki and Sam, and the scariest thing that happened was when a baboon charged us. So many people come to the area with food in their backpack that if you open your backpack, the baboons will charge you and try to steal food. And trust me; it’s terrifying when they come right at you.
I needed a break, so the next day I stayed around Livingstone and I got a pair of pants made out of a chetenge. A chetenge is a traditional African clothe/skirt that many of the guys got made into pants and the girls use it as skirts. My last morning was spent in a constant state of terror as our group prepared to go bungee jumping in front of Victoria Falls. I did not bungee jump. I zip lined from Zambia to Zimbabwe. A feat not easily accomplished by me due to an extreme fear of heights. In the afternoon our entire group (about 20 people) went on a final cruise. I then ventured back to Rehoboth after the craziest week of my life.
Monday, May 9, 2011
World
Dear World,
I have replaced the greatest fear that one can conquer. I have stood among, the winds whirling around me, the force of a storm splattering against my face, and felt nothing but the unbelievable beauty, that soaked me in the misty rain. I have tried, in multiple attempts, to explain, how amazing life is along the Zambeza River/Victoria Falls. As much as I have tried to explain things in words, I simply cannot. There aren’t enough words in any language to describe it. I am however, exceptionally proud of my buddy Shane. Who now has been nominated for Guinea Peace Corps. I wish him the best, and may be visiting him at some point soon.
I have replaced the greatest fear that one can conquer. I have stood among, the winds whirling around me, the force of a storm splattering against my face, and felt nothing but the unbelievable beauty, that soaked me in the misty rain. I have tried, in multiple attempts, to explain, how amazing life is along the Zambeza River/Victoria Falls. As much as I have tried to explain things in words, I simply cannot. There aren’t enough words in any language to describe it. I am however, exceptionally proud of my buddy Shane. Who now has been nominated for Guinea Peace Corps. I wish him the best, and may be visiting him at some point soon.
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