Just an update on the last few weeks:

The weather has now turned COLD. I think my body has adjusted to the warm African climate, because it always feels cold. I was wearing 3 layers, plus a sweater in the pharmacy, and when I checked the thermometer, it was only 20C. Room temperature in Canada! I’m sure not acting like a Canadian, eh?

Anyway, last week-end went up north (above the redline, where only blacks used to live, and mostly still do) to Rundu. It is in the Kavango region (where the Kavango tribe predominantly lives) and consisted of a dusty sprawl of traditional grass huts and cheap cement housing. My first stop was Rundu beach. Just a tiny strip of sand and a filthy river separated me from Angola. Was tempted to swim to Angola (was seriously happy to see some water!) but later glad I didn’t when informed of crocs, hippos and bilharzia (sp?) in the water. Attended a great Canada Day party held by another volunteer. Out of the 20 or so guests, only me and the host were Canadian, so it was our responsibility to judge the Canada Day quiz. Alas, the Europeans are not so well-informed about Canada and we received responses of “Canadian flag!”, and “seal club!” when we asked participants to name a Canadian invention. But, it was good fun all around!

The next day we camped at Ngepi park, by the river, where we ere lulled to sleep by the sound of hippos bellowing below. It was a great campsite, with toilets and showers overlooking the river. Unfortunately, you had to be on the look-out for boats traveling down the river, or the passengers might see something more interesting than a naked hippo :)

Have also been partying hard in Outjo. Its surprising, but living in a small (African) town has its advantages. Parties or get-togethers are rarely planned, and its easy to organize because there’s nothing else to do here but visit people. So, everyone has to be prepared to have guests over. Speaking of which, I have to go to a braai (barbecue) now.

Ciao,

Ghada

p.s. see pics, uh, whenever I post them, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/14582322@N06/