Hard to believe I’ve been here 5 weeks! I almost feel like a Motswana already, and I have the braids to show for it. Yesterday we had a woman, Audrey, and her friend come to braid our hair, using the extensions that are so popular here. They plaited faster than I thought was humanly possible, and were done in about 3 hours.
Last weekend we went to Pretoria, and it wasn’t how I expected it to be. I’m sure it was because of the area of town we were staying in, but it didn’t feel as dangerous as I had heard. We stayed at a hostel, and met some people from Italy, New Zealand, Finland and an America couple. We invited them to stay with us for a few nights before they carried on to Northern Botswana. They started their travels through Central and South America last November, and plan to eventually end up on the east side of Russia within a year, almost all by land. I’m envious of their round the world trip, it’s something I would eventually like to do.
In Pretoria, it was nice to walk and actually end up somewhere. We soaked up some culture at the Art Museum and some sun in the gardens of the Union Buildings, their parliament.
The next day we decided to visit the Cradle of Human Kind and did a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, such an amazing place. It was where Mrs. Ples and Little Foot, two skeletons of our 2 million year old ancestors have been found. We were able to enter the caves and go 60 meters below the surface and see where they had excavated the amazing discoveries. The feeling of being so close to our ancient past was indescribable. There’s a lake deep in the caves, nobody knows how far or deep it goes, and at least one life has been lost so far trying to find out.
On the way home, about an hour into our eight hour bus ride the bus broke down, so we waited for an hour by the side of a road for the mechanic. He looked at it whatever the problem was and sent us on our way. An hour later, the bus was forced to pull over again, and we waited for a replacement bus, which they were sending from… Pretoria. The bus attendant assured as that they “usually” make it to the border before it closes at midnight. Luckily we did, and eleven hours into our trip we were home sweet home.
This past weekend has been relaxing, after out hectic go go go schedule of the last few weeks. On Friday night we cheered on a friend’s sister at Botswana Idol. I assure you it’s much less glamorous than it sounds, but a lot of fun!
Next weekend we plan to go to Joburg for Tshepiso’s dance competition, and I’m sure I’ll have many more stories to tell.
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