As I type this up, I am waiting for a workshop on Private Sector Involvement in SADC to begin. Everyone on my team is at a meeting this week in Namibia, so I was the only one left to attend. This was a bit of a challenge for me, finding my way out here and not knowing anything on the subject, but I’ve succeeded so far. Although this is a minor example, one of my favourite parts about traveling (in retrospect) is finding new hurtles to cross that I didn’t know I was capable of. It might be uncomfortable and confusing while it’s happening, but looking back, I realize they’ve helped me grow as a person, in whatever small way. It may be cliché, but the quotation “a ship is safe in the harbour, but that is not where it is meant to be” guides me. You can spend your life doing what is comfortable and easy, but it’s much more rewarding to find yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Enough of that for today! Let me tell you what I’ve been up to since I last wrote. This weekend was fantastic. It started off not too different from a weekend in Canada, seeing the Hangover 2 and heading out for a friends going away party at a pub here, Bull and Bush. It’s always nice to meet new people here.
The next day we decided to climb Kgale hill, a massive pile of rocks overlooking Gabs. On our walk to the base, we saw a group of baboons from about a hundred meters away. It almost deterred us from climbing, but after asking a man who passed us on the road if baboons were dangerous, and getting laughter as a response, we figured it would be ok. It was a struggle to the top, more like a rock climb than a hike. We later discovered we took the hard route, but the view was worth it. We could see all of Gabs, the Gaborone dam, and so much more. Such a beautiful country! I’m sure it won’t be our last visit to the top.
My friend Tshepiso, who I met in Canada through Canada World Youth, invited my roommates and I over for a traditional lunch. It has been so great to see some of the Batswana friends I made in Canada, almost 5 years later. Tshepiso showed us how to make Sorghum, a powdered grain, is made into porridge. We watched her make another dish made of bean leaves called ---- and a dish made of beans and corn called ---. With some of the famous beef of this country and the spiciest spaghetti ever made, it was a fantastic meal, with great company. We were able to meet Tshepiso’s family and friends, we felt very lucky to have such an experience. The generosity and hospitality of Batswana is amazing.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me as the workshop is about to start. As always, thanks for reading, and Sala Sentle, stay well.
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