My house no longer has a well (borehole). It used to, but that’s another story. School has a borehole, which provides, if nothing else, drinkable water, as well as distilled water coolers…therefore I borrowed a 20 litre metal gerry can, appropriate for water. Yet yesterday, the water cooler in my building was out of a bottle. And I knew I needed to fill the can for the weekend. Therefore, I stood at a sink, and filled the can, one 18 water bottle full at a time. (and much thanks to Stacie for the fabulous steel water bottle). I laughed inwardly at the pure ridiculousness the sight must have made, but somehow was content at the tedious and working process I went through to provide myself water – and cliché as it would seem – that water is much more appreciated by me, than say, if I had merely turned on a tap. Meaning of course – when I DO visit home, I’ll most likely have a strong gratefulness for the things we all so easily take for granted.
Such as shower curtains!! As my EIGHTEEN boxes of stuff have not even arrived to Durban yet (that’s the port town in SA) I’m still living off of what I brought in my four suitcases. Besides all the fabulous items of mine (more than half the possessions I own in the world) are my bloody SHOWER CURTAINS. So, needless to say, I’ve been taking “open showers” since I’ve been here. Hehehehe. And since our pump is temporarily broken – the trick is to go out and turn it on before you want a shower, and go turn it off when you’re finished. Unless you’re me and you’re so thankful for hot water and water pressure that the pump decides you’ve had a long enough shower and turns itself off.!!
As is understood, Zesa, or the power, is out a LOT. Not necessarily a lot at MY place (knock on wood) but city wide. Meaning, full moon nights are the best ones to drive because streetlights that work are like unicorn sightings. (Or emotionally available military men! ☺ ) But the Zim thing to do is drive with brights on - ALL THE BLOODY TIME. No one has EVER explained the idea of turning OFF the brights in opposing traffic. So there’s a great deal of driving batty BLIND.On
Good times – as always.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Public Service Announcement #1
For those of you who ever find yourself on the Zim/Mozambique border in this magical mountainous land known as the Bvumba…you must must SIMPLY MUST go have high tea (which is kick ass desert for the Yank crowd) at Tony’s. Cannot emphasize enough – as experiences go – forget the London Eye or the Great Wall or even the Pyramids (it’s hot and there’s sand). At Tony’s one would experience a delectable definitive and divine collection of concoctions. Think Willy Wonka or Viene from Chocolat. Now, multiply by about 25!!!
I indulged in the caramel “special”, and not being a foodie (inhaling a box of Somoas at girl scout season is about it for me), the best I can describe is a caramel de leche between a layer of chocolate and cream, and this perfect butter crumbly crust. The presentation made it almost too good to eat. (I said almost).
And the hot chocolates!!! Hot chocolate and cream, hot chocolate with espresso, or ice cream and of course – Chocolat – as the Aztecs intended, with a hint of ginger and chili powder. Truly I now know how Edmund felt when he drank Jadis' chocolate in the Narnian woods!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Adaptation
Although I don’t believe in evolution, I DO rationally believe in evolution/adaptation of species!!! Yet, it’s my belief and faith that such evolvement is God’s gift to help us cope with changing times and trends.
Now maybe my Narwhal belief isn’t quite so rational, but it goes back to a song my father used to sing to me, because it amused him how upset I got. It was a song about the unicorns missing the ark!! But when I learned about narwhals – I COMPLETELY believed that God merely adapted the unicorn to be marine animals ☺
Tis silly I know – but it’s the silly that keeps us laughing when things are difficult.
So it’s incredible how an entire nation can adapt to a lifestyle dictated by an impossible economy and it’s a lifestyle the west will never understand. I didn’t two weeks ago –and I’m just BEGINNING to scratch the surface.
To merely gather the necessary items for one’s household requires patience, persistence, good math skills and an ABSOLUTE sense of good humour!!! Something as seemingly simple as getting potatoes or carrots – well that can be picked up from any person on the side of the road. There is this precious woman who sells roasted peanuts on our corner on Sundays, for 30million per cup (roughly 30 cents). Needless to say we filled up a gallon bag and will continue to on Sundays. I noticed she does beautiful crochet work. She wasn’t griping or whining or even outwardly resentful to me as I obviously had the means she did not…she was simply doing what she knows to do. And she exuded a peace and gentleness.
Similar to what used to be the situation in Eastern Europe (before the joy of Tesco’s), one could spend a full weekend going from store to store or calling around to see who is selling milk or eggs. There is a tribal wind, an interdependency that I discovered when I was sick and recovering from cancer. It’s a facet that has been deeply missing from my life and “happiness” isn’t the word I would choose, but there is a growing joy about learning it. To daily HAVE to practice submission and surrender, to admit weakness.
And yes I’m still “new” and doubtless there will be days ahead where I cry in quiet frustration to myself over the unbalanced-ness of it all. But for now, I choose resounding faith and wonderment.
Now maybe my Narwhal belief isn’t quite so rational, but it goes back to a song my father used to sing to me, because it amused him how upset I got. It was a song about the unicorns missing the ark!! But when I learned about narwhals – I COMPLETELY believed that God merely adapted the unicorn to be marine animals ☺
Tis silly I know – but it’s the silly that keeps us laughing when things are difficult.
So it’s incredible how an entire nation can adapt to a lifestyle dictated by an impossible economy and it’s a lifestyle the west will never understand. I didn’t two weeks ago –and I’m just BEGINNING to scratch the surface.
To merely gather the necessary items for one’s household requires patience, persistence, good math skills and an ABSOLUTE sense of good humour!!! Something as seemingly simple as getting potatoes or carrots – well that can be picked up from any person on the side of the road. There is this precious woman who sells roasted peanuts on our corner on Sundays, for 30million per cup (roughly 30 cents). Needless to say we filled up a gallon bag and will continue to on Sundays. I noticed she does beautiful crochet work. She wasn’t griping or whining or even outwardly resentful to me as I obviously had the means she did not…she was simply doing what she knows to do. And she exuded a peace and gentleness.
Similar to what used to be the situation in Eastern Europe (before the joy of Tesco’s), one could spend a full weekend going from store to store or calling around to see who is selling milk or eggs. There is a tribal wind, an interdependency that I discovered when I was sick and recovering from cancer. It’s a facet that has been deeply missing from my life and “happiness” isn’t the word I would choose, but there is a growing joy about learning it. To daily HAVE to practice submission and surrender, to admit weakness.
And yes I’m still “new” and doubtless there will be days ahead where I cry in quiet frustration to myself over the unbalanced-ness of it all. But for now, I choose resounding faith and wonderment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
