The Gods Must Be Crazy

Cape Town

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:14:50 -0400

So despite the MCAT fiasco, Cape Town has actually been really cool so far. As soon as I got off the plane I was struck with the beautiful image of Table Mountain, which towers over Cape Town. The whole city is so green and beautiful, and you have mountains right next to the beaches and ocean. It’s a city with everything. Good food, wine, and music. Hot showers and skype! What a dream.

But as in any other city, it has poverty as well. Immediately after being awed by table mountain after boarding the airport us, I was struck with the image of shanty towns which border the city. Large families living in these crowded slums, with houses made with little more than corrigated tin roofing, was quite a sight. So were the street people that harrass me as I walk around the city. I know any city will have homeless people, but after living in the bush for so long, this really affected me. In the village, everyone is poor, but everyone has a home and everyone takes care of each other. Not so in the city.

So I’ve just spent a few days walking around, hiking, eating a ton, and getting to know people at the youth hostel. I’ve also had 2 showers, and sushi everyday since I got here. I’ve been Skyping and watching Youtube videos: enjoying fast Internet. My Aunt and Uncle get here tomorrow, so the adventure continues! Wee!

So apparently Holland was on a national holiday yesterday so I couldn’t get a hold of anyone...

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:23:17 -0400

So apparently Holland was on a national holiday yesterday so I couldn’t get a hold of anyone to reschedule the mcat. I am waiting until 9 to call their offices today.

I have a head cold and a cough and I feel like I’m riding the struggle bus. Gahhhh. This trip is the worst.

The MCAT fiasco

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:42:30 -0400

So I made it to Cape Town. I got here yesterday, and was supposed to take the MCAT test today. However, there were a few hiccups.

1. The testing center put the wrong address on the form. They just put “1st floor convention center” and a street corner. There was a convention center, but it was hosting a camera expo. I wandered around the large and colorful camera expo for 2 1/2 hours trying to find the testing center. I finally broke down in tears after asking 10 people, and going to every corner on the corner of H and SG. Then a nice convention center hostess took me to the convention center towers, where the testing invigilator showed up. When asked why he didn’t show up earlier, or put “towers” on the address form, or put up a sign, or tell any of the convention center security or staff to expect examinees he just said “Sorry”, and walked on. So I was basically hysterical trying to find this place, then finally found the test coordinator 20 minutes before the test was supposed to begin. Great. But I washed my face and got ready for the test.

2. Once I started the test, it took me through the tutorial and then straight to the end of test survey. It did this for all the other examinees too.

3. Prometric test staff were unable to fix the problem, told us we couldn’t take the test, and told us to call a number based in Holland at 8am on Monday morning. Then they left.

I am so upset. I planned this trip, bought plane tickets, and reserved hotel rooms all based on this test. It was one of two test dates that I could have registered for in the whole of Africa. I don’t know what the MCAT people will say when I call them on Monday. I’m going to try and have them reschedule for this week, but I have a feeling that they’re just going to say “Sorry, not our problem”. They might refund me, or give me a free test, but they only way I can probably take the test this application cycle is to fly back to America, which realistically I won’t be able to do.

I AM PISSED. But what did I expect? This is Africa. Nothing goes as planned, no matter how simple you think it’s going to be. Eff this noise. Time to go buy a burrito and some South African wine and make some new plans.

MCAT, here I go

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:04 -0400

So tomorrow I’m leaving my village to go take the MCAT. Tomorrow night I’ll stay in Gabs, then Friday fly into Cape Town, then Saturday is test day.

I have been a bundle of raw nerves this week over this coming test. I told my nursing friend I thought I was having a panic attack and she told me that it was just “exam fever”. I really like that phrase; it perfectly describes my mental state. I feel sick over this test, and I can’t get it over with soon enough.

Taking the MCAT during my Peace Corps service might not have been the best idea I ever had. Neither was planning to go to South Africa by myself. Regardless, I’m doing both of those things. Then my Aunt Chris and Uncle Randy are going to meet me in Cape Town a few days after the test and we’re going to drink wine and see penguins! So it’s not all bad.

Go Betcha

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:59:33 -0400

In Botswana, there’s this cultural practice called “Go Betcha”. It roughly translates into the cultural practice whereby a man has to show his affection for his girl by doing nice things for her, giving her gifts, and treating her right; but mostly it has to do with money. A guy should support his girl by giving her money for airtime, to get her hair done, and buy herself clothes. Basically, if he wants to be seen with this girl, he has to give her the means so that she looks nice. This holds true even if the girl is working and has money to support herself. This was how it was originally explained to me, and I thought, okay this is a little problematic having relationships built on such a transactional basis, but whatever, it’s not my culture.

However, the longer I am here, and the more I see, the more this cultural practice unnerves me. I’ve seen a situation whereby a woman cheated on her boyfriend and then demanded money “go betcha” from the guy she cheated with. At this point it transcends the notion of appearance: the girl cannot say that he should give her money so that she looks nice when they are out together, because she doesn’t want anyone to know that they are out together. She wants to keep the relationship a secret, but still accepts (really, demands) money from this guy, even though he’s not her primary relationship.

At this point I think the cultural practice of “go betcha” gets a little close to prostitution for my liking. I would never ever, in a million years, sleep with a guy and then demand that he give hand me money. Sure, I might accept gifts from a guy I was seeing, just as I would give gifts to him, but literally seeing cash money change hands is not acceptable in my book.

Women here say that it’s just the way men show their affection. It’s a show of appreciation to support your woman monetarily. However, I don’t like it. I am all for cross cultural understanding, and I understand that all of us come from different backgrounds with different moral perspectives. However, living in a society that where relationships are so transactional gives women a financial incentive to have more than one partner. Having multiple partners opens a window where HIV/AIDS can spread. So the cultural practice of “go betcha” isn’t really safe when you live in Botswana, and I wish more people would appreciate that.

Gabs

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:49:56 -0400

Last week I went down to the capital to get a root canal. Yuck. It went fine (though no more sodas or monster pops for me!), and let me get a night of hot showers and internet! Or so I thought. The power was out so no hot water or Internet. What a bummer. Africa wins again.

While I was there I was asked to participate in a panel of PCVs for University of Cincinnati students visiting Botswana doing a short honors study abroad course. I got to speak about my projects with 4 other PCVs for 20 or so college students. Talking about my projects really got me excited about my Peace Corps service again. This experience has really taught me a lot, and I’ve had some wonderful opportunities here. I also have some great stories. The students were receptive and many told me they were going to apply to join after they graduated.

It was nice to have a reminder about how awesome Peace Corps is, even if it doesn’t feel like it a lot of time.

Fun Facts About Malaria

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:31:42 -0400

http://www.pri.org/theworld/?q=node/4288

Did you know that Malaria used to be a big deal in the United States? Did you know the CDC was formed with the express purpose of eradicating malaria from US soil? That’s pretty cool. It means it’s possible to eradicate it everywhere.

Update

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:42:18 -0400

I’m taking the MCAT in two weeks! EEeee!!!

That is all for now. See you on the other side.

Directions

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:57 -0400

In the village there are no addresses. There are no numbers, no street signs, or maps. You just have to know where you’re going, and how to get there.

What’s worse is that Batswana are awful at giving directions. I often joke with other volunteers when they ask me where something is, by stating, “it’s that side”. But more often than not, when you ask a local where something is, most will simply point, and say “that side”. It does not get more descriptive than that.

Not to say that people aren’t helpful. Once when I was in Gabs for a medical appointment, and I was lost, upset, and late, a lady named Regina going in the same direction walked me all the way to my appointment. We had a beautiful conversation and she still calls to check on me sometimes.

I just think when you haven’t traveled much, and you know the way around your area, it’s hard to explain to someone new how to navigate. But we all get to where we’re going eventually.

Pens

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:49:46 -0400

One thing that still amazes me about Africa, and this is weird, is how possessive people get about pens.

In America, you can buy a pack of Bic pens for about a dollar, or you can get them free from the Bank, or grocery store etc., as long as you don’t mind a logo on the side. Here, for about a dollar you can buy a packet of two pens, and free ones are hard to come by. Pens are expensive and only really sold in town. Thus people get really possessive of them. (This also applies to pencils).

What’s more, they take such good care of their pens! In America I will lose pens left and right. Here people keep them forever. Another volunteer shared this story with me. At a Peace Corps meeting they gave us red pens to help fill out some forms. When this PCV returned to his village, he used the pen at the post office. The post office lady looked longingly at the red pen, so he gave it to her. She still has it, 6 months later, and shows him every time he visits the post office.

I like this system because it gives me something to bribe my kids into paying attention. One time I gave everyone who came to PACT club on time a pencil. They were ecstatic. Now everyone shows up on time, everytime. So no, I’m not above bribery, if you were wondering.

"For us Westerners, time has an economic value: it’s scarce. We want so much but have so little time..."

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:44:45 -0400

“

For us Westerners, time has an economic value: it’s scarce. We want so much but have so little time for everything. We’re supposed to have a career by the time we’re thirty. A full agenda is a prerequisite for a successful life. Every minute of our life must have a meaningful purpose. Wasting time, or waiting, is the equivalent of flushing money down the toilet….

For Africans, waiting, instead of a waste of time, is in reality a part of making money. The one does not exist without the other. The only way to make money here is by waiting. Waiting for customers who want to buy cell phone cards. Waiting for a tourist who wants to cross the border and will pay you a few bucks if he thinks you can ease the way. Waiting for the ferry to take you across the river so you can sell your chickens and cashews on the other side. Wherever you go in Africa, especially in cities, you find people waiting. Time is something the African has in abundance.

”

- Jeroen van Bergeijk, My Mercedes is ~~Not~~ for Sale

An excellent explanation of why I struggle with the (sometimes painfully slow) pace of life here in Senegal.

(via onyva)

Waiting is something I’m so much better at now. Waiting for hitches, for meetings to start, for everything. I am better at entertaining myself, I always have my journal or a book. I used to get stressed out when things didn’t run on time, but I have a new motto “Chill out! It’s going to be fine. It’s NEVER NOT FINE.” And I just roll with it.

"We’re constantly living life pretending that there’s fewer choices than there really are."

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:23:58 -0400

“We’re constantly living life pretending that there’s fewer choices than there really are.”

- Ze Frank (via maxistentialist)

How to Survive a Plague

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:01:33 -0400

How to Survive a Plague:

How to Survive a Plague is the best documentary I have seen all year. It documents the AIDS crisis in New York City in the 80s and 90s.

It took me three sittings to try and watch this documentary, since it brought me to tears each time. However, I think it is one of the most powerful pieces of film I have ever seen, and strongly recommend it for others.

It’s funny, I had never really thought that much about AIDS before my Peace Corps experience. Now I still think its fascinating, and will probably work with it in some capacity for the rest of my life. It’s so interesting, HIV transmission involves economics, culture, society, health, politics, science, and human behavior. Once I really learned how it works, it doesn’t scare me anymore, it just interest me. More people in America should learn about it so fear dissipates around it. So go watch this movie.

Act Up. Fight Back. Fight AIDS.

Crocodile Hunting!

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:13:00 -0400

While up north, we made friends with a guy Theo who runs the fun and fantastic backpacking hostel called Swamp Stop. He took us night crocodile hunting!

At first I was more than a little nervous. How big are these crocodiles we are hunting? Do we need guns? Theo seemed to think we could catch them with our bare hands. I was terrified.

Then Theo went to the front of the boat and pulled out an adorable baby crocodile, and all fears vanished as we fought over who could hold him.

The most amazing part was seeing the night sky out in the Delta. I saw the whole Milky Way, and more stars than I have ever seen before. With the stars reflecting off the water, it was breathtaking. I am so lucky to be serving in this wonderful country.

Tsodilo!

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:17:24 -0400

During part of our trip up north we went to see the cave paintings in Tsodilo Hills. Its claim to fame is two-fold, it’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, and also the highest point, a whopping 400m above sea level. Cool!

15 other volunteers and I rented a combi and a driver. The driver didn’t know where he was going, so we got lost a few times and ended up starting at 11am, just when the hottest part of the day begins. Oh well! We started hiking with our guide and scrambling over rocks to see these fabulous paintings!

These paintings were thousands of years old, and done by the Bushmen/San people. They were of Rhinos, Giraffes, and even Whales! Researchers have verified that the San people traveled extensively, from the Cape Town area through the Kalahari in Botswana, and chose these magical rocks to portray memories from their travels. It was a wonderful visit! I’m so happy I got to see this remote but beautiful area of Botswana!

Delta Trip

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:14:00 -0400

So last weekend was Easter weekend! I spent the 4-day holiday weekend with some PCV friends during a trip up north! I traveled a ridiculous distance (and a lot of hitches) to Shakawe Botswana, which almost borders Namibia. This part of Botswana is unlike any other, this is where the infamous Okavango Delta is! That means there is tons of water, hippos, and crocodiles. Also lots of BUGS! I was eaten alive but it was worth it!

Apart from the beauty of the Okavango, I also went north to participate in a 5km Fun Run and Health Expo put on by some other PCVs. It was great to see this other side of Botswana. It is home to a lot of other tribes including the Herero, San, and Hambukushu peoples. While I had been to the Delta before with family and saw lots of wonderful animals (thanks Dad, Mom, Nana, Uncle David, and Aunt Val!), this experience let me see more of what village life is like in the Delta. What is it like? IT IS ITCHY! But beautiful!

What a fun trip! More to come!

Ronald Reagan did something good

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:26:12 -0400

Ronald Reagan and the Peace Corps

In 1983, I was invited to the White House for the state visit by Prime Minister Ratu Mara of Fiji. Everyone took their seats around this enormous table – President Reagan, Vice President Bush, Caspar Weinberger, the rest of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister and his delegation, and myself. They talked about world conditions, sugar quotas, nuclear free zones. The President then asked the Prime Minister to make his presentation. A very distinguished gentleman, he drew himself up and said, “President Reagan, I bring you today the sincere thanks of my government and my people.” Everyone held their breath and there was total silence. “For the men and women of the Peace Corps who go out into our villages, who live with our people.” He went on and on. I beamed. Vice President Bush leaned over afterwards and whispered, “What did you pay that man to say that?”

A week later, the Office of Management and Budget presented the budget to President Reagan with a cut for the Peace Corps. President Reagan said, “Don’t cut the Peace Corps. It’s the only thing I got thanked for last week at the State Dinner.” The Peace Corps budget went up.

From Loret Miller Ruppe’s Speech for the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Peace Corps, March 1–3, 1996. Ruppe was Peace Corps Director, 1981–1989.

My PACT (peer leadership) club!

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:21:56 -0400

Yesterday I had an awesome day with my PACT club. I’m been working with these kids for a while, so when the Guidance teacher asked us to do a drama for Month of Youth Against AIDS Event, I encouraged the kids to write and direct their own play.

These kids totally stepped up to the challenge! They created a drama about transactional sex where a girl has sex with a man in exchange for a cell phone, interplayed with elements of domestic abuse and stigma/discrimination. These kids are awesome! I feel so blessed to be a part of these kids’ lives.

Although they are few and far between, yesterday was definitely a Peace Corps success day.

peacecorps: World Water Day: Did you know? 85% of the world...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:47:07 -0400

peacecorps:

World Water Day: Did you know?

85% of the world population lives in the driest half of the planet

6 to 8 million people die annually from the consequences of disasters and water-related diseases

About 66% of Africa is arid or semi-arid and more than 300 of the 800 million people in sub-Saharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment

Water for irrigation and food production constitutes one of the greatest pressures on freshwater resources. Agriculture accounts for ~70% of global freshwater withdrawals (up to 90% in some fast-growing economies)

MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.

Comedy of errors

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:14:00 -0400

Sometimes Botswana feels like a comedy of errors. For instance, yesterday at Youth Committee only me and one other member show up on time for the meeting. Not unusual, for people to be late, so we wait. 30 minutes another member shows up and asks me to call the other members for the meeting. Usually I fight this, saying that I don’t have the money to call (you pay by the minute here) everyone in the committee, but I was sick of waiting so I called the chairperson and vice chairperson. The VC is busy, the chairperson doesn’t answer the phone. After about an hour the other two members leave. Then 5 minutes later the chairperson shows up. When asked where he was he says, “I was busy”, and I ask “busy doing what?” he says, “ah, I was sleeping”.

The village has its own pace of life, and sometimes I really value that. I walk along and see children playing, goats eating weeds, and people sitting in their yards drinking tea and chatting. It’s relaxing, it’s peaceful. Until you need to coordinate something, like a meeting. Oh well, good thing I have MCAT to keep me busy while I wait for other “busy” people to finish their naps!