There are some things that I will never get used to… 1. strangers asking me for money, sweets, or the clothes off my back 2. my neighbors helping themselves to dig through my garbage 3. men who are unable to take hints or accept blatant remarks when I dont want to talk to them Of [...]
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In the middle of July you would have found me in Cintsa, SA. We stayed at this awesome backpackers where we got our own house. I ate Indian AND Mexican food, relaxed on the beach, and watched Xhosa children sing in a concert so we could contribute money to their feeding scheme (yes, they actually [...]
I have been in Lesotho for one year as of June 4th. Soon I will have to start planning my life post-Lesotho. I will keep ya’ll updated. Celebrated 4th of July by having a braai with my coworkers and fellow volunteers in my district. Then a few days later some volunteers came over to my [...]
Today I ate PANCAKES. Real Bisquick pancakes with real Aunt Jemima syrup (I don’t care what you say, its all about the Aunt Jemima). So shout out to Mama Bear Anderson for hooking it up. And yes, I do know this is the second time I have talked about pancakes in my blog. It’s so [...]
Vacation with the parents was great. We stayed at some really nice places and ate some really good food. I don’t think my parents understand how I eat in Lesotho… beans, eggs, rice and bread. So looks at me like I was crazy while I savored every meal. My parents thought Lesotho was beautiful, but [...]
This week has been super stressful. But I’m in good spirits because fall weather is creeping close and more so because I am meeting my parents in South Africa next weekend! I am so ready for this vacation. Here is the story about why my week was so stressful. (side note: I want you all to understand [...]
Last week was fantastic, in regards to teaching. I love marketing week. My marketing lesson is my most interactive lesson, which makes it more fun for everyone. Also, this group of students is by far the brightest group I have had thus far, I would say at least 60% of them went all the way [...]
I am finally uploading pictures for those of you who I am not familiar with on Facebook. On Friday, Kelly and I finally climbed up to Castle Rock. Sooo here is what Mohale’s Hoek looks like from the top of Castle Rock. Started teaching again this week. I love all my new students, they seem to [...]
January flew by. My time in Lesotho is flying by. I am the kind of person who tends to look to the future too much while completely ignoring where I happen to be at that point. I need to slow down and take a look around every once in a while. I forget I am [...]
Phase III was Dec 6-10, it was whatever. My host family didn’t have me stay in that little house I was living in during training because they are now using it as a chicken coupe. Instead, I was staying in their living room. This was fine until the middle of the week when I saw [...]
Happy gobble gobble day nana!!!! I'm sure kellis pie will be delicious and spider crunch free!!!
Sorry it’s been a minute. No a whole lot going on. I bought a fridge. I was almost one months worth of pay, but totally worth. Now things like my bread, eggs and cheese will last more than a couple days. I found 2 scorpions this week. The first was small, thin and maybe an [...]
This week there are people from Peace Corps Washington here going around and interviewing volunteers about Peace Corps operations in Lesotho. This woman came to my house this morning and asked me some questions, very casual. Besides the interview we were talking about Washington D.C. and about her service in the Gambia. She was very [...]
This morning I woke up and realized that I have run out of oatmeal and cereal. Being the carb junkie that I am, I didn’t want to settle for eggs. I made pancakes! Only I don’t have any syrup, so I just rubbed a little bit of margarine (butter is a luxury) on top and [...]
Over the weekend, somehow a million horseflies showed up inside my house. I’m guessing one son of a bitch decided to lays it eggs in my house so they were all hanging out in my bathroom. On Monday I killed at least 20 and then Tuesday killed another 15. This was not easy for me, [...]
My coworkers always ask me if I talk to my parents often. “Do you tell them that you are happy here?” Of course I am. “Yes, I can see that you are happy. Do you know how I can see? … Continue reading →
Today was graduation day! Even though I haven’t been with this group for their whole term, I still felt so proud all day. These are people who took three months of their life and dedicated it to accomplishing something. Some … Continue reading →
Today was good. A student came to my office today to ask me about business. We went on to talk about other things such as American culture vs Basotho culture, HIV/AIDS and even religion. Those sound like pretty profound topics, … Continue reading →
It's gratifying that you have found Basotho to be "painfully" clean. And being one, I must agree with you. It is a burden we carry with us wherever we go. Hopefully, by the time you complete your tour of duty there, you will also come to know and understand the generosity of the Basotho and their propensity for testing those they come into cotact with. Enjoy your stay and maintain your sense of humour.
The weather is getting really nice. I would say it’s in the 80s during the day. I no longer have to use my heater at night, which is lucky since I have already run out of gas after only one … Continue reading →
Ariana,
I just want to tell you again how happy I am that you are doing what you are doing. I wouldn't worry about what the rest of us are doing in two years because you will hopefully have seen and experienced more than us in that period of time. Think of my expression: keep it positive. You'll be good...
Good luck with your first day of class, though I know it was a few days ago.
Keep your nalgene close and your electricity closer....thinking of you stateside.
--jeff
This week I realized that I’m stressed. I didn’t realize I was stressed until I saw the symptoms. I was becoming very easily frustrated with my colleagues because of the language barrier. Also, I find myself clinching my teeth all … Continue reading →
Hey Ari,
Glad to see you are settling in now and figuring out it's not that bad with living conditions,as i am also..lol
Keep this blog going as i enjoy reading it and know that you have a loving and supportive Family here in the States..Sean and Aunt Kathy love you and say Hi..
Uncle John
I just realized u have been updating this!!!! so nice to hear from u and to know u r doing well!!! enjoy the experience, learn a lot and stay safe!!!!!!!!
Ah yes, sorry. 'M'e literally means mother, but they use it like Mrs. So I call my counterpart 'M'e Mapisto. And Ntate means father, used like Mr. So i usually just say 'M'e and Ntate like sir or ma'am.
Hey Ariana,
I love reading your posts and imagining how you would sound in your conversations. I'm glad you can take us through your journey.
What does the M'e thing mean? Do you say that in the middle of speaking English?
xoxo
noey
The Ntlafatso compound is located right next to this giant rock formation that is called Castle Rock. This causes my house to see very little sun, keeping it super cold all day long. So whenever I’m hanging out in my … Continue reading →
yea! keep the coming! we enjoy reading your stories and see that you are well!
keep being safe!
x artu
i love that you are able to update this now! keep them coming! miss uuuuuu!
Things are really moving along now. But first… let us backtrack a bit. Saturday was a weird day. A volunteer that lives in a village just 40 minutes away came into the camptown for the day. We walked around town … Continue reading →
Ariana,
It sounds like you are really settling in, and all is working out better than expected. I can't wait to see some pictures of where your living. You are living the dream of a lifetime. Enjoy it and experience it for all it's worth. Take care,
Aunt Anne
Hello All, As of Wednesday, I am at my official site that I will be at for the next 2 years. I am working at the Ntlafatso Skills Training Center. As far as I understand, my job will be teaching … Continue reading →
HI! I have very limited access to internet. All of us volunteers are split into 3 villages (my village is the best). I have a host mom, 2 sisters who are 13 & 8, and also a 1 yr old … Continue reading →
I arrived yesterday (a day early) to stay with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin Sean, who is almost 4 and absolutely adorable. Had a Philly Cheesesteak, of course. Each time I come to Philly I always go to a different place … Continue reading →
Below is a link to a website that talks a little bit about the Sesotho Language. Basotho roll their R’s and the letter Q is a clicking sound. You can listen to a few phrases on the website. Needless to … Continue reading →
Khotso! I am joining the Peace Corps and will be leaving for Lesotho in June! This blog will be my method of keeping all my friends in family in the US updated on my adventure! First, how I got here. … Continue reading →
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