This is Africa (TIA): forest of palms

There is a saying that is often said when speaking of our new home - T.I.A. What does that mean? It stands for This is Africa. From time to time I will post things under this title that summarize our experiences in living in Africa.

Until I started working for my current employer, I had only been to one place in Africa. I visited Morrocco in 2002. I have now visited at least eight counrties on the continent of Africa. All of them are distinctly different.

Before coming to Africa I had visions of the Sahara Desert and animals like giraffees and lions roaming the Serengity. Those things do exist, but it is only one part of a VERY diverse landscape. This photo is from southern Mozambique.

Sahara Desert? I think not! Notice the forest of palm trees. Is this what you expect when you think "Africa?"

Adventures in Africa: Swaziland

It isn't often I get to go to a new country. One of the down sides of all the travel I've done in recent years is that for most destinations; I've been there, done that. But, I had never been to Swazi. It is within driving distance of our current home and we had to renew our visas to stay in the country. What does that mean? Road trip to Swazi with the Whitlocks. Hooray!

Swaziland is a small kingdom in southern Africa. Unfortunately, it is best known for having the highest HIV rates in the world. Currently, there is something like 40% of the population living with HIV at present. They are trying like mad to make treatment widely available in order to preserve life (and the stability of their nation). It is a ongoing struggle and a VERY expensive endeavor, especially for a developing kingdom.

We ate breakfast in the area behind the market, then took a gander at the handicrafts. What I can tell you that isn't apparent in the photo - it is cold, cold, cold. Winter has arrived in the southern hemisphere and we do NOT enough warm clothes. When we left America we were moving to the tropics where warm clothes weren't needed. We will be bringing back sweaters and jackets, yes, these are needed in Africa.

On our way out of the country after a fun day trip we decided to stop at the Royal game park for a potty break, then made a spontaneous decision to take a self guided tour. Immediately spotted an elephant. About a week later I touched an elephant in Kenya. In case you haven't touched an elephant before, I want to share with you that they have long, prickly hairs on their thick wrinkly skin. Rather disgusting to the touch, really.

Wart hog. Every time I see a wart hog I think of that song hakunamatata from the Lion King. This sighting was no exception. As we road along dirt roads, I thought hakuna-matata, hakuna-matata. Sets a certain atmosphere when on safari. Smile!

Due to my lack of camera battery I was not able to capture the most memorable part of our self-guided safari tour in the 13-passenger mini-van. While on the road we saw a baby elephant. We inched up closer. Where there is a baby, there is a momma. The momma emerged from the bush...and she wasn't happy. We backed up until she backed off. They quickly moved off the road, we decided to forge ahead in the direction we were previously going, knowing the elephants weren't far from the path. The momma renewed her disapproval by letting out a very loud, very scary trumpet sound. Now that we survived the experience it is fun to talk about.

The next morning, Kenyon did a youtube search of elephant attacks. There were many in vans like ours. He kept saying, "that could have been us!" I am so glad it wasn't. Over all, it was a great visit to a new destination.

Saddness

Received an email from my mom. My great grandma Rodriguez died. We will be in America, New Mexico specifically, in less than two weeks. I was hoping to see her. Especially since I missed her 100 year birthday. It is times like this living overseas, so far from home, is almost unbearable.
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Sent from my mobile device

Adventures in Africa: Zavora beach

Recently, Kenyon and I took a road trip to Zavora beach with the Whitlocks and Henrik. At night the stars were amazing and in the day the beach was breathtaking. Here are some photos from our trip.

Sea kyakers! I am jealous. After trying sea kyaking in Cambodia I am hooked. Can't wait unitl I can do it again. It is the first water sport I've tried and really like.

Kenyon and Gabby drawing while we wait for the scuba divers to return. I sure am happy I packed an outdoor blanket and portable chairs in America. They were nice to have at the beach!

B-e-a-utiful!

Home-made toys are very popular in Africa. I think many of the creators are Engineers in the making...if only life would afford them that opportunity. This kid made a toy car out of a stick, a plastic bottle, some bottle caps and other things we would just throw away.

A common sight in Africa. Young women with a baby on their back.

What a view!

A wonderful weekend get away and one of the cleanest, nicest beaches I've ever seen.

The drive was an adventure, but the destination is a relaxing get away. I am sure this will not be our last visit to Zavora...though it will be without our travel companions, the Whitlocks. They are moving back to the US in July. We will miss them, but intend to keep in touch regardless of which side of the ocean we live on.

over lunch...

The other day over lunch the staff and I were having a conversation about cultures and the impact on worldview and attitudes. It came up that all of the staff think it is odd that my husband helps with household chores. I am told an African man would never be seen cleaning or doing laundry.

A few weeks ago I was in Kenya and a similar conversation occurred where the African men, one of them well in to his 50's, said they had never served themselves food or fetched something from the kitchen - that was women's work. They always had mothers, sisters, wives or daughters to do this for them. I asked what happens if a woman isn't home? Do they starve?

The answer was, "No. We ask the helper."

Remember, most middle class households in the developing world have hired help in their home.

African men think I should feel ashamed if my husband helps with laundry. African women think it is a great example to African men.  I heard that on TV in Mozambique they have started airing commercials about men helping with dishes, cleaning and cooking in the home - like a Public Service Announcement (PSA). I haven't seen it, because I can't understand most of what's on the television as they speak very fast Portuguese.

The lunch conversation was interesting. I am glad we have established enough trust to have such conversations.

What do you think? Should men help with household chores or is that women's work?