(Here is one blog I typed over the weekend)
Last night Helen invited many of the neighbors in our complex over to her house for a curry dinner. Helen has lived in many different parts of the world, hailing originally from England. Each person/couple brought over a curry and a lantern as we ate outside in her backyard. Russ and I brought a shrimp and vegetable curry; our lanterns consisted of cutting out jack o’lantern type shapes on cereal boxes and then filling the boxes with rocks and a candle. There was naan, pappadums, coconut chutney, Thai curry, Durban curry, rice pudding, even curried bananas (in mayo, quite an acquired taste and one I remember from Namibia). It was a lovely evening. Helen seems to be the matriarch of the complex, although she has only been here three years. She is constantly organizing events from evening walks to excursions around town (there is a group of us going camping in the bush in two weeks). She has also been our internet connection from time to time. There are wireless networks but they are all locked, so we get on her computer to skype from time to time. Lately though we are feeling more impatient with the process (one of the neighbors is trying to unlock it; we will not be able to get our own until we are residents).
If Helen is the matriarch, Zane is most certainly the patriarch of the group. He is one of the art teachers and grew up in what was Rhodesia, now describing himself as a man without a country. He is a real outdoorsman and knows the Botswanan countryside well. He once killed a spitting cobra. Kind of like Clint Eastwood but completely unassuming. Just cool.
Rosemary and Raphael (Raf) arrived in July and are younger primary school teachers from Canada and Spain respectfully. They have been involved with international schools in Spain and China. A very easygoing couple who we like to visit with. Another gracious internet provider.
Originally from Pakistan, Nazi (Nasi) and Terez have lived here for over twelve years; their two boys were born here. Nazi is one of the most beautiful people I have met here inside and out. She also wears the most stunning clothes to school and makes the best tea. The two boys are very polite and are crazy about cricket. They play it every day outside using our yard and theirs.
Rob is from South Africa and recently taught in Kenya. He is the other art teacher and his flat is wildly colorful. He also has a flair for the dramatic and often provides the entertainment in group situations. Jen, a friend of his who is the drama teacher, will be moving into the complex shortly. The two of them together are a complete riot.
Aphrodite (yes, the goddess of love) is Greek who has lived in South Africa and Botswana her whole life. We call her Afro, and she will be moving shortly into a house that she and her fiancée are building. She’s kind and also very funny.
There are other teachers too in our complex – Patricia from Zimbabwe, Pacifique from DRC, Sam from Kenya, Alex from Zambia, Sian from Ireland, and Lawrence from England. There are always a handful of kids playing outside making it a regular United Nations.
Earlier this morning, as we were just leaving our place, we saw a baboon scampering down Chief's Island Circle (the name of our street and the only one in our area I've been able to pronounce). Besides cattle, donkeys, and goats roaming around town, this is the first animal I’ve seen. Not exactly one I want to run into when we are out walking. We are trying to walk more in the evenings. It is easy in the extreme heat to become lethargic. I actually find that I am getting a bit thick!
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