Three events (6-25)

Saturday morning two weeks ago Kowmongwa came to tell me that the pensioners were doing something nearby and I should go with him and take photos. So, of course, I did. I knew that this was the event he told me to go to a couple months ago that was over before I looked for it. It turned out to be a market. 

The old women were dressed up for the occasion. People were selling traditional/sorghum beer, which I have learned is not alcoholic, and beer as well as foods such as braai/grilled meat and chips/fries. 

One woman was selling fat balls/fried dough, and I had to have one of those. 

A man had a pile of second-hand clothes, probably from the U.S. Sometimes I want to look at those clothes just out of curiosity. 

We walked around and sat with his friends while he had a drink at each place. People seemed to be giving him the drinks, as I didn’t see any money exchanged and he didn’t ask me for money, which he has been known to do. The first man also gave me a cola. It was a non-Coke cola that tasted a bit medicinal. Not something to be purchased by me. Walking around on my own, I met his sisters, whom he did not visit and introduce me to. They are tailors and were selling clothes. The sister I was talking to also introduced their mother. He did introduce me to a number of his friends, and I took a bunch of photos, some of which he told me to take. I felt like part of the purpose of my being with him was so he could be there without Helena, who was there with another woman for a short time. But he also did want me to see the event and take photos, which he knows I like to do. It’s interesting.

Sunday Kowmongwa’s daughter came to visit. He was very excited about her visit and cleaned up the area where the car, which his son had taken back in March, used to be. He had indicated that he wanted me to take photos. However, they weren’t here before I need to go to school to work. But, before they left, he came to get me at school. She and her husband where there with their daughter, Kowmongwa’s only grandchild who is a year old. I know they hadn’t been here since I arrived; so this was pretty special.

Big news at school last week was that Angel received the regional award for being the best physical science teacher. He received a medal and certificate as well as the traveling trophy that he gets to keep for a year. Then both he and Wilhelmina were selected to mark national exams in November. He was also selected to be a team leader, which he was pleased about. This will be her fourth time to mark the exams, which she enjoys. Both will be in Windhoek for about two weeks for that activity.

That Tuesday Mrs. Reinhold told me at 12:30, as I was getting ready to eat lunch, that a woman was coming “now” to pick me up to take me to a meeting in town with the new regional director. I was not pleased to have such short notice, as I had planning to do that afternoon. But off I went when the woman arrived ten minutes later. She had forgotten to notify me on Monday. When we arrived at the office, the others had just left. The purpose of the meeting was for all volunteers in the region to meet with the new director. So she and I had a meeting for twenty minutes. I liked her and hope she is able to do well in the office. Then I had to wait for an hour until the woman who drove me could leave her meeting. Next we went to the bank where I waited for 35 minutes while she got something signed. I was back at school just after 4:00. So my 20-minute meeting took all afternoon.

We were told at a meeting that Tuesday morning that the government wanted all schools to have special activities for Day of the African Child on Thursday, 16 June. Pretty short notice. After a long discussion, it was decided that we would not have classes on Thursday and the learners would do some special activities, which is what the government had said should happen. Then at 12:30, Wilhelmina received a text message from the union stating that the Day of the African Child is supposed to be a holiday and that, therefore, all teachers should not work that day and if anyone was given a hard time about not working, they should report the person who did that. So, no school Thursday. Wilhelmina said the union is very strong. Wednesday I learned that there would indeed be school but no classes, as was the original plan.

Two teachers did not come to school as they were adhering to the union’s trying to enforce the holiday is on the school calendar for the year. A little fewer than half of the learners were there. The newspaper on Friday had an article about the conflict and how many teachers did not go to school that day. After a couple hours there was a brief program. One teacher explained the origin of the day. It is in commemoration of the slaughter of thousands of South African youth who were protesting classes being taught in Afrikaans in 1976. A few groups of younger learners danced—no costumes. And then everyone went home.

This Tuesday I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. Wilhelmina had to go to town for business; so we left after my classes were over. She took me to a dentist that she knew about. When I registered, I paid N$200/$13, which was less than I had thought it might cost based on what I paid in China. When I saw the dentist, I was shocked when he told me cleaning would be an additional N$800. I did wonder if I was given the special price for foreigners. I exclaimed that the price was very expensive for Namibia. No one I know can pay that much. The assistant asked what I did and, when I responded that I am a volunteer teacher, she said they would give me a small discount. In the end they discounted N$300 and I paid a total of N$700/$47 instead of N$1000/$67. That is one-third of my monthly stipend. The whole process took fifteen minutes at the end of which the dentist told me I have marvelous teeth.

Friday was Entrepreneurship Day at school. Groups in grades 9 and 10 sold their products, traditional food and other snacks, as a project for their entrepreneurship class. 

Every group had some traditional cake—made with millet flour, not sweet. 

One group had roasted doves that one boy’s family raises. I had to try one of those. Not a lot of meat on the small bird, but it was tasty. Another had purchased a goat that they were braaing/grilling. So I had to try that, too. It was OK but a little meaty for me; so I won’t have it again. 

Another was braaing beef, which I didn’t have. 

Most of the groups had roasted seeds, and I did try those. 

I also bought a bottle of amarula oil, which is supposed to be very good for you, and a bottle of something that grows underground that is also good for you. Wilhelmina told me about both of those. Learners and teachers were the customers. Community members were invited to come to the event, but only one woman came and she was there to pitch the natural cleaning and body products that she sells to teachers. After a few hours everything was sold. All but one of the five groups made a profit, which is divided among the group members.

Home Again (6-10)

Saturday morning Abby and I were picked up by the regional Ministry of Education’s driver who transported us home. When we stopped for the break at the supermarket, we both purchased food for the week. Another quick stop was where people were selling oranges, milk, and dried kudu. I bought a bag of oranges, which were delicious, and some dried kudu. This time we were taken to our sites rather than to someone meeting us on the main road. After Abby was delivered, the driver asked if I remember him and said he had driven us in January. Since we hadn’t really chatted and saw only the back of his head, I didn’t remember him. I arrived home just before 7:00.

Sunday I didn’t do anything except wash clothes. The desert sand made everything so brown and I had so many clothes to wash that I had to change the water three times and hang three lines worth of clothes. But I was glad to have that done and be ready for normal life again. Since that took most of the afternoon and I had little energy, I was glad I’d planned for the first few days at school before leaving.

At school Monday, teachers were all happy to see me, and all greeted me personally. A couple hugged me, as did a couple of grade 10 girls who stopped by just to greet me. The warm welcome back felt really good. I took the dried kudu to share, which all the teachers appreciated, especially after Angel cooked it. Teachers, especially the women, were also pleased that I’d brought them each a shell from the Port Elizabeth beach. Wilhelmina loves her beaded necklace and wore it almost every day that week and has continued to wear it frequently.

Wednesday afternoon Wilhelmina took me to a special exhibition she had been to and wanted to share with me. It was the annual totem exhibition at which various vendors display and sell their wares. She said there were quite a lot fewer vendors than in previous years. I enjoyed the exhibit of traditional clothes, some with a modern twist. 

Also the display of paper mache clan totems. Other items were pretty much things that are at the local market.

The first week back in class was rough for the learners as well as for me, as we weren’t fully back and needed that week to readjust. Fortunately, that week was sufficient, and we were all back on track ready to learn and teach the second week. As in China where students decided that they were comfortable with me the second term and started to respond more in class, some of the learners have been more interactive. A group of girls in one grade 8 class have decided that they need to high 5 on their way out every day and do so with big smiles. When boys have still been in class when this happens, they have joined in as well. It seems like, overall, the classes are more ready to be serious learners, which I hope continues.

Between the first and second weeks, I had my full weekend to relax at home. It was just what I needed to be fully here and to re-energize. After that weekend, it felt good to be back.

I also had gifts for Helena and Kowmongwa: a necklace and bracelet for her and a leather coin purse and Cape Town cap for him. Both were very pleased and came to thank me specially. I also gave them a collection of soap and shampoo from the guesthouses. He came to ask if the bars of soap were for men or women. I didn’t understand why he needed to ask. She came with the liquid soap and shampoo and asked what they are for. I think she didn’t know the word “shampoo.”

The day I left I confirmed that Helena had been eating my trail mix, currents, and mixed nuts. I’d suspected that for a few weeks but then I’d think maybe I misremembered the levels in the containers and had used more than I thought. But that day, the mixed nuts container had only about ten nuts on the bottom, and I knew I hadn’t left it that way. Then I noticed that the canned foods were missing two cans that were in the back row. So I put all the food containers in the fridge and locked it. She was waiting to help me go to the road and saw me lock the fridge. When I turned around, she was gone. I thought she’d gone outside, but she wasn’t there, and the door to her house was closed. I left a note asking her to please stop stealing my food. When I returned, the note was gone, which I had figured would happen. One of my pots was also gone. I decided not to confront her about the pot and just bought a new one. I put a padlock on the door, knowing that she will know why it’s there. I feel good about how this worked out in such a way that I didn’t need to confront her about the thefts. Having the time apart helped to put that behind.

When I returned, the mahangu/millet had been harvested. I was disappointed to have missed the process completely. Since they had planted late, I had thought that maybe they would still be harvesting when I returned. But all that was left were stalks. They are slowly cutting them down now.

The canvass hen hut was also gone, and the hens are running around again. The goats are also back in the fields inside the fence. They now include seven small kids, and it looks like more are on the way.

Weather is cool in the evening, but inside the house it’s warm enough that I don’t need to wear an extra layer. During the night, it is cold—in the low 50s, and I need to pull up the second blanket. At 6:30 AM it is still cold. When I go to school at 7:30, I wear my sweater, but I take it off before 8:00, as the sun is shining and it’s warm enough. By 11:00, it’s hot—in the low 80s. The learners, on the other hand, think it’s very cold. In the morning, many wear a hoodie, hat, scarf, and/or gloves. Some wear one or more of these items all day. It’s individuality time. I remember this happening at NPA as well as in Thailand where students have a dress code or uniform. External clothes are not mandated; so they take the opportunity to express their individuality that way.

Mid-service Training (5-27)

Wednesday at 3:50 AM I arrived at the Mariental bus stop and met the other WorldTeach volunteers who had arrived shortly earlier. Rachel had sent a driver to meet us, as she couldn’t open the gate to leave the park we were staying at. The driver dropped us off at the gate, we went under it, and then the van took us to our room where we promptly went to sleep.

The meetings were held at two nice places outside Windhoek, which was nice. The first two nights we stayed at Hardap Dam. When I woke up, Wednesday morning, I walked along road enjoying the views of the reservoir before our meetings began. 

In the afternoon, we all walked to the dam. It was nice to have such a lovely place to relax after the holiday along with the meetings.

Thursday we moved to Auas Game Resort, closer to Windhoek, where Rachel’s friend works. There we camped using tents Rachel provided. I had left my blanket and pillow with her before traveling, and before getting on the bus in Upington I purchased a second blanket, which was a good move. I wrapped up in the heavy blanket and used the other to separate me from the cold ground. So, wearing my layers of clothes, I slept well and warmly.

While relaxing at the lodge before dinner, we were visited by a couple ostriches 

and impala that hang around the area and are comfortable near people. 

Later we saw a group of waterbuck, my first time to see these. They are distinguished by the circle around their bum.

Early Friday morning Rachel, Chris, and I joined her friend Richard on a game drive. Richard gave us each a heavy blanket for the trip, as the vehicle was an open jeep and it was cold early in the morning. We rushed to the top of the hill to see the sunrise.

Then we found out that Richard had set up a small breakfast table, which was a real treat, especially the hot tea and coffee.

Since I’d been wondering about private game resorts, I asked how they compare to national parks and learned that, since they are for profit organizations, private reserves usually support a local community as well as protecting the animals. They are fenced in; so some animals are protected and restricted to that area, but others can jump the fences and come and go.

Richard pointed out the candelabra acacia near our breakfast spot. 

Later he pointed out trees that had been trimmed by animals. Some had been trimmed below and then by giraffes on the top, making them fairly flat. 

Wildlife we saw on the drive were waterbucks, springbok, a steenbok, 

and vultures. 

Although we didn’t see much wildlife, it was a lovely drive through the area.

After breakfast at the lodge, there were warthogs outside the patio. We took a walk to look for a giraffe that had been seen nearby, but we didn’t find it. Then it was time to pack up and drive to Windhoek.

After checking into the hostel, we had a few hours of free time in the city before wrapping up our meeting sessions. Then we went out for dinner, compliments of WorldTeach. After eating so much chicken for two weeks, I was happy to have a vegetarian cannelloni.

Augrabies Falls National Park (5-24)

Since my bus to Namibia didn’t leave until 7:30 Tuesday night, I hired Willie—and Carli— to take me to Augrabies Falls National Park, which is a couple hours west of Upington, for the day. Outside Upington, there are many vineyards. Wine is a big business in the area. We stopped at the top of a mountain to enjoy the overview of the area. After going through the mountains, the landscape changed from the vineyards to the desert

At the park, I was fascinated with the quiver trees. I’d read about them but hadn’t seen them. 

I especially enjoyed the fact that many were in bloom.

I also enjoyed the colorful geckos.

The waterfall is at the top of a deep canyon, and we could only view it from the top. It is especially famous for the huge quantity of water when the river floods, which was not when I was there. 

The walk to the falls goes over the surrounding stones for views of the whole falls and then to the top of the falls. 

Of course I enjoyed the rocks and the canyon as well as the falls. 

After lunch, we went on a game drive. When Willie suggested that, I wasn’t really enthused about another game drive, but I quickly realized that the drive was about the beautiful scenery as much as the animals. 

I loved the rocky terrain and mountains. 

One rock formation is called Moon Rock because of its half moon shape.

Animal highlights were vervet monkeys 

and baboons near the road. Willie was so determined to get a good photo of the male baboon that we stopped again on the way out. It was always fun when he was excited about the animals, too. We enjoyed watching the monkeys scampering around and eating. 

We also saw some zebras 

and a giraffe. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day in South Africa and the last day of my holiday.

Back in Upington, I had dinner. I had planned to have a light meal, but when I saw ostrich schnitzel on the menu, I had to have one last ostrich dinner. They let me have half vegetables and half onion rings instead of only one side, which was nice and half of each was plenty. 

And then I had to have a malva pudding, my final South African treat.

The bus was a sleeper bus, which means that the seats reclined 120^o. So I was able to sleep fairly well. After a couple hours, we crossed into Namibia. The driver took care of my passport stamping for me, which was nice of him. Then it was time to sleep.