Once again we have one of *those* updates, granted by the powers that be along with my schedule. Since I’ve lost a great deal of time, I’ll just a quick update on the general, and make notes of the special things that have either made me smile, or just plain noteworthy. Since we’ve spoken last, I’ve since moved location twice. I’ve left the green, magical valley of Tsumeb, and retreated to Okahandja to finish my training. After spending 9 days in the Oka, I’ve come to my permanent place of residence, Usakos. I’ve officially become a Volunteer – I’m no longer a “trainee.” My roommate Ian and I have moved into our permanent house and have already begun repairs and renovations. That’s the general. Now for the smaller things.

#1. Guitar. I’ve bought a guitar. Nothing special – I’ve just always wanted to learn, and now I’ve got the time. It’s a Valencia, and actually very pretty. I purchased it off a volunteer that was heading home, so it came in a nice package including strings, a tuner, and the ever apt “Guitar for Dummies.” I’m in the good. Now just waiting for the calluses to take hold. My only complaint is that it came with 3 nylon out of 6 strings. I have spares, but I’m too afraid that if I take the strings out, I won’t be able to put them back in. When I muster the courage to try, I’ll post pictures of my failure. So far I can play several progressions, but nothing too special. (AàDàE, DàEmàGàA) I can’t handle the barre needed for the F chord, but I’ve got two years. Regarding melody lines, I can play Old McDonald’s Farm, but it sounds like Old McDonald’s Craptastic Farm of Crapiness. Andy, do me a favor and send me the tablature for Part-Time life. By the way, are you finished writing “Pirates and Ice Cream” yet?

#2. The Tjinenes. Which is pronounced “She-nay-nays.” Here’s the background: Near the end of our week long cram session at Okahandja, we decided to have a talent show. It wasn’t so much a talent show, as it was a skit night. Basically it gave everyone a reason to go up and do something fun and interesting before we all went our different ways. We had people sing on guitar, we had a pair do an impressive salsa dance, and even one certain Mr. Kennedy untangle a Rubix cube to a background of Europe’s Final Countdown.

Four of us decided to get together and throw together an impromptu a cappella group. A music major, two music minors, and a choir enthusiast. Awesome. We decided to name ourselves the Tjinenes for several reasons. First, it’s the Oshiwambo word for “The Huge Ones.” Second, it sounds somewhat erotic and alluring. And Lastly, we thought it had a 80’s Motley Crew kinda ring to it. So there. In the period of about 4 hours, we put together three songs. The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, and Another Irish Drinking Song – and yes Cory, I sang the solo on Irish. It was amazing. We’re going to try and record them – If it’s possible, you’ll see it up here. Well, worth it – every second. (The looks of their faces on Irish proved it.) On Carmen Sandiego, we changed all of the countries to different Namibian cities. It rocked.

#3. My Speech. At our graduation/ceremony event, one person from each language group was asked to give a speech our tongue of study, in front of government advisors, administrators, friends, family, the media, our teachers, the PC staff…All the movers and shakers. Obviously this wouldn’t be an interesting story if it was anyone else that gave a speech in Khoekhoegowab. The speech took 4 minutes, and had 75 clicks in it. When I get an ample amount of time, I’ll try and post it up here. Adding the clicks take a long time. But I digress…as I said, the media was there. It turns out we made National news, with my speech getting some air time. Unfortunately, Ian and I do not own a tv set, but I received about a dozen text messages telling me what was going on. Now I’m getting people stopping me in the street telling me that they saw me and complimenting me on my pronunciation and articulation. :-D The languages learned include Afrikaans, Khoekhoegowab, Oshiwambo, Oshiherero, Silozi, and Thimbukushu.

#4. My home. As I said, Ian and I moved in. And our house is huge. Totally huge. Three bedrooms, a huge kitchen, a living room, a breezeway, nice bathroom, and a ginormous yard, our house is awesome. Just a little minor work, but we’ve already begun that. Painting and all that jazz…I feel like I’m back on Prof. Deckman’s farm…except here that animals eat you.

#5 My Language Test. Ok, there are two stories here. One including me, where I accidently reveled some of my anatomy in the test, and the other includes Phil Collins. Now for the explanations…first one – As it turns out, the word in Khoekhoe for cup, or xlab, is very similar to a slang and very derogatory term for a part of male anatomy. Unfortunately, it was somewhat made worse when I attempted to say that I was holding a white cup. In the end, we had to stop the recorder because my judicator was speechless for about ten seconds, before exploding into laughter. Wonderful. Thank Heavens for small favors - I didn’t try and show off with my adjectives and tell her it was a petite, small white cup.

Now for the other story – as I heard it, a friend of mine was asked in her test about her interests. She, like almost everyone else, answered music. Her teacher decided to take it a bit further and asked what bands she liked. She began rattling off bands she just knew, hoping to answer the question and move on. From what I heard, it went like, “uh…..I like Coldplay, uh……Direstraits……U2……and uhhhh, Phil Collins, I guess…” Evidently, they spent the next 15 minutes or so talking about Phil Collins. Damn. Got the wrong test.

Usakos should be getting highspeed internet by the end of Jan. But since we’re in Namibia, I’m guessing that means next October. But here’s me keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, later in the week I should be getting my new mailbox. Don’t worry, it’ll be one more thing to post when I get it.

Oh, and because I keep getting messages and emails asking, I don’t really NEED anything. I guess if anyone’s interested, the only thing I think I would like would be Jazz Cds. I realized my selection is incredibly limited. Since I basically have the time as well to listen, it would be nice. Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton (vibes. Hinthint,) Winton Marsalis, Nat King Cole, Dennis DeBlasio, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy G, Thad Jones, Count Bassie, Louis Banfa, Louis Armstrong… cmon guys, help me out. I feel ashamed. (As I should be. Kristen, you can kick my butt when you see me next.)

1.16.08

The older I get, the more I wish I were born several years earlier. Here’s why – here in Usakos, we have lots of spare time. Tonight, I spent my time watching Ghostbusters I and II. I can’t stand it – the comedic timing, the writing, and the acting – just perfect. I wish Bill Murray gave touring lectures on micromanagement and economic reconstruction to third world countries. I’d go see it. “You’ve never been in the outside world – I have. They expect results.”

Way back when we were all in DC awaiting our flight to South Africa, we saw PJs that were sold – and had onesies in our (meaning, my) size that looked like their jumpsuits. I’m going to regret not buying one for the rest of my life. And to think what my life would have been like, if I went with Second City vs. the organization…damn

“Kinda makes you wonder…if she’s naked under that toga. She’s French, you realize that.”

So we have a dog. No, we didn’t buy one (not yet anyway,) the previous owner left it here. She’s a bit ragged, and its somewhat obvious that she’s been dealt a rough hand…but she’s with us now, and we’ll see how far it goes. She’s been a good dog so far – and we’ve named her Axey.

Tomorrow morning we’ll be getting our new post box address. Skippy!

Its well after tomorrow morning. Which means, New Address!!! Here ya go. I’m sharing the box with Ian, so feel free to send him stuff too. But mainly me. I like stuffs too.

Nicky B
P.O.Box 167
Usakos, Namibia.

No word yet on the whole internet thing. I’m hoping we come up with a more permanent solution soon. This whole waiting thing is killing me. Damn.

Peace out homies.