So I’ve been thinking recently (as I’ve been known to do occasionally…) about what my purpose is. This actually wasn’t the product of an idle mind, but poised by a remarkable student here, way beyond her peers. I responded with what we basically learned during college, “Maybe you’ll never find your purpose – lots of people don’t. ” (Thank you Avenue Q…) That at 16, she’ll have plenty of time to figure it out. But I couldn’t help myself…
So what would my purpose be? Curing AIDS seems more than impossible. Even aiding the blatant sexism and racism here is beyond daunting. Becoming a father and husband? Believable – but can that be labeled as a purpose? Kinda hard to make gross extrapolations of the culminations of one’s life at 22 (regardless being stuck in the middle of a desert) – but I think I have an idea.
I think the purpose of my life is to lose every game of “Never have I ever.” To my more responsible and or innocent readers, I’ll explain: Never have I ever is a drinking game. Its played thusly: everyone is given the same number, usually 3 or 5. One person states something they’ve never done, perhaps Bunjee Jumping. Then all of those who have actually done said action, in this case Bungee jumping, must lose one number. Down to four. First one to zero loses. Or in my case – wins.
After all, why not? I got all my senses – I should indulge them. After all, prof Gimbel always points out that the real point of life is to collect good stories. Generally, I think I’ve collected some good ones so far….
For the most part, they were each events, some taking no more time than a week. Most a few minutes – but who cares? Just to say that I’ve done them make me feel proud that I’ve made the uphill climbs – and gives me hope for everything to come. Mark my words – if they let me bungee jump naked over Victoria Falls, I’ll do it. (We’ve heard rumors.) Because c’mon – how many people have you ever known to bunjee jump naked, let alone above the “clouds that rumble?” I mean sure, perhaps I should aim a little higher regarding m purpose – but for now… eh – what the hell. At least I’m fulfilling mine.
You gotta go after the things you want while you’re still in your prime.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Another minor update...
Hey hey guys – not much happening in ol’ Usakos. Following the organization’s procedure, I’m not allowed to start any projects for the first couple months…which basically means I’m still sitting here pretty damn bored. I’ve read just about everything I brought with me, and more than.
Usakos is one of those towns where very little happens, if any happens at all. So needless to say, the days are slipping by more or less unnoticed. I really wish there was more to report on…but alas, we really don’t do much these days. Ian and I starting playing basketball in location with some of the neighborhood kids, almost all better than I. Been jamming on the guitar as well, also getting nowhere fast. I suck, but at least its fun to do – can almost play Tears in Heaven, so I’m ok. Maybe this weekend Ian and I will paint our rooms, no idea. It depends if we get the supplies we need…which of course is up in the air.
Sorry for so little – there doesn’t seem to be much here I know, but hopefully these updates will become more frequent. This is supposed to be this week that High-Speed gets installed in the town. If I can afford it…hoorah. Oh, so far, the only big thing worth mentioning is the heat. Last night, it was almost impossible to sleep. At 2am, it was still over 100 degrees. I hope you’re all enjoying your cold weather. I’m pining for it, in the biggest way.
As it turns out, this whole experience is starting to grind on my mind. Just by talking to people do you really start to see how difficult these problems are that we’re here to aid. For those of you that speak to prof. Gimbel, let him know that the largest argumentative fallacies are circular arguments, and appealing to tradition.
“Because my father disciplines his women, it means I have to. I’m very traditional.”
I hate hearing this.
Ian and I got into a debate several days ago with a couple of the local teenagers about the role of women in society. They all admittedly agreed that women have no place in the working world, because that’s the way it’s always been done – giving women equal opportunities isn’t “the African way.” I thought this was an interesting point, and I pushed on stating that cars and cell phones aren’t inventions of the African culture, but that doesn’t stop them from being used in the larger sense. So why and how can you choose what to believe? There are plenty of people here that take hypocrisy to an entire new level. Seems to me that they’re mirroring religion….but that’s another debate.
“So tell me, what happens if they bring in a woman that can do your job better than you can?”
“That’s impossible….unless she’s a lesbian.”
Sigh. It’s too hot today.
Hope everyones doing well. Hope to hear from youz guyz soon.
-N
Oh, even though it took forever to write, attached is the speech I gave at the swear-in ceremony. Good luck with the clicks.
----------
‡Gurose, !gôahesa Waldotse, gangans ‡hapeba ‡gae‡guis !aroma.
//Khati ta ge ne ra sao /gapi !gôahesana, ra //khore//hare neba /khis !aroma: Amerikab ‡nû-//khaebasas, Denise Mathius; !naga-‡nôa Ministers Petrina Hainguras ‡Urusib dis; !a-!kho-mai-aob Kai//khaes dib; P.S Damaseb; danab R. Mererob Local Economy Developments dib; tsî /o-aisase Andreas Kukuris di danab A. /Nanub tsî hoa khoen hîa neba hân. !Kho-!oahehâse tsâsen re.
//Khati ta ge Khoekhoegowab xrups /ons !nâ ta ge sida di Namibiab familin tsî /hûhasiga /gapi !gôahesa ‡an!gâs, tsî gangansa ra mâ, //în di /khais, tsî hâs !na. //Khati //na !gâi Namibiab //gâu!nâ-aon tsî /hosan îa da ge khoedibasen !aroma.
Sida ge /gam kurikha Namibiab !nâ nî hâ tsî nî sîsen, tsî ra //khore !gâise da nî !kho-!oahesa. Ne da go hâ /gam //khâkha Namibiab !nâ kha ge kaise go //khoaxa i. Gangans //nas !aroma.
//Khati da ge ra //khore sida di mû-!gâ-aon /kha sîsen //aresa, Namibiab omkhâisa ai!gû-us !aroma.
Khoekhoegowab xrups ge //khati Amerikab masenxa-sîsenaon, xrup /gamdisi hû/as dina ra gangan neba hâs !aroma. //în ose da ge neba netse ga hâ tama hâ.
Kai Gangans.
-------------------------
Now imagine speaking that on national TV. I can recall nothing. And I only know about 6% of the words I spoke. For a language lesson, Kai Gangans = Thank you very much.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Yay to stealing random wireless connections in a country where most people don’t lock their servers!!!......yay!
So regarding new happenings – there’s not much. That’s the beauty in a country and a town where…almost nothing happens, if ever. I think Usakos is just a hair bigger than the town my father grew up in, but not by much. But with the nothingness comes those very perks – the nothingness. The wonderful things of Usakos include:
1) The Sunsets. Holy crap. There are actually so many beautiful sunsets here that we’ve actually created a nickname, AFS. (Which of course means “another f****** sunset.”) There are so many, almost every night, and all beautiful. Colors include gold, pink, red, green, pink, more pink, some more blood red, yellow, goldenrod, and magenta.
2) The nothingness. Really. After 6pm, Ian and I hang outside on our deck and just watch the clouds go by. Since both of us come from Long Island, the quiet nights and evenings in the lazy summer heat are worth watching life slow down.
3) My roomies. Really. Ian and Dai are awesome. Dai is still learning English, but he’s still great to talk to. And Ian’s just awesome. He’s from Brooklyn – how much closer to home can we get? We get along great. We didn’t really plan on it – but we’ve taken to cooking together every night. It’s great – good food, and just talking for a couple hours. Yay food! Yay bonding time with something close to home!
4) Scrubs. I still owe Kristen for giving me all six seasons of Scrubs. It’s always entertaining and saving me hours of boredom.
5) Letters from home. Ok – special shout out to Ms. Jessica Stroup. See, she told me that she sent a package early October, way before I arrived in Africa. I figured by this point, that it was lost among the mailrooms, but No! It finally arrived! I’ll admit – it looked like it was rerouted to hell and back…all edges torn and taped together, water damage…but its here. Yay Candy! How it was not stolen – I’ll never know. Thanks Jess! Btw – I’m thinking about the brewmaster school. J Props also to the Apple girls, and to Andy. Thanks for the “Christmas Gift,” man. *Note to self = don’t open letters from Andy in front of other people.
And we might as well…Some bad things:
1) I work up with a scorpion on my chest. Don’t worry – he squished good. I didn’t want to squish him, but reflexes being what they are…and with the feeling of spiders running across your chest…well, you know.
2) I’m running out of books. With all this spare time that just started, I’m reading like Johnny 5 did in Short Circuit. You receive 50+ nerd points if you get that reference. I’ve read over a dozen books since I’ve been here – and they’ve all given me more perspective. Nice. Oh, and Amanda – The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was much better than Beyond this Horizon. Sorry Heinlein, can’t win ‘em all.
3) Culture Shock. Sure, you’re tempered and trained that it’s bad, but most of the time the end result are people shrugging it off. In the beginning, it’s actually interesting and endearing…it’s all a learning experience. But then you realize that it continues past the 3rd week. After the past month of constant questioning as to why I don’t have several girlfriends yet began to somewhat get to me. Then try being reaffirmed that “women are just women, there’s no need to have standards.” At least Ian and Dai both have immunity; the former being engaged and the later having a girlfriend. Plus, I’m going to say here again that scorpions are creepy as hell. Oh, I’m also going to say that hopefully I’ll get to writing letters this upcoming weekend, finally having time to do so.
------------------------------------
Taking a note here to say Congratulations to Mama Bear and Andrew for getting engaged! I’m so proud of you two, and I would like to tell you Nancy, that Andrew told me he was going to do this before I left. It’s true. I knew all the details. It’s because Andrew and I share this bond, called “nonexistent.” I’m not an idiot, and currently expecting to still be here when the knot is tied – but be warned: If Guinness is on tap at the reception, I’ll have a legitimate reason to be pissed. (But you already expect that.) They don’t have Guinness in this country, and Jameson’s Whiskey runs at about 60$ American, with the exchange. (Insert pissed off-face here.) Just be sure to let me know when the wedding is – I’ll see if I can find a shaman or local medicine man that can bless the marriage. Shouldn’t be hard, there’s about a half dozen within a stone’s throw from here – I’m not kidding.
--------------------------------
In other news, I’m now conducting and training a choir. Its amazing – its small, about 15 people. They’re already remarkable good, but I was asked to teach them some new vocal warms-ups and skills. So for all you Baldwin-ites, we’re going way back to concert choir stuff. So far we’re working on the “Do. Do Re Do. Do Re Mi Re Do” exercise. Going well, and they love it…when they’re paying attention… but regardless! I feel guilty knowing how hard our Mus. Ed peeps worked to do this. Katie! This gives you a reason to visit! You too Kristen! They also asked if I could start a percussion ensemble. Life is good.
-----------------------------------
You’ll always be surprised about what you miss. You also begin to discover what your real passions are, and what they have been the whole time. I remember that there were times during my senior year of college that I wished I didn’t exist. Having a senior thesis…physical chem….a molecular genetics / genetic engineering project in the works, all compiled with a train wreck’s worth of emotional problems, led to all work and no play, which of course makes Jack go crazy. And looking back now – I’m realizing how much I miss sitting in a computer lab laboring over data wondering why my primers didn’t work, late-night studying with other mol. Genetics students asking why Dr J’s tests were so evil, and trying to figure out why my bomb calorimeters measurements were off. (Probably ‘cause Matt and I hold the college record for most unsuccessful attempts…someone ask Dr. Wedlock if we’re still #1)
Oh, that reminds me – major bonus points to the person that finds me someone at the admission center of a medical school. Remember, bonus points! I’ll bring back an animal for you. I’ll aim for an elephant or giraffe, but it may be a squished scorpion. (Just as cool! Use it gross out your parents, or like me, put it in your roommate’s bed whilst they sleep. Mwhahaha!) But I digress…
I love learning. I loved staying up late reading, studying, rereading, quizzing, and rereading material. I loved learning. And I still do. It’s true – ask my mother; She’s sending me my biochem and mol. genetics textbooks. I need my science fix. If any of my former teachers and professors are reading this, Congratulations. Sure, you’re all married, have kids, and have tenure at an accredited institution – but if you’ve ever needed validation from an unemployed 22-year-old in the middle of the African Savanna, you got it…I wonder how much money it would take to get the Science Center named after me? Oh well. Oh, and as a tribute to them, and if you couldn’t already tell, I miss them more than anything. They’ve taught me more then they’ll realize – and I’ve learned more from them than I did from any textbook. They taught me how to think, to see, to feel, and live. Yeah, I know that sounds cliché and corny – but it’s true. I miss talking to you guys.
One more thing I realized how much I miss. The ole’ burg. While digging through the organization’s library, I found a book on Lincoln’s life that I checked out. Shamefully, having spent four years in Gettysburg – I know almost nothing regarding Lincoln and the war. But when it came to the excerpts regarding Gettysburg...damn. I miss that town. Seminary Ridge, the sunsets, the wonderful fall and spring breezes…I always get my Bullet-Hole cravings and wanting to eat dinner late on the library steps or the fountain. Guys, Usakos needs a Lincoln diner – Let’s get on this. I often wonder if this teaching thing will work out…hell, it would be awesome to start a biochem department in gburg… we’ll see. I’m sure my profs would LOVE to have me as a colleague – just ask them.
Well, maybe not Ish. But I’m sure he’ll laugh when you ask him.
So regarding new happenings – there’s not much. That’s the beauty in a country and a town where…almost nothing happens, if ever. I think Usakos is just a hair bigger than the town my father grew up in, but not by much. But with the nothingness comes those very perks – the nothingness. The wonderful things of Usakos include:
1) The Sunsets. Holy crap. There are actually so many beautiful sunsets here that we’ve actually created a nickname, AFS. (Which of course means “another f****** sunset.”) There are so many, almost every night, and all beautiful. Colors include gold, pink, red, green, pink, more pink, some more blood red, yellow, goldenrod, and magenta.
2) The nothingness. Really. After 6pm, Ian and I hang outside on our deck and just watch the clouds go by. Since both of us come from Long Island, the quiet nights and evenings in the lazy summer heat are worth watching life slow down.
3) My roomies. Really. Ian and Dai are awesome. Dai is still learning English, but he’s still great to talk to. And Ian’s just awesome. He’s from Brooklyn – how much closer to home can we get? We get along great. We didn’t really plan on it – but we’ve taken to cooking together every night. It’s great – good food, and just talking for a couple hours. Yay food! Yay bonding time with something close to home!
4) Scrubs. I still owe Kristen for giving me all six seasons of Scrubs. It’s always entertaining and saving me hours of boredom.
5) Letters from home. Ok – special shout out to Ms. Jessica Stroup. See, she told me that she sent a package early October, way before I arrived in Africa. I figured by this point, that it was lost among the mailrooms, but No! It finally arrived! I’ll admit – it looked like it was rerouted to hell and back…all edges torn and taped together, water damage…but its here. Yay Candy! How it was not stolen – I’ll never know. Thanks Jess! Btw – I’m thinking about the brewmaster school. J Props also to the Apple girls, and to Andy. Thanks for the “Christmas Gift,” man. *Note to self = don’t open letters from Andy in front of other people.
And we might as well…Some bad things:
1) I work up with a scorpion on my chest. Don’t worry – he squished good. I didn’t want to squish him, but reflexes being what they are…and with the feeling of spiders running across your chest…well, you know.
2) I’m running out of books. With all this spare time that just started, I’m reading like Johnny 5 did in Short Circuit. You receive 50+ nerd points if you get that reference. I’ve read over a dozen books since I’ve been here – and they’ve all given me more perspective. Nice. Oh, and Amanda – The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was much better than Beyond this Horizon. Sorry Heinlein, can’t win ‘em all.
3) Culture Shock. Sure, you’re tempered and trained that it’s bad, but most of the time the end result are people shrugging it off. In the beginning, it’s actually interesting and endearing…it’s all a learning experience. But then you realize that it continues past the 3rd week. After the past month of constant questioning as to why I don’t have several girlfriends yet began to somewhat get to me. Then try being reaffirmed that “women are just women, there’s no need to have standards.” At least Ian and Dai both have immunity; the former being engaged and the later having a girlfriend. Plus, I’m going to say here again that scorpions are creepy as hell. Oh, I’m also going to say that hopefully I’ll get to writing letters this upcoming weekend, finally having time to do so.
------------------------------------
Taking a note here to say Congratulations to Mama Bear and Andrew for getting engaged! I’m so proud of you two, and I would like to tell you Nancy, that Andrew told me he was going to do this before I left. It’s true. I knew all the details. It’s because Andrew and I share this bond, called “nonexistent.” I’m not an idiot, and currently expecting to still be here when the knot is tied – but be warned: If Guinness is on tap at the reception, I’ll have a legitimate reason to be pissed. (But you already expect that.) They don’t have Guinness in this country, and Jameson’s Whiskey runs at about 60$ American, with the exchange. (Insert pissed off-face here.) Just be sure to let me know when the wedding is – I’ll see if I can find a shaman or local medicine man that can bless the marriage. Shouldn’t be hard, there’s about a half dozen within a stone’s throw from here – I’m not kidding.
--------------------------------
In other news, I’m now conducting and training a choir. Its amazing – its small, about 15 people. They’re already remarkable good, but I was asked to teach them some new vocal warms-ups and skills. So for all you Baldwin-ites, we’re going way back to concert choir stuff. So far we’re working on the “Do. Do Re Do. Do Re Mi Re Do” exercise. Going well, and they love it…when they’re paying attention… but regardless! I feel guilty knowing how hard our Mus. Ed peeps worked to do this. Katie! This gives you a reason to visit! You too Kristen! They also asked if I could start a percussion ensemble. Life is good.
-----------------------------------
You’ll always be surprised about what you miss. You also begin to discover what your real passions are, and what they have been the whole time. I remember that there were times during my senior year of college that I wished I didn’t exist. Having a senior thesis…physical chem….a molecular genetics / genetic engineering project in the works, all compiled with a train wreck’s worth of emotional problems, led to all work and no play, which of course makes Jack go crazy. And looking back now – I’m realizing how much I miss sitting in a computer lab laboring over data wondering why my primers didn’t work, late-night studying with other mol. Genetics students asking why Dr J’s tests were so evil, and trying to figure out why my bomb calorimeters measurements were off. (Probably ‘cause Matt and I hold the college record for most unsuccessful attempts…someone ask Dr. Wedlock if we’re still #1)
Oh, that reminds me – major bonus points to the person that finds me someone at the admission center of a medical school. Remember, bonus points! I’ll bring back an animal for you. I’ll aim for an elephant or giraffe, but it may be a squished scorpion. (Just as cool! Use it gross out your parents, or like me, put it in your roommate’s bed whilst they sleep. Mwhahaha!) But I digress…
I love learning. I loved staying up late reading, studying, rereading, quizzing, and rereading material. I loved learning. And I still do. It’s true – ask my mother; She’s sending me my biochem and mol. genetics textbooks. I need my science fix. If any of my former teachers and professors are reading this, Congratulations. Sure, you’re all married, have kids, and have tenure at an accredited institution – but if you’ve ever needed validation from an unemployed 22-year-old in the middle of the African Savanna, you got it…I wonder how much money it would take to get the Science Center named after me? Oh well. Oh, and as a tribute to them, and if you couldn’t already tell, I miss them more than anything. They’ve taught me more then they’ll realize – and I’ve learned more from them than I did from any textbook. They taught me how to think, to see, to feel, and live. Yeah, I know that sounds cliché and corny – but it’s true. I miss talking to you guys.
One more thing I realized how much I miss. The ole’ burg. While digging through the organization’s library, I found a book on Lincoln’s life that I checked out. Shamefully, having spent four years in Gettysburg – I know almost nothing regarding Lincoln and the war. But when it came to the excerpts regarding Gettysburg...damn. I miss that town. Seminary Ridge, the sunsets, the wonderful fall and spring breezes…I always get my Bullet-Hole cravings and wanting to eat dinner late on the library steps or the fountain. Guys, Usakos needs a Lincoln diner – Let’s get on this. I often wonder if this teaching thing will work out…hell, it would be awesome to start a biochem department in gburg… we’ll see. I’m sure my profs would LOVE to have me as a colleague – just ask them.
Well, maybe not Ish. But I’m sure he’ll laugh when you ask him.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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
#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
#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
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
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
“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
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.
Friday, January 4, 2008
I'm sorry guys, for the incredible long delays I've been giving...
Once again, I'm back in Okahandja. That is, until the 9th of January. I'm currently here finally finishing up my training, so hopefully I'll see it through.
Since I don't have time, time, or time to write here, I'll just hit the highlights thus far that I promise to discuss at a later date:
- I bought a guitar.
- My hair has now grown longer than it ever has.
- I successfully taught a classroom of 80 people ( I was asked to give a workshop on the HIV science stuff to all the other volunteers.
- I move to my permanant site in a week
- I aced my language test (first one.)
- In a private conference meant to discuss our strengths/weaknesses, my facilitator said I was among those with the most potential, and that she would take great interests in my accomplishments in the months to come.
On a different note, its hot as hell here. damn.
Thank you to all those that are mailing me letters - they keep my days and nights well enjoyed, I spend hours re-reaading them.
When I get to Usakos, I'll see what I can about getting a permanent landline installed.
<3
Once again, I'm back in Okahandja. That is, until the 9th of January. I'm currently here finally finishing up my training, so hopefully I'll see it through.
Since I don't have time, time, or time to write here, I'll just hit the highlights thus far that I promise to discuss at a later date:
- I bought a guitar.
- My hair has now grown longer than it ever has.
- I successfully taught a classroom of 80 people ( I was asked to give a workshop on the HIV science stuff to all the other volunteers.
- I move to my permanant site in a week
- I aced my language test (first one.)
- In a private conference meant to discuss our strengths/weaknesses, my facilitator said I was among those with the most potential, and that she would take great interests in my accomplishments in the months to come.
On a different note, its hot as hell here. damn.
Thank you to all those that are mailing me letters - they keep my days and nights well enjoyed, I spend hours re-reaading them.
When I get to Usakos, I'll see what I can about getting a permanent landline installed.
<3
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Merry something!
(Last Thursday)
So today was our ‘graduation’ ceremony. We finished up teaching our respective classes, and handed out certificates to those that attended. All in all, our four-day workshop was an astounding success. Everyone who I spoke to loved “The Science behind HIV,” and commented that it was one of the most interesting and informative workshops they have ever attended. I’m feeling pretty good. I was even asked to redo the entire lecture to our language trainers in Okahandja. Granted, there were several people that either couldn’t believe or accept the current hypothesis that HIV originated from Chimpanzees…but you can’t win them all, Hasselhoff.
There were six sessions given by the 13 volunteers stationed here in Tsumeb. Figure that at two people per group. They included the Science Behind HIV, The Truth of STD’s, Condom Use and Demonstration, Stigma and Discrimination, Making Good Life Choices, and Alcohol Abuse. Now that we’ve finished with the workshop, we’re all enjoying coming together and sharing our favorite questions and comments made throughout. Feel free to admonish us all you want, but some of them really were worth sharing. Disclaimer: Some of the following lines may be a bit graphic for some of our younger readers. Andy, turn the monitor around. Ok, I’ll give one example, regarding HIV: “If I have an open cut on my arm, and someone ejaculates on it, can I get infected?” Certainly an interesting way to go about it, I suppose. I also think the rather young girl asking if she could get pregnant from swallowing during oral sex gets an honorable mention. Take notice of how the statement was asked. If she could - Not, if anyone could.
Ok, I think that may be enough for now – Andy, its safe to turn the monitor back around now.
I’m just amazed that we could all keep straight faces throughout these sessions, with talking about penises and vaginas and what-not. Not one person had to say alternative names for any of these dirty words at all (No banjingos or she-shwas here, folks.) But keep in mind this also is coming from the group of individuals that began convulsing into hysterics when Obie said he, “had to tap” the watermelon to see if it was ripe. Oh, and tap that, he did. This isn’t mentioning how funny “biltong” can be pronounced. Nothing dirty – just makes you laugh. And in the pants-wetting-laugh-kinda-way.
Most of us are in our mid-twenties. Obie is in his early thirties. I love this place.
At time of writing, there are only 5 days until Christmas. What the hell? It’s somewhat difficult to imagine the Christmas season, when you’re sitting under a mosquito net with Victoria Falls flowing down your back. It must be like an obnoxious weekend in Florida – everyone displaying beautiful second degree sunburns, while listening to Christmas Carols and Jingles at the line at Pick-‘n-Pay. I still have no idea why they sing Frosty the Snowman. When one of the neighboring girls asked what snow was like, I felt obligated as a global volunteer to help her better understand what American experiences are like. Accordingly, I went inside and scrapped frost off the kudu head in the freezer, condensed it into a ball, and threw it at her.
I don’t think she has a strong appreciation of American Culture…Yet. Maybe I should acquire one of those huge inflatable lawn ornaments?
*As a side note for those of you that don’t know, Mangos and their skin contain a substance which resembles the active ingredient in poison ivy. Many people that have a heightened sensitivity to poison ivy can develop similar symptoms upon consumption of said fruit. We actually have a volunteer here that cannot be in the same room without someone that’s recently eaten one – hives, rashes, she breaks into it all. All of that being said, the skin around my eyes is getting puffy, itchy, and irritated. I think that’s what I get for eating up to 8 mangos a day…before lunch. I think it’s time that I take it easy.
(Oh, and Andy – you can drink the tap water. As for the conditions of septic tanks and latrines and the like – well, let me put it this way: I’ve had to get vaccines for typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. You make the call.)
-------------------------
If you haven’t figured it out by now, each one of these segmented headings denotes a different day of typing, another train of thought ran aground. Unfortunately I do not have daily access to the internet as I’m sure you’ve all figured out by now – so once again here we are, two days until Christmas.
And I can assert I couldn’t feel any farther from the Christmas spirit. It could be the 95+ degree heat, it could be the language classes pushing into Christmas Eve, or it could be the organization already threatening to remove people from the program. Regardless, I haven’t figured it out, but it doesn’t feel right.
I’ve determined that you really don’t know what Christmas is like with your family, until that option becomes completely unavailable. I’ve celebrated this holiday with all available members of my family my entire life. Hell, in college I even brought some home to add to the mix. Namibia is different. Obviously. It feels as if there’s barely any holiday spirit (if any at all.) We volunteers have begun to sing Christmas carols to lighten our mood, but somehow it only reinforces the fact that: a) we’re alone, b) we’re away from everyone we’ve ever known and cared about, and that, c) we’re alone. Having locals ask who Rudolph is becoming somewhat disheartening.
I think I’m taking it better than some thus far – I’m not crying myself to sleep or dreaming of tinsel dreams and gummidrops. Of course, it may have to do with the fact that I’ve been listening to my recordings of John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together. Say what you want – there’s nothing like the Muppets singing Christmas carols to instantly make me feel much better, and to bring me back memories from throughout my youth. “…and don’t worry, we’re going to catch them red-handed!” – “What colors are their hands now?” – Classic. If only I had a recording now of Animal singing “Silent Night.” Perfect.
Muppets aside, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without family, food, or snow. Hell, I’d take two out of three.
I hope you all receive what you requested for the holidays. Happy Holidays Everyone!
-------------------------
September 24th, 9:00pm – Namibian Standard Time. From here on out, I write without a script. (I was so excited for that, completely by chance, I swear…kinda ironic statement, but what the hell. Perfect moment)
Christmas Eve, slowly ebbing into the dawn that is Christmas Day.
I really wish I could write here. About something - anything. Turns out Christmas Eve isn’t all that big in Namibia. We ended up eating dinner around the television, watching year old Spanish soap operas that have been dubbed into English. (Thank Heavens for small favors, I guess.) For the first real time since I arrived, Christmas has made me feel alone. We were scattered once dinner was consumed, and I found myself alone outside just watching the sky. Really unremarkable, actually. Just a sad realization that if I were home right about now, my family would all still be nitpicking on fruit, pastries, and coffee while I hogged the fennel on the corner of the table. I want my fennel, dammit!
I’m not writing this to sound depressing - just stating that I’m thinking of home. There is an actual fantastic reason to be happy right now. Today, on Christmas Eve, and completely unexpectedly, I received 4 letters, from four different people. I got letters today from Karen, Amy S, Amanda, and Karen’s mother. Holy Crap, did those letters save me from this holiday. It really is true, you live and breathe in anticipation of letters. Many emotions were felt, so all I’m going to say, “Way to make me tear, guys. Thanks.” You guys saved my holiday.
Oh, and everyone congratulate Amanda on getting into Grad school. If someone could do me a favor, and lightly pat her fanny in a fatherly/un-fatherly way and let her know how proud of her I am, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Oh, and as long as we’re congratulating people, here’s a shout-out to my old roommate along with all the other Gburg-ers on finishing Finals, as well as my brother. C’mon, you guys know you did fine. You don’t need me to tell you that. It’s all good.
I‘m going to go back to John Denver and Kermit dueting. Happy holidays everyone!
Sorry it took so long to get to posting. You wouldn't believe how difficult its been...
So today was our ‘graduation’ ceremony. We finished up teaching our respective classes, and handed out certificates to those that attended. All in all, our four-day workshop was an astounding success. Everyone who I spoke to loved “The Science behind HIV,” and commented that it was one of the most interesting and informative workshops they have ever attended. I’m feeling pretty good. I was even asked to redo the entire lecture to our language trainers in Okahandja. Granted, there were several people that either couldn’t believe or accept the current hypothesis that HIV originated from Chimpanzees…but you can’t win them all, Hasselhoff.
There were six sessions given by the 13 volunteers stationed here in Tsumeb. Figure that at two people per group. They included the Science Behind HIV, The Truth of STD’s, Condom Use and Demonstration, Stigma and Discrimination, Making Good Life Choices, and Alcohol Abuse. Now that we’ve finished with the workshop, we’re all enjoying coming together and sharing our favorite questions and comments made throughout. Feel free to admonish us all you want, but some of them really were worth sharing. Disclaimer: Some of the following lines may be a bit graphic for some of our younger readers. Andy, turn the monitor around. Ok, I’ll give one example, regarding HIV: “If I have an open cut on my arm, and someone ejaculates on it, can I get infected?” Certainly an interesting way to go about it, I suppose. I also think the rather young girl asking if she could get pregnant from swallowing during oral sex gets an honorable mention. Take notice of how the statement was asked. If she could - Not, if anyone could.
Ok, I think that may be enough for now – Andy, its safe to turn the monitor back around now.
I’m just amazed that we could all keep straight faces throughout these sessions, with talking about penises and vaginas and what-not. Not one person had to say alternative names for any of these dirty words at all (No banjingos or she-shwas here, folks.) But keep in mind this also is coming from the group of individuals that began convulsing into hysterics when Obie said he, “had to tap” the watermelon to see if it was ripe. Oh, and tap that, he did. This isn’t mentioning how funny “biltong” can be pronounced. Nothing dirty – just makes you laugh. And in the pants-wetting-laugh-kinda-way.
Most of us are in our mid-twenties. Obie is in his early thirties. I love this place.
At time of writing, there are only 5 days until Christmas. What the hell? It’s somewhat difficult to imagine the Christmas season, when you’re sitting under a mosquito net with Victoria Falls flowing down your back. It must be like an obnoxious weekend in Florida – everyone displaying beautiful second degree sunburns, while listening to Christmas Carols and Jingles at the line at Pick-‘n-Pay. I still have no idea why they sing Frosty the Snowman. When one of the neighboring girls asked what snow was like, I felt obligated as a global volunteer to help her better understand what American experiences are like. Accordingly, I went inside and scrapped frost off the kudu head in the freezer, condensed it into a ball, and threw it at her.
I don’t think she has a strong appreciation of American Culture…Yet. Maybe I should acquire one of those huge inflatable lawn ornaments?
*As a side note for those of you that don’t know, Mangos and their skin contain a substance which resembles the active ingredient in poison ivy. Many people that have a heightened sensitivity to poison ivy can develop similar symptoms upon consumption of said fruit. We actually have a volunteer here that cannot be in the same room without someone that’s recently eaten one – hives, rashes, she breaks into it all. All of that being said, the skin around my eyes is getting puffy, itchy, and irritated. I think that’s what I get for eating up to 8 mangos a day…before lunch. I think it’s time that I take it easy.
(Oh, and Andy – you can drink the tap water. As for the conditions of septic tanks and latrines and the like – well, let me put it this way: I’ve had to get vaccines for typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. You make the call.)
-------------------------
If you haven’t figured it out by now, each one of these segmented headings denotes a different day of typing, another train of thought ran aground. Unfortunately I do not have daily access to the internet as I’m sure you’ve all figured out by now – so once again here we are, two days until Christmas.
And I can assert I couldn’t feel any farther from the Christmas spirit. It could be the 95+ degree heat, it could be the language classes pushing into Christmas Eve, or it could be the organization already threatening to remove people from the program. Regardless, I haven’t figured it out, but it doesn’t feel right.
I’ve determined that you really don’t know what Christmas is like with your family, until that option becomes completely unavailable. I’ve celebrated this holiday with all available members of my family my entire life. Hell, in college I even brought some home to add to the mix. Namibia is different. Obviously. It feels as if there’s barely any holiday spirit (if any at all.) We volunteers have begun to sing Christmas carols to lighten our mood, but somehow it only reinforces the fact that: a) we’re alone, b) we’re away from everyone we’ve ever known and cared about, and that, c) we’re alone. Having locals ask who Rudolph is becoming somewhat disheartening.
I think I’m taking it better than some thus far – I’m not crying myself to sleep or dreaming of tinsel dreams and gummidrops. Of course, it may have to do with the fact that I’ve been listening to my recordings of John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together. Say what you want – there’s nothing like the Muppets singing Christmas carols to instantly make me feel much better, and to bring me back memories from throughout my youth. “…and don’t worry, we’re going to catch them red-handed!” – “What colors are their hands now?” – Classic. If only I had a recording now of Animal singing “Silent Night.” Perfect.
Muppets aside, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without family, food, or snow. Hell, I’d take two out of three.
I hope you all receive what you requested for the holidays. Happy Holidays Everyone!
-------------------------
September 24th, 9:00pm – Namibian Standard Time. From here on out, I write without a script. (I was so excited for that, completely by chance, I swear…kinda ironic statement, but what the hell. Perfect moment)
Christmas Eve, slowly ebbing into the dawn that is Christmas Day.
I really wish I could write here. About something - anything. Turns out Christmas Eve isn’t all that big in Namibia. We ended up eating dinner around the television, watching year old Spanish soap operas that have been dubbed into English. (Thank Heavens for small favors, I guess.) For the first real time since I arrived, Christmas has made me feel alone. We were scattered once dinner was consumed, and I found myself alone outside just watching the sky. Really unremarkable, actually. Just a sad realization that if I were home right about now, my family would all still be nitpicking on fruit, pastries, and coffee while I hogged the fennel on the corner of the table. I want my fennel, dammit!
I’m not writing this to sound depressing - just stating that I’m thinking of home. There is an actual fantastic reason to be happy right now. Today, on Christmas Eve, and completely unexpectedly, I received 4 letters, from four different people. I got letters today from Karen, Amy S, Amanda, and Karen’s mother. Holy Crap, did those letters save me from this holiday. It really is true, you live and breathe in anticipation of letters. Many emotions were felt, so all I’m going to say, “Way to make me tear, guys. Thanks.” You guys saved my holiday.
Oh, and everyone congratulate Amanda on getting into Grad school. If someone could do me a favor, and lightly pat her fanny in a fatherly/un-fatherly way and let her know how proud of her I am, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Oh, and as long as we’re congratulating people, here’s a shout-out to my old roommate along with all the other Gburg-ers on finishing Finals, as well as my brother. C’mon, you guys know you did fine. You don’t need me to tell you that. It’s all good.
I‘m going to go back to John Denver and Kermit dueting. Happy holidays everyone!
Sorry it took so long to get to posting. You wouldn't believe how difficult its been...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
!Gai //Goas!
David Sedaris has nothing on Khoekhoegowab. Sure, I imagine French may be difficult for some to master, perhaps to pronounce – but I guarantee that it pales in comparison to the constant clicking and guttural gasps that attract mating water buffalos. At least one has the benefit of attempting to deduce the meanings of words in a romantic language. Regardless of where in Europe you are, I’m pretty confident you won’t be surprised when you order a bottle of l’agua – excluding if it’s sold at nine Euro a bottle. Clicking however, is a world of its own.
With four different clicks, each click can completely change the meaning of a word. For example: “!a” – to hang, “‡a” – to skin (as in a goat,) “//a” – to wash, and “/a” – to squeeze. I’ve begun to memorize nouns in hopes of expanding my vocabulary, but unfortunately I’m memorizing the most useless words found in the language. Similar to that of Sedaris, the locals stare at me as I rattle off the most useless garbage I can muster in my attempts to impress them.
“Micky Rooney is sailing the Space shuttle? Where?”
“Who is this Ozzy Osbourne, and why does he carry olives in his pocket?”
I’ll admit, my situation is enjoyable. I’m currently residing in the town of Tsumeb, in the north of Namibia. Its one of the green places in the whole country, combining both the offering of torrential downpours at a moments notice, with the thrill and excitement of still being able to be run over by a donkey cart. We’re currently undergoing several hours of class a day, half devoted to learning obscure vocabulary and grammar, and half devoted to learning what exactly I’ll be doing. (*Note: I still haven’t a damn clue.) We’re all having fun though, from playing with the neighborhood kids, to asking our native language teachers obscure questions with equally daunting vocabulary, most of which doesn’t make sense.
“Teacher, how would I say that I’ve been studying alchemy for the past fore-night, in the hopes of transfiguring an 8-cylinder carbine light socket into a cornucopia of miniscule ideals?”
Those are my favorite, right up there with Paddy learning how to say, “That’s what she said,” in Afrikaans.
But I truly am having a great time. Sure the classes are boring and mostly uneventful – but it’s somewhere along the walk home I realize I’m walking with an African sunset on my back, while eating a mango I plucked from a tree I just passed. It’s kind of easy to zone out and ignore the severity of reality around you, but I’m taking it one day at a time – one mangled lesson at a time. Life is good.
!gai !goise, everyone.
Later Edit* I just finished taking my first oral test. I thought I had done very well, until it was later pointed out to me that when the instructor asked what color her thermos was, I kindly thanked her and commented that I already had coffee earlier that morning. Swing and a miss.
-----------------------------------------
For the past several nights, I’ve been agonizing over what exactly to write about. Nothing has really happened in the past several weeks apart from language classes and workshops. It bothers me immensely that I’ve been promising you all stories worth taking the time to read. Let’s be honest, that’s likely why you’re here now - in grip anticipation of rhino charges, African anecdotes, or at the very least side conversations worth record. Alas, I’m unfortunately stuck in a state of limbo. As usual, language classes are proceeding as expected with lectures taking up the remainder of my shaking sanity. At the very least I can say that I’ve begun teaching workshops.
Today I begun teaching a workshop for the community entitled “The Science behind HIV and AIDS.” The Peace Corps set us up to teach workshops to the community of Tsumeb on the topic of our choice, in order to evaluate and prepare us for further teaching. I chose to mirror my bioinformatics thesis: explaining where HIV came from, it’s mechanism for infection, et cetera. Thanks Dr. James – here’s my education at work. I’m hopeful so far, as this appears to be information that the community hasn’t ever heard. Hearing that HIV was most likely crossed over from chimpanzees – I can see a look from around the room…I think I may have encountered one of those legendary moments I’ve heard about teaching, where everyone seems to be giving you their absolute attention, mesmerized by every thought they construct, and impatiently waiting on the next word falling from your tongue. We’ll see how the next couple of days go since I’ll be giving lectures and workshops until Thursday.
But ah dear reader! Your presence has reminded me of something of the upmost importance. Since you are here, I am in need of some form of opinion. Just because I’m over nine thousand miles away (~ a shitload of kilometers,) that doesn’t mean I can’t ask for helpful insight. Just a disclaimer, it’s about ethics and morality (as these are a few of my favorite things.) Here’s the deal – I’m having problems discerning whether or not the end justifies the means. Since such a situation is taken on a case-by-case basis, I’ll give you the one I had in mind. You see, sexism is incredibly strong and quite powerful here in Namibia. Previous attempts to start women empowerment workshops has usually met with failure. This comes from the male half of the population being ill-equipped and unprepared for societal change. Trust me when I say you don’t want to see the results of a woman marching into her home and telling her expecting (and usually impaired) husband that she refuses to cook. The Department of Youth and the Department of Education of Namibia have therefore decided to wisely invest some money and time into male-geared workshops, in hopes of creating more accepting and tolerant men. So finally I come to the point: the men of Namibia (generally speaking,) will not attend such a workshop, unless they feel that they get something out of it.
Never mind the prospect of a fitter, happier, and more productive relationship – they need something of substance on which to feast. Now I’ve been in conversation with my peers over the matter for the past couple weeks, debating whether or not the utilization of this inherent sexism to achieve a desired end is ethically right, let alone possible. Basically, we would appeal to men by appealing to their masculinity. Seems to be simple enough, but I’m wondering whether or not tapping into this well is necessarily a good idea. It would start with asking men who has the harder job, men or women. (To my female readers, you know how I feel – so no bashing me. Feel free to bash others.)
Here in Namibia, men would of course, say that they are the ones in the more stressful situations, what with work and all. Obviously women have it easier with the whole mothering, parenting, cleaning and cooking thing – but I digress. Since we have addressed that men obviously have the harder living conditions, it is only obvious that men make hard decisions- this is therefore must make us men. But perhaps we can lead the ducks to water…what is easier: drinking away your problems, or working through them? Hitting your spouse, or taking the time to sit and discuss problems? The point would be made, that since drinking and violence are the easy answers out, these must obviously be the choices that men do not take. Men do not take the easy way out – a real man always chooses the harder of the two paths. This is what makes him a man.
We’re constantly approaching this from different angles in hopes of finding a more successful way of going about this, but I’m more currently wondering whether or not in this case that the ends justify the means. Sure, we’re reaffirming the inherent problem associated with sexuality and sexual disparity, but at least we’re contributing to a more cohesive society. I’ve been jumping all around the issue, playing Devil’s Advocate when possible (I wish Cory were here to laugh with me.) But now comes time to ask for you, Reader, to give your opinion! What do you think? Ethical, or not? I’m hoping for some sort of discussion to result, so have at it.
In the meantime, I’m going to figure out how to say that, “No, I’m sorry – but boiled, decapitated goat heads give me gas.” Ah, the beauty in learning a foreign language.
With four different clicks, each click can completely change the meaning of a word. For example: “!a” – to hang, “‡a” – to skin (as in a goat,) “//a” – to wash, and “/a” – to squeeze. I’ve begun to memorize nouns in hopes of expanding my vocabulary, but unfortunately I’m memorizing the most useless words found in the language. Similar to that of Sedaris, the locals stare at me as I rattle off the most useless garbage I can muster in my attempts to impress them.
“Micky Rooney is sailing the Space shuttle? Where?”
“Who is this Ozzy Osbourne, and why does he carry olives in his pocket?”
I’ll admit, my situation is enjoyable. I’m currently residing in the town of Tsumeb, in the north of Namibia. Its one of the green places in the whole country, combining both the offering of torrential downpours at a moments notice, with the thrill and excitement of still being able to be run over by a donkey cart. We’re currently undergoing several hours of class a day, half devoted to learning obscure vocabulary and grammar, and half devoted to learning what exactly I’ll be doing. (*Note: I still haven’t a damn clue.) We’re all having fun though, from playing with the neighborhood kids, to asking our native language teachers obscure questions with equally daunting vocabulary, most of which doesn’t make sense.
“Teacher, how would I say that I’ve been studying alchemy for the past fore-night, in the hopes of transfiguring an 8-cylinder carbine light socket into a cornucopia of miniscule ideals?”
Those are my favorite, right up there with Paddy learning how to say, “That’s what she said,” in Afrikaans.
But I truly am having a great time. Sure the classes are boring and mostly uneventful – but it’s somewhere along the walk home I realize I’m walking with an African sunset on my back, while eating a mango I plucked from a tree I just passed. It’s kind of easy to zone out and ignore the severity of reality around you, but I’m taking it one day at a time – one mangled lesson at a time. Life is good.
!gai !goise, everyone.
Later Edit* I just finished taking my first oral test. I thought I had done very well, until it was later pointed out to me that when the instructor asked what color her thermos was, I kindly thanked her and commented that I already had coffee earlier that morning. Swing and a miss.
-----------------------------------------
For the past several nights, I’ve been agonizing over what exactly to write about. Nothing has really happened in the past several weeks apart from language classes and workshops. It bothers me immensely that I’ve been promising you all stories worth taking the time to read. Let’s be honest, that’s likely why you’re here now - in grip anticipation of rhino charges, African anecdotes, or at the very least side conversations worth record. Alas, I’m unfortunately stuck in a state of limbo. As usual, language classes are proceeding as expected with lectures taking up the remainder of my shaking sanity. At the very least I can say that I’ve begun teaching workshops.
Today I begun teaching a workshop for the community entitled “The Science behind HIV and AIDS.” The Peace Corps set us up to teach workshops to the community of Tsumeb on the topic of our choice, in order to evaluate and prepare us for further teaching. I chose to mirror my bioinformatics thesis: explaining where HIV came from, it’s mechanism for infection, et cetera. Thanks Dr. James – here’s my education at work. I’m hopeful so far, as this appears to be information that the community hasn’t ever heard. Hearing that HIV was most likely crossed over from chimpanzees – I can see a look from around the room…I think I may have encountered one of those legendary moments I’ve heard about teaching, where everyone seems to be giving you their absolute attention, mesmerized by every thought they construct, and impatiently waiting on the next word falling from your tongue. We’ll see how the next couple of days go since I’ll be giving lectures and workshops until Thursday.
But ah dear reader! Your presence has reminded me of something of the upmost importance. Since you are here, I am in need of some form of opinion. Just because I’m over nine thousand miles away (~ a shitload of kilometers,) that doesn’t mean I can’t ask for helpful insight. Just a disclaimer, it’s about ethics and morality (as these are a few of my favorite things.) Here’s the deal – I’m having problems discerning whether or not the end justifies the means. Since such a situation is taken on a case-by-case basis, I’ll give you the one I had in mind. You see, sexism is incredibly strong and quite powerful here in Namibia. Previous attempts to start women empowerment workshops has usually met with failure. This comes from the male half of the population being ill-equipped and unprepared for societal change. Trust me when I say you don’t want to see the results of a woman marching into her home and telling her expecting (and usually impaired) husband that she refuses to cook. The Department of Youth and the Department of Education of Namibia have therefore decided to wisely invest some money and time into male-geared workshops, in hopes of creating more accepting and tolerant men. So finally I come to the point: the men of Namibia (generally speaking,) will not attend such a workshop, unless they feel that they get something out of it.
Never mind the prospect of a fitter, happier, and more productive relationship – they need something of substance on which to feast. Now I’ve been in conversation with my peers over the matter for the past couple weeks, debating whether or not the utilization of this inherent sexism to achieve a desired end is ethically right, let alone possible. Basically, we would appeal to men by appealing to their masculinity. Seems to be simple enough, but I’m wondering whether or not tapping into this well is necessarily a good idea. It would start with asking men who has the harder job, men or women. (To my female readers, you know how I feel – so no bashing me. Feel free to bash others.)
Here in Namibia, men would of course, say that they are the ones in the more stressful situations, what with work and all. Obviously women have it easier with the whole mothering, parenting, cleaning and cooking thing – but I digress. Since we have addressed that men obviously have the harder living conditions, it is only obvious that men make hard decisions- this is therefore must make us men. But perhaps we can lead the ducks to water…what is easier: drinking away your problems, or working through them? Hitting your spouse, or taking the time to sit and discuss problems? The point would be made, that since drinking and violence are the easy answers out, these must obviously be the choices that men do not take. Men do not take the easy way out – a real man always chooses the harder of the two paths. This is what makes him a man.
We’re constantly approaching this from different angles in hopes of finding a more successful way of going about this, but I’m more currently wondering whether or not in this case that the ends justify the means. Sure, we’re reaffirming the inherent problem associated with sexuality and sexual disparity, but at least we’re contributing to a more cohesive society. I’ve been jumping all around the issue, playing Devil’s Advocate when possible (I wish Cory were here to laugh with me.) But now comes time to ask for you, Reader, to give your opinion! What do you think? Ethical, or not? I’m hoping for some sort of discussion to result, so have at it.
In the meantime, I’m going to figure out how to say that, “No, I’m sorry – but boiled, decapitated goat heads give me gas.” Ah, the beauty in learning a foreign language.
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