The Wild Game

For many people when you think of Africa, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is the vast amounts of wildlife. Lions on the prowel for fresh gazelle meat. Zebras galloping freely in the Savannas. Watering holes surrounded with elephants, rhinos, and wildebeest. Rafiki the baboon wondering around with his stick giving enlightening words of wisdom and discovery just as he does in The Lion King. With all the land and various types of climates through out the continent, Africa has a little bit of everything to offer when it comes to wildlife.

Growing up in New Mexico I lived life on desert sands surrounded by mountains and the wildlife it has to offer. Spending a good amount of time one the family farm, and having pets of my own developed me into an animal lover. I loved driving round staring out the window or riding in the back of my dad's truck just looking at birds and envying their freedom to fly. Trying to spot a deer or any other animal hiding in the forest always brought joy. I would even try to fall asleep and play with the chickens only to get upset with my mom's disapproval of the idea. Any animal (even the spiders I run away screaming from) intrigues me still to this day.

Though I am not a believer in hunting just for the sake of hanging the kill on your wall, I do believe in survival. This has been a battle I've had with myself for many years. My love for animals lead to me completely appalling the idea of any animal dying. My dad is a hunter. Every year himself along with other family members and friends would apply for hunts, typically for deer and elk. When they came home proud of their successful hunt with their kill nicely wrapped in the back of the truck I would typically be left uneasy when I was little. How can this happen to Bambi?!  Later the animal would be taken to a local butcher to be cut either for cooking or making jerky. I loved jerky! My family would then explain to me where the jerky came from. That hamburgers came from an animal, and guess what, chicken nuggets come from chickens! Eventually I became a vegetarian for quite some time. However, I have been eating meat again for the past couple years. As the Lion King taught me, there is a circle of life. I still love animals, but I also enjoy meats. A big reason I began eating meat again evolved around the fact that I tend to travel a lot, and with that I want to take in the culture of the new area I am living in; a big role typically being played with food. As I would research embarking into these new customs I realized meat was often featured in the dish. I'd also like to note, I do believe a person can take in a new culture with out having to surrender their own morals. However, for myself and the fact that I do have celiac, I didn't want to show up to these new host families and right off the bat give a list a mile long of the foods I can't eat since they have gluten, and the foods I choose not to eat due to them being meat. I must admit, the decision to not be vegetarian did lead me to some taste dishes (both stateside and abroad), and back to my love of jerky.

Here in Namibia, in the Southern West tip of Africa the wildlife is plentiful. With Namibia being one of the sunniest countries in the world it also offers an eclectic selection of climates. The west coast kisses the Atlantic's ocean rough salty touch. The Kavango and Capri region dance along the rivers and river lands. Etosha holds legends of her salt pans miles long and wind, and the famous game park. Where as the south is also known to have rumors of a snow fall from time to time flirting the idea of a white winter, though I don't expect dreams of a white Christmas ever forming thought.

Here, just as in America, along with every other country has its own selection of both farmed, hunted, and protected animals. In doing some internet research, along with talking with colleagues I was able to learn about some of the hunts that take place, both in the past traditionally and now.

A couple popularly hunted animals are Kudu, Eland, and Sprinbok which are often administered into "Bilton", a treat similar to jerky seasoned in a variety of ways.

Kudu, these animals are HUGE

Springbok, very fast!

An Eland, I have not personally seen this animal, yet

Fish is a very popular dish, especially here in the Kavango region where I am located. It is also common to find locals hunting Fuche which is an African dove. Fuche doesn't have much meat on it, but it is pretty tasty.

A fuche

Warthogs are another meaty treat that some hunt here in Namibia.

In the past Elephants were hunted, especially for their tusks and meat (being that they are so large), but that is not the case anymore. Some debate was raised over this in a group conversations with locals. Some said that if an elephant were to kill someone, that the village can then hunt the elephant and feed its meet to its people for "justice", others said only rangers can kill an elephant, and some said elephants are protected animals. The exact answer I am unsure of. 

Another animal that was debated about was crocodile. For the same reason as the elephant. Some said its okay to kill a crocodile if it kills or attacks a human and that when its killed its meat is distributed to the family of the person attacked. 

I heard giraffe can also be hunted, but I'm a bit unsure of this. They are so big I don't know how that could be done. I was also under the impression they are endangered but I'm not positive. 

The main farmed animals are Cow, Goats, and Chicken. Pork is very few and in between on the menu. However it can be regularly found on hotel restaurant menus or in touristy places like in Windhoek. I don't believe any of my host families have ever prepared bacon or pork chops with any meal. Since being in Namibia I've ate more goat then I ever imagined I would eat in a life time. Also, sometimes dog and donkey is whats on the menu. Though that came as culture shock at first and took me back for a moment, it was also a humbling moment to learn of such delectables. In some countries cattle worshiped, and definitely not a meal. However, in places such as America I for one do not think twice before diving into a burger loaded with green chile and bacon. 

Here they also believe in using the whole animal. We eat the meat, intestines, sometimes even the brains. I tend to be "full" when brains of anything is what's being served. I know, I shouldn't be so picky or ungrateful especially considering a meal for special events is a "smiley" which is the head and brain of goat. After the animal is consumed its fur is typically used to make clothing, rugs, or shoes. 

Some of the protected animals are as you could imagine: Rhinos, Porcupine, Pangolins, Cheetahs, Hippos, Zebras, and the King of it all, lions. 

*This topic was suggested in the "Talk to me" section located on the right. I'd love to know what else you'd like to know about, just leave a comment with your request. 

Storytime

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”   - Dr. Seuss

Last weeks instagram post:

"They say attitudes are contagious... If thats the case I want to infect the Learners at my school with a love for reading and books. What better way than with story time" -Me :)

Reading, in my opinions is one of the most amazing gifts a person can have. Reading expands the mind and opens up worlds beyond what we can travel. It gives hope and creativity. Reading brings a sense of a million lives lived, and a million more to be lived. Anything is possible with literacy. So when I found out helping establish a reading culture at my school was one of their hopes I was both ecstatic and a bit heart broken. When I arrived to my school I came to find we have only a small "library" tucked away in a storage room which also doubles as the office of a couple teachers. There are books, but not many at all. An attempt at alphabetizing had been made, but not enforced by any means. Almost all teachers expressed one of their desires of me is to increase to reading abilities of learners, aid in English development, and help establish an actual library. That is a loaded request, but not impossible. 

A Grade 10 teacher who uses the "library" as an office and I had the opportunity to chat a bit over a library concept and ways to get learners excited about reading. After the two of us spoke with our principal a bit we came to the conclusion that we could utilize school space a bit better by moving the library to a place where we can also have room for learners to sit and read. We also discussed building hammocks outside under the trees with the rule of the hammocks being that if you want to lay in the hammocks, you must have an open book in your hands. Just a little something to appeal the idea of opening a book to learners. 

So after learning about this desire I decided to really look into what the library has and needs. First thing I noticed was they need an organization system, and that knowing the levels of books would be beneficial as well. I figured once I have things organized I would have a better idea of the inventory. Little by little I began carrying books from the "library" to my desk to dust them off and google what the book's reading level is. During one of my trips one girl would lives close to me asked what I'm doing. I told her I was trying to help the library because I love books and were suppose to take care of the things we love. I asked her if she likes books and she nodded. So I handed her a children's story that looked to have some fun pictures. She is only a Grade 1 learner but she has amazing English! She told me she didn't know how to read all the words so I asked if she would like me to read to her. This made me super excited, so I put down the pile of books I had and sat with her to read. Children here, as in anywhere are very curious. One little girl turned into two, which turned into four, and later to about 20. Lower Primary learners leave earlier than the rest of the school so they caught me on their ways home. We read a couple short simple books and they went on their way. The following day they requested another story when they saw me in the school yard. This thrilled me to know they wanted more story time so naturally I agreed. There was down side though. As I mentioned before lower primary learners are excused from school early so a heard of us outside reading caused some distraction to other classrooms. One lower primary teacher then requested that I come to her class to read the following day to learners, a request I has happy to fulfill. 

I knew I would be with them for about 2 class periods so I decided lets make a project to go along with reading. We read a story about a tortoise whom in short lost her shell after taking it off and it being stolen by monkeys. Those tricky monkeys! Eventually the tortoise's friends help her to retrieve her shell and they had a party  dancing and playing. We read the story, then all the learners were instructed to draw their own picture of animals having a party, they could use the same animals in the book or add new animals. Being that they were Grade 1 learners I was skeptical about how much they would understand. With some aid needed from the regular class teacher story time along with the arts project after went much better than I had hoped for. The learners were so into the story, and even helped me pick up a few new words in Rukwangali! One learner even invited my tattoo to her party and drew it into her picture. It was a great experience, and I hoping for future opportunities to have more story times with learners.

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A bright and dark side to serving in the Peace Corps

Last week I was bit by a home sickness bug with the upcoming holiday season approaching quickly. I realized recently that my favorite holiday is not a holiday at all in Namibian Culture. Thanksgiving has always been special to me. As you may of read in one of my previous blogs, I'm infected with wanderlust and constantly getting drunk off of traveling from here to there. However, even through all my travels, and ups or downs in my life, I have never missed a Thanksgiving with my family. This time last year I already had my Peace Corps application submitted for 6 months, but hadn't yet known I would be spending this time in Namibia. I did have a gut feeling though that I wouldn't be home for these holidays so I tried to make the Thanksgiving a bit special and really take it in. My family celebrated the normal style all gathering at my grandma's house to celebrate, eat food galore, and draw names for christmas presents. I also very much look forward to Christmas. My mom has this passion for making Christmas Eve special. There's something about Christmas that just makes her glow, and I love that. Last week also marked an anniversary of a major turning point in my life. I was wrapped in  nostalgia. 

On Friday evening my older host brother Emmanuel, my host sister Fannie (the one I share a building with on the homestead), a visiting host cousin, my little host brother Bonze, and I were sitting outside and chatting over this and that. We got on the topic of how I miss my family, friends, gym family, and pets. We talked about some of the differences between pets in the USA and pets here. Pets do not enter the houses here! I told them about how I miss cuddling up with my pets and how much they simply, love you. I showed off pictures of my mini zoo (which they laughed at) and eventually the conversation changed and the night came to an end. 

Come Sunday afternoon I was at home watching a movie and relaxing when my younger host brother Bonze pokes his head in and says "Jamie I have a present for you."  "A present?" I asked. "Yes, you have to come outside." So I did as I told. Bonze is also a grade 5 learner (5th grade student) at my school, very enthusiastic, and many have labeled him my new "BFF" or "Body guard". When he instructed me to go outside for a present I was a bit confused over what it could be. I assumed, maybe something to do with working out since I have recently got children in my village into exercising.  Either way, I did as he said and got up to come outside. When I met him at the door he looks at me with a big smile and says "This surprise you will love the most" points to a cardboard box across our sandy yard and says "Go look in that box.", so i did.  I get to the box, open it up and guess what's inside. 

A PUPPY. 

An adorable little ball of fur, some what resembling  a German Shepard with a beautiful brown coat and black markings. I know its far from that though being that every dog here is a mutt. I was thrilled instantly picked her up hugged her and told Bonze "You're right Bonze I do love it!" He was happy that I was so happy to get her.  He told me she will be a hero dog and help blind people cross the road. He such a sweet little guy. Not once have I seen a Service Dog in Namibia or even heard mention of it so where he learned of this is beyond me but made me very happy. I told him we can try to train her to do so but I don't know how to train dogs for that, but we can also train her to be good with people to bring to school as a therapy dog and help other learners feel happy. He suggested the name "Maleficent", I think because we recently watched that movie and he loves it. However, I decided I wanted to name her something in Rukwangali. After spending some time with her I decided to name her Hafa, which means happy. I simply adore her.  I'm even more so honored that my brother did this for me, just because. 

And so brings a bright and dark side to being a part of Peace Corps. Homesickness happens, thats a reality of the situation. A new sense of "home" takes construction and new relationships are formed. Its easy to get a bit over whelmed in getting this project done, or that. Trying to get integrated into the community, but also balance alone time (which seems to be a strange concept to Namibians). Getting a feel of what our new communities are like. Understanding only pieces of staffroom conversations and wanting to be involved. Playing games after school and being lit with the sound of learners laughter. There are pros and cons to joining Peace Corps, the slogan that it is "The hardest job you'll ever love" couldn't be more fitting. I'm quickly learning though, how special relationships can be. In just the few shorts months that I've experienced in this journey I am learning much more in valuing others, and appreciating when I'm valued by others. 

Movie Monday! Fun under the Bunya Sun: CBT Slideshow

Hi everyone!! Thank you again for checking out my blog. I decided this Monday called for a little movie. Myself along with the other volunteers I had CBT with in Bunya during the month of September decided to collaborate our pictures. Here is a fun slideshow video I was able to make of our amazing time in Bunya. Just follow the link below and enjoy!!!

Follow this links to view the video of our time in Bunya for CBT

https://youtu.be/Bq_yr9SmWpA

Also please subscribe to my blog if you can! Its simple, just enter your email in the box to the right.

oh ya!! And I added a page on the right column for Question and Requests. I would love to answer anything you throw my way, and post anything you'd like to see. Have something you'd like to see in my village? Great, just leave a comments and I'll snap a photo and tell you more about it. Happy viewing :)


**PLEASE NOTE** Please read the disclaimer located in the right hand column  

Photo set #1 from Kasote

One of my little host sisters Amor. She may be trouble but she is cute as can be. I have a new buddy. She's even wearing bandannas and glasses now. It only took a couple weeks of her staring at me like "who is this strange white person" but this is the start of one fun friendship. 

Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe the skies here in Namibia 

Some evening soccer with village kiddos

Kasote Combined School where I will be volunteering for the next 2 years 

Kasote performing some cultural dances for an awards ceremony 

A sunny afternoon with some beautiful friends 

I enjoy morning walks with my host family to school 

*Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

Wacky Wednesday: A few humourious misconceptions of the USA and a bitof insight

We don't know what we don't know right? I for one had a few misconceptions of Namibia prior to arriving. For example: Discovery channel loves to emphasize on the Namib Desert. I watched several documentaries about it, so part of me expected to see sand dunes every where I turned and an occasional cheetah on my walks to school. Well, after all of PST and almost one month into actual service I have yet to see a sand dune or a cheetah. I also believed my tattoos would get me kicked out of the country and wearing shorts shorter than knee length would make me out to be trashy. Both of which were false. My tattoos have lead to some great conversations (and a couple friendships), and although I don't intend on wearing any "mini-minis" as Benna would like to call them, I don't feel the need to be so conservative.

On the opposite end, I have had to just giggle at some of the funny misconceptions Namibian locals have of America and thought I would share.

1) The joys of reality TV:  "Is it true that all American women look like Kim Kardashian?"
            As much as I wish I could have curves like that.... its not going to happen. I mean I guess plastic surgery is an option but I hate doctors so.....
        Funnier part is when another volunteer and I asked if we look like Kim Kardashian to him he responded with "..No, you look more like Martha Stewart...... you know the girl from the Twilight movies who's always sad about loving vampires." I thought it was funny! Especially considering I was totally team Edward.

2) Americans are rich:  "All Americans are rich like Tyga and Wiz Kalifa. We also all run around throwing money in the air like Lil Wayne because we have more money than what fits in the bank."
         I wish this was true as well. However it has lead to some interesting conversations about what student loans are and how independent some people can be. As annoyed as I've gotten over a thing or two, this has also lead to some of the more enlightening cultural exchanges I've had, even for myself. There is dish cable and watching music videos is popular so its easy to understand how this idea came to be.

3) The Lumanati!
        I'm learning a lot more about this concept here than I knew in the states. The more I hear about it, the more I think its silly. But, who knows....... I suppose Beyonce and Nikki Manaj would have the answers from what I hear.



I think one of my favorite aspects about living abroad is encountering assumptions about American life, and also learning about how my own mind is shaped.

For example: The concept of sharing. There is a saying here that "In Africa, we share." Up until this point I thought I was great at sharing. Back home I had a habit of just giving someone something of mine just because they said they liked it half the time. I'm pretty quick to just give this or that. I do have a habit of taking friends' hoodies, hats, or loose shirts (blame my gypsy soul) though, just ask my friends. If I had company I either tried to cater to them, or they knew me well enough to just walk straight to my fridge grab a snack and start mixing up margaritas. However, here I'm starting to realize I'm a bit more selfish than I originally thought. Sharing here goes right down to sharing any little bit you have. People are not shy to offer you their only apple. When one piece of bread is left rather than the family bicker, they happily split the slice amongst 5 other family members and each take a sip out of the same Fanta can, all while chit chatting about the day. In all honesty, its mesmerizing how willing and far sharing goes here. Even more so with out questions asked. It's like second nature how people have come about sharing. I think in some ways my tight budget living on the allowance of a volunteer has made me a bit more reluctant. The other day I was upset when my tea time snacks were eaten with in 48 hours of me buying them and not making it to a single day of tea time. So when tea time approached I was sour for a moment about not having a snack. Then, one of the workers dropped off a glass of juice on my desk and said "Here you go Tena". Almost every day at tea time she has done this with nothing but a smile. Not once asking for anything in return. That put things into perspective quickly for me. Here I am, in this beautiful country. Namibia is seriously breath taking! I'm Surrounded by people who didn't even know I existed 6 months ago and they have completely opened their homes, community, schools and themselves to me. This includes feeding me some amazing meals and even adapting to my 274824 food allergies/sensitivities. I ran into my host mom from Bunya in town this weekend and she came up to me with the biggest smile on her face saying "Its my daughter Jamie, I'm so happy to see you! are you coming for holiday?". My new host sister introduces me to people when we go out with excitement telling others "This is my sister Tena." In the short time I've spent with each of their families they have completely taken me in as one of their own. Where I once lived VERY guarded, they've shown me love, and I too have grown to really care for them. Yes, being a volunteer means I'm well, a volunteer so the budget I have at my dispense is extremely limited. However, here I am, with the amazing opportunity to see how to simply open myself to giving. Whether that's snacks, or a smile, there is so much that I can learn from the locals perspective of sharing. This is indeed a beautiful lesson to be learned.



* Please read the disclaimer located to the right