Housekeeping

the entry/living room

my bedroom (above); the courtyard (below)

I should really title this "Independence Day" because that is what the ability to do my own housekeeping really is, a new found sense of independence.  Who would think so much satisfaction could come from mopping my floors with a giant squeegee? I never mopped before I moved here, and now I do it twice a week, and in between I sweep (with a 'broom' of twigs tied together - it works remarkably well!).  Though, in fairness to my former self, in America we lack the red dirt that stains your floors, your feet and brings many little critters who I'm sure carry fantastically dramatic disease (I'd rather not know which).  So, all this floor cleaning is necessary as much as it is theraputic. 

I am also doing all my own cooking.  So far I have learned: spoiled onions will make you sick, beans take FOREVER to cook (like 5 hours), garlic and salt are the secret to all tastiness, and electricity is really the best invention - until it cuts out for a whole day. Yes, cooking has been a little more touch and go.  I still subsist greatly on local peanut butter and rolls that strongly resemble hot dog buns (except these are not pre-cut) and tea. This is breakfast, and afterschool snack, and everything else if the power cuts (same if the water is off, which happened for a whole week - that was an issue).  So, you see, even with my modern kitchen, the gamble of Africa continues... (and don't even get me started on the cell phone network).  For example, exams are starting enxt week which means this week should be our review.  Except, I figured this all out yesterday and so have only begun to think of how I'm going to write the exams, much less prepare the students for them! But the students are used to this, so they're not really concerned that I dont know when their exam will be or what format I'm expected to give it in (practice or theory for computers - I'm going with practice since the computers are so unpredictable). 

The good news that comes with the advent of exams is that vacation is nearing! In a few weeks my parents and Teddy will be visiting me here, seeing the school, the sisters and the students. We will also go on a gorilla trek with Claire and her mother, finally seeing the famous Gorillas of the Mist.  I cant wait to see them - my family, though the gorillas too - (and to stay pkaces with hot showers)! My students are practically beside themselves with the approaching arrival of so many muzungus.  They ask every day about my family and if they are still coming...  

So if I don't get another chance, I may not be writing until after all that! I promise great stories and hopefully more picture too! Until then...