Lesotho (pronounced Le-su-tu) is a very small mountainous country surrounded by South Africa. It has one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world, its biggest export is its workers and highest import is international aid. But although its challenges, it’s a great spot that is often overlooked but the tourists and has a culture that in some places has remained untouched.
After world aids day I was ready for a break, I escaped to visit fellow Canadian Kate, another common wealth games sport volunteer located in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. We decided a trip to Malealea lodge was the way to go – a few hours away I were deep in the mountains, first time riding a horse trekking to a waterfall for a swim. We were joined by two other Canadian volunteers who worked at one of the orphanages in Lesotho.
“the Hat”
I bought “the basotho straw hat” – it’s the go to trademark of Lesotho – its on their flag, its in every Lesotho postcard, and the first major building at the border is a giant hut in the shape of “the hat”. Although publicized like its a cheap gimmick to sell to tourist (which it is) – the basotho people actually wear these hats, you can see them wearing them on main streets, in taxis, and in the classic untouched lesotho villages, most will wear their hats while riding their horses. Problem is my white person hair, my hair is not afrocentric, in that the hat will not stay on at all. But still, its cool.
Expat style
I’ve been introduced to the “Ex-pat” way. Expats or expatriates are those who live outside their native country. I suppose I am one, but not in the stereotypical sense. The classic expat is one that lives in a far off land, usually in a capital city and is surrounded only by other expats. They go to expat pubs, gather together for expat holidays, have expat parties and general interaction to locals is minimul outside of work. International workers don’t like to think they are expats because of its negative conoctatiions, but many are. We did meet up with a few of Kates Peace Corps friends in the city of Mafateng. I wouldn’t say they or Kate are true expats, but with 80 Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho, the expat lifestyle seems to have been accepted by many.
What about Zambia?
Well it has been my little secret the past couple weeks, until I finally got the details and official offer…and accepted! I have packed up, written about 50 pages worth of evaluations and reports, left my village and will not be returning. Apparently my bosses think I’m doing something right and have offered the position of Team Leader in Zambia for the year. I will be flying to Lusaka, Zambia January 6th and another adventure begins. The perks:
- Aiding 6+ international sport volunteers placed in communities around zambia
- Doing sport leader/hiv aids workshops all over zambia
- A bit of extra cash
- My own car! (for work purposes only…ofcourse work means traveling to remote villages on dirt roads..did I mention elephants are traffic here)
- Living in my own house – yet to be found – but there are plenty cool “ex pat” international workers too meet up with I’m told.
- A paid return flight for a two week vacation back in Canada (sounds like some wheel of fortune prize)
- A fresh new volunteer coming to my village in Ntabethemba to continue what I started
At the moment (check your trusted where is nico now map) I’m on my way to East London on the south africa coast, tomorrow on my way west to jeffrys bay – one of the best surfing spots in world – to meet up with dutch volunteer Thomas to begin the Christmas holidaze.
