BUT! I have at least a workable excuse. Yes, I have had time to be updating here for which I am sorry I haven't. These past few weeks- change that, months have been pretty busy.
I may have mentioned to some of you about a possible site change to to Mariental in Southern Namibia, it is now a confirmed change. I will be moving sometime after the school year ends, not sure if that's immediately (I hope so) or before it starts up again.
Part of the reason I haven't updated recently is that has been taking a LOT of my time and effort.
I'll skip the venting of how I (and nearly everyone involved) wanted the site change to be sooner but didn't get it (a lot of work was put into trying to make this happen). Instead I'll just briefly mention that this new site comes with a lot of added responsibilities, ongoing and newly developed.
I'll talk about those later but some topics among them are discussing the status of the ICT program here (it's been put on hold, future status unknown and not looking good), trying to possibly start a new committee, training myself for the new site, still maintaining my work at my current site, etc.
But my last 2 months or so went like this (each item roughly a week or so): prep exams, end of term exams, marking (a.k.a. grading) exams, Mariental, Luderitz, Mariental, Windhoek, first week of term 3, mid-service medical (I'm healthy), 3rd week of school...and that brings us to the present, the 4th week of school. Also Group 30 is finishing up their service here so I've been trying to see some of them before they set off.
Speaking of end of service, I might actually be trying to extend mine. Lots of planning has been going into that too among other things.
So yeah, super busy, I'll try get a good long entry or two in this week but thigns don't look like they'll settle down until after my half-marathon next weekend (or full).......that I haven't trained for. Yeah, wish me luck!
Chris Janes, signing off.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
अन अपडेट! नोट मच गोइंग ओं...
Alright, finally back into the swing of things. Been having some technical difficulties - seriously. My external died a while ago but I was able to work around that and then some issues with my computer but I think I have what I can fixed. The external hard drive was the fault of some wiring/weather/I'm not sure but hopefully I can claim it for insurance. My technology skills have been somewhat kept up while here - something I wasn't intending for though definitely a nice surprise. I'm even trying to refresh myself on website design and a few other things while learning some new stuff.
So Term 2 is a large part done...ish. Still 2 months to go, okay, that sounds rough when put like that. Alright, enough of the poor attitude. But on a more serious note I am a little tired of teaching. While at times I do enjoy it, I feel on the whole it is not the path meant for me - at least secondary school. I knew I didn't want to ever teach middle school yet here I am. Actually not as bad as I thought though I think the kids here are somewhat terrified of me which helps with behavior control a little, though not much since I told them I would not beat them. I have a feeling they don't fully believe that to which I'm a little grateful because discipline is never really been my strong suit, whether self imposed or imposing on others or even others imposing on myself. Just not my thing.
That being said yes, I do plan on finishing my two years here. It's still an amazing experience and I do love the handful of kids that actually work in class. Fits with my 90-10 rule: I used to think that 10% of humanity made up for the other 90% or something along those lines. Kind of a gloomy outlook on the world for sure (and arrogant, pessimistic, etc.). Though I do find it discouraging that only a couple students are able to get questions correct when the answer, written with work, is left un-erased on the board. Such is teaching I guess. The thing is I do enjoy teaching and helping people understand mathematics, physics, economics, etc. but I'm not too big of a fan of all that other stuff: discipline, behavior, blah blah blah. I know, I know, what of if/when I'm a parent right? I'd like to think that these couple years of teaching has prepared me somewhat for that and I pray that my wife will be much better at that sort of thing. Also, I don't plan on having 40 kids and I don't think my wife would like to go through that sort of pain, literally. Ideally, I/we can raise our kid(s) and instill them with the characteristics we value. The good thing: we're the actual parents.
I have SO much trouble dealing with parents - or a lack there of. How do you teach a kid what you feel is right (let alone legal) when the parents are constantly undermining you every step of the way. How do you instill a drive/need for education when the parents don't care? Granted I know some did not grow up with it and I can see how education is a foreign concept where the benefits are not readily seen or even currently applicable. There lives were fine, so can't their kids be fine without it too? They can but please don't have them sit all day in my class, talking, not taking any notes, playing football or "kung fu" right outside my open classroom door - the classroom they're supposed to be in. If they're a student in my classroom it's their job to learn, don't take notes? Don't do homework? Fine with me - as long as you're acing all the exams or nearly so. When you have a 2/30 for your homework grade and a 0/50 for exam scores - when I ask questions like "Do you like cookies?" - that's pathetic. Yes, that was a question on my final for last term, maybe1/3 missed it.
2 big thank you's are due here. First, obviously, to teachers. If you're a parent and getting on a teachers case, cut them some slack. Unless you'd like to step up and take care of 40 kids in a classroom all day long. Me? I'm already dying by tea break. Haha, yes, we have tea break (9:40-10:10am). If I'm a parent, and a future teacher of my kid can find this: print it out and show me, I will forever shut up if I'm bothering you. Second big thank you, to those students that are actually working hard. It's like I tell the other volunteers (and this is a big reason why I don't intend to be a teacher): I've made the active decision to stop trying and drag kids along. If you don't have motivation, not my place to give it to you. Not my teaching style and I'd say just not me as a person (Myer-Briggs test fooooooo!). Sounds harsh but I'm just not that strong/good/benevolent/whatever of a person to do so. Now I don't completely wash my hands of kids, I spend as much time as they will put in towards work. I tell them every week: no matter what time they come knocking on my door, I will help them. If I'm sleeping, I'll get dressed and sit at the table until they want to stop (yes, I have done this - now I make sure to answer the door with a shirt on). If they care, I care a lot. If they don't then my energy is better spent elsewhere.
Thank God I didn't have all teachers like me as a child, I would've gotten nowhere haha. In my defense though I have received positive feedback from students both here and in the states. I don't think I entirely suck as a teacher I just have pretty poor patience (though actually good in comparison to some judging by the stories I hear) and don't want to deal with the headache that is puberty for the rest of my life. I've found that kids either love my class or hate it, there are few that lay in the middle. Generally the students that care somewhat about school love it, and those that couldn't care less hate it - I'm okay with that.
I'd say my first speculation at teaching at the University level seems pretty accurate. We'll see what happens with that. And speaking of University, funny how time creeps up on you. Kind of disgusting to think about that I will need to start studying again in the near future for the GREs and any other exams I wish to take for Grad School/Job Applications. I've heard some stories and it seems like the testing process is infinitely more fun here in Africa! Hopefully I'll be able to teach myself some of the things I've wanted to learn in the mean time before then. I've made little progress with the guitar, kind of sad but I've hit some snags every now and then in that area. The back-handspring is coming along though! My ankles/feet are near perfect (they start to act up during exercise) so I'm hoping to have it down in the next month or so. After that: back flip. Or maybe the proper way to do a front hand spring. Perhaps some sweet dance moves? Or better yet, [rock] climbing moves. I still want that IronMan before my 30th birthday. Haven't been on my bike in forever here and haven't ran due to my feet (and laziness). It's been way too cold to swim.
Speaking of cold, I've actually caught one. I was spending way too much time in the library during early mornings. It is COLD here in the morning. The desert does not retain heat at all. The sun goes down, whoosh! Temperature just drops. Now I'm actually happy I brought my insanely warm sleeping bag - I've been using it in bed. Made me a little homesick for my old room - well, room setup/clothes/etc. Was nice to be able to throw on some long underwear, have my nice warm comforter. Wow, thinking of a house with climate control seems so...strange. I'm going to be a total idiot when I get back. Any volunteers on teaching me how to use a thermostat again? Or better yet, who wants to be my roommate?! I'll always wingman you when needed and you can use the Peace Corps line as many times as you want when we go out.....
Can't think of too much else. It's been a pretty dull 2 months or so. Well, dull as far as Peace Corps goes; I was sitting on a mattress when a drunk guy peed himself in a ride I got...that was gross - but so was college. Hopefully I'll have much better stuff to talk about next time!
So Term 2 is a large part done...ish. Still 2 months to go, okay, that sounds rough when put like that. Alright, enough of the poor attitude. But on a more serious note I am a little tired of teaching. While at times I do enjoy it, I feel on the whole it is not the path meant for me - at least secondary school. I knew I didn't want to ever teach middle school yet here I am. Actually not as bad as I thought though I think the kids here are somewhat terrified of me which helps with behavior control a little, though not much since I told them I would not beat them. I have a feeling they don't fully believe that to which I'm a little grateful because discipline is never really been my strong suit, whether self imposed or imposing on others or even others imposing on myself. Just not my thing.
That being said yes, I do plan on finishing my two years here. It's still an amazing experience and I do love the handful of kids that actually work in class. Fits with my 90-10 rule: I used to think that 10% of humanity made up for the other 90% or something along those lines. Kind of a gloomy outlook on the world for sure (and arrogant, pessimistic, etc.). Though I do find it discouraging that only a couple students are able to get questions correct when the answer, written with work, is left un-erased on the board. Such is teaching I guess. The thing is I do enjoy teaching and helping people understand mathematics, physics, economics, etc. but I'm not too big of a fan of all that other stuff: discipline, behavior, blah blah blah. I know, I know, what of if/when I'm a parent right? I'd like to think that these couple years of teaching has prepared me somewhat for that and I pray that my wife will be much better at that sort of thing. Also, I don't plan on having 40 kids and I don't think my wife would like to go through that sort of pain, literally. Ideally, I/we can raise our kid(s) and instill them with the characteristics we value. The good thing: we're the actual parents.
I have SO much trouble dealing with parents - or a lack there of. How do you teach a kid what you feel is right (let alone legal) when the parents are constantly undermining you every step of the way. How do you instill a drive/need for education when the parents don't care? Granted I know some did not grow up with it and I can see how education is a foreign concept where the benefits are not readily seen or even currently applicable. There lives were fine, so can't their kids be fine without it too? They can but please don't have them sit all day in my class, talking, not taking any notes, playing football or "kung fu" right outside my open classroom door - the classroom they're supposed to be in. If they're a student in my classroom it's their job to learn, don't take notes? Don't do homework? Fine with me - as long as you're acing all the exams or nearly so. When you have a 2/30 for your homework grade and a 0/50 for exam scores - when I ask questions like "Do you like cookies?" - that's pathetic. Yes, that was a question on my final for last term, maybe1/3 missed it.
2 big thank you's are due here. First, obviously, to teachers. If you're a parent and getting on a teachers case, cut them some slack. Unless you'd like to step up and take care of 40 kids in a classroom all day long. Me? I'm already dying by tea break. Haha, yes, we have tea break (9:40-10:10am). If I'm a parent, and a future teacher of my kid can find this: print it out and show me, I will forever shut up if I'm bothering you. Second big thank you, to those students that are actually working hard. It's like I tell the other volunteers (and this is a big reason why I don't intend to be a teacher): I've made the active decision to stop trying and drag kids along. If you don't have motivation, not my place to give it to you. Not my teaching style and I'd say just not me as a person (Myer-Briggs test fooooooo!). Sounds harsh but I'm just not that strong/good/benevolent/whatever of a person to do so. Now I don't completely wash my hands of kids, I spend as much time as they will put in towards work. I tell them every week: no matter what time they come knocking on my door, I will help them. If I'm sleeping, I'll get dressed and sit at the table until they want to stop (yes, I have done this - now I make sure to answer the door with a shirt on). If they care, I care a lot. If they don't then my energy is better spent elsewhere.
Thank God I didn't have all teachers like me as a child, I would've gotten nowhere haha. In my defense though I have received positive feedback from students both here and in the states. I don't think I entirely suck as a teacher I just have pretty poor patience (though actually good in comparison to some judging by the stories I hear) and don't want to deal with the headache that is puberty for the rest of my life. I've found that kids either love my class or hate it, there are few that lay in the middle. Generally the students that care somewhat about school love it, and those that couldn't care less hate it - I'm okay with that.
I'd say my first speculation at teaching at the University level seems pretty accurate. We'll see what happens with that. And speaking of University, funny how time creeps up on you. Kind of disgusting to think about that I will need to start studying again in the near future for the GREs and any other exams I wish to take for Grad School/Job Applications. I've heard some stories and it seems like the testing process is infinitely more fun here in Africa! Hopefully I'll be able to teach myself some of the things I've wanted to learn in the mean time before then. I've made little progress with the guitar, kind of sad but I've hit some snags every now and then in that area. The back-handspring is coming along though! My ankles/feet are near perfect (they start to act up during exercise) so I'm hoping to have it down in the next month or so. After that: back flip. Or maybe the proper way to do a front hand spring. Perhaps some sweet dance moves? Or better yet, [rock] climbing moves. I still want that IronMan before my 30th birthday. Haven't been on my bike in forever here and haven't ran due to my feet (and laziness). It's been way too cold to swim.
Speaking of cold, I've actually caught one. I was spending way too much time in the library during early mornings. It is COLD here in the morning. The desert does not retain heat at all. The sun goes down, whoosh! Temperature just drops. Now I'm actually happy I brought my insanely warm sleeping bag - I've been using it in bed. Made me a little homesick for my old room - well, room setup/clothes/etc. Was nice to be able to throw on some long underwear, have my nice warm comforter. Wow, thinking of a house with climate control seems so...strange. I'm going to be a total idiot when I get back. Any volunteers on teaching me how to use a thermostat again? Or better yet, who wants to be my roommate?! I'll always wingman you when needed and you can use the Peace Corps line as many times as you want when we go out.....
Can't think of too much else. It's been a pretty dull 2 months or so. Well, dull as far as Peace Corps goes; I was sitting on a mattress when a drunk guy peed himself in a ride I got...that was gross - but so was college. Hopefully I'll have much better stuff to talk about next time!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I'm back!
First off, apologies for not updating this at all. I got back from holiday a few days ago and this is the first time I've had free time overlap with any form of communication. Well, this is the first time I sought it out since I had it freely available to me. Hmmm, where to start: vacation or end of term. I think I'll keep it chronological so let's start with the end of the school term.
Well, the end of the term jumped up on me fast. I was ready to do some review and coast into the last few days and give out some exams. Nope, didn't realize that we take the last two week sor so of the term and ALL the kids do is exams. Sort of like finals week. So I had to tie off the topics I was teaching and get those exams and reviews done real quick. Even better, lost two classes and gained another thanks to those teachers I mentioned previously. Was a little weird making an exam for a class I maybe taught for three days. Now I just have grades 6-8 for Mathematics (7+7+5 = 19) and grades 8-10 for BIS (3 mor periods for a total of 22). Slept very little trying to make the exams, give reviews and dabble in my other projects which I'll mention in a bit. I'm not sure who was more nervous and crunching during the exams, the kids or me. Well, nervous was probably me and crunching was DEFINITELY me. I'm pretty sure movie marathons are about just as useful for studying here as they are back in the States. Let's just say their scores horrifically reflected those movie-marathons in intellectual content.
After giving the first two exams early on in the exam weeks, I went to Group 33's Pre Service Training (PST) in Okahandja, the same place as my PST, to distribute the resource material I've been accruing. That was another huge factor to my insanely busy schedule. I was trying to put all the finishing touches I could on it and the fact that my external enclosure got wiped out didn't help the matter. If you're wondering what that means, it's translated: I thought my external hard drive crashed which contained the only copies of much of my work from the past 5-6 years...leading me to think I lost it all but it turned out only some wires got fried. So I borrowed some wires, bought a new external drive and copied everything over. I plan on ordering a new enclosure so things will be doubly backed up now....maybe even triple. That was a scary time.
Anyway, I digress. 33's PST was fun and I definitely enjoyed meeting all the new Nam PCVs. Also stopped by my host family and those of a couple others to say hello. Was good to see everyone again and definitely brought back some memories. Strange to think that was 6-8 months ago! Whoa, long time. Gave out what I had done as far as resources went and hung out for a day with the newbies. After my two days there I headed back to my school. Finished grading all the exams I stil had lying on my desk while trying to finish up grades and preparing the last few exams.
On top of that I was trying to do what I could to prepare for a workshop I was planning on attending that is put on by Peace Corps Namibia: Project Design Management and Male Engagement (2 workshops actually, PDM & ME for short). I wasn't originally planning on attending but since I've started to help out with the SanCACOS Music project here I thought it would be really useful if Jack and I (Jack being the head of it) attended. And it definitely was incredibly helpful. We got a lot of ideas and have been able to point ourselves in a solid direction for what we need to accomplish and how to do it as well. This was also given during the last week of the term so I had to squish in all my other work the week beforehand which was a little rough.
After the workshops, I came back to Tsumeb (my shopping town) since I left a lot of my vacation stuff here. I hung out for a bit then was off on vacation! Destination: Livingstone! On the way I was able to take a slight detour and see part of the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana. Even got the chance to take a short mokoro trip and see some interesting places. Met these really cool guys from England that were doing a pretty solid tour through Southern Africa and hung out with them for a bit.
Then my arrival in Livingstone. Insane. I crossed over into Zambia from Kasane, a town in Botswana. You actually have to take a ferry across the Chobe river which is where all the fun began. Getting onto the ferry I was picked out as a mark for a hustler, he later gave up on me when he figured out what a poor pick I was. About half way through the ride I see a bunch of guys in mokoros paddling up to the side of the ferry. I was thinking they were going to try and hitch a ride or something and was about to help them out. Then I noticd the frenzy of movement on the ferry as people scurried around every which way to unload alcohol and comforters to the oncoming mokoros. I thought it a little strange that there were stacks and stacks of crates of booze but figured hey, who am I to judge? Livingstone is a big tourist town, probably gets pretty crazy and alcohol tends to usually be involved in those scenarios. Man, it was so insane though. And I believe this happens on every ferry ride. Who knows how much illegal booze is been imported down river into Zambia....oh and comforters (though I suspect they played their own critical role in this exchange). I even some some dude pop out of a hatch on the deck, grab some booze and shut it again. I was just blown away, seemed like some cartoon or movie. As soon as the ferry landed all these people just took off running with the leftovers that didn't make it onto the mokoros, incredibly entertaining to say the least.
Upon arrival, we headed over to the customs people for our visas. I had some issues since mine was soaked during a torrential downpour. Got a little nervous when the guy kept asking where my entrance visa was (as I repeatedly pointed to it) and then kept asking me how I got into the country. Then after officially passing through the gate and meeting up with taxis you get swarmed by people trying to rip you off on taxi fares: 320,000 Kwatcha to Livingstone (don't freak out too much the normal fare is 50,000 Kw). "Get in! Get in!" "This way!" "I'll take you now now!" "Here give me your thigns!" Oh, the first of all the crazy heckling in Zambia, I'm usually nice until they start getting grabby, that's when I start shoving back if you will.
Finally haggled a polite taxi guy down to 40,000 Kw (there was 4 of us so we filled it instantly.....a great resource to have for haggling). Arrived at the Backpackers place where everyone was staying, except me. I dropped off my stuff and rested a moment before setting out to find the other place where I ended up staying for half the time. I love my group but there's only so many people you cna live/tolerate for an extended period of time and I didn't want to deal with that issue. I'd rather just enjoy the people's company when it was there. Plus I really liked being on my own because it forced me to be a little outgoing, introduce myself and talk to people. A lot more intimidating thing than when doing so with a gorup of friends. I met so many people too! I think I'll start traveling on my own or just maybe with one other person a lot more now. It's been really enlightening here in regards to travel, meeting people, etc. the three days I spent there I met up with a few people at certain times for the park visits and stuff but mostly just explored on my own or with another person I met up with. I think one day I visited the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, another day I monkied around the rock climbing wall that the place had. Also got dropped from the top (thanks Steph....) which my feet/ankles are still a little tweaked from.
Pretty much did the same when I moved to the place where everyone was staying. Visited the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, we got a big group to go bungi jumping and all followed it up with a Sunset cruise which had an open bar (...uh oh....haha). Was so cool! I didnt go bungee jumping....instead I went for the Big Air EXPERIENCE!!!! It included Bungee jumping, a zip line and a gorge swing! The zip line was first and a nice little relaxing treat. Next was the bungee jumping which a group of almost 10 of us did....myself in a speedo. Though they kind of killed my thunder when they told me a guy did it nakeda few days prior....oh trust me, I was tempted. The gorge swing was last and totally terrified me. I think because of the way the harness and ropes were set up, just felt so unnatural from all my time climbing. When I stepped off the platform my legs were flailing like crazy. i'm sure if I went in my speedo it would've totally been fine haha.
Then shortly after all the extreme activities we head back to our accomodation to get ready for the cruise. While we were waiting...Adam (a PCV from Montana in our group...Rocky Mountain shout out!) proposed to Jeanine (also in our group....but Cali, though I'm not hating). Yep, PROPOSED! Was so awesome, all the adrenaline was pumping from the bunge jumping then we were all extremely excited when he proposed and the bus pulled up immediately after we all gave our congratulations! Definitely made for a much more enjoyable boat ride...though I'm sure for most of us it wouldn't have made much of a difference if we didn't even cast off.
That's about it for vacation actually. Back in Tsumeb and have so much work to do it's ridiculous. Computer stuff like no other since I have a solid set of time and better access to internet, still much planning needing to be done, cleaning, organizing, etc. so it'll be a packed week for sure.
Yes, I do have pictures of almost all of this which I will definitely post. First thing is first, editing them, and all the stuff I just mentioned. So that's all for now I guess. I'm hoping to finally go and get my feet/ankles looked at in a bit. They hurt but I don't think there's much big damage to them since I landed almost perfectly on my feet (though it was about a 20 feet drop...so....not a little hop, I mean that's 2d10 without any feats!). I'll get working on my stuff, both fun and work and try to do a better job at the updates this term.
Well, the end of the term jumped up on me fast. I was ready to do some review and coast into the last few days and give out some exams. Nope, didn't realize that we take the last two week sor so of the term and ALL the kids do is exams. Sort of like finals week. So I had to tie off the topics I was teaching and get those exams and reviews done real quick. Even better, lost two classes and gained another thanks to those teachers I mentioned previously. Was a little weird making an exam for a class I maybe taught for three days. Now I just have grades 6-8 for Mathematics (7+7+5 = 19) and grades 8-10 for BIS (3 mor periods for a total of 22). Slept very little trying to make the exams, give reviews and dabble in my other projects which I'll mention in a bit. I'm not sure who was more nervous and crunching during the exams, the kids or me. Well, nervous was probably me and crunching was DEFINITELY me. I'm pretty sure movie marathons are about just as useful for studying here as they are back in the States. Let's just say their scores horrifically reflected those movie-marathons in intellectual content.
After giving the first two exams early on in the exam weeks, I went to Group 33's Pre Service Training (PST) in Okahandja, the same place as my PST, to distribute the resource material I've been accruing. That was another huge factor to my insanely busy schedule. I was trying to put all the finishing touches I could on it and the fact that my external enclosure got wiped out didn't help the matter. If you're wondering what that means, it's translated: I thought my external hard drive crashed which contained the only copies of much of my work from the past 5-6 years...leading me to think I lost it all but it turned out only some wires got fried. So I borrowed some wires, bought a new external drive and copied everything over. I plan on ordering a new enclosure so things will be doubly backed up now....maybe even triple. That was a scary time.
Anyway, I digress. 33's PST was fun and I definitely enjoyed meeting all the new Nam PCVs. Also stopped by my host family and those of a couple others to say hello. Was good to see everyone again and definitely brought back some memories. Strange to think that was 6-8 months ago! Whoa, long time. Gave out what I had done as far as resources went and hung out for a day with the newbies. After my two days there I headed back to my school. Finished grading all the exams I stil had lying on my desk while trying to finish up grades and preparing the last few exams.
On top of that I was trying to do what I could to prepare for a workshop I was planning on attending that is put on by Peace Corps Namibia: Project Design Management and Male Engagement (2 workshops actually, PDM & ME for short). I wasn't originally planning on attending but since I've started to help out with the SanCACOS Music project here I thought it would be really useful if Jack and I (Jack being the head of it) attended. And it definitely was incredibly helpful. We got a lot of ideas and have been able to point ourselves in a solid direction for what we need to accomplish and how to do it as well. This was also given during the last week of the term so I had to squish in all my other work the week beforehand which was a little rough.
After the workshops, I came back to Tsumeb (my shopping town) since I left a lot of my vacation stuff here. I hung out for a bit then was off on vacation! Destination: Livingstone! On the way I was able to take a slight detour and see part of the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana. Even got the chance to take a short mokoro trip and see some interesting places. Met these really cool guys from England that were doing a pretty solid tour through Southern Africa and hung out with them for a bit.
Then my arrival in Livingstone. Insane. I crossed over into Zambia from Kasane, a town in Botswana. You actually have to take a ferry across the Chobe river which is where all the fun began. Getting onto the ferry I was picked out as a mark for a hustler, he later gave up on me when he figured out what a poor pick I was. About half way through the ride I see a bunch of guys in mokoros paddling up to the side of the ferry. I was thinking they were going to try and hitch a ride or something and was about to help them out. Then I noticd the frenzy of movement on the ferry as people scurried around every which way to unload alcohol and comforters to the oncoming mokoros. I thought it a little strange that there were stacks and stacks of crates of booze but figured hey, who am I to judge? Livingstone is a big tourist town, probably gets pretty crazy and alcohol tends to usually be involved in those scenarios. Man, it was so insane though. And I believe this happens on every ferry ride. Who knows how much illegal booze is been imported down river into Zambia....oh and comforters (though I suspect they played their own critical role in this exchange). I even some some dude pop out of a hatch on the deck, grab some booze and shut it again. I was just blown away, seemed like some cartoon or movie. As soon as the ferry landed all these people just took off running with the leftovers that didn't make it onto the mokoros, incredibly entertaining to say the least.
Upon arrival, we headed over to the customs people for our visas. I had some issues since mine was soaked during a torrential downpour. Got a little nervous when the guy kept asking where my entrance visa was (as I repeatedly pointed to it) and then kept asking me how I got into the country. Then after officially passing through the gate and meeting up with taxis you get swarmed by people trying to rip you off on taxi fares: 320,000 Kwatcha to Livingstone (don't freak out too much the normal fare is 50,000 Kw). "Get in! Get in!" "This way!" "I'll take you now now!" "Here give me your thigns!" Oh, the first of all the crazy heckling in Zambia, I'm usually nice until they start getting grabby, that's when I start shoving back if you will.
Finally haggled a polite taxi guy down to 40,000 Kw (there was 4 of us so we filled it instantly.....a great resource to have for haggling). Arrived at the Backpackers place where everyone was staying, except me. I dropped off my stuff and rested a moment before setting out to find the other place where I ended up staying for half the time. I love my group but there's only so many people you cna live/tolerate for an extended period of time and I didn't want to deal with that issue. I'd rather just enjoy the people's company when it was there. Plus I really liked being on my own because it forced me to be a little outgoing, introduce myself and talk to people. A lot more intimidating thing than when doing so with a gorup of friends. I met so many people too! I think I'll start traveling on my own or just maybe with one other person a lot more now. It's been really enlightening here in regards to travel, meeting people, etc. the three days I spent there I met up with a few people at certain times for the park visits and stuff but mostly just explored on my own or with another person I met up with. I think one day I visited the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, another day I monkied around the rock climbing wall that the place had. Also got dropped from the top (thanks Steph....) which my feet/ankles are still a little tweaked from.
Pretty much did the same when I moved to the place where everyone was staying. Visited the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, we got a big group to go bungi jumping and all followed it up with a Sunset cruise which had an open bar (...uh oh....haha). Was so cool! I didnt go bungee jumping....instead I went for the Big Air EXPERIENCE!!!! It included Bungee jumping, a zip line and a gorge swing! The zip line was first and a nice little relaxing treat. Next was the bungee jumping which a group of almost 10 of us did....myself in a speedo. Though they kind of killed my thunder when they told me a guy did it nakeda few days prior....oh trust me, I was tempted. The gorge swing was last and totally terrified me. I think because of the way the harness and ropes were set up, just felt so unnatural from all my time climbing. When I stepped off the platform my legs were flailing like crazy. i'm sure if I went in my speedo it would've totally been fine haha.
Then shortly after all the extreme activities we head back to our accomodation to get ready for the cruise. While we were waiting...Adam (a PCV from Montana in our group...Rocky Mountain shout out!) proposed to Jeanine (also in our group....but Cali, though I'm not hating). Yep, PROPOSED! Was so awesome, all the adrenaline was pumping from the bunge jumping then we were all extremely excited when he proposed and the bus pulled up immediately after we all gave our congratulations! Definitely made for a much more enjoyable boat ride...though I'm sure for most of us it wouldn't have made much of a difference if we didn't even cast off.
That's about it for vacation actually. Back in Tsumeb and have so much work to do it's ridiculous. Computer stuff like no other since I have a solid set of time and better access to internet, still much planning needing to be done, cleaning, organizing, etc. so it'll be a packed week for sure.
Yes, I do have pictures of almost all of this which I will definitely post. First thing is first, editing them, and all the stuff I just mentioned. So that's all for now I guess. I'm hoping to finally go and get my feet/ankles looked at in a bit. They hurt but I don't think there's much big damage to them since I landed almost perfectly on my feet (though it was about a 20 feet drop...so....not a little hop, I mean that's 2d10 without any feats!). I'll get working on my stuff, both fun and work and try to do a better job at the updates this term.
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