Time flies when you're having fun! I can't believe I have 2 months to go, when it feels like I'm just starting to settle more and more. The winters are just as incredible as the summer time, the cool mornings and nights are crisp after a hot and sunny day - no reason to complain...when the sun shines every day. I love Swaziland! No rain in the winter calls for really dry days so you see many fires in the fields and rolling lush hills. I've moved into a beautiful house overlooking the valley I live in - and if I hadn't lost my phone with some pics on it, I'd love to share the views ;)
Last weekend was Bushfire..a very cool music festival with a great vibe, good tunes and lots of entertainment. A lot of artists come from South Africa or the rest of Africa and a ton of tourists so there was a real mix of people...Mango Groove and Mi Casa were the highlights..Lots of good food and tasty beverages.. I had my doubts camping out with the cold nights but it was a real treat (mostly waiting for the sun to blast at 7am) and truly an unforgettable experience..already on the calendar for next year ;)
Also went on a bit of a local tour (including the swazi museum) learning more about the history of the country and general culture of the way people live. Usually the set up of 'housing' is such that you live with almost all your relatives (until you marry) and each have a little hut, or sometimes siblings share. The staple food is of course a braai - they love their meat - and bap (maize meal). When you marry the groom is expected to pay cows - as many as are requested by the family of the bride..Would really love to see a traditional wedding, though not sure I'd dare the nudity of the attire!
As for work, Im keeping busy as ever. Was part of our strategic planning workshop with the Olympic Committee, which was a good experience - particularly speaking in front of a lot of very important people...and preparing the presidents speech. The athletes I'm working with are gearing up for the Senior African Championships in a few weeks time, and while we officially announced our Olympic team today, they still have the chance to qualify themselves at "B" level for athletics, (at the moment they've qualified through what is known as universality). So, the countdown continues...60 days to go! The mentoring of volunteers and coaches is going great, and we are still cleaning and organizing the centre...so Olympafrica will be in full force for our Olympic Day Run at the end of June...stay tuned!
Hopefully you're all enjoying the start of summer back home!
XOXO ~ Nomsa
In action @ workshop..
A crocodile..or two!
Love Milwane Park!
Yep..horseback riding in Africa!
Avocados in full bloom..
Playing tourist!
Warm-up dance
Olympafrica by night..
Bushfire 2012
Lots of markets..lots of good music..
Sandi & Senzo!
Yay! Ellen's in town!!
Mozambique Puppet Drummers
Taste of history..
Bap & Braai!
Ha!
Too cute..
Totally Swazi!
