I came down the most severe case of Montezuma’s Revenge I’ve ever experienced traveling overseas. Monday I was miserable but managed to hold an abbreviated class. I have five students: Two from South Africa, one from Botswana, one from Tanzania, and one from Lesotho—and all seem to be very nice and capable. I think this should be a good group to work with.
On Tuesday I felt much better. Fortunately I carry antibiotics in my overseas first aid kit so I was in much better shape and we had a very good class mostly on the roads around Johannesburg. Unfortunately, the U.S. Consulate here is a high-risk facility and cameras are absolutely banned so I may not have many pictures this week and this blog may turn into commentary blog. When I was here three years ago, crime was epidemic but it is much, much worse now. Virtually every home is a fenced fortress and the government has even stopped enforcing laws about running stop signs because if you do stop, you’ll probably get carjacked. Except for possibly Costa Rica, I think South Africa may be the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited which makes this violence so much more unfortunate. Johannesburg is built on a series of hills and has exotic plants and birds and is postcard-beautiful. The beauty is just somehow shattered when you drive by a quaint stone church surrounded by brick walls and razor wire.
I have a little time free this weekend before I fly to Ethiopia so maybe I can travel around and take some photos then.
One thing I thought was unusual at the hotel here—you place a doll on your doorknob in the morning requesting “do not disturb,” “please tidy room,” or “pick up laundry.” What makes this strange is the stereotype dolls they use and I’m sure this would create a stir in the States.
On Tuesday I felt much better. Fortunately I carry antibiotics in my overseas first aid kit so I was in much better shape and we had a very good class mostly on the roads around Johannesburg. Unfortunately, the U.S. Consulate here is a high-risk facility and cameras are absolutely banned so I may not have many pictures this week and this blog may turn into commentary blog. When I was here three years ago, crime was epidemic but it is much, much worse now. Virtually every home is a fenced fortress and the government has even stopped enforcing laws about running stop signs because if you do stop, you’ll probably get carjacked. Except for possibly Costa Rica, I think South Africa may be the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited which makes this violence so much more unfortunate. Johannesburg is built on a series of hills and has exotic plants and birds and is postcard-beautiful. The beauty is just somehow shattered when you drive by a quaint stone church surrounded by brick walls and razor wire.
I have a little time free this weekend before I fly to Ethiopia so maybe I can travel around and take some photos then.
One thing I thought was unusual at the hotel here—you place a doll on your doorknob in the morning requesting “do not disturb,” “please tidy room,” or “pick up laundry.” What makes this strange is the stereotype dolls they use and I’m sure this would create a stir in the States.
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