Taking this time to just collect some experiences that I don't have pics but found them interesting. The one thing they all have in common...my American-ess coming through as much as I try to be a Global citizen. Much of the info comes from the great people here willing to answer dumb questions.
The hotel staff. For the most part all very friendly, always a smile, Noone passes you without saying "Good Morning" or "How are you?"
Been here long enough that the restaurant staff think I'm ill because I don't eat much and have now stopped charging me for the lunch buffet.🤦♀️ I mean I know I look like death warmed over but that's normal. If you see me any other shade THAT'S when there's a problem🤣
Lots of tiny villages. Along the drive to Botswana saw so many small villages. Family groups maybe. Truly living in the round thatched roof houses that you see on Nat Geo. Wearing colorful clothing, carrying their loads on perfectly balanced heads. We watched the children in school uniforms walking to school along the highway as well as workers heading to start their day. Then, on the way back there they all were heading home on that long trip home. Who knows how many miles they walk a day. There was one young boy, maybe 10, we could see running in our direction. As we got closer I could see what looked like a brand new pair of white tennies...and THE biggest smile I've ever seen. Imaging he just got those at school and was so excited to get home to show his family.
Simoonga, Zambia. This was the first village we saw outside of Livingstone. Not tiny but not the size of Livingstone. They had a grocery store that advertised it had all you need and more, cafe, and several cel phone kiosks. This village has quite a history in the country. During a great war between tribes there was a man who essentially was an embedded spy. He took information to the Chief in the village and they were able to survive. Of course, this is the Reader's Digest condensed version based what I can remember. Anyway, this Town is special to the area.
Religion. Just as diverse as anywhere else. What I didn't expect to see were Jehovahs Witnesses Kingdom Halls and Seventh Day Adventist churches. Again, my Americaness came through.
I was very happy to see NO McDs, Burger Kings, KFCs, Starbucks. They do have several small restaurants and open air cafes.
I got recommendations from Linda, one of the servers that is most concerned about my health😁. We discussed diet programs🤣.
And finally...noticed this in CPT as well but it took awhile to sink in...Noone says "bless you" after you sneeze. Guess that European custom hasn't taken on here.
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