i've settled into a routine

Well, not much to report for the past week. So this post is a hodgepodge of thoughts from the past week.

I did visit two additional villages with the nursing students (can I mention the names here?). The experiences continue to be interesting. I wrote alot of notes in my work journal. I ran from our house in Simbasa to the Graceland lodge were Prof Bart was booked to stay this weeek. He had to reschedule his visit, and since I had to cancel the booking, I decided to run there. I think it was about 5 to 6 k. So no big deal...but as I turned to come back I realized I was going up a steep hill. I figured it would flatten ot at some point. I as wrong...Simbasa sits on a hill above Thohoyandou, so the run back as rough...I ended up walking most of it.

I can get around on my own pretty well. Which means I know how to take the taxis from the house to school and I know my way around the shops in Simbasa and Thohoyandou. I don't have to bother my colleagues much for help getting around. I am still handicapped because of my inability to communicate in any of the "home" languages. Most people know English, but use their home languages outside of work or school. So I still feel like an outsider.

Home is cool...there are not many quiet moments when everyone is at the house. Someone always wants to talk. Julia has a wide range of music which emans we have a never ending supply of music playing...hard if I plan to read or rest.

Okay, people love Barack Obama here. One man asked me if I am coming from "Obama country". They feel he will be the next president. I hope they are right. I watched the news about the DNC...some memorable times in store for America.

that's it for now...take care.