As a Peace Corps volunteer teacher in Lesotho, I'm discovering major cultural differences, even in the classroom. What may seem, "normal" in a school in Lesotho, would be cause for jail, in the U.S. I'm helping grade 7 prepare a debate on, “Are teachers to be blamed for the poor performance of students?” While brainstorming points on the Continue Reading
Archives for April 2016
Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy Living
After six months in Lesotho, I was finally allowed to leave the country, and spend a luxury day in Ladybrand, South Africa. I took one vacation day to cross the border for a haircut, a massage a pedicure, and some good food. Thanks to another Peace Corps friend, I booked a room at Cranberry Cottage, a serene, boutique-style hotel, with beautiful Continue Reading
Cultural Differences in Lesotho-Gutsy Living
I found this sign staring at me as I closed the door in a ladies restroom at the shopping mall in Maseru. I could not resist taking out my camera. The other day, Sister Bernadette, my Principal told me, “The boys in grade 3 and up to grade 7, are walking to the clinic to get circumcised this morning.” “What, they just walk to Continue Reading
My Weekend Routine in Rural Africa
A friend asked me to explain what my life is like in my rural village in Lesotho, “The Mountain Kingdom” in southern Africa, so I figured I would start with my weekend routine first. It’s nothing like Orange County, California, that’s for sure, but here’s what I do to keep myself as “happy and healthy” as possible. Saturdays, are my “luxury” Continue Reading