Round 1: Lesotho

This weekend away in the 'Berg was lots of fun. Our first day was spent touring around a few villages in Lesotho, led by a very interesting guy who introduced himself as "Power" (for effect, he flexed his muscles when he said this). He's a middle school Maths teacher at this school just on top of the edge of the mountain, and was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable about Lesotho's history and was interested in making sure that he took time to answer any questions we might have before moving on to the next place.

First he took us to his school and showed up the dedication plaque on the main doorway. The school was one giant classroom - although they are raising funds to complete and partially-finished second building - housing 150 kids in 4 or 5 different grades. Each grade sits in desks facing a different wall, and the teachers rotate from class to class throughout the day.



These are some kids that were hanging around the school property. I think they're probably a bit too young to attend, but are extraordinarily cute and deserve many pictures being taken of them.


Then Power took us to the 'local brewery' - which simply means that he has this friend who brews traditional Basotho beer. It was delicious, although passing around a giant coffee can-looking container wasn't exactly the most hygienic option. I got a couple of good chugs in when it came back around.


Then we hiked up one of the local sandstone rockfaces and ate our lunch with a killer view. In looking at this picture, it seems that everyone else decided to wear boring colors that day. I'm keeping it real in the bright green.


Another picture of an extremely cute child!

And, finally, we got to spend an hour or so with a Sangoma - a traditional healer. She didn't speak a word of English, but was a riot nonetheless. Power translated for her, but as the pictures below demonstrate - awesomeness needs no translation. Her 'specialty' as a healer: Male Problems. Which sort of explains why she has 10 kids (and 33 grandchildren).

All jokes aside, she was very interested in sharing information about what ailments she can and can't treat, how she became a Sangoma (her Ancestors spoke to her in a dream - which is an honor that you aren't allowed to ignore in Basotho or Zulu culture), and how she treats different illnesses. All of this provided me with a lot of new information about Southern Africas' widely-practiced healing traditions.



And just because everyone loves a good Group Shot with some striking vistas in the background...and some serious studs in the foreground.


I also have some good pics from the hike we took up to the top of the Amphitheatre the following day, but upload speeds are slow at the moment. So, I'll take a break for dinner and some work - and I'll try to get up some of those other photos soon. Later.