Kasane/Maun/Sexaxa

My Africa "Spring Break" experience was quite excellent. Our first big plan of action in Kasane was a boat drive in the Chobe River. I was excited because at many points during the ride as we were technically in Namibia because the river is on the border of Botswana and Namibia. We saw lots of birds- vultures and various storks and eagles. We also saw lots of bigger wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. There was a mom and baby hippo that were adorable, as well as an elephant that was splashing all over and having a great time. Our group also saw some lions in the far distance. I'm hoping to see some up close in the near future. Its actually funny because our lodge was right next to the Chobe River, so hippos would come out and graze right near the cabins and go swimming in the little lake located in the lodge. Never in my life would I have imagined that I could get so close to these creatures. Anyway, the next morning our group went on a early game drive. We saw plenty of wildlife on this adventure too- buffalo, impala, jackel, warthogs, a bright green chameleon, banded mongoose, and a huge group of adorable baboons playing around and being silly. In addition to the game drives, we visited a crocodile farm and a snake farm. The crocodiles we saw varied in size from enorrrrrmous to little babies. While at the croc farm, there was also a banded mongoose named Max that would jump on everyone's shoulders and squeak in their ears- I wanted to take him home. The snake farm was cool as well. I saw all sorts of snakes including pythons, hissing cobras (which would snap at you when you walked by), and my personal favorite, the ever so dangerous black mamba. On Wednesday of last week we went to Victoria Falls and it was absolutely amazing! Its the longest waterfall in the world- 1708 meters wide- and it seems to go on forever. The funniest part was that we all got completely drenched because the falls tosses the water up and makes it seem like its pouring rain at the various look-out points. I have lots of pictures and hopefully I can post them at some point. On Friday our group moved to Maun for an amazing weekend at Sedia Hotel. We had 3 big chalets with all of our own beds and a TV with allll sorts of channels (including most American stations). There was also a sand volleyball court outside and a big pool. We had a blast over the weekend enjoying all of the wonderful facilities. I actually had the chance to lay out and somewhat even out my extremely awkward tan. This was a great way to finish off our Spring Break. So as I said before, now I am in the remote village of Sexaxa. The thatched hut I am staying in is appears exactly as they do on the cover of the Alexander McCall books. I am actually being hosted by a girl who is 23 years old. I really enjoy this because she is pretty good at speaking English and I feel more comfortable asking questions about her culture. The parents in the village generally live at the cattle post and prefer to live on their own. We share a bed together in the hut under a mosquito net (yes!). We have to make our own fun because there is no electricity. I live very close to other SIT students so for much of the day we will walk around and visit people. One of the other SIT student is actually being hosted by my host sister's brother so we hang out all the time. We collectively have about 7 little brothers that run around and play with a soccer ball most of the day. Despite the increase in siblings, I actually feel like I have more space than when I was in Gaborone because we basically only go into the hut to sleep and at all other times we are outside in the open. Food is actually pretty good too- generally some form of bread and tea in the morning and at night so far I've gotten wonderful corn on the cob, pumpkin, and pasta with beans. Bathing is difficult- I have to wash with a bucket of water in a small bin at least twice a day. I'm not exactly sure why they try to bathe so often, I think its just a matter of wanting to feel clean (especially because Sexaxa is a very sandy place). Okay I think I've done a pretty good job of catching up. Love you all and Happy St. Patty's Day!