20.12.10 My Last Week

So this morning we set about clearing up the youth centre, packing away the chair covers and bringing the pool tables and other items back in. As we were clearing up, 5 children wandered in, one of whom I had never seen before. Thande told me that he was mentally disabled and this was apparent in his facial expression and gestures. She was very caring towards him, and you can clearly see that she has a big heart. As I was writing a Christmas card to her, I realized that she is actually an inspiration. For a start she walks an incredibly long way from her home to come to work, is in her 50's, strong as an ox and not afraid to challenge the teenagers when they get out of hand (having to have thrown one out last week) showing no fear, she voices her opinion passionately and is extremely committed and focused on the children. Wonderful.

We went into Francistown after all of this was done as TOP Banana was closed due to it being payday. We spent the whole day there, and it was nice not to feel that I had to rush back for the afternoon. So it actually felt like a proper day off! Town was ridiculously busy, you couldn't move for cars - even here it seems you get the Christmas rush! We had a late lunch at The Thorn Tree, a little café, and then Denise and I went for a walk down the main street (Blue Jacket Street). In the whole time I have been here, I have not actually walked along the main street, so it was nice to be able to pop in and out of shops and take our time. Denise showed me the Chinese shops which were filled to the ceilings and floor space totally covered with cheap goods. Then there was a shop selling fake designer bags (e.g. Dolce & Gabbara - brilliant!) and another that was a bit like a pound shop. She then took me to cheap clothes place as I was interested in buying a traditional dress (the proper ones were quite dear). We found a two piece that needs a bit of altering but only cost 95 pula (around 9.5 pounds). I probably wouldn't get to wear it in the UK really, but thought it would be nice to wear on Christmas day!

Memorable moments; 1. There were two ladies sewing with old sewing machines and outside little huts which I thought looked very African. I remembered from the lonely planet guide that if you want to take a photo, it is respectful to ask first…. So I did. And I got a barrage of words back which basically told me that far too many people took photos, there were too many cameras and no, I could not! I was dumbstruck, as since my stay here, I have not seen one other person with a camera! Never mind………2. I wanted a photo of me by a statue of a Zebra but thought we might not be allowed on the grass. We decided to risk it but as we moved onto it my feet burned with pain. I looked down to find big ants crawling all over my feet, they were biting me and so I started hopping up and down and shrieking and laughing. This was also happening to Denise and so we were laughing as she tried to take a photo with me screeching "Hurry Up!". Just as she took a photo, two officials security personnel came out of the building and told us we were not allowed to take photos (something to do with the flag being up and a mark of respect). I meekly offered to delete the photo whilst still jumping up and down in pain. They did not have a clue what I was doing until we told them - resulting in the serious security personnel bursting into laughter! Ah it was funny. Shame I never got the photo though, it was a good one! I did however take a photo of the biggest ant bite on my foot (not a very nice foot, but you get the picture…)

There is a petrol shortage here in FT and everyone seems to be panicking. How serious this is, I do not know, but it took ages driving round to find a petrol station that had unleaded in stock. I have no doubts that the media have aggravated the situation…

This evening we ate mince pies while watching the Sex and The City movie. As I did so, I suddenly noticed Muse and Em lying on the floor in front of me and their behaviour…. They are the SPIT of Felix and Jinx! I won't go on about it, but it is unbelievable - Em is the dominant female and grooms Muse but will also attack her when she feels like it, she also craves the most attention. Muse has an incredibly bendy back and doesn't like being held, but will quite happily come and sit on your lap when she wants to be stroked! (Tracey -I wish you could see them! The female version of ours. Brilliant!). And now I can clearly understand how this pair has helped reduce my homesickness… bless them.

21.12.10

7 days left in Botswana, 5 more days in the village, 2 more days at TOP Banana. WOW. I know I'll be gutted leaving the children and also Petros, Tapiwa and Thande. I have grown very fond of them and it is sad to think that I may never see them again. I am going to ask if the children can draw me a special picture to take back with me, maybe I could frame a number of them….

Got into work and Lovemore has decided that with the football tournament on in the village, few children will come to TOP Banana so has decided to close. I thought that this was just for today but have now been told that we will not reopen again until after Christmas. I am gutted. Completely and utterly gutted. I can appreciate why we have closed, but I just wish I had been told this last week. That way I could have planned to be here on Friday and done some colouring with the children and said a proper goodbye. It would have meant so much to me.

So I go down to the football ground to watch the TOP Banana team play. It is HOT so for part I sit in the shade and a couple of girls come and join me. I buy them some sweets - and then more children come and ask me for sweets. Oops. The game finishes and our team win 3 - 0!!

As I arrive back at the house I plan to bath Sally as somehow she managed to roll in a rather revolting something (smells like fox poo as Max used to roll in it) yesterday… but before I can do that, I have to deal with lizards tail (60cm long) on the porch and its owner (about 50cm long), found in the corridor inside the house. These cats are really punching above their weight! Luckily it was still alive and so I managed to rescue it and put it safely outside the property. I check later and it has gone so operation Lizard Rescue complete!

I bathed Sally - who was not happy at all, but eventually gave in and stood looking forlornly at her paws for the duration. Bless her. After, I took her for a walk and she made me smile so much - her tail was wagging, her ears flopping all over and she had a big grin all over her face as she bounded into the lake. Spending time with her, the cats, and going on safari (and the absence of seeing my cat) has reminded me of how much I love animals. I plan to start up riding again when I get home J