Makgadikgadi Pans Walk

This past winter (July) we got to do one of the coolest, most challenging things we have ever done. We got invited to participate in a charity walk across the Mkgadikgadi Pans in northern Botswana. We walked on the Curry Pot team, which is a local restaurant here in Botswana. All of the money that was raised was used to help HIV/AIDS NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations) with small funding issues that come up throughout the year.

The challenge- to walk 40 kilometers a day (26 miles) over three days across the pans where there is no shade and the hot sun beats down you for the entire 7-8 hours you are walking. Basically we did three (walking) marathons in three days. And I would have to say it was absolutely brilliant and we both agree that we would do again in minute.

We packed up our tent and our belongings and loaded them onto the truck and trailer that would be leading us for the three days. We were instructed to follow the tracks created from the four- wheeler and just keep walking. So, we started walking. Every 6 k or so there was a four-wheeler and trailer stopped so that we could have some water, PowerAde and/or oranges. These stops also served as a way to relieve ourselves with a little protection while hiding behind the four wheeler.

The first four segments proved to be fairly easy; so we kept our fast pace and did not think the rest of the day would be that difficult. However, after walking in the desert for 6 hours the last segments of this day seemed almost impossible. However, we reached the campsite, ate dinner watched the stars in this incredible setting and where fast asleep, our bodies needed the rest. We actually got to watch the moon set over the horizon- SO COOL!

Day two, we reached this strange island of grass and trees in the middle of the saltpans. IT was so amazing. We were walking through the salt pans for two entire days, seeing no life and anything that was living and tried to survive the pans was petrified and bleached white by the sun. Then out of nowhere, there is this island of land with living things. It was a pretty cool experience and something that I have never seen. At the end of this day many of the walkers had to drop out and ride on the four-wheelers to the campsite. They had blisters (and honestly if I had them I would have stopped too- OUCH!), were simply tired after 80 k of walking and needed a little extra help. Knowing how difficult day two was and the thought of day three on the horizon- I pass no judgment on these people. This day was truly the hardest for me.

Day three- going back the way came, knowing what to expect, and the aches and pains in my body really did not have me to excited. However, our team of four made it the entire way on our own. The last 6 k- was the most challenging thing I have done. Honestly it was the thought of completing this on my own that got me through. And Paul Simon- Under African Skies- on my Ipod. At one point, Matt and I just started running so that we could feel different muscles and give the walking parts of our feet a break.

We reached the camp/lodge, showered for the first time in three days and ate a feast. Walking around that night was virtually impossible considering all the aches and pains we had and I went to bed around 8- dead to the world.

It was really awe-inspiring being in the middle of nowhere with nothing to block the morning sunrise or the shine of the many stars at night, looking out and seeing these crazy mirages in the horizon that were created by the sun and the heat, and completing this great feat.

And once again, while living or traveling in Africa, I am astounded by all that mother earth has to offer us, teach us and awaken in us.

If you are interested in learning about the pans-
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makgadikgadi_Pan )

Pictures are posted in Picasa-
http://picasaweb.google.com/mattandlaurabots

laura

KE NAKO- IT"S TIME TO SHARE

So it has been over 9 months since we have written and told you anything about our lives. A lot has happened and actually nothing as happened. Our life in Botswana and the Peace Corps is very complicated and hard to explain. We think of something we want to talk about and then decide it sounds too negative or that the real truth lies so much in the gray area we can’t even put it into words. I will have to say having a little over 50 other Americans to share our thoughts and frustrations with has been our saving grace. It’s like our own secret world we live in, that you truly have to experience for a good amount of time to understand. Our decision to continue this blog (or our service for that matter) is one that we have tossed around a lot. We have decided to continue this blog with a more lighthearted approach that just keeps us in touch with you, our family and friends.

Here is a recap of what has been going on:

Visitors:

We have been lucky enough to have many visitors over the last few months. Our first visitors were Matt’s mom and his brother. We went to the airport thinking we were just meeting Matt’s mom and to our surprise Andy, Matt’s brother, walked out of customs. I cannot even explain the excitement of having Matt’s mom make it all the way to Botswana, but to see his brother, who said he would never come to Africa was a shock. We had a great time and it was great to show them around Botswana. We went to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Thuli Block and Maun. We got to do a Mokoro ride on the delta, which Cathie, still says is one of the worst things she has ever done. You must ask her about her fear of snakes!

My aunt Renie and cousin Maddie came over the Easter holiday. I would not be lying if I said that the desert decided to rain buckets of water the entire time they were in my village. And when it rains on our tin roof, it is painful. We had such a great time, caught up and played some great euchre! We went on a safari in the north of Botswana. We did a five-day camping safari- Renie said it was the first time she had camped since girl scouts. Considering that neither Renie nor Maddie are much of campers, they were great sports and we had a great time. We saw the Delta and all the animals you could have wanted to see. The guides were great and northern Botswana is really an amazing place on this planet.

Emily Caito came to visit. Two Peace Corps friends and me met her in Cape Town. It was awesome. We went shopping, ate at great food markets, went to a museum, ate great food and completely enjoyed ourselves. We went to this winery right out side of Cape Town in Constantia Valley, called Constantia Uitsig. (http://www.constantiavalley.com/vineyards/constantia_uitsig/) The restaurant was called La Colombe and is rated one of the best in Africa. (http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/pages/gallery/la-colombe.php) We had a seven-course wine tasting meal. It was amazing, lived up to it’s reputation and we knew we were over served EVERYTHING, when we started ordering shots of Coffee flavored Petron!!!

After Cape Town, Matt, Emily Caito and I met my parents in Johannesburg. I still cannot believe my parents made it to Africa. It was great being back together with members of my family. We had the day in Jo’burg, so we decided we would go to the Apartheid Museum. It is an marvelous museum. The museum was moving and well done. I was very impressed and once again in South Africa overwhelmed by their history and how far they have come in such a short time.

On a side note, I cannot tell you how much Matt and I have fallen in love with South Africa, Jo’burg included. IT is such an amazing country. Moving to Africa we are not all that excited to be in the southern region. We had heard that it was unsafe and knew that it was not the Africa we had signed up to move to (more developed than we had wanted). Even though it is not what we initially wanted, it is not dangerous and it is truly one of the most beautiful countries (people included) I have ever seen. Great cities, mountains, vineyards, game parks with many animals and coast lines that are truly spectacular. I am really glad that I have gotten to see many parts of South Africa and I am excited to explore more of it before we leave. I can see why it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world for sheer beauty alone not to mention the amazing culture, art and people we have met there.

The rest of the trip with my parents was spent on safari and a few days in our village. It was awesome. The lodge that we went to was called Londolozi - Tree Camp. It was definitely probably one of the nicest palaces we will ever stay at in our lives. The place is known for their leopards. So for three days we tracked leopards; we watched them hunt, play with their young and take down impalas! It was great and the scenery was amazing. From there we went to Sabi and stayed at this great lodge in the middle of the mountains. We did a day drive and saw the panoramic views of the mountains and many waterfalls. It was awesome to be with my father, who has sold produce and bananas his whole life, when he got to see banana plantations for the first time in his life. So glad that my family came to visit, what a great memory.

Scott Dillinger and Pugh are coming in November- pretty excited about this trip.

Bryn and Mauro say they are coming as well. Hey Mauro I heard phish is touring in South Africa!!!!!!


The World Cup

I am sure many of you have seen the pictures on our Picasa website ( http://picasaweb.google.com/mattandlaurabots ) from this trip- so I will not go into much detail. It was an incredible experience. I am not a sports fan but I have to tell you international live soccer events are truly unbelievable. Everything about it was so much fun. Budweiser for the first time in a year (written for Matt), international banter amongst all the cultures, and being able to cheer America onto what I call a victory over England!!! The South Africans were the most gracious of host. They were so excited to be able to host this event and share their county with the world. Congrats to them on a successful world cup and I look forward to Brazil in four years. We are hooked and we are definitely planning our trip to Brazil!!!!

Mozambique

Amazing, Awesome, Fantastic, Would Go back tomorrow!!!! It is such a cool place. We went to Maputo, Tofo and Vilanculos. Such a great place to travel to and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great African trip to the beach. Awesome coastline, diving, and food was incredible. So great to get out the desert for a bit! Pictures of this trip are up on our Picasa site http://picasaweb.google.com/mattandlaurabots

Trip to the States

It was so nice to be off the African continent for a bit and we loved seeing everyone we missed so much over the last year. Indy was great. It was wonderful to hangout at the lake, catch up with our growing nieces and nephews and spend time talking with my sisters, mom and dad. Thank you so much everyone in Indy that threw his or her schedule out the door for a quick visit. And Gill thanks so much for coming to Indy. Kelly family- thanks for making the trek up to Indy as well. It was great to see you for at least a little bit. Also, Suanne, Dave, Jacqui and Anthony- great to see you as well, thank you for making time for me!!!! It really meant a lot. Carrie Maniaci, Jason, quickdraw, busby and danmeyer and Jane- so good to see you both.

New York was great. Misha thanks for taking us right to Coney Island and feeding us amazing pizza. Bryn and Mauro you gave us the greatest excuse to come back to the states. Such a splendid wedding and it was so great to get to spend time with you guys. Also thanks everyone, too, for throwing your real lives away for the week to hang out. Never enough time to spend as much time as we would like with everyone. However, we had a blast and look forward to being back in the city in 2011.


Women’s Group and Other Projects

As you can tell, travel is a big part of our life her in Africa. I mean since we are here and not going to live here forever, we might as well make the most of our time and geography. But there is some work that is going on I promise!!
About 8 months ago, Matt and I with the help our local chief, started a women’s empowerment group. It is the project that we like the most and feel like is doing to most to better our community. We have about 20 women and we get together weekly. We teach them life skills and have guest speakers come and talk to them about prevention, death and grieving. WE applied for a large grant about four months ago and had not heard anything, so we assumed that nothing was going to come of it. Last week, we heard we have been accepted for the grant given from the government of Botswana. The grant is for two years (the women’s group can continue after we are gone- Yeah! - as this in one of the hardest things to accomplish – sustainability) and in the amount of 1.4 million pula or $157k. The money is to pay for a local person to help facilitate, so that we can do our life skills work in the local language and then expand the group to more women that do not speak any English, to help start a small poultry farm co-op with the girls, and to get 15 of them back into school to finish their high school equivalency. Matt actually wrote the grant, so hats off to him. But, now that we have the money, this is what most of our time will focus on. As soon as the actual money comes through, the hard work begins with clearing the land and starting the farm. This is exactly what we moved to Africa to do and we have grown very fond of our girls. They are going to be very hard to say goodbye to!

Side note- Jim Pike, a friend from Indiana, donated shirts to our girls. They love them and are in the process of raising money to pay for the shipping. Thanks Jim!!!!!

We will try to be better- so the next one is not so long.

Stay Well,
laura