Go siame

So I've been here about 9 days! I dont even know where to begin-- I've already seen wildlife and gorgeous flowers, met a paramount chief and played in a drum circle. I've started to figure out the transportation system of "combis", minibuses that zoom around the city, but not without some accidental added walking. We drink the water and eat plently of meat here, which is completly different from traveling in India! Also, you should know when you picture Botswana that it is pretty modern. There are malls, KFCs, and lots of cars. I haven't seen much sign of poverty yet, even. When diamonds were discoverd here a year after independence, it helped the economy become stable and prosperous compared with elsewhere in Africa. Also, it's dusty and semi-arid here, so my feet get super dirty. Luckily it's not too hot yet, but it will be soon! The people here live up to their reputation for niceness-- they are helpful with directions and greeting is expected anytime you enter somewhere. My favorite thing is walking by someone who is looking at me expressionless and saying "Dumela Mma/Rra" and seeing their face light up into a smile.
Botswana was never a colony, only a British protectorate, so it doesn't have the same 'footprint of colonialism' that is left on many other african countries. There is very little racism, and the first president even married a white woman! I can't say we aren't treated a little differently because we are white (it's assumed we are wealthy, for sure), but it's not too bad.
Today we leave for our first homestay (there are 8 of us in the program) and I'll be living with an older couple and their son and grandchild in Mogobane. No internet in the village! It should be very interesting. I"ll update when I get back.

So I guess the point is Im doing very well and can't wait to learn/see/experience more!