Holidays in Botswana

The winter holidays in Botswana are both the same and different from the holiday season in the US. Although widely celebrated here, Christmas almost came and went unnoticed. Something somewhat refreshing for a Jewish girl! Though in reality, my family typically comes together for the Christmas holiday so it’s a day I always look forward to. I even got a surprise text message from my nieces informing me that Santa Clause had just passed through Botswana. How cool is that!

But back to Christmas in Botswana. While there are fake trees and Christmas themed stuff in stores, there is no Christmas music playing for months on end, no houses with decorations, and not a lot of talk about Santa Clause. Either way its still a big holiday here, since much of the population is Christian and most people clear out and head back to their home villages to celebrate with their families. For me, this meant an empty street for two weeks!

My Christmas was definitely different, but fun. I met up with friends for a low key lunch and then we all went on a hunt for french fries, which we found…only to be the klutz that I am and knock mine on the ground. While the 5 second rule typically applies to most Peace Corps volunteers, on this occasion I could not bring myself to follow it. Eating french fries off a parking lot frequented by not only cars, but goats and chickens does not lead to an appetizing snack. Thankfully I have good friends who are willing to share.

Hanukkah was good. I have missed many Jewish holidays since being here, but not this one. Some friends and I used a makeshift menorah to celebrate and made sweet potato latkes. I have never been a fan of latkes before, but sweet potato latkes are awesome!. If you hadn’t had them before, you are missing out.

New Years was a bit more exciting than Christmas. I spent the day at a volunteer couple’s house with some friends, eating good food, browsing facebook, and playing with sparklers. How someone found sparklers in Botswana is beyond me, but they definitely eased us into 2012.

ll in all its been a nice holiday season and I am excited to be back at work!

New Mailing Address

Happy New Year everyone! I will be posting some new things soon, but wanted to let you all know that I have a new mailing address. After a spending 2 1/2 hours traveling around the capital city trying to find a package, I have decided to take an easier route. So in the future please send my mail to the following address:

Danielle "Neo" Tuft (PCV)
c/o DAC Office
P/bag 0048
Molepolole, Botswana