Dixons head back home

Just got back from dropping off Michelle's dad, grandma and sister at the airport as they begin their long journey home. We hope they had a good time visiting us. Yesterday was a reallu nice day of visiting Gabane and picking up some great hand made pottery, seeing a boat load of monkeys at the neighborhood game reserve and then eating dinner as the sunset at Mokolodi restaurant. The pottery shop was closed for the holidays , but there was a cell number posted on the door that you could call if you needed assistance. I called Bapsi, she came down and opened the shop and we almost wiped them out of all of their pieces. Here's video of the actual shop where we went. I didn't shoot the video , but it give you a good picture of the place.. One is the view of the shop and the other is one of the potters explaining the process.. I didn't take any photos, but intend to on one of my weekly visits to the village.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdPdJs4hE-c
http://youtube.com/watch?v=v374agdbWnQ

We then went to the home of peter and Faith, who had some other items for us to look at,mainly tapestries..

It was a bit sad dropping them off at the airport.. We all kind of wanted to go home too... But we'll be coming home soon... Michelle is sick today and layed up on the couch as Maura climbs around her. Taking it easy today, will probably go swimming here shortly.. It's getting hot again. I plan on celebrating a little later tonight, I hear John Black is ALIVE!!!!

All for now..

Dixons get a taste for the 'Real Africa"

Well, after celebrating Christmas in style here our visitors experienced one of Africa's great traditions.... sickness. Helen started it off, Mark and Emily got it the next day. Hopefully it hasn't put too much of a damper on things, but unfortunately it has put them in bed for 2 and half days of their trip. Mark and I did get to go golfing with a Botswana character, a pious man named Pax. He was a treat, we were his guests at the Gaborone golf club... He gave us each a set of clubs to play with, while he used his new set of Taylor Made clubs. Oh yeah, he had 27 sets of golf clubs and 9 cars, was best friends with the president so he could totally relate to the rest of the country who was living off of 1 dollar a day. But he was a self made man who was "born in the bush" . He was kind and extremely entertaining,as was my golf game. My caddy began coaching me in the end, and I could hear him moan with each and every shot. God I suck. But the course is within walking distance to my house so I plan to improve before we leave.

Everyone is on the mend today and are in South Africa taking in some lunch and a game drive at Madikwe game Reserve with Michelle. Tomorrow we plan to go to Gabane to meet all my photo buddies and visit a great studio where they make local pottery using traditional patterns. Headed to the "bull and bush" tonight( i think) for a sundowner and an evening of no sickness. Keep your fingers crossed. Michelle's grandma and I took the twins and Maura for a stroll to the Main Mall this morning as we worked on Helen's Setswana by saying "Dumela " to everyone we passed. It's a great place to people watch and be stared at by all the locals.

All for now, let's hope the game drive doesn't produce any nausea.

Holiday festivities

well we had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at our home with friends and family... Michelle fixed a great meal for all, but the highlight of the dinner was seeing Michelle's Dad and Grandma partake in Botswana's traditional beer call "Chibuku" aka "Shake- Shake" . I purchased a carton or it, that's right, a carton from a local shake shake shop, which is a home in the nighborhood for 3 pula. It was worth it...

We had a great night, missed home a bit, but all was made up for as we/I wached "It's a Wonderful Life". One thing I almost forgot to mention was the beautiful singing of Celeste and her friend Kabo that occurred before the viewing of the movie. Their siing was fantastic, and made us sit in awe of them. it really was a nice touch to the evening.

The next morning, Santa Claus came , the kids had a blast opeing gifts from santa and all the family members who brought them ove with Mark and grandma... thanks so much for making the kids morning wonderful. After that, we had plans to take a trip to Mochudi to see traditional music performed for the holidays.. I'm not sure what everyonehad imagined this would be, but I can tell you it was nothing like I thought... It was a wild goose chase trying to find the place, but once we found the open field that it was taking place, I think the family was a bit taken back by the whole scene. People were drinking, celebrating and having an "Irish" of a time, but the music and dancing was beautiful. It had nothing to do with Christmas, but all the same was a unique experience for Michelle's family... Here's some video from the festivities,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Itx1nyHbDE

I hope it does it justice.. there were two groups singing and dancing, it was like a "Battle of the bands" where one choir would try to do the other. Check it out, I am amazed at the quality of singing and togetherness that is achieved during these things.... it must be the "shake shake". taking it easy tonight, Jacob's getting ready for yet another trip, we're planning to play Twister..

Merry Christmas to all !

Merry Christmas!!!!!

I realize this is a day or so early but we have visitors coming (they're flying over Guinea right now) but I wanted to write some thoughts before they arrive... I went for a run this morning around Gaborone and couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we have had these past 4 + months. As we approach the year 2008, I thought it would be a good thing to reflect on some of the highlights of our life here. This is mainly for myself, not for you.. I just wanted to list them, because my mind is like a steel trap.... If I don't do it now, I'll forget it...

• Our arrival in Botswana, stepping off the plane and onto the runway, as people stared at us through a chain link fence, we were so excited, scared, overjoyed that we made it... then walking into the airport to see all of our bags had arrived safely... The place was so quiet, clear and cool, felt like we had just stepped onto the surface of Mars.
  
• Waiting for everything, learning how to live and be patient "Africa time"


• seeing the kids adjust, never complaining and rolling with the punches


• How our attitude has changed dramatically within the past few months, overcoming culture shock and settling in...this had alot to do with the arrival of the car and our friend Celeste.
  
• Meeting the people in Gabane and the wait staff in every single place that we've stayed in that pick up our kids, want to have keep them or marry them in 30 years (Jude)
• the women and men here who constantly tellinng us that we are 'rich' because of the fact that we have 5 kids... They tell us we are blessed and that we should be thankful for our large family.. Puts things in perspective considering the state of affairs here.


• The sunsets, the light and the overall atmosphere of this place


• seeing Michelle at work and realizing in person why we came in the first place... even though this place is wonderful, the reality is sad and seeing her doing her work and a clinic full of sick children that are awaiting treatment which will help them live normal lives, made the time, money and effort that it took us to get here all worth while.


• The drakensburg mountains.


• Jude and franny walking, talking and playing with each other.
• And of course our families, who we hope will miss us dearly this holiday.. we'll miss you too and be thinking of you.
• Lizards,lizards, lizards and no snakes.... yet
  
• Our guards Steven and James saying hellos to us each and every time they see us, despite the fact that they work every day, for peanuts


• Jacob and Kate's school... awesome


• Maura's friend "bubby" whoever the hell that is..


• The ability of the women here to carry anything and everything on their head, from piles of sticks, clothes, sacks of maize, etc., while having a baby strapped to their back, and carrying other bags in their hands.... I have to get a photo of that.... Hats off.


• Receiving packages from home , email and THANK GOD FOR INSTANT MESSAGING!!!


• Windhoek Lager, Windhoek Lager and Windhoek Lager(especially during the months of September and October...... well and November and December too..

A friend of mine asked if I could find any local music to give them.. Well on Sunday mornings, they play traditional Botswana music for a few hours and then follow it up with a great jazz show.... No "breakfast with the beatles" here.... Anyway, I was able to tape some of the show, and plan to do so every so often.. The music is cool and really gives me a sense that we are no where near home.. Here's the link.... there's no pictures, just sound. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktUbmYmq1PE

Merry christmas and much love to all.

Gabs becomes a ghost town

As the holiday season approaches, most people who live in Gabs head for their home village... Traffic is horrible today, the combis are packed with people and folks are standing by the side of the road, loaded with their belongings, hitching rides (which can be done here with ease) or waiting for the next available combi. I'm told we'll have the place to ourselves his holiday, which I don't necessarily like, but it will be nice to get around town without any hassle. All is well today, michelle got out of work at 3 and is currently shopping for fabric with the girls. We are preparing for our first visitors from home..... Michelle's dad, her sister and grandma, and we cannot wait!!

Michelle is making her menu for a Christmas dinner and is visiting a warehouse/shop called "world foods".... funny , they pride themselves on the fact that "EVERYTHING IS IMPORTED". unlike the trendy American move to supporting local produce/buying from local merchants, etc... here, the draw is to make sure it's NOT from here. Sad but true.. We'll see what she comes up with.. I've been listening to my favorite radio station, WMKV (89.3 FM)from Cincinnati to get me in the holiday mood. They play all the great stuff for the holiday season and brings home a little bit closer.

There was a Santa Claus in the Mall today, it just wasn't the same... I can't decide if it was his cotton ball beard , red sweatsuit or red Army duffel bag that made him a bit more pathetic than the Santa's we encouter at home..I think they mistook the notion of Santa Claus for an unshaven whino. Kate saw him and said.. "Ew". That's what I said...

Nothing on the plate tonight, Jacob and his friend are playing soccer outside, I'm here typing and Jude has totally destroyed the living room in the time it took me to write this sentence...

For those arriving on Sunday, It's been cloudy and cool all week, but it's breaking up as I speak.. i think we're headed for a scorcher of a week. By the way, the sun comes up here at 4:45 so be ready...

Have a great trip over here Mr. Dixon, Emily and Grandma..... I know you don't take a liking to beer that much, but the free drinks help.... alot.

Hope everyone is doing well. Found this picture as I was searching for a santa claus picture to put on the blog, thought it was pretty funny.

Shake Shake

I had another eventful morning in the village of Gabane, taking more pictures, talking to some of the people I have met, and watching many of the men in town, drink like Irishmen. It was 10 am when I arrived, and 80 percent of the men I talked to were 3 sheets to the wind. I couldn't decide whether this was a sad state of affairs or just some early celebrating with christmas around the corner. Our friend Celeste told me it was due to the holiday season. Most people there don't have jobs, are looking for work or drinking in order to forget about the fact they can't find work. Regardless, I love meeting with them and having them let me interact with them and take their photos.. What is sad though is that I'll never really connect with them, I'll always be viewed as a rich white man, a person who takes photos but doesn't have a clue as to what we are going through. I came to this realization as many of them approached me after taking their photos and asked if they could be my "garden boy".

There is a local brew made here called Shake-Shake... It comes in a carton, it is made in homes in the village, and I think consumed at the home of the brewer... THat is where several of my photos took place today. I also met with a large family who wanted me to take their photos in their garden behind their home. I really enjoy the people here and know that I'll truly miss them when we leave, but I won't miss their beer... think Weideman with oatmeal, ash and orange juice mixed together. The men buy it by the carton, sit in groups and share it... I met with a few characters for quite some time today discussing American politics... Thebe, OJ, and Coolman were a few of their names. What's so different about them is that they know exactly what's going on in the U.S. while most people in the U.S, have no idea where Botswana is on a map(myself included until I knew we were coming here.) they know the situation, the popularity ratings of Bush, the situation in Iraq, and think it is unfortunate that a black man and a woman should have to compete against one another.. "it's about time you have them in a position of power, why don't they take turns" is their solution.

They all want to come to america, to get their piece of the pie...... They ask if I own a cattle post at home and if it's as violent as it seems from the shows they see on television. How different it is here than at home. They are well informed and intelligent, just very poor and nothing to do....They love the photos I bring them and are anxious to have their pictures taken... I can't seem to get many candid shots because they all want to pose for me. It's good stuff and I look forward each week to developing their pictures, driving out to the villlage and taking more photos. The photos include Bushy, the Shake Shake brewer in his room, where he also stores his product. some young men drinking, older friends at the bar, a mother of 6 and a yound girl playing in her yard..

One major cultural difference.... men who are friends here hold hands.. i may have stated this in earlier entries, but it's happening to me here and there. So while they're chugging back a few cold ones, they'll hold hands while talking.. it happened to me several times today , in the outdoor bar area, holding hands with a man named Thebe as we discussed anything and everything. It also happened with the janitor at jacob and Kate's school, whom i've befriended, his name in Tonto.. He greeted me at the entrance of the school and we walked across the school grounds holding hands.. Felt a bit strange at first, but I really appreciated the gesture.. it's a way of showing respect , care and concern for the other person. What's strange is the men here act so stoic and masculine most of the time, you wouldn't think that they ever consider holding hands. But it's cool right? yeah it's cool.... It's like that Seinfeld episode where they talk about the man hug..... " we're hugging, but we're not touching"

all for now

Puke Fest for December

Photo slideshow of our trip to South Africa... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeukkDuBygc


Well, we've gone several weeks without a sickness, but the vacation is over. Today's a sick day for everyone, and the T.V.'s going full force... Jacob, Jude, Frances and Michelle all have a bug and we're taking it easy.

If you haven't noticed, I've taken the liberty to change the face of the blog... it's time for an upgrade and I think the changes make for a much better reading experience for you, our readers. We hope you like the changes and will continue to read my


poor attempts at documenting our day to day experiences.

Today I went to the post office to pick up a package from our friends, the Demarcos, the Rusnaks, the Debruers and the Kerreys. It was a wonderful surprise and he kids are watching "The Grinch " as we speak.. (Michelle is reading all your trashy mags as well). Thanks so much for all the wonderful stuff, especially the coffee, we were getting ulcers from the coffee here. By the way, I look stunning in my new running gear.

We knew we had a package in the post office because michelle received a very tiny receipt in her work mailbox informing her of the delivery of a package. I went to the post office to see what it was, only to wait in line for 45 minutes.. No one else seems to care about how long one has to wait for things here, so I soaked in the experience. i read my passport information/ tips at least 20 times and enjoyed watching 30 - 40 people sidestep the line and jump right in front of the service window, only to get serviced with a smile and see no one complain about others cutting the line.. When it was finally my turn, the woman went to get my package, and couldn't pick it up so she just kept kicking it all the way across the floor. It took here 5 minutesto kick it across the floor, and i don't think she was too concerned with damaging the contents of the package.

The kids were psyched about the package and Michelle and i began to really miss home.. Thanks.... What's up with the Ohio State shirt, are you trying to piss us off? By the way, the Ohio State shirt fits right in here, if there is one sweatshirt I see people wearing here, it's Ohio State... No lie.... And Michigan.

on another note, we have added a list to the blog containing our favorite names of combis here in town.. My personal favorite on the list is "caution: Children on board" right underneath this sticker was a huge pot plant sticker. Nothing says safety like completely stoned driver. Satan is a good one too... You can't help getting on a combi named after the prince of darkness.

All for now, I'm too busy putting in another movie for my kids to watch..

Trip through South Africa

Well we are back from our trip to Salt Rock and the Drackensberg mountains. It was a great trip through some of the most beautiful landscape we have ever seen. Every mile could have been a postcard (except the 20 minutes through Jo'burg). The weather was great throughout our travels and the kids seemed to have a great time.....

Even though the place was absolutey beautiful, the trip was a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions for us. Time and time again, we have been told horror stories of hijackings, muggings, carjackings, etc. that happen throughout the country.... We were warned, were a bit concerned about the possibility of encountering this, but it never did....

South Africa is a country in turmoil, still trying to find its identity and a balance between black and white.. Unfortunately, the disparity between the two was more than obvious throughout our travels. As you drive through the country, you encouter beautiful farmlands, rolling hills, wide open spaces, and then every so often you see a plot of land cluttered with tents, sheds made out of tarp, metal scraps and rocks. These areas were the small areas populated by the black South Africans. It was sad, truly depressing. The whole vibe of the place was different too...... not as freindly as Botswana and you could feel the tension as you walked down the street.

When we arrived in Salt Rock, a vacation town full of vacationing whites, we were greeted by our maid, Maureen... She told us she worked 7am- 6 pm, Sunday -saturday for 40 rand a day(a little less than 7 $ a day.) We told her to take a few days off, and that we would still pay her, but she didn't, I think out of fear of not getting paid. Unfortunately, I don't speak Zulu, and she didn't speak English. She did take sunday off, and seemed very happy about that.. The worst part of the deal was that she lived in the garage of the house with her son, who was Jacob's age. They slept on mattresses in the garage.

When you ask people about the cheap pay for house help, people always say, "It's just a different lifestyle", I just don't think Michelle and i have gotten used to accepting that people have a different "lifestyle", when it's impossible to choose your lifestyle on 7 bucks a day. People exploit it, but it does seems to be a way of life here.

We spent a day in Durban at the Ushaka Marine World, http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/home.html hung out at the beach and enjoyed our house a few minutes walk from the ocean. Kate lost another tooth, the babies got their first sunburn and we took a few drives to see the area.

On our way back from the beach, we decided that we had to stay a night in the Drakensberg mountains.. good choice....

It was beautiful, and I'm trying to figure out why they were so stunning and how they differ from the beauty of the mountains in the U.S. I think it's the fact that they seemed so untouched and the fact that they are in Africa makes them feel even more exotic? Maybe? I don't know. We stayed at the Alpine Heath resort http://www.alpineheath.co.za/and upon our arrival, extended our stay for another day. One day wasn't enough, and there were plenty of things for the kids to do....swimming, bike riding, movies, crafts, etc.

This place came with another depressing aspect as well...... Severe poverty and children by the side of the road, gesturing for food. I realize this is a daily occurrance to anyone who lives here, because when I told some South Africans at the bar the I bought some kids a pizza, they just laughed. We honestly haven't seen this form of poverty here in Botswana.. Or maybe as dramatic as it was here...

Money doesn't go very far here, so giving them food was very appreciated. Jacob and bought some boys a few pizzas after a drive to a local shop. It's difficult to enjoy oneself when you know there are people scrounging for food in the local villages. But the place was awe-inspiring and people were extremely kind, especially to our children. They are constantly playing with them and picking them up , Jude had a thing for Maureen at the beach house.

One thing to mention about the pictures. The picture of the man in front of the poster was taken at a coffee shop in Ballito, North Coast... Look closely at the poster.. It is for the Cincinnati/Dayton railway... What a crazy place to find a picture of home. We had tried to get coffee from this place earlier in the week, but the power was out in the whole complex, so no coffee.. Also, there was a "Subway" here and we tried to get sandwiches for lunch, but were evacuated because there was a bomb threat. Someone or something doesn't want us to experience the comforts of home... Good to be back.... Great trip.... looking forward to Christmas.

Be back in a week.

We are off to South Africa and the Indian Ocean. Can't write too much, packing up the truck. It is presently raining very, very hard here this morning and the thunder once again is deafening. Better go, check back with us next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

The Wait is over!!!!

No more pictures of traditional weddings, people in villages, etc... Today we bring the good stuff... Kate and her classmates singing some great tunes... The last one I think is an Irish drinking song, something about stumbling home? Anyway, it was a great event and simply capped a wonderful term of school for her. Northside has been a good experience for Kate and Jacob and they are finally used to the different teaching/learning styles that are applied here. We love the school and hope for more celebrations like this one in the future. Jacob had a swimming gala today at school, followed by a big time swimming party.. kate has her swimming gala tomorrow morning. They don't return to school until mid January.

Here's the video.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8E9JnaxZNM

If you'll notice, I've added a bit of slick video editing to this one... "the fade" is what we cinematographers like to call it. enjoy.
Not much else to write about. We are getting ready for our next big adventure which will start on Friday, early. We drive through Johannesburg to "Northern Berg" to stay in the Bridge Lodge for an evening. we will be driving through the Drakensberg mountains which I believe extend through South Africa and Lesotho..http://www.encounter.co.za/article/93.html They look beautiful. This should take around 7 hours, and then onto Durban/ salt rock and the Indian Ocean. I'll write a little more tomorrow.. i had another photo shoot in the village of gabane yesterday, I am becoming a fixture in the village. Sort of like Norm in "Cheers". except everyone else in the bar is black and I'm white. Ok, more like the dudes in "Animal House" when they walk into the bar to see Otis Day and the Knights sing "Shama Lama Ding Dong."
"It's Otis, He loves us!!"whatever it is it's great. I love the people and they are really kind in allowing me to take their photos. it's a good experience, but it's costing me some money, because I'm promising copies of pictures to those who want them. Unfortunately, they all want them. But I think they mean alot to them as they get really excited when I show up with their photo.

update on all the kids

As we approach Christmas, it is amazing to

think back on all that has occurred in our short time here. Jacob and Kate will finish their first term of school here, passing into the next level(standard 7 for jacob, standard 2 for kate). They are doing well, making friends and are starting to swim in our pool on a daily basis. Next term Jacob will take on cricket as his sport, and there's some talk of a basketball team being started.. some american idiot father of five has stated he wants to be the coach.... we will win..... we will win...... it's still up in the air though . Maura survived her first term at Tiny Bubbles.. I think being the minority was rough for her, but she did well. She loved "Monkeynastiks" and even received a medal for her accomplishments.. Bubby is her friend, still haven't figured out who that is and Ms. Grace and Ms. Emily Elizabeth are her favorite teachers. She is now potty trained, kind of, it only took til her 3rd b-day. She doesn't poop in her pants, she "diarrheas them". Nice. She won't nap and therefore the hours between 3pm-7pm are the "maura's a complete basket case" time. She's great though, and enjoying being home with Celeste and the twins. The twins have grown so much, are going through 2 major periods in their life... Franny is obsessed with shoes, mostly hers, and Jude is obsessed with being naked.. He won't keep on his diaper, and really enjoys what he's discovered underneath the diaper. But, I'm sure this will pass( he sometimes wears underpants over his diaper to keep him intact). They are on a great schedule, they wake up around 6:30, take a nap at 10:30, sleep til 1 or 1:30 and back in bed for the night at 7. It's great.. They are talking alot(franny mosly) , and starting to play together, plus kissing and hugging on each other... Jude eats anything, while franny refuses to sit in her chair.. She eats practically nothing b/c of this.

Other than that, it's business as usual... they love outlets, pointy things, electrical cords, poisonous berries and flushing toilets..

Below is a photo slideshow of the wedding I attended.. People have been asking to see more pictures, so here you are. coming up in the next few days is a video of Kate's end of the school year gala.... It's great to see for all those Kate fans out there. All for now, i'll have that video up soon, once I sift through the footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5HIK7kXFqc

World AIDS Day here..

Saw a story published on Yahoo yesterday(world AIDS day). Michelle and I were reading it together, it stated there has been a serious rise in the cases of AIDS in the U.S. I think the number of cases rose from 1,008 to 1,213(something like that). Michelle was reading the article and stated, "that's how many kids we see just at our clinic." Not to mention all of those that don't come, haven't been diagnosed, etc. This is one clinic in a country the same size as France.

Kind of scary.

Plan is to put up the Xmas tree today..... it should take us about 30 seconds. we have no ornaments, a few lights , and a fake tree that comes up to my waste... We're looking for "I'ts a Wonderful Life" I want to download it via some computer site, but some sites only allow you to download if you live in the U.S. If anyone knows a way to get this movie from a trustworthy site, let me know.. Also, we're jonesing for some claymation, 1960's xmas shows.. Any place to download those, let me know. Have a good Sunday, we'll be laying by the pool sipping cocktails after we put up the tree.