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 !