Time Doesn't Stop

Today I sat beside a friend's watering hole, soaking up the sun and listening to nature- no other people around and nothing to distract me. I had the time and ability to sit down and really think. I came upon many subjects, some appropriate for public and some not so much... But one thought brought me to a new realization about my service. It's something I've been told time and time again, but it's never really sunk in until now. Just because I am here, it doesn't mean that time has stopped back home. Now if you're reading this and not currently a member of Peace Corps, you're probably saying "Duh!" And yes, when I think scientifically, I realize that time still passes in locations that I am not currently present. But let me rationalize this out anyways...

When preparing to leave home, I knew I was leaving for 27 months. I also knew that 27 months felt like an eternity, but it was my little eternity. I was the only person leaving for this journey and plenty of people said 2 years would be over before I realized it. What I didn't realize (or I guess what I was in denial about) was that my friends' and families' lives would keep moving. For some reason, I had it in my mind that I would leave for 27 months and then go back home and everything would be the same. Like when you start daydreaming in the middle of a conversation, and about 30 seconds later you come to your senses and still get the punch line of the joke your friend was telling. Sure you missed a little bit of it, but you were there for the important part. I thought I could slip right back in where I left off.

I'm 8 months into my service, already about 30% done. It feels like just yesterday that I came to Namibia with no idea what I was doing with my life. But, in that time I've already missed so much back at home- One of my closest friends married the love of her life in Hawaii. My sister found out she was pregnant and is now almost halfway through making the next little badass to our family. My best friend, Heather, got engaged to her best friend/boyfriend of almost a decade. My Deb is finally becoming Mrs. Tortelloni. I've missed 8 birthdays (Poppa's, Meredith's, Lena's, Morgan's, Linda's, Nini's, Stephanie's, and Michelle's). Holidays have come and gone without me. I missed like this entire season of Scandal. Taco Bell has these new 'Boss' nachos I don't even understand. And that's not the end, I still have another 19 months of things to miss ahead of me!

In all seriousness though, I finally get it. I'm not going to be able to slide back into the spot I left behind. My friends and family won't be in the same place where I left them. But I also understand now, that I won't be the same person as the one that said goodbye and hopped on a plane all those months ago. I've changed in ways that I think only this experience would have produced. I have new priorities and goals, I'm truly figuring out what I want in life and how to get it. I've made a whole new group of friends who have inspired me to reach deeper and try harder to be a better person. I have met people who made my previous problems seem so small and irrelevant. I've learned to be thankful.

Am I sad that I've missed time with the people I care about the most? Absolutely. But time keeps on moving whether I like it or not, so I should at least make the most of it. For every moment or big event I miss with family and friends, I need to make a difference or memory here. When I get back, I can share my experiences over the past 27 months with my loved ones and they can share theirs. I'll be there for their next big moment- like weddings, birthdays, and new additions to families. Or for just the regular old daily life things, like waiting in line at Starbucks together. Time didn't stop, but we still have plenty of life to enjoy together. 

Let the holidays begin!

This past week has been a whirlwind of combi rides, festive drinks, and greetings (where I immediately forget the person's name after). It started out with a trip to Keetmans, where myself and several other volunteers were able to celebrate Thanksgiving together. It definitely had a Peace Corps element to it, since most of the items were cooked in shifts with a toaster oven. But all of the food turned out well and we even had homemade pumpkin pie to boot!

Soon enough, it was time for all of us to travel up to Windhoek for the 25th anniversary of Peace Corps Namibia. All 132 volunteers gathered in a swanky hotel, where we were fed a proper buffet every meal, given access to a chilly pool, each room had an air conditioner, and we even had a few informational sessions (those were less important though, if I'm being honest). I met so many other members of our little Namily, I couldn't keep them all straight. To credit my other Peace Corps members, very few of them annoyed me. And that's saying a lot, since I tend to be kind of cranky around large groups of people.

At the conference, I was also able to introduce some other volunteers to mine and Julia's project. They seemed impressed with our mission and progress so far. We almost sold out of all the bags we brought with us! I hope in our upcoming training we have planned, we can get other volunteers to come and collaborate with us to make the project even more solid!

The conference ended with a very formal, very official ceremony to celebrate Peace Corps Namibia's 25 years in the country. Media was abound, speeches were made, and a musical performance by the Okahandja Youth Choir stole the show. The prime minister was even in attendance! After the formal event, we were treated to a volunteer/staff BBQ by the pool, complete with drink tickets.

By Friday morning, it was time to say our goodbyes and leave our luxury hotel life behind us. I loved meeting all of the volunteers spread across the country and hearing about their projects. But I can say, I was ready to be home! This thought made me realize, I think of my new site as home. I was ready to get back to work on the project, snuggle with my kitten, and watch West Wing on the couch with Julia. This is my life now and I couldn't be happier about it.

I am thankful for...

Although I have a bit of moral apprehension about celebrating Thanksgiving in the historical sense, I do think that having at least one day in the year when you count your blessings is a positive thing. It would be better if this was done everyday, but I know life gets in the way sometimes. Today I want to recognize just a few things, in the much larger list, that I am thankful for.



My friends and family
I am so lucky to have such a supportive group of people surrounding me. On a daily basis, they send me inspiring emails. When I'm lucky enough to be able to video chat with them, they make me laugh and cry and smile so hard. And about once a month, I get a heartwarming care package from them filled with snacks and hot sauce. I've said this many times before, I couldn't do this journey without them.

My cat- Miley
Ok, I know some people are going to call me a crazy cat lady now. But in all honesty, I am. I love my little mischievous lady and she is so comforting to me. When she's not taking the smelliest poops, she's right by my side looking for love and attention. Watching her hunt bugs around the flat or getting her paws caught on things is a constant source of entertainment.

My roommate, my bestie, the Taco to my Nacho- Julia
This insane lady is by my side 24/7. (Like literally, sometimes we fall asleep next to each other.) Listening to her overthink her problems, wondering out loud when Josh and Donna will get together, making whale moan noises, and occasionally koala-ing me makes my life very interesting. But in all seriousness, I'm so glad I have such a cool person to share this experience with.

My community
I love my new site. I really couldn't be happier with my new placement and project. I finally feel like I am working towards a goal and making a lasting impact on the people I work with. Everyone here has been so welcoming. Aside from a few crazies and annoyances, this town is starting to feel like another home to me. Plus there is the cafe where I can get a bacon, avocado, chicken burgers daily (and do)- so bonus!

Peace Corps
As much as I can complain sometimes, I am incredibly thankful for this experience and I wouldn't be here without Peace Corps. After months and months of waiting and paperwork, they selected me to come to Namibia. They essentially helped me make a lifetime dream come through and my life will be forever changed because of them.





Again, these are just a few of the major things I am thankful for this year. My list goes well beyond these pieces of my life.



Honorable mentions include: West Wing, air conditioning, Cholula, Mindy Kaling, iced coffee, pumice stones, sunshine, homemade popcorn, my kindle, Texas A&M, Buzzfeed, avocados, Mr. Bates, Justin Bieber's Sorry music video, mug cakes, my Nalgene- and many, many more. 

My Mean Mug

It's Funfetti!

I have started a new habit and it's not necessarily the healthiest, but it does rank high on the delicious scale. Because we do not have an oven and my Spar bakery doesn't make my type of baked good, I crave my sinful American sweets. Luckily, I found a pretty easy way to satisfy that craving. This is not a new concept by any means, but it's a good way for PCVs to get their pastry fix in. You simply put any cake/brownie/cookie/muffin mix into a coffee mug and bake it in the microwave. Here is how I go about it:

1. Either make your own mix or buy any box that entices you at the store.
2. Pour a reasonable amount of the mix into a bowl. (I think it ends up being like a cup)
3. Mix in one egg, about 2 tablespoons oil, and about 2 tablespoons water. The consistency should be on the thicker side. 
4. Oil or butter your selected mug so the entire surface is covered. 
5. Pour in your mix. It should be a maximum of halfway up the mug. Otherwise it will spill over in the microwave. 
6. Turn your microwave to medium power
7. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. 
8. Eat it on up. Just don't burn your mouth. Ouch!

It's that simple. They taste just like they came out of the oven and it's a decent way to go about portion control. Unless you are like me and sometimes you make two, but that's another problem all together. Go forth and enjoy your pastries my friend! 

Here are some recipes from babble.com. 

Disclaimer: I am eating a mug brownie as I write this. But I have no time to take a picture of it... because I'm enjoying it too much to stop. 

The Peanut Butter to my Jelly

Being in the Peace Corps is not easy by any means- sometimes you experience incredibly high highs and incredibly low lows, all within the same hour. I'm lucky enough to have a support system surrounding me that you should be quite jealous of. (#squadgoals) I've decided to start a series of posts highlighting some of these people that make the hardest days just a little bit easier. Whether I'm in a puddle of tears or so giddy I can't stop snort laughing, they are part of this experience with me. Without them, I'm positive I couldn't make it through the next year and a half.

To start off, I'm going to highlight my main lady. She's the ride or die type. She would shank someone to protect me. We have had 26 years together and although there were rough patches in there, I wouldn't trade her love and support for anything in this world. Not even for the love of James Franco (and you guys know how serious that is for me.) It's my sister/mom/best friend Morgan.

Morgan has fulfilled many roles in my life. She has been the hardass mentor, always pushing me to try harder and be better. She has been my shoulder to cry on, or I guess more often to blabber on Facetime to. She will be my lifelong dance partner, always ready to throw out her classic pancake dance move. We can debate Hufflepuff vs. Gryffindor for hours. I expect her to call me out when I'm being a basic bitch. And in return, I help her pick out clothes that don't give her a mom ass and cover her unusually long torso.

Even though we are like 6,500 miles away from each other, she is available anytime I need her. She has supported me on my Peace Corps journey since the day I called her and casually said I had applied. She was the first person I called when I got my nomination and invitation. And she was my last pep talk before I got on the plane. When all I want to do is quit, she talks me through it. She never pushes me one way or the other, even though I am sure selfishly she would prefer I was at home having dance parties with her. I love her with all my heart. And I am thankful every.single.day for her.

Mail Call

I think every Peace Corps volunteer knows that receiving a care package from back home can easily make your week. Whether it is filled with snacks, keepsakes, or gossip- it is always a welcome distraction and something to get excited over and/or possibly celebrate by posting pictures to facebook and making other people jealy. I've been lucky enough to receive quite a few packages so far (and I am always excited to get more *hint hint*) but I wanted to think of a way I can send some love back. Since it's not exactly feasible for me to send packages back to the states filled with Namibian treasures- like Nik Naks, shitenges, and little bottles of red sand- I thought a post card might be just cute enough to send to y'all.

So if you are interested in getting an adorable Namibian post card, complete with my 5th grade level handwriting, just send me an email with your address. My email is pcvmegan@gmail.com

I promise everyone who sends an email will get a post card, but it may take anywhere from like 6 weeks to 6 months. I will probably blame that on the mail services here losing it or something, but in reality I might just forget about it and procrastinate about making the 10 minute walk to the post office. Don't hold that against me yo! Just be thankful when it arrives, obviously.




PS- I may sign it 'XOXO Gossip Girl'. Because who hasn't always wanted to do that?!? #reasons

Fresh Start

So many feels saying goodbye

So remember how I causally mentioned some big changes were going to be taking place soon in one of my previous blogs? Well... I changed sites, projects, and my overall outlook on my Peace Corps experience. As I write this, I am sitting in the sun room of my new flat in my new town. (And I'm also listening to Jason Derulo's 'Trumpets', but I don't think that has much to do with this post.)

I was previously placed in a relatively large town near the capitol, with a project who lost funding prior to my arrival. After a few months of trying to turn the project around, secure funding, and come up with new project ideas, it was quite clear to me that none of it was working. I'm not one to easily give up on things, but quite frankly I didn't move 7,500 miles away from home to teach computer courses. I can barely work a computer myself, much less teach others how. Unfortunately, I began to feel rather hopeless.

Luckily PC headquarters listened to my plight and allowed me to suggest another site for placement. After a few weeks of going thru red tape, I was moved Monday. I packed up all of my belongings (which have grown exponentially) and my kitty and arrived in the middle of the Kalahari. Not only do the project opportunities here seem endless, but I also have a rad roommate who I adore- Julia. You can refer to my previous posts which go into detail about how I think we are soulmates. And I'm sure there will be plenty more examples given in future posts.

#nofilterneeded

But back to the main point of this post... This site instantly feels like a much better fit; like it's right where I should be. I have an incredible amount of freedom here to shape my project around what interests me most. The community is very vocal about what they need. And luckily, Julia has tapped into a great group of activists who are working hard to better their town and are very supportive of projects. Although I will basically be repeating a 3 month integration period, I will be able to form a project of my very own that combines my areas of expertise and what the community needs. All while being surrounded by red sand and endless hills. How lucky am I?

 

Frustration Station

It's hard to readjust your life day-by-day, preparing yourself for what you may or may not experience at any given moment. Coming back from a week with all of my PC buddies was tough. Not only did I catch the flu and a sinus infection, but I also had to get back into the swing of things at work and my site. It should be a simple transition, right? After all it's what I've been doing for the last 3 months without many problems. But what I figured out, after feeling frustrated and exhausted for days, was that it is not so simple. The hardest part about coming back was transforming into a different version of myself. 

When I am with my fellow volunteers out of site, I can be the honest version of myself. No one is there to judge me or reject me. I can easily express my thoughts and opinions without any hurdles. I don't feel guarded in any way. In contrast, in my community I am juggling many barriers which lead to me being a different me. The most easily pinpointed is the language barrier. Although I can understand a great deal of Afrikaans, I cannot express myself fluidly when speaking with people. I don't have the vocabulary to explain my complex feelings about bell peppers or the presidential race back in the states. (Trust me, it takes some time and work to get through those emotions.) So I end up having simple, short conversations where I agree to things I would never normally accept. 

They get me

Another major barrier is cultural. There are many strong, powerful Namibian women who are leading examples of female empowerment in this country. But there is also a deep sense of traditional patriarchy amongst the population. A liberal, single woman like myself often gets condescending and downright offensive questions. Like, "Why are you not married? Why do you not have children? What are you doing with your life?" And sometimes these are even followed up with more offensive remarks like, "Eish my dear, you are not a real woman. You are wasting your life and no one will want you when you are old." If I had conversations like this maybe once a week, I could probably brush it off. But when I hear the same thing multiple times a day, it really breaks me down. 

My only sanctuary sometimes

The worst version of cultural clash is the sexual harassment I experience on a daily, almost hourly basis. I cannot walk down the street without being cat-called multiple times. Sitting next to a man in a taxi almost always leads to the inevitable conversation where he asks me out for a drink and requests my number. The worst is when the men get physical- touching my hand or grabbing my arm. I even had a man yank my ponytail last week while trying to get my attention to his absurd pleas. After damn near snapping on him, his only response was, "I like your body. You should thank me for my compliments, not turn away from me." It's honestly sickening. 

These overwhelming emotions inevitably lead to frustration. I get frustrated with the people around me. I get frustrated with myself. I get frustrated with the whole world sometimes. I guess when I entered into this journey, I thought the challenges would be more physical. Like how to live without hot water and adjusting to a new diet. I didn't realize all of the emotional boundaries that would be crossed. This experience is really chipping away at me. I don't know if that is a positive or a negative yet. Am I being chiseled down to the truest version of myself and learning inner strength? Or am I slowly losing what makes me me? 

A week away keeps the crazy at bay

No filter needed

As you may have noticed, I have been slacking on my blog posting duties. I am sure all of my followers (mostly meaning my grandmother) have been super disappointed not to have the latest update on my fabulous life. Not to worry though, I'm about to jam as much of my last week of adventures into this post as possible.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining my fellow Group 41ers at a conference called Reconnect. The name implies exactly what took place, we reconnected and discussed our separate experiences over the past 3 months at site. We also had some boring  informative presentations over various topics related to current and future projects. It was so lovely to meet up with everyone else and see their smiling faces once again. Although hearing about how stellar their projects had been going gave me a pang of jealousy, I was able to muster my way through and accept that I am where I am. As they say, comparison is the thief of joy. (I don't know who they are, but they seem fairly smart.)

We stayed in a pretty janky hotel, i.e. no locking doors and pipes as loud as a foghorn. But the view was spectacular. We were up in the mountains overlooking Windhoek and it felt like we were on top of the world. Very Titanic-esque. At one point I even attempted to keep up with my training for the 10k and run up and down the hills, but that only ended in an asthma attack and a deep sense of embarrassment. Oh well, exercise has never really been my thing.

'Let's hope we don't die' face

After a week of classes and avoiding the ever-present bees, a large group of us loaded up in our pre-arranged combi and departed for Swakop for The Lucky Star Marathon. You know how it feels to visit a spa after months and months slaving away at your desk job? Well that's exactly how it felt to arrive in Swakop. I was instantly refreshed with the smell of salt water in the air and the promise of exciting events to come. But first I just had to make it through the death that was my upcoming 10k race...

We did it!

I will say that although I was really dedicated to my training regimen leading up to the race, I had slacked off majorly in the 2 weeks directly prior. The asthma attack while trying to run at Reconnect was also not very good at boosting my confidence. But I got up at about 4:45 in the morning and put on my colorful Nike gear anyways. Too late to turn back now. Since I've never done any form of a race before and I don't think I have even run a timed mile since 6th grade, my goal was just to finish the race.  And I did exactly that. I wasn't even last! (Even though some dude with his kid in a stroller definitely beat me.)

Some of those crazy
full marathon people

After I finished my race, I was able to cheer on my fellow beastly volunteers who submitted themselves to the torture of a half and full marathon. I am so impressed with these guys, I don't even know how to explain it. Once we all finished up and began limping back to our bungalows, it was time for the fun to begin. First order of business was delicious food in our bellies. We went to a lovely restaurant directly on the beach where we could enjoy noms and a view. Even though I hate sand, it was refreshing to walk barefoot along the beach. At one point I did get soaked by a rogue wave, but I made it through.

Definitely not staged...

After a romantic dinner with my lady lover, Sinthu, (plus Yen and Jatin) we moved on to the real fun. It was time to go to the one bar where all the white people/tourists congregate to dance in circles and fist pump the night away. We were also celebrating Kaan's birthday, but that's not nearly as important. (Jk, love you kid.)

I had a glimpse of this place the last time I was in Swakop, but the culture shock returned in full force when I was there again. My version of culture shock consists of uncontrollable laughing and my hands waving in the air. It's not the worst way to deal with the craziness around me, but I should probably learn to pull myself together before I get back to the states and have a meltdown in Target.

Anyways, we showed off our best moves and I even paid a ridiculous sum for Appletinis that came with sparklers in them. (Totally worth every penny, btw.) Because we were all basically walking zombies by 11pm, we called it an early night and returned back to our cozy bungalows. I snuggled in next to Sinthu and let the sleep sheep take me away.

The next morning was a whirl of movement, everyone trying to get packed up and ready to depart to our various locations around the country. After a fully satisfying brunch complete with 2 iced coffees and cheesecake to-go, I cried just a little as I said goodbye to my dear friends. The girls and I loaded up in an unmarked vehicle and headed towards Hardap. We passed our time on the ride by discussing all of the highlights of our trip and who had a crush on who. Typical lady behavior.

I arrived back at site with my heart full of happiness. Not only because I am surrounded by the best group of peers I could have imagined, I was also happy to be home and able to immediately get pantsless and binge watch Parks and Rec. It's amazing how you can feel so isolated at site, but then you realize after a week of non-stop human interaction you need your space too. I was happy to return to my kitties, who really didn't care whether I was home or not.

Over the next few weeks, there will be some big changes taking place. I'll wait until they are official to fill you guys in. For now, I'm going to embrace my current situation and figure out how to celebrate my birthday week. A chocolate dipped ice cream cone is a given, but maybe I'll head into Windhoek for some sushi as well. Who knows? The world is my oyster.

Simple things that create (my) happiness

Like give-up-and-pass-out-in-a-yard rotten

Some days, I may be feeling rotten. There are a myriad of reasons why that might happen; my project is a mess and my students don't show up, I got in a fight with the postman, or I burned my dinner and don't have anything else left to cook. And in moments like that when all I want to do is turn on a Nicholas Sparks based movie and cry, I have to reach deep and find the little things that will make me happy. Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to remember that list in the moment, so I thought I would type that list out for myself... and for your casual enjoyment. Welcome to my happy place! (Please leave your anger and haterade at the door.)

1.     The opening credits of The Newsroom
2.     When I get to Spar just in time for warm garlic rolls
3.     A text from my bestie that perfectly describes how she just gets me
4.     Making fun of the tourists with the locals
5.     Anytime I get to Facetime with my badass niece and we argue debate about Harry Potter
6.     Sitting outside reading an entertaining book and absorbing all the sun I can
7.     An email from a friend back home, just letting me know they miss me
8.     Any Buzzfeed article that involves cats
9.     Getting my Instagram filters just right to create that perfect blend of artistic and candid
10.   When I am hangry and remember I have a Little Debbie hidden away from a previous care package

11.    If I choose a random playlist on Spotify or 8tracks and it turns out to be perfect, like it's in my mind or something
12.    Anytime learners ask me questions and it's not to request money
13.    Leslie.freaking.Knope14.    When I see my students at Spar and they introduce me as their teacher to their coworkers
15.    A nice relaxing bath with scalding hot water
16.    Anytime I am pantsless with a rad pair of socks on my feet. It feels very Risky Business and very right.
17.    Discovering a new American product in a local store. Like M&M cookies at the gas station and Snickers at Clicks
18.    Putting an outfit together that is the perfect combination of comfy, breezy, and presentable

19.    When I notice I am out leg-pressing the guys at the gym
20.    Having a polite conversation with my taxi cab driver where they are inquisitive but not creepy
21.    Playing with babies... or puppies... or kittens... or anything soft and adorable

22.    Learning new curse words in Damara from the aunties at my project

23.    Getting a brilliant idea and remembering it the next day24.    90s paraphernalia and Lisa Frank
25.    Having an entire conversation in Afrikaans and understanding at least 70% of what the other person said
26.    Figuring out a new shortcut around town
27.    Curling up in the quilt my Nini made me and it still smelling like home

28.    Getting my side braid just right- a little messy but in a boho way, you know?
29.    My pedicure (that I gave myself) lasting more than a week
30.    When the avocados are already ripe at Spar and I don't have to wait 5 days to eat them
31.    Anytime the Fightin' Texas Aggies win
32.    Beating a level on Candy Crush that I have been trying to get through for over 3 days
33.    Sleeping past 7am on the weekends
34.    Seeing how ridiculous Afrikaners look in those little bitty shorts. Also getting a picture of it to add to my collection
35.    When a dog comes up to me and it's not to bit or chase me

So when you just want to curl up in a ball and become a hermit forever, find the little thing that makes you happy and embrace it. Whether it's rapping with Fetty Wap in your room or inhaling a bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms, get in there kid. Treat yo self!

Little Blessings

Living the Peace Corps lifestyle is not easy by any means. Some days you want to quit and you realize it's only 9am. Other days you think you have made the best decision of your life and might stay a volunteer forever. In our pre-service training, one of my favorite volunteers showed us an infographic of what a day in PC could look like. It was filled with ups and downs, like a roller coaster of awful and wonderful coming at you constantly. You really have to prepare for anything to happen; from waking up to a donkey on your porch, to finding out you no longer have running water, to being told by a small child that you are their hero. Your day and experience are constantly evolving. 

After a dismal Friday where I almost literally went 'postal' on a postal worker who refused to give me my care package and standing in a bank line for over an hour to pay for my 10k, I needed a little relief in my life. On Saturday, I decided to go to Windhoek to do a little shopping with my girl Cristal. The main idea centered around buying some ultra trendy harem shorts and crop tops, then ending the day by binge eating Indian food at Garnish until we could no longer walk but only waddle out of the restaurant. Sounds like the perfect day, right?

This guy would not
be driving me

Well first I had to hurdle the ever-annoying transportation system of Namibia. Hitch-hiking. This means I go to a nearby gas station and stalk the license plates of cars until I find one that is going my way. I then check the cars for my personal safety (and comfort) rules which are as follows:

1. The driver must not look like a creeper. 
2. If the driver does look like a creeper, then the passengers must have a larger ratio of women or children to men and they must look normal. I'm not about to get in a vehicle with 5 dudes and feel comfortable the whole time. (A really sad way to look at things, but my safety comes first.)
3. The car must look like it will make it to the destination i.e. has 4 wheels that are attached and at least one door that works. (Requiring 2 doors to work would just be excessive)
4. If the car looks like a sardine can filled with fish people, I'm out. 
5. By PC rules, only covered truck beds are allowed if I am riding in back. (Because a truck bed with a flimsy roof over my head, no seat belts, and 6 other people stuffed in it is sooooo much safer than an uncovered one if we get in an accident or rollover. *eye-roll*)

I did google 'hooptie' to
get this image

If the car meets at least 3 of the above rules, I'm in pretty good shape and I then approach them to see if I can get a ride. Now here come the negotiations. Unfortunately, because I am an American, they usually try to overcharge me at first. There are pretty standard rates that people pay from town to town. I know these rates and I am no fool. I am also on a PC budget so I am not ready to make it rain on these people. 

If we can get to a fair price, I hop in and get ready to be at my destination at some point in the next day. If we cannot, then I continue to rove the parking lot in search of my next conquest. Time is relative here and it could take hours and hours to find the right ride to where you need to go. 

So to get back to my experience yesterday- I went to the gas station at around 8am and begin my quest for transportation. I walked around the parking lot and tried to find a few people who might be going to Windhoek. Mostly I just stared at cars as they came in, smiling like a crazy white lady, hoping they might approach me first. No such luck. But I did see a bakkie come in with the right license plate and women and children in the back. I hesitantly approached the driver and asked if he was going to Windhoek. He replied that he was, so I asked if I could get a ride. When he replied in the affirmative, I got ready to battle the price situation. So I said, "30 bucks is fine, nee?" He looked at me puzzled and I was ready to start negotiations. But then he replied so sweetly, "We are going that way anyways, you don't need to pay me. Just hop in the back. I'm sorry that it may be a little uncomfortable back there." 

I was shocked. He just gave me a free ride and in the least creepy possible way. I hope in the back where his wife, mother-in-law, and children introduced themselves. It was not uncomfortable at all. There was plenty of room and they had a mattress on the floor for comfortable seating. He then went into the convenience store and proceeded to shock me again. He had bought everyone a meat pie, including me! He was worried that I may be hungry. How freakin nice is that? I never thought I would be so lucky to have a stranger give me a meat pie and a free ride. 

We chatted for a bit while we were on the road. We had the typical conversation about Texas, where everyone asks me about the show Dallas and if I live on a ranch. (I always respond yes.) Then he asked me what I was going into Windhoek for. I told him to do a little shopping. He asked where he should drop me off and I just told him a local gas station. I could catch a cab to where I needed to go from there and they could continue on with their day. He then insisted that he take me directly to the mall, so I wouldn't have to pay for a cab and be out in the city which he thought was too dangerous. He drove me directly up to the entrance to the mall and gave me his phone number, in case I ever needed another ride. (Now it was actually not the right mall, but I was not about to correct him.) If I had my camera with me, I would have taken this family's picture for my future scrapbook or facebook post or whatever. 

It is little moments like this that I feel so incredibly blessed to experience.