R.I.P. El Mestizo

Dear Mestizos,

I just heard the news today all the way across the world and in a different time zone, months out from living in Seattle. But the news of your closing still shook me to my core. How did this happen? Where do the people of First Hill go to find reprieve during their work days and to enjoy delicious Mexican dishes?

I remember the first time I noticed you -- you replaced that sketchy pizza place whose name I never remember. You were like a beacon of light and we thought, for a while, that First Hill might be "up and coming". It wasn't. But nonetheless, you remained for a long time and I enjoyed so many memories in the restaurant. I remember May 5, 2010 camping out for hours after work and listening to the deafening sounds of the mariachi band playing whilst I ate my carne asada burrito laden with guacomole. Many times I've dreamed of that food here in Botswana, dreamed of having it again one day when I come home to visit. And now with this news my dream dies.

¡Descanse en paz, El Mestizo!

Holidays

Being away from home during the holidays can be difficult so it's a huge blessing to be able to gather with fellow volunteers to celebrate in familiar ways. Now having more time and knowledge of Botswana, friends and I adeptly traveled all over the country, sometimes enduring long, hot bus rides to visit each other. I've gained so many great memories in just the past 6 weeks or so celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, and New Years. Here's where I spent the occasions...

Thanksgiving in Shakawe, on the Okovango Delta

We were accommodated by a person with a farm in Shakawe. This is the cabin we stayed in.

This was the view from that farm, right on the water!

We were also right next to a Crocodile Farm with a catchy name.

Our group of Americans and 1 Canadian hosted a big Thanksgiving dinner for locals at the Croc Farm.

Everyone waiting patiently to eat the food we'd cooked all day.

Happily dining together!

Thanksgiving plate before...

And AFTER.

We had to get a funny photo right before we left...

Christmas in Mochudi
 

We got photos with Santa in Gaborone on our way to Mochudi

We spent several days just playing games, watching movies, and visiting.

Our hosts were very sweet and hung up "stockings" for everyone coming.

We even had a little Charlie Brown tree! We forgot about the voltage difference and accidentally plugged this in -- it didn't light up after that :0(

My volunteer friend Britt near the table where dinner settings were being prepared

Here's our Christmas feast!

The group shot (and a great group I must say!)

Later we enjoyed lighting sparklers and a few enjoyed cigars. 
And one managed to enjoy both at the same time.

Some sort of 'Saved by the Bell' moment I captured after sparklers all went out - 
"Gooooo CHRISTMAS!"

Stay tuned for my New Year's photos!