The week itself has had some deeper
searching times and ended on a more positive note, (even if Wales
I’m getting into the groove at work, my
manager in country is a very merry and dynamic woman, Lindiwe - who works very
hard. I only hope the work I’m doing for her is meeting her expectations –
though I’m sure she would tell me if not. Currently trying to redevelop the website.
In fact, last Thursday, she kindly treated
me to a lovely lunch at a Portuguese / Mozambican restaurant, yum! Even if the
service was pretty hilarious. Following which, she then took me on a tour to
see the Wales – Lesotho link location, the American school and the UNDP
building as well as the World Food Programme – the who’s who of my essay
reading material from my Uni days. I then went for a meeting with a web company
about the development of thesite, she was from
Manchester of all places – small world.
Friday flew by, my daily lunch trip to the
‘Pick and Pay’ supermarket at the mall is becoming a tradition – they do
excellent sausage rolls (I hope that’s what they are). The fruit salad also
hits the spot. The only thing I find a bit difficult is that people just stare
at me, the kids are best at breaking the ice though, “hello do you want to be
my friend?” was a recent comment form a 4 year old…“of course” new friends every day.
The after work chill at ‘Café Ouh la-la’ (aptly named as it's just outside the French Consulate) allowed me to sample the
local brew 'Maluti' (a nice crisp lager) brewed here in Maseru was just the thing I needed –
strange watching the expats and wealthier Basotho mingling a favourite past
time of people watching ensued….before an early departure home for a relaxed
evening. A welcome call from a local Welshman (who’s been here 20 years) asking
if I wanted to watch the match on Saturday at his house? Yey, socialising! (my emailing to loads of contacts is paying off).
Saturday morning, a great lazy morning and
a much needed chill out (still not sleeping all that well, so rest is
important). Then went into town to meet
Polly, who is also here on ILO from Cadw and lives some 25 mins away in a town
called Morija good to share experiences and have a catch up – the sun shinning,
so another Maluti enjoyed– don’t mind if I do! A rush to pick up supplies for the
match ensued and I met up with Mark to watch the game – nuff said about the
match, pretty disappointed, but promising in places. Great to meet Mark and his
kind family who made me feel relaxed and welcome - also enjoyed my first cup of tea in a week.
On Saturday night after I got back home, I get a massage from
David (thanks Jess!) who got in touch thanks to Jess who I met in Cameroon some
years ago, networking! – love how the world is small that way. I am invited to
a Sunday 'Hash' (not what you’re thinking!!) which is an expat walk every Sunday.
Sunday morning and an opportunity to socialise,
good fun had and really nice people, many of whom have been here for years –
from almost every country imaginable,
Mexico, US, Germany, Holland, France, Israel, Wales! (a couple from
Crickhowell)…and more.
Great to escape the city and enjoy the hills, even if I
had to stand up in front of everyone to present myself and neck a beer (not my
rules…tough eh!).
On return to Maseru, the rest of the day involved chilling with
David and Brian at theirs, an Ostrich steak (recommended) and a quick dip in
the pool. After a 3km walk my return home is greeted with the chance to meet my landlady, the deputy minister for
finance, friendly and chatty lady and petrified of scorpions - yes the story
was told (it’s a must!).
New contacts in a new country and a number
of a reliable taxi service, things could get socially hectic! J
Oh, before I forget, fact of the day: Lesotho has 2 Camels which were donated to the King by Colnel Quaddafi, apparently they are an attraction and children go on school trips to see them. Random!
Welsh people get everywhere!
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