Meet Mr. Spooky

I would like everyone to meet the lovely Mr. Spooky.

He is the man who has stolen my heart in Africa. We share a bed together every night. AND he loves my morning breath. No really, he wakes me up by kissing me and purring all up in my face every morning. We also cuddle every night and morning, and we fall asleep every night in a warm embrace. Jealous, ladies?







So, the story on Mr. Spooky...
As many of you already know, my Mom befriended a feral cat that has lived in our yard for several years. She was always a wild woman, but Mom charmed her, Cat Whisperer style. She also named her Miss Mouser, due to her tremendous mouse hunting abilities. Apparently Miss Mouser was quite the wild lady, and birthed many kittens throughout the years. Her partner in crime was a fat orange cat in the neighborhood, Mr. Frisky (also named by my Mom, and the name is for obvious reasons).

So back in March my Mom discovered a litter of little kittens in one of the potted plants on the patio. She worked her Cat Whisperer ways and tamed all of the little kitties. Even though cats are all over the place in Lesotho, tame kittens are hard to come by, as most are wild. Word got around, and my Mom placed all 4 kittens in homes. Mr. Spooky (yes, also named by my Mom) was one of those little kittens born in the flower pot.

Kittens in a flower pot


Mr. Spooky as a little kitten

Spooky is the white kitten eating food out of the... ashtray!

Even though the urge was strong, she decided not to keep any for herself since she would be keeping the kitten as an outdoor cat, when so many people wanted them as pets. One kitten went to a Peace Corps Volunteer, another to one of the guards, one to our cook Patrick, and another to Patrick's friend.

Sadly Miss Mouser has disappeared, presumably gone to this world. The last time my Mom saw Miss Mouser was in late July. She would see Miss Mouser everyday; feeding her, playing with her, and talking with her (Miss Mouser was a chatty cat). Who knows what exactly her fate was. My Mom was so disapointed since she had recently tamed the wild Miss Mouser.

Miss Mouser and her kitties

Our kind cook, Patrick, saw the void left by poor Miss Mouser. So, one morning he tells us we have a guest. So we go outside to his truck to greet the guest. And who is this guest? The kitten Patrick took, Mr. Spooky!


At first Mr. Spooky lived up to his name. He was quite spooked by his new surroundings, even though this is his birthplace. He played shy at first. That night my parents went out to a dinner, and I spent the night laying in bed with Mr. Spooky eating, reading the paper, and watching the tube. He stayed by my side all evening, and needless to say I was in love.

From our first night, or as I like to call it, the night he stole my heart

We were unsure if Patrick gave us Mr. Spooky, or if he was just here for a visit. Patrick told us we can keep Spooky for as long as we want. We can "share" him, or if I want I can take him back to the states with us.

Having Mr. Spooky around has been awesome. To me, pets always make a house a home.

I love the little guy. He is so affectionate, and man does he talk.

He has the best of both worlds because he is an indoor/outdoor cat. He gets to go play outside in our big yard during the day, but he also has the comforts of a warm home.

He is not exactly a skilled hunter like his Mother, he has yet to learn the art of bird catching, and runs full force at them. He is actually scared of the Ibis birds, which are giant birds with giant beaks. It is my mission for him drive these birds away, as they have the most god awful squak, which starts every morning at 5 am, RIGHT outside my window.

There was this one night he escaped and spent the night in the neighbor's yard, fighting with his father, Mr. Frisky. He came up with a cut up tail and an appreciation for my warm bed! We refer to that night as his wild night on the town, and chalk it up to typical teenage rebellion.


My parents should have known that the "No Pets in Africa" policy would never work with me in the house! =)

Winking at the camera

Salmonella Food Poisoning!

So, I had a lovely bout with salmonella food poisoning!

(Don't worry, this post will NOT have pictures!)

It started almost 2 weeks ago, when I came home from school I took a nap and woke up feeling nauseous. The night before we had eaten at a buffet at a hotel with folks from the embassy. Eating at a buffet in Africa? Risky, I know!

Fast forward to the next day...

My Dad was having a reception at the house that night, and I took some tums to help deal with the nausea during the party. I definitely knew something was wrong, because I could barely eat any food, AND I only drank half of my wine...(unheard of, I know!)

After the party was over the storm hit. I was up all night vomiting and with diarrhea. The next day was Friday, and on Fridays school gets out early at 12pm, so I tried to be brave and go to school. This was only the third week of school, so I didn't want to start wasting sick days!

Lets just say I lasted 5 minutes. To make matters worse, my 2 new students and their parents both showed up that day. Well the nurse saw me keeling over in the teacher work room and could see that I was dying. We discovered I had a fever as well. So after the nurse and my Director saw the lovely state that I was in, I was sent home.

I spent the next 6 days sick. I was barely eating at all, and anything I did eat came right out. Not a pretty picture.

After 6 days we realized this wasn't your average sickness & wasn't going away. My Dear Momma took me to a clinic to see a doctor. They diagnosed me with salmonella food poisoning. They said it wouldn't go away on its own, so I've been taking a bunch of pills. I'm on antibiotics because salmonella bacteria can keep growing. After two days I felt better and all things are running as should be. I'm still on the pills for a few more days though.
I am still a bit run down and tired, but feel so much better.

So, I thought I would share this adventure. It may not be as pretty and fun as the mountains, pony trekking, caveman paintings and wild animals, but it still is part of my African adventure!

(And yes, I will be avoiding this buffet at all costs in the future!)

Oldenburg Game Park

This weekend we went to Oldenburg Game Park in South Africa! This was such a great day trip because it is only 40 minutes away from our house. Oldenburg is a really nice lodge and game park situated in the mountains of South Africa. The weather was gorgeous today; spring has sprung, and the sun is warm and shining.
We started off by having a nice big lunch outside on the porch of the lodge. We had roast chicken, lamb, roast potatoes, veggies, and pumpkin fritters. For dessert we had a delicious apricot sponge cake with custard. (If you don't know by now, I have to mention food in my posts!)
There were four really nice dogs at the lodge, so after lunch I had fun running around getting my fill of dog love. (I miss my Brenna Boo!) The manager of the lodge has a huge beautiful macaw bird from South America. I played "ball" with him and even got to hold him. Oh by the way, his name? Costalot!


After lunch we went to check out some caveman paintings on the property. My Mom has been dying to see cave paintings (there are a lot here in Southern Africa). We started on a path up the mountain to the paintings, and thank goodness we didn't have to go to the top, because we were breathless soon into the jaunt! Then we went through an entrance into the cave dwelling that led us to the paintings. These cave paintings were made by the San bushmen of Southern Africa, over 800 years ago! The shaman go into a trance like state when they make these paintings. The ceiling of the cave was completely black from the smoke of the bushmen. It was so cool, and hard to imagine that we were standing right where the bushman were standing over 800 years ago.

The cattle were drawn above the people to rain milk and blood over them. See the smoke too?

This painting has a deer head, man body, and an erect ::eh hem::

Next we went on a game drive/walk around the park. First animals we saw- giraffes! They are so huge and pretty in person. Animals really do look better out in the wild as opposed to viewing them behind steel bars. The interesting thing when viewing the giraffes was how intently they stared back at us. They were just as curious about us as we were about them.

We also saw wildebeest, Eland antelope, impala, springbok, ostriches, and zebra. We spent a lot of time walking around the park to get the best views of the animals.

Wild animal spotted!

We had such a wonderful day. The food was great, we were privileged to see rare caveman paintings, and see beautiful wildlife. Oldenburg park will definitely be a place to bring visitors! (Hint- Come visit us!!!!)

We had a lovely and excited Sunday. Back to the grind on Monday!

Spotting a giraffe in the distance

At a watering hole

Maliba lodgde at Tsehlanyane National Park

We had an amazing weekend at the Maliba (pronounced Madeeba) lodge at the Tsehlanyane National Park in Lesotho. My Dad dubbed it "Almost Heaven." I could not agree more.
After an early morning and afternoon spent in my classroom, we hit the road and headed North/East of Maseru, for about 2 1/2 hours. The trip up was easy, and the scenery on a Lesotho road trip is always fabulous. The peach trees have just begun to bloom, adding splashes of pink everywhere. At first I thought these tree were something similar to cherry blossoms, but it turns out that they are peach trees, and will grow delicious peaches on them as well.




Besides the breathtaking natural scenery, I love to people watch from out the window, and since we were driving up on a Friday evening, everyone was out and about.
The mountains got higher and the roads got more bumpy and winding as we approached Tsehlanyane. We arrived at dusk, so we could not fully appreciate the incredible mountains surrounding us.

Maliba is a brand new 5 star resort in Lesotho. It officially opens in two weeks, but the Lesotho Minister of Tourism invited members of the diplomatic corp up this past weekend for a special rate. We were very happy to be "guinea pigs" as she referred to us, at such a lovely place!

Beautiful view from the deck at the lodge
Our chalet

The lodge is run by a wonderful couple, Floyd and Joanne, from Zimbabwe. They really made the lodge feel like we were staying there as their close friends.

I won't describe the lodge in too much detail, I will let the pictures talk instead. There is a small river that runs through the mountains, and creates several waterfalls and natural pools. The constant sound of the water was so striking. My Mom and I felt like we were at the beach, you could hear the water coming down the mountain all day and night, even from our chalet.

I cannot make a post without describing the FOOD! It was absolutely fantastic. It's a good thing that this lodge is in the mountains, because we were able to hike off all of the yummy meals we had. I had Lesotho trout, ostrich, lamb, sausage, apple crisp, chicken curry, chocolate meringues with amarula sauce, delicious homemade soups, etcetera, etcetera!


The highlight of the trip was our horse trek. We rode horses deep into the mountains to an impressive 3 cascade waterfall- which took us FIVE hours! We rode horses from the local village, and had a great guide that lead us up, down, and almost sideways on the mountains! I have not been on a horse since I was about 9 years old, and boy was it fun. It was so peaceful- and exciting. We kept getting higher and higher, and closer to the edge of the cliffs. Our horses were literally inches away from the edge of the cliff- with thousands of feet below us. At one point I could not even look to the side, that's how close to the edge we were! It was definitely a thrill- much better than a roller coaster! After we reached our destination- the waterfalls, we spent some time resting and enjoying the view. There was a good portion of the trek that we had to walk back down; it was too steep to ride downhill, if the horses slipped that would be the end of the both of us! Riding the horses deep into the mountains was such an awe inspiring experience. I wish I could better describe the rush and contentment you get from the experience.

To sum up the trip, we ate wonderful food, took in breathtaking scenery, and wore ourselves out with horse trekking and hiking galore.

Rest stop
Can you believe we took horses up that teeny tiny STEEP path!?

Dad is not as sure footed as Basotho horses!

Now can you see why we call Maliba "Almost Heaven?"


NOTE: I took so many beautiful pictures on this trip and I have been trying to add them to the blog. However when I try to upload them the server times out most of the times. I will try to add more pictures to the post as much as possible!

1st Week in Lesotho

Greetings! I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to update; I know I promised many of you that I would update Sunday night, but I have been so incredibly busy. Tonight I finally have a moment to relax! I am no longer jet lagged, but struggled with it for a few days. I was extremely tired all throughout the day, but when it was time to sleep my body wouldn't let me, and I would toss and turn in bed all night.

So, I have been in Lesotho for exactly one week. My first week in Lesotho has been busy and exciting, and I am transitioning well.
My flight last Thursday went well, and I had the good fortune of having two seats to myself on the plane! The flight was surprisingly only half full, so it made things much more comfortable and peaceful. Once we landed at the Joburg airport I had to race the clock to catch my next flight. It took a while to disembark the plane, followed by long lines for customs, and delays in baggage. After I got my suitcases I hired a porter, and he and I ran (literally) across the airport so I could check in for my next flight, which was boarding in 15 minutes. Hiring a porter is the way to go if you are crunched for time. Thanks to him I didn't have to wait in the long queue (line) to check my bags and get my boarding pass. We skipped the line and off I went. Yes, I am a line cutter! But it was so worth it, since I made my connecting flight.
I arrived one hour later in Bloemfontein South Africa, and was sooo happy to see my parents waiting for me! (And I have to mention, my Mom greeted me in Wilson tradition- tears!) I don't think I've ever had anyone that happy and relieved to see me before! (Note- I will now expect a greeting with tears of joy upon all of my arrivals in the future :) ).

Hiking day trip
On Sunday afternoon my Mom, Dad & I went on a historical hiking trip to Thaba Bosiu. It was nice to get some exercise, enjoy beautiful scenery, AND get a history lesson! Thaba Bosiu is a sandstone plateau, that was used by King Moshoeshoe in the 1800s to protect his nation from invaders. It is often called the birthplace of the Basotho nation. While climbing up the mountain, our Masotho tour guide told me the history of all of the attacks that occurred here. All but one of the Kings, along with other royalty, are buried at the top. There are also ruins of houses built in the 1800s. It was fascinating and beautiful!

At the edge of the cliff!

These are actually flowering aloe plants

First week of school- for faculty
On Monday I started work. We started the day off with a staff meeting, and I got to meet my fellow teachers and assistants. The first day of school will be Monday, August 25th. Everyone is so nice, and I love the environment of the school. We have 9 teachers, as well as several assistant teachers, a librarian, nurse, office administrators, guards, a driver, maintenance men, and cleaning/playground supervision women. Our Director at the school is great! Off the top of my head, our ethnicities in the faculty include: American, Australian,Ugandan, Zimbabwean, Indian, Danish, and Basotho. There are three other American teachers, and the Director is American as well.

The school is housed in a gated compound, and the campus consists of separate houses for the buildings. It really is like teaching in one room school houses! We have little round picnic tables sprinkled around campus with thatched roof umbrellas, and stone pathways connecting the houses. It is the beginning of spring here in Lesotho, and the gardeners are busy planting flowers around campus.

On Tuesday we had an all day HIV/AIDS training seminar. It was very interesting. I thought I knew a lot about AIDS already, but I learned so much, and gained new perspectives. Living in an area so deeply affected by this epidemic really makes it so much more relevant and significant.

My classroom is finally decorated and ready for Monday! Man was it a lot of work. I spent the first day arranging all of the furniture in the classroom. The teacher before me taught in the same room for ten years, and she left all of her teaching materials in the classroom. She left a TON of great materials, but sorting through everything took forever! There was no rhyme or reason to things, and loads of boxes, folders, and full shelves everywhere. I had to throw away a ton of old things we could not use, but in the end it was worth it since there were many great finds. Just sorting and organizing took two solid days.

Having my Mom here is a GODSEND! She has been such a help, and is great at sorting and purging things. I wouldn't have been able to get through everything and decorate without her. I have certainly put her to work! I can't wait for her to help out in the classroom once my kids are there as well :).

Busy organizing my classroom (pre-decorations)

Bits and Pieces
On Sunday night we got to see a partial lunar eclipse in the African sky. The sky here is breathtaking, the stars are so clear, you can reach out and touch them. We are in the city too, so I cannot imagine how they look out in the country here in Lesotho. I put my new camera's zoom lens to work, and got some nice pictures.




Last night we went to a nice farewell party held for the Chinese Ambassador. I met him several times during my last visit, and he and his wife are so kind. I was disappointed to hear that they are leaving, I know many people in Lesotho will miss him.

At Ambassador Qiu Bohua's farewell party

I will take more photos of the school next week. Tomorrow my Mom, Dad & I are going on a weekend trip to visit a new lodge at the Tsehlanyane national park in Lesotho. I cannot wait! This weekend in the mountains will be full of R&R. I cannot wait to sleep, relax, catch up on reading, and of course plan my lessons for next week!

Well, I think I have bombarded you with enough details! I have plenty more to say, but I don't want to make your eyes too sore! Plus it is bedtime for me, I have an 8am staff meeting tomorrow. I will update after our trip to Tsehlanyane.

I miss you all and hope all is well! God Bless.

An African sunset to say goodnight...
Love,
Colleen

Moving to the Motherland...TOMORROW!

Eeek! Time has been flying by! I can't believe that I'm moving tomorrow. I have been running around like a headless chicken the past two weeks taking care of business. Doctors appointments galore, errands, etc. I have been spending the past few days packing, organizing, and visiting with friends and family.
Meghan and Steve came over and made dinner last night (yum), and Ryan and Martyna came home from Poland yesterday, so we had a nice little sibling get together. Of course Meghan and I had a tearful goodbye (thanks for the blubbering gene, Mom!) It was even harder than a typical goodbye since she has a little Mini Megs in her! I'm sad that I will be so far away, but such is life. It's crazy that the next time I will see her she will have a little baby girl and I'll be an Aunt! I can't wait!

I am dreading the long flight. Since the car accident I get so sore, stiff, and deal with a lot of pain in my neck and back on a daily basis. The trip will take me about 20 hours...yuck. My doctor and physical therapist instructed me to get up and walk every hour, do my special exercises, use my neck and back pillow, and take my pain pills/muscle relaxers/anti inflammatory pills! It will be a long haul, thank goodness for in flight movies, books, magazines, and my ipod!

Anyways...I should probably not be blogging right now, and instead should be packing. Procrastination at its finest!


I'll leave you all with a few pictures from the highlights of my summer...

Annual family beach vacation on Chincoteague Island, VA

Baby Shower for Meghan & Steve :)


Visiting Grandma in the country & family reunion



My farewell shindig with friends

Alrighty, I'm off! Next time you'll hear from me I'll be in Lesotho! :)