i have a mild obsession with clementines. I’m on my third since dinner.

i got so excited when I saw them at target today that I accidentally dumped the entire container on the ground [i know...you can't take me anywhere]. luckily, the nearest friendly target worker was there to help me gather the ones that got away before i saw someone else I knew.

When people from America come to South Africa and are going through culture training, we tell them it’s important to be gracious when accepting things like food or seats [often grandmas will give up their seat for you and sit on the floor--which can be uncomfortable for us]. When we’re out in the villages, people will offer you their best..their best chair, their best food, etc.

Inevitably the question comes up…What’s the worst thing you’ve ever had to eat? Sour milk, cow intestines and chicken feet are probably at the top of the list.

Personally, I’ve been lucky. A lot of tea, biscuits, canned peaches (amazing!) and occasionally coca cola or fanta.

Until today. I was just outside the kitchen door when I heard the words I dread, “oh, they are chicken feet….here, try them.” It was a moment of panic…until I saw the kids jump roping around the corner. Although, I am a miserable jump roper, and I made a fool of myself in front of a few 12 year olds, it definitely beat the alternative!

whew. close call!

done.//

There are moments that it feels a lot like America here. There are about 75-80 Americans on the base this week. So conversations feel oddly like the ones at home. Food seems American-ish [I had a tortilla for lunch- pronounced tort-til-la here- that hasn't happened in a while] AND rumor has it we’re all going out for cheeseburgers for the 4th of July [you don't get much more American than that--although, I'll refrain from the burger part...].

Then, random things happen that make me realize how far I really am from American culture. How far I am from the life I lived just a few months ago. Today I got an email from The Palm…

To put it into perspective $130 is over R800. That’s a monthly salary for a lot of Basothos. Crazy how much can change in 6 months…

last night i got together with a few friends for a journal making party. it was fun to be able to spend time with the girls. my creation is a little rough around the edges, but that just gives it character right?

my friend Brittany had me over for a birthday lunch today. it was amazing. it’s no exaggeration to say it was the best cake of my life. even Brit was impressed with her creation, and she’s her own biggest critic. and she even set me home with leftovers!

the table….we had black bean soup. my fav! AND you have to import the black beans from the states because they don’t have them here, so this is a big deal.

my cake….

close up of the cake….so amazing!