Category Archives: Africa

What’s cooking: Chakalaka

Posted on September 15, 2017 by elliewick

Sometimes I do not have time to prepare food to the likes of what I write about regularly in the SOJO. There are a few staples that I always have on hand for times like the months of June and … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Sibhaca dance

Posted on September 13, 2017 by elliewick

On Monday I attended Swaziland’s trade fair so that I could purchase a new internet package. I have so much more data now!    While I was there, a sibhaca competition was in progress. This is the male version of … Continue reading →

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Late summer and fall gardening in Swaziland

Posted on September 9, 2017 by elliewick

I have been so far behind in updating all of you on my garden; at least I have kept good records. By May, I had quite the garden planted with onions, lettuce, beets, green pepper, hot pepper, paprika pepper, beans, … Continue reading →

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Photos from cutting reeds

Posted on September 8, 2017 by elliewick

Cutting the reeds turned out to be pretty exciting after a long wait for the day to get started. The photos below show a bit of the march, the cutting, the preparing, the tying, and the posing with the reeds. … Continue reading →

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Day four: Another long Umhlanga march

Posted on September 6, 2017 by elliewick

Friday is the day of the return march to Ludzidzini Royal Residence. When I arrived, my group was already packed and we departed for the umphakatsi within a few minutes. I thought things would be happening soon, but of course, … Continue reading →

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Day three: Cutting umhlanga

Posted on September 4, 2017 by elliewick

Cutting reeds was definitely a day for the memory books. It started with many hours of waiting, which has become a common theme. Then the group of timbali that has most adopted me disappeared after getting ready. I had realized … Continue reading →

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Day two: The first day of marching at Umhlanga

Posted on August 31, 2017 by elliewick

No one told me there would be running. Wednesday started again at 5 a.m., so I could arrive at Lobamba at 6:30 a.m. Around 7:30 a.m. we lined up near the Royal Kraal for the opening ceremony. The queen mother … Continue reading →

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Day one: Registration at Umhlanga

Posted on August 29, 2017 by elliewick

Today started early at 4:45 a.m. because we were told to meet the bus taking us to Ludzidzini at 6 a.m. I asked my sisi for us to leave at 5:50 a.m. to walk to school so that we could … Continue reading →

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Let the dancing begin! It is time for Umhlanga

Posted on August 29, 2017 by elliewick

The integration activity of the year for young females is here. One year ago my babe said I should dance at Umhlanga with my sisi this year. Today it officially starts. There was a community meeting with the caregivers of … Continue reading →

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How I spent July’s PCV stipend

Posted on August 28, 2017 by elliewick

July was a much more expensive month. I took a vacation to Lesotho and Durban, and I had saved enough money that I was able to spend only $50 from my American account. Yay me! There was lots of good … Continue reading →

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