Category Archives: Africa

What’s in a Swati name?

Posted on January 21, 2017 by elliewick

Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. I was receiving a tour of my soon-to-be home and community from my eldest sisi, and she wanted to make sure I made a good impression that day. … Continue reading →

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The chicken diaries: Time out

Posted on January 20, 2017 by elliewick

I became a parent to two chickens I named Sitfwatfwa (snow) and Thandi (love) in January 2017. This is their story.  My chickens spent a week in time out because of their flight risk. Apparently, chickens just want to go … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Me and my chickens

Posted on January 18, 2017 by elliewick

I told my tutor that I wished someone who lived near us sold eggs. A few days later, she showed up at my house saying she bought me chickens.  My response was something like, “Uh, I don’t know how to … Continue reading →

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There’s more to me and America than what Swazis know from TV

Posted on January 14, 2017 by elliewick

We are all guilty of knowing and assuming a single story about a group of people, their homeland, and their culture and traditions. Before coming to Swaziland, I knew very little about this tiny country in southern Africa. I knew … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Swazi Candles

Posted on January 10, 2017 by elliewick

One of the most famous local products on the tourist route are candles shaped like animals.  Swazi Candles is in Malkerns, and the complex houses shops for many other locally-made products and crafts.      The candles are actually pretty … Continue reading →

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A moment in my life: A green lollipop

Posted on January 7, 2017 by elliewick

So many entertaining things happen in my life in Swaziland. These are the moments I will want to remember because they make me laugh, and they show insight into my daily routine. These moments are often hard to photograph and … Continue reading →

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What’s cooking: Cinnamon apple custard pie

Posted on January 5, 2017 by elliewick

I first made this pie for Thanksgiving a few years ago when looking for something different to try. I made a few changes to the original recipe, including using a sugar cookie crust instead of a regular pie crust. This … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: My garden grows

Posted on January 4, 2017 by elliewick

I tried planting a variety of vegetables in a variety of ways. Most failed, still to unknown reasons.  What I thought would fail the most was my butternuts. I planted seeds from a butternut from the market, and I had … Continue reading →

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Home for the holidays and advice on the Peace Corps life

Posted on December 31, 2016 by elliewick

I have lived far from my parents for many years. I went to university three hours away from my hometown. I studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria, twice, which included a summer program and a full school-year. My first job after … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Baking lessons

Posted on December 28, 2016 by elliewick

My baking school started soon after I moved into my permanent site. My bosisi were excited to partake in making baked goods, and then word spread as I shared with my language tutor.  My tutor’s sister had wanted to bake … Continue reading →

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