Category Archives: Swaziland

Rhinos at Hlane Royal National Park

Posted on October 11, 2016 by elliewick

We were setting up our tent when we heard there were rhinos at the watering hole. We packed up as fast as possible to see the rhino. I had seen one rhino before at Nakuru National Park in Kenya. It … Continue reading →

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Lions at Hlane Royal National Park

Posted on October 7, 2016 by elliewick

There were so many animals I looked forward to seeing at Hlane, like the lions and elephants, but also some of the smaller animals like the honey badger and colorful birds. As it turned out, we saw only large animals … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Jacaranda flowers

Posted on October 5, 2016 by elliewick

The jacaranda tree is one I had seen photos of before moving to Swaziland because of its beautiful flowers. I hoped that I would be lucky enough to see some in my community. Now that they have bloomed I can … Continue reading →

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Packing for Peace Corps Swaziland: What Peace Corps gives us

Posted on October 2, 2016 by elliewick

It is hard knowing exactly what you will receive from Peace Corps Swaziland upon arrival and after swearing in. This list changes every year, but it also seems to stay relatively similar. I wanted to share what I received, so … Continue reading →

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Packing for Peace Corps Swaziland: Home supplies

Posted on September 30, 2016 by elliewick

Packing my non-clothes items was easier than choosing my clothes. There were many fewer questions about what I would use or could buy in Swaziland. I assumed I could buy nothing in Swaziland, which is definitely not the truth. I … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Avocado earrings

Posted on September 28, 2016 by elliewick

Near the end of PST I casually mentioned to one of my bosisi that I had avocado earrings or emacici emakotapeni. She did not believe me, so I put them on and was paraded around the homestead so she could … Continue reading →

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Packing for Peace Corps Swaziland: Clothing

Posted on September 24, 2016 by elliewick

Choosing what clothing I would bring to Swaziland was difficult. There are so many unknowns about the weather, clothing styles, and attitudes toward females wearing pants that depend on your family and/or your community. Of course, I had consulted many … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Rhinos

Posted on September 14, 2016 by elliewick

Rhinos. Bobejane. One of the animals I saw in Kenya from very far away, but today that changed.     I’m at Hlane Royal National Park. As a volunteer, I am allowed just one night away from my site per month … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Umhlanga

Posted on September 7, 2016 by elliewick

The Reed Dance, Swaziland’s most famous cultural event, is a week-long celebration of young females, called flowers. This year there were 98,000 participants, about 1/12 of the country’s population. Any female up to the age of about 22 can participate … Continue reading →

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Learning about my community and the art of saying no

Posted on September 5, 2016 by elliewick

It took just three months — and moving to my permanent site — for the Peace Corps life to get real, and difficult. I have spent the last week living an easy life while meeting people at church and the … Continue reading →

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