Tag Archives: peace corps swaziland

A traditional Swazi wedding, part two: Lobola

Posted on November 28, 2017 by elliewick

After the teka, the bride will return to her parents’ homestead. Her family will need to decide on the bride’s price, and then the whole family will travel back to the groom’s homestead for the sitsinjana, or lobola negotiation. In … Continue reading →

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How I spent September’s PCV stiped

Posted on November 18, 2017 by elliewick

I started spending September’s living allowance the day we got paid in August. Albeit two trips to the office, purchasing lots of food, and lots of transport for Umhlanga, I still came in under budget. I still ran out of … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Umtsimba dancing

Posted on November 15, 2017 by elliewick

A few months ago I participated in my first Swazi wedding. The bride had already been teka-ed and lobola was finally paid. The bride was my make’s elder sister, and I am guessing it had been 40 years since her … Continue reading →

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A traditional wedding, part one: The teka

Posted on November 14, 2017 by elliewick

Making the bride cry tears of sadness because she is leaving her home and becoming part of another family is an integral part to first large segment of a traditional wedding. The teka follows the kujuma (sleepover), where the bride … Continue reading →

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Embracing Swazi culture

Posted on November 12, 2017 by elliewick

In the two months that have passed since the end of Umhlanga, I have met so many astonished and proud Swazis and Zulus. People are still telling me that they saw me dancing and everyone is impressed. Some ask me … Continue reading →

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A funny story about my vomit

Posted on November 10, 2017 by elliewick

This was my second round of vomiting since moving to Swaziland. Both lack explanation and both were incredibly misery-inducing. The first round was during PST, and I had to participate in a presentation while trying not to vomit on my … Continue reading →

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How I spent August’s PCV stipend

Posted on November 7, 2017 by elliewick

I did not buy as much in August as I usually do because there were so many other things going on. I had four trips out of site to the office and/or PST. I had a full month of siSwati … Continue reading →

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A moment in my life: Sangoma in the house

Posted on November 3, 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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A few more photos from dancing Umhlanga

Posted on October 23, 2017 by elliewick

Because I have so many wonderful photos from PCV Kirby at http://www.whatiskirbydoing.com, I want to share a few more of the Umhlanga ceremony. If you want to read more about my experience, check out day six  (delivering the reeds) and … Continue reading →

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A moment in my life: Luck

Posted on October 20, 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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