Tag Archives: Peace Corps

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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Wednesday photo: Food for 700

Posted on November 8, 2017 by elliewick

A couple weeks ago I was invited to a teacher’s retirement party. I ended up in the kitchen helping out, because you can always use two more hands when you are feeding 700 people.        We filled 600 clam … 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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Wednesday photo: Eating out on vacation

Posted on November 1, 2017 by elliewick

While on vacation with my parents, we ate at many restaurants, but also prepared some of our own food.  I had two spectacular burgers and an amazing plate of seafood.      Now it’s time to get back into the grind … 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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