Non-gender specific Man really is a social animal. Everything we do is in one way or another a product of those around us. When we run off into the wild we are still only rebelling against our inner nature. A key part of this society that so defines us is our community. Community can mean so many different things and take on so many different aspects but these communities are ultimately what decides our fate.
Or gives us a lift to Durban.
A few PCV's and myself spent Christmas at Malealea Lodge some place in the middle west of Lesotho. Good times. We sat, drank, and ate. More or less the things your supposed to do on vacation. I really came to appreciate my little Peace Corps community as we shared in the yule tide. Whatever that is. (I like to picture a wave of presents coming down out of the mountains in a giant wave that cuts you off from shore and any rational, economic control on your money).
In that case community gave me something to do and a feeling of home (however fleeting).
Having traveled around now for a bit I've realized that I belong to another community. One I've always kind of taken for granted.
I'm American!
Don't worry, this isn't going to turn into a "I love America! Screw the world!" type of post.
So there I was at Malealea lodge, enjoying myself, sitting at the bar (as we sometimes have been known to do). Were talking with some Canadians who are doing a tour of South Africa and I happen to say "oh, I'm from the Chicago Area" (easier to say than to explain where DeKalb is). A guy sitting at the bar turns around and says "really? Where at?"
"DeKalb" Kevin said, expecting the guy to be stumped.
"DeKalb? Where NIU is at. I'm from Kankakee." explained the man in the green shirt. "My parents both went to NIU. What brings you to Lesotho?"
After some explanation of my mission here with Peace Corps and hearing about how he and his wife work with the International Aids Vaccine Intuitive in Zambia and hang out with PCV's all the time, Bob in the green shirt asks,
"Where are you off to next?"
"We're heading over to Durban the day after tomorrow. How about you?"
"We'll be leaving for Durban at the same time! You should tag along." Bob offered.
So I did.
Along with this other PCV from Namibia we happened to run into.
Good times had by all.
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2 comments:
Could this be how the Magi got started? I hope you have a grand adventure and a happy new year to come.
Please don't leave us hanging. What happened when you went with him to Durban? Tell us more. We're all a community of bloggers and we are all waiting for you to share more from your epic adventures in slumberland!
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