Real World Gaborone - Episode 4

Outside of the government building where you
apply for passport

This is the true story of five strangers, picked to live in a house, work together and have their lives taped, to find out what happens when people stop being polite... and start getting real. This is The Real World, Gaborone.

“Sometimes you just have to come up with a list of what to do when the power goes out,” I say.

“Now you’re sounding like actuary Tina,” Jenny says.

“But my point is that we should be prepared…this power thing sounds like it’s going to be a long-term issue,” I explain.

“Ok, what should be on the list?”

“Read a book?” I say tentatively…

“Yeah – we need to be FAR less plugged in!” Jenny says.

And this is what it’s been like – Power and water are a serious issue these days in Botswana.

When we first arrived here, it was water.

We had 3 days a week where there was no water available during the day.

Now that it’s finally raining, the power is the issue.

The rain is hampering coal production in South Africa where Botswana imports 85% of their power.

Botswana is in the midst of building their own power station but has had issues with it.

They are trying to rectify the issue, obviously, but apparently it could mean that we are without power up to six hours a day, every day, until the end of April.

In Casa Maria that means, no water.

I think that’s what makes us most cranky.

That, and no internet.

The other night Tina and I sat in the car another half hour after we got home, just listening to the radio, trying to feel connected to the outside world after a full day without power.

Random Conversations with locals

Some of my friends have been asking what life is REALLY like here in Botswana.

The following are a few conversations with local Batswana.

Please note, I don't want to generalize that this is what it's like all over Botswana - 

These are simply short interactions with the Batswana we know.

**

A street musician in Main Mall

“I don’t know about women working.” Kopano says.

“What do you mean?” Jenny asks.

“Well…look at your shoes!” Kopano points to Jenny’s heels, “How are you supposed to carry food back to your home in those?”

*****

“Ummmm…I just got offered the tea lady’s baby,” I say as I walk into our office.

“What?” Tina asks.

“Yeah, I was talking to Belé and the coffee lady* and she showed me a picture of her 7 month old son and asked if I would take him home.”

“That is so weird,” Jenny says.

“Yeah, but maybe they think you would give him a better life.” Tina adds.

“He is kinda cute…” I say, “But Jenny, aren’t you the one who wanted to adopt a little African baby? Here’s your chance!”

*coffee lady – we have a woman in the office who brings us coffee, tea, and sometimes cookies each morning.

Belé is the “office boy” – less of a “boy”, more of a 40-something man, he runs errands for the directors, washes our car from time to time (with only a bucket of water in the office car park), and happens to like me J

*****

Perhaps the man who fixed my shoes?
Main Mall

This morning, we arrive to the office and pull in to the parking garage. We empty the contents of the truck and head to the elevator.

“Good morning Belé!” I say with a smile.

“Dumela Mma,” he returns as he takes my bags from me.

We exchange pleasantries when I show him the one plastic bag I’m carrying this morning.

“Belé, can you help me today?”

“Yes Mma.”

“I need my shoes re-soled and re-heeled.”

“No problem Mma. No problem,” Belé smiles, “I will take them for you today.”

It is as simple as that! I go about my day’s meetings and Belé takes my shoes to get fixed. Before lunch, they’re back in my hands and I’m only $8 lighter, and that includes a tip for Belé! Things like this could get me used to life in Africa…

****************

Jr. – a mid-20’s Toronto boy, born and bred. Accountant by trade. On this project to travel and try something different. Nurse/student girlfriend at home.

Trevor – an early 30’s guy from the Caribbean. Completed a number of these types of projects before in different countries. Single

Tina – a late 30’s/early 40’s Caribbean woman who has lived and worked with Trevor on projects in different countries. Single

Jenny – an early 30’s woman from Vancouver. Common-law Life partner at home.

And me. LuckyCdnGirl. Accustomed to travel but never been to Africa