How American Am I?

A couple of weeks ago I was in Maputo, the capitol of Mozambique, for a little break from the life in the bush. We were looking for some good food and a place to buy things we recognized. There is a famous store hear in Maputo that all of the volunteers go to in order to buy quality home goods that you might find in the States. I would like to paint the picture.



We were eight Americans stumbling out of the bush into a large empty parking lot. We could hear music in the distance. At this point, it would be helpful to visualize the Griswalds arriving at the long over due Wolly World. We are dropped off at the end of a large parking lot and a soft melody in the distance sets the mood. It is hot and we are sick and tired of long rides in over-crowded minivans. Game, thatºs the name of the store we are about to enter, is a large (how would I say this...oh yes) big-box chain-store outlet. Oh yes, now we feel at home, a real retreat to American comsumerism. As we near the massive, brick edifice, a scent enters the air...itºs barbecue! What the hell? Why does it smell like an American barbecue? It quickly becomes apearant that there is a good old fashioned cook-out for the costumers taking place at the entrance to this store. Even the vegetarian in me got a little misty-eyed. As we stride past the massive grills and scents of sausages, I spot out...wait for it...a donut machine. A big, fat, conveyer-belt-style, donut machine. I am home.



My experience at Game after only six weeks in Mozambique revealed the deep-seeded American habits of mine. At home I would have opted for a locally owned store, or perhaps a couple of them even if one chain-store had everything I needed. But here, in the heart of inconveniences, what I thought I hated beckons me with such ease. It is sickening, but Iºll probably go there today.



On a lighter note, I had a wonderful vacation last week a little north of Maputo in a couple of cities. We visited a number of beaches, ate pizza and delicious pasta and rode a canoe on a beautiful river. We had an incredible first half of the week visiting volunteers in three places. On wednesday of our week-long vacation we were left out to dry by our host who told us she would go help someone grade test for the day and meet up with us later. That was the last we saw of her.

I have posted some pictures of mine and a friends. My camera has died on me and I have to take what I can get so that is the disclaimer I have for the interesting photos that have been posted. Check it out at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/fstfenx

I am finding out where I will be placed next week and I have made it very clear that I want to be in the Province of Manica, a mountainous region on the border with Zimbabwe. Cross you fingers for me. The group in Namaacha has become very close. Last night I cooked spaghetti and garlic bread for everyone. We are all excited to move on and go to site but all of us know it will be sad to leave the lives we have in Namaacha. Enjoy the pics!