More ramblings

We just came back from our 1st independent shopping trip. In anticipation of arriving at our new home Monday, we bought what we think is a week's groceries of non-perishables. We may have some really weird meals--just another challenge. It helps that they have milk in cartons that need no refrigeration 'til they are opened. And, like everywhere else in the world, they don't refrigerate their eggs. Only iffy item is marg. & cheese, but they can be in 'frig here 'til we get our ride Mon. am.
The founder of our school was in Windhoek a couple of days ago & stopped by our orientation site to meet us. He's an adorable old man & was most welcoming. He is happy to have older teachers, as we are less likely to be as wild as the young ones. He is adamant that for his country to develop, the children must learn. I believe he has high expecations for us.
The place we are staying at is called "Backpackers United". Don't know if there is such a thing in States, but these places are very nice. There are dorm rooms as well as private (which we have). The kitchen is equipped w/ basics & each person/group just has to provide own food & can cook & have a respite from camping. Of course, there are hot showers & toilets. Our room is supplied w/ sheets & 1 towel & bathroom--it would be comparable to a budget motel. There is a pool & a thatched open-air pavilion where we have our classes.
Last evening our Direcror's husband (native Namibian) brought in 3 African drums & taught us how to use them. Jim had a wonderful time. He was very cool about it--just followed the instructions as if he had never played one before (which, truthfully, he hadn't), but then after awhile he cut loose, and he was great!! If you don't know, he played drums in school & I think some in the Army for awhile.
So, we came to realize that when we told that we didn't need to bring alot of stuff, they really meant it. The mall we went to has MANY American brands & I can't think of anything that we would have wanted that we couldn't have found. The grocery store was a little different from ours--very little selection of produce, which we were told, but again, now I know they meant it.
3 varieties of apples, oranges, 2 kinds of potatoes, cabbage, didn't see regular iceberg lettuce, 1 clump of cauliflour, onions, no broccoli, few carrots...
Taxi's are easy to get--they argue over customers, & it's very cheap. $1/person to go anywhere within the city. Tomorrow we will take one to the Catholic Cathederal. Anxious for that! Haven't had that luxury for 3 weeks.
We'd love to hear from any of you: ggmcnam@gmail.com if you want to send us a personal note. We do ask that you not forward stuff. We just want to hear from YOU.
Love to you all.
J & S