on identity, home and switching between worlds

During our trip to Italy, I spent some time to think and reflect on Europe, my roots and the big or not so big differences between life here and life in Botswana, and I must say, it felt like a pretty big culture shock to be back in Europe after some time abroad. Tuscany, with all its history, monuments and century-old culture, was probably the most contrasting place we could go to from the empty lands of the Kalahari, and I felt how strongly my own identity is impacted by European culture, history and whatever values come with it.

Coming back to Europe often leaves me a little bit lost, but at the same time every time I come back to my hometown, I feel like the place absorbs me, devouring my personality, and twisting it back to the standards and drawers that seem so eminent in German society - at least when entering it as a sort of outsider. I felt really out of place for the first couple of days in Germany, questioning my origin, my direction and missing my freedom, but then I somehow snapped back into the mode and adapted to the pace of life, knowing it will be a different life again soon.
Now, being back in Gabs, it feels good to be here, but part of myself is still in Germany, and so it will probably again take some time before I have arrived fully...

on the streets of Gaborone

Mostly, Gabs is a car-city. Because everything is spread out people take the car to go from one place to another. But there is some life on the streets: Parking lots are being used to sell veggies & fruits and other stuff and in the few pedestrian zones, you can buy everything from jeans to shoes to phone cards from the stalls.

It's good to know that there is a shopping life outside the supermarkets & malls! :)

Dumela Botswana!

I arrived in Gabs on the brand new airport and was picked up by my favorite man. Our house is situated in Phakalane, a suburb of Gaborone, which sports a supermarket, a school, a golf course and maybe some other attractions I have yet to discover.

We spent the first weekends exploring the city, meeting colleagues and friends, went to the cinema, and visited the Fete de la Musique. So it’s pretty much city life as usual I would say.

I also got to go on my first game drive in the Mokolodi Game Reserve just outside Gabs where we saw loads of antelopes, a herd of giraffes, ostriches and then also paid a visit to the cheetahs.
Yesterday we went to see the sunset at Gaborone Dam and the colors were just amazing!

Oh, I can't wait to go on a 'real' safari and spend the night out there somewhere...