From the author: sweater weather

This is Suzanne, It is winter here.  Brisk in the morning and evening.  Sometimes it stays cool enough for a sweater.  To me, it feels like late autumn on the Pacific Coast and mid Autumn on the Atlantic coast.  Sunday we had 10 monkeys running and climbing trees along our way as we went to a silk farm.  We also passed a boxing turtle, and saw a couple of interesting green, red and tan birds.  We took some pictures, and someone told is they are rare birds.  On the silk farm they no longer use mopani worms, but import their silk for skin, clothing, and sheet products.  It was an education on silk production and products.  We are not to far from a wild life rehab reserve.  We hope to see that on our off time.
I really like working with my organization.  Usually different assignments are given.  This keeps life interesting! We have very little news about what is happening back home, as the radio waves are infrequent and we have no tv.

Marty

It has been a busy week and the season is changing with cool nights and mornings, warming in the day. Monday was sweater weather.

Suzanne and I went into town on Saturday to look around in shops we have seen but not poked our noses into. We found the Environmental Fair at Southern Cross School and enjoyed seeing a trash fashion show. We bought groceries there; vegetables, cheese and bath. Sunday we biked to the silk farm and earned our lunch. Round trip it was about 32 k. We checked out a wildlife estate for possible future trip and going on a bush walk. And checked out accommodations for fellow volunteers and/or other people know who may come to visit the area. We also have room.

Tuesday was a workshop on the Olifants River and discussion of its history and uses. They are addressing the mining and other uses of the river; agricultural, more homes, etc. It is a river that crosses international boundaries and is used by many different users. So, it will not be easy to address its future.

At the workshop were locals from nearby villages. Some talked to Suzanne about her bead work and me about trash. We both learned and met a lot of interesting people and may be given the opportunity to get further involved with the community and surrounding area.

Work is administrative for me. I sit with Chris and input data sheets that translate to funding and help to track HIV in the area.

That is it for me, except to say the above does not reflect the opinion or views of the Peace Corps, but are from both Suzanne and myself.