Christmas Day

Today is Christmas Day and I decided to visit Joseph, one of our dayworkers', church. Of all the churches I've visited here I think this one was my favourite. I could just sense it as I came in, something in the atmosphere that made it feel like home. I cannot point out what made it different from other churches, maybe it had to do with the way they related to each other; somehow my spirit felt at peace there.

The African people I've met here sometimes remind me of my grandmother in that sense that they like to feed me. Still trying to digest our Christmas brunch I tried to decline food after the service, but as that is not a very polite thing to do around here I changed my mind. I explained to the lady that I was too full and only wanted a small small portion. She said she understood and came back with a double portion; no point in arguing. I ate half of it and started thinking about starting a diet soon. After all, I have been told that my face has become more round, like a mongolian face. Although this was meant as a compliment, I feel I don't want to start looking too Mongolian; if the face becomes round, other parts grow bigger too. Pretty much all of my Christmas presents consisted of cookies and sweets, I reckon this "diet" thing won't be very successful. It never was...

All Love and Merry Christmas

African Beat

Yesterday I was invited to come and listen to my friends as they were playing at a wedding in town. They shared their meals, their tea and even their profits with me, and the fact that I didn't really contribute with anything seemed to be of no importance. They made space for me even though there wasn't really any space, and it warms my little heart. It's fascinating how things that wouldn't fit in two cars back home can be loaded in a single car in Africa without too much hassle. If the load is bigger than the car or if there are three people hanging off the back of the car is a lesser issue. How on earth we managed to drive with 7 drums, two big speakers, an amplifier, personal bags and 8 passengers (driver excluded) on bumpy dirt roads is to me a mystery. Also, I now understand why they created the automatic car; a gear stick takes up a ridiculous amount of space.

Drumming as the ladies were shaking it up

Packing up, safety first (of course)!

Just add a few more drums and bags + 9 people and that's our ride!

Six of my boys

All Love

Seeking Trouble

Sometimes I wonder how I manage to find trouble everywhere I go. Maybe I'm drawn to trouble, or I create trouble... anyway, I kinda like the thrill of it. It's like the pleasure of going off piste, you know there's gonna be a few trees and rocks in your path, but then there's the pleasure of untouched snow and not knowing what's around the next corner. I cannot recall regretting going off piste ever... even if I come out with a slightly scratched board, covered in snow and sweating. So, just as I like going off piste in the snowy mountains, so I enjoy going off piste in the heat of Africa. Do I get myself into trouble? Bet you I am! Will I regret it? There's just one way to find out...

All Love