12 August 2006

Another day, another dollar (literally).

Last weekend was taken up by my attendance of our host grandmother’s 90th birthday party. She is alive and kicking quite well. She still has many of her teeth which is more impressive than one would think considering half the population over 50 are missing most of theirs. She is still quite sharp and would give her say of things without even thinking about it! Being 90 means she was born in 1916, which is crazy. But the funny thing is she speaks English pretty well.
It was a two-day party…and one goat did lose its life! It started Saturday, which was her official birthday. Although here, people tend to not really know when they were born, both day and year! Saturday was a family bbq with a giant cake. They really like really big cakes here, not a bad thing for a sweet tooth. It was a small gathering with a lot of family and a few friends. Nothing over adventurous…she is 90 after all.
Sunday consisted of an at home church service (perks of when you are 90, church comes to you!?) to celebrate 90 years and then eating an entire goat with samp(boiled corn stuff). Yes about 30 people were able to eat an entire goat…quite impressive. I helped but I can’t do anything compared to the big mommas here!
School was a normal (at least South African normal) this week. The highlight was when one educator asked me “How long is a meter stick?”…welcome to my world.
I have been helping my African parents with wedding invitation for the oldest brothers wedding in September. They think that I am a magician with the computer. And at one point (as everyone already knows….!) during the week, my host mother called me “perfect”. It made Lerato roll her eyes and gag. She said it went to my head, but I just like hearing it every once in a while!!!


The Birthday Grandmother (yes it’s a wig) and some (I lost track at 10 or so) grandkids

Sister’s Brother’s Aunt’s Mother-In-Laws Cousin’s Daughter…or something like that. The Family trees here are crazy…anyways, the kid is cute

Host mother wearing a wig! Funny


Grandma with cake smeared on here face…its some sort of weird tradition!?