McDonald's Has Not Yet Taken Over the World

I know I have been mostly talking about myself but for once I will step back tell eveyone a bit about Gaborone. First, let me quote my guide book, "It is unlikely Gaborone will ever be a destination." This is a statement I believe to be true. The city is a desert, not a booming metropolis and while some building and the malls appear to be straight out of the US the majority of things are somewhat more rustic. Small shacks with colorful roofs provide the majority of city residences. Khombi's offer transportation to the public, and while the wealthy own nice (BMW's, Lexus, Jaguars, etc) cars, the average person cannot afford such luxuries. Dust is everywhere even though it is not windy. Each time I wash my clothes, I am amazed as to how much dirt settles into the bottom of the washbasin (bathtub) even though my clothes hardly look dirty, they just smell bed. The landscape is flat and open area contains small squat trees covered in thorns. I want to go out to the salt pans because I hear there are no trees, there is nothing. Just flat grounds covered with red and brown sand, and the largest blue sky you have ever seen. Cattle is life, and rain is more important than the diamonds and platinum that rest under our feet. The University of Botswana was built because every family in Botswana donated a cow to the government. For most people there is little to do when you are not at work. People cherish their families and take care of elderly and sickly relatives. Health care is free, provided by the government. Motswana can attend UB for free as well, sponsered by the government. Young people dress as they would in the US however many people wear heavy sweaters and coats because it is winter here, I have yet to be cold, and only occasionally wear a sweater in the morning. However summer will be here in less than a month, then it will be hot, and the sun fierce. Life appears simple and uncomplicated and it is easy to tell how Batswana have forever lived in peace. But what I find most remarkable about this country is that the Golden Arches have failed to find their way here. There is no McDonalds, no Taco Bell, no Starbucks. It is wonderful. That is not to say that Botswana lacks it chains because they do exsist. There is Wimpy, Hungry Lion, Chickin Lickin, Something Fishy, and Debonair's. I have yet to enjoy the delicacies of most of these places and am somewhat scared to based upon their names alone. I think I will go for the street vendors first. :)