It's Spelled Oregon not Orogen

Given as I am about half way through the term, I thought I might give a recap on how my classes seem to be going.

TRS104: The Rise of New Religion in Botswana

This is by far my favorite class at UB, first, because it is all new information so I get to learn new things every day. Second, the subject is fascinating. Religion in itself is fascinating, and what is most fascinating is trying to figure out why people believe what they do.

BNS101: HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control

Seventh grade health class strikes again, except this time with a more adult vibe. The professor is funny and I just had my midterm, which while easy, contained information we did not learn in class, however an 80% is an A in this country for I am not all that concerned.

SOC234: Social Problems in Southern Africa

I spend most of my time doodling in this class and the professor seems to miss about every other Friday for some reason or another. I am not sure what I have learned other than that policy in Botswana differs from policies in the US. In my opinion it is because Botswana has not yet come to understand the vices of western civilizations.

GEO408: Environmental Geology

This week we learned about volcanoes. I think I was the only person in the class who had ever seen a volcano with the exception of maybe Mt. Kilimanjaro, maybe. I also think I could have given a much better lecture than the professor which would have included examples and accurate explanations. During the most recent lecture the professor gave one examples, Crater Lake, however he said it was in Orogen, not Oregon, so when I told him it was wrong, he told me I was wrong. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I had lived in Orogen(OREGON) my entire life, so I think I would be correct. I also didn’t tell him because a lot of professors don’t like Americans, or white people, or exchange students all that much so they have a tendency to give bad grades even if they are not deserved and I would rather not find out what kind of professor he is.

ALL132: Introduction to Setswana

Setswana is difficult to learn. No one here knows how to teach languages so it makes the process miserable rather than enjoyable. During out second week in class they took us to the slum in Gabs, Old Naledi, to have us practice speaking to the locals. Let’s just say it was an utter failure and we ended up playing with children because they were the only people who didn’t ask us incessantly for money.

Other than class the weather has been getting hot, hot, hot. It has gotten above 100 the last 2 days and no matter what you do you feel dehydrated. Next week it is supposed to only be in the high 80s. I am excited for that temperature for the first time in my life. Next week I am doing a village home stay in Mochudi where I will have a host family. I found out last week that I will have a Mother, a Father, and two sisters, one 3 and one 7. The seven year old turns 8 on the 21st (Mom’s Birthday) so that should be a fun little party. Life is good in Bots. I am busy with school and excited for spring break. Only 2.5 weeks to go…