SoldierMedic: World Traveler

Greetings from South of the Equator! Screw fall, I'm going to enjoy a little bit of spring.

I've been on the move for about the past month, eating tibbs at this city, purchasing a Rungu in another (or almost any Maasai type of weapon I can). Anyways, there is a lot of Obama merchandise here. I knew that the American president was popular in Africa, but I really wasn't aware that so many saw him as a merchandising opportunity. I don't plan on purchasing any Obama merchandise, but I did find it interesting.

This Christmas everybody within my family is receiving goods from Africa. Not only will it give them a neat little thing that none of their friends have, but some of this stuff really benefits the populace. For the Catholic members of my familia, they will receive Rosaries made by kids with the HIV (we've been pronouncing it HIV, like HIVE, only without the "E"). The beads come from Muslim prayer beads, and it is all tied together with wire from old tires. To top it all off, they come with an Ethiopian Cross, which is very different from what you find in the West. Much more than just a lower case "t". For others, they will receive Shemaghs, and a quick lesson on how to tie it up to look like a Ninja or Al Qaida. Basically, I want everybody to have something that can be cherished for years and years to come, and be the envy of every other person on the block.

Oh well, early wake up tomorrow, where I will try to procure a precious stone only found in this area. But to all those back in the states, enjoy hamburgers, phad thai, yakisoba, and milk shakes, because they just aren't the same in Africa.

SM