Pictures and notes

Email

I did have a problem earlier of answering emails while on line and explained that my replies might have seemed cryptic because of my rushing. Tom, who is in fact a professional editor, knows a lot about computers and has arranged for my mail to be downloaded onto the computer. Then I go offline and read and reply at leisure. When all the replies are ready I go back online and send them in a minute or two. So feel free to email at any time (except for pictures which take too long to download on these phonelines).

PS I've given up trying to arrange the photos so they match the text. The version of the program I am working on does not do it easily.

Water

Because water is the chief resource for the country (although diamonds are the money maker for now) it is not surprising that it has its own ministry.

Children are not the only ones who like their picture taken. When I was photoing the Water Ministry sign, 2 ladies waved at me. At first I thought they were telling me not to take their picture, but no they wanted their picture taken. Then a woman form inside came out to have hers taken, then 2 guys across the way also wanted theirs taken. All enjoyed seeing the result. So, from now on, if there appears a person who is not identified in the text, it is someone who asked to have his/her picture taken.

Electricity

The discovery of several coal fields in the country has resulted in large electric plants one of which is quite near the village. Electricity, for most, is purchased much like phone time. You get a card from a kiosk, usually in a Shell station, and you punch in the numbers on your home meter to add kilo wattage. This eliminates billing and makes you very conscious of your usage.

Since connecting to the electrical grid is quite expensive, some families still run on car battery electricity. When it runs out, the kids put the battery in a wheelbarrow and run to the nearest charging service in the neighbourhood.

Kandu

The other day Kandu (the grandson) borrowed my camera, dressed up and had his aunt take this picture of him.

The courtyard

The panoramic view is an attempt to show how big the court yard here is. The main house if on the left and you can see a bit of Tom’s house behind the trees. There is half again of the courtyard behind me as i took the picture. This is used for gardens and for any buildings which family members might add. There is also a picture of Tom in front of his house to give a better view.

Hens

Frequent visitors are the 3 hens from the neighbouring yard. They are always together and Tom calls them the Sisters of Belville, and chases them back to their home.