Pass the Stuffing, Mr. Ambassador

I spent last week in Pretoria, participating in a “general training of trainers,” in which a group of us prepared for the arrival of the next batch of volunteers in January and their subsequent “pre service training." Our training (there were four volunteers, but mainly South African language trainers) last week involved a lot of work and headaches, especially when it came down to deciding, amongst 20 people, the hourly schedule of an eight week long program. We left the office each day just reeking of bureaucratic efficiency. But it was still a good week, and I’m really looking forward to training the Peace Corps babies (many of whom will be older than me).

Thanksgiving gave a great twist to the week. This year the U.S. embassy organized for the volunteers who were in Pretoria on Thanksgiving (mainly those in for medical purposes, but a few of us there for work) to go to the homes of several American families. I and four others went to the home of the ambassador himself!
Now this was just awesome. He and his family live in a colossal house out in the swanky suburbs of Pretoria. The six or so armed guards immediately give you a clue that this isn’t your grandma’s house. The ambassador was incredibly gracious and welcoming, and did his best to stop us from being so formal and make us realize he is just a normal person. The signed photographs of him and the President beg to differ, but hey. Before dinner all the guests mingled outside and played games. Another volunteer and I played a group of marines at croquet and, I must boast, we gave them an epic smackdown. The dinner itself was wonderful, with great food and heartfelt toasts. I had a fantastic time!

On another good note, my mom is coming next week! She’ll be visiting for two weeks, absorbing the December heat, seeing how I live and exploring new parts of South Africa with me. After the necessary safari or two, we are heading down to Capetown. I’ve heard it’s like a whole other country, so we shall see. I’ll report back!