In addition to getting to know our village, we have had the privilege of seeing other parts of the country. A couple weekends have been spent seeing Thaba Bosiu (Mountain of the Night) and the Kome Caves so far. I look forward to more weekend trips like these!
Thaba Bosiu
We visited Thaba Bosiu at the end of our sequestration, the morning we left to our villages. The people who used to live there traveled a long way to reach it and fought to protect it. When entering the mountain village, people weren't allowed to bring weapons in order to promote peace. None of us had weapons, but we picked up stones and put them at the entrance to carry on the tradition.
The hike to the top of the mountain was short, and we had two options. The ancient path up the side of the mountain, or the man-made stone path that winds up. Naturally, we chose the ancient path. It was quite steep, but there was a good view behind us the whole way! (We took the man-made path on the way down though.)
On the right is a view from about halfway through the hike.
On the left is a picture at the same time but looking up to where we were headed.
Pictured on the right is one of the traditional graves of the people who used to live on the mountain. They are buried facing east to see the first morning light, in a crouched and ready position holding their weapons to protect their people.
Pictured below is the formation that the traditional Basotho hat was inspired by (I'm wearing it in the photo on the About page). The hat is also depicted on the Lesotho flag. We have seen Basotho around the village and larger camp towns wearing the hats, as they are good for blocking the sun. Bucket hats are also a common sight.
Kome Caves
Last weekend, we took a trip to see Kome Caves. People have been living in these caves for 5 or 6 generations. They may be small living spaces, but the people make it work! I unfortunately didn't get a photo of this, but something cool we learned was lighting used to strike the caves, so they planted a tree as a lightning rod. It worked very well, and the tree is still there today.
On the right is the entrance to one of the caves. No one lives in this one currently, but inside there are still materials the previous owner used. The doors are quite short, I had to duck a bit, but the inside has a higher ceiling. Below are photos of the different materials we saw inside. On the left is cooking materials, in the middle is the bed, and on the right is a wash basin and a water jug.
We also got to see the residents making a cow skin blanket. This type of blanket is specifically made for young boys who are going to the 6-month initiation school, which is a cultural expectation to become a man. The boys go through when they're in their young teens. Only the men who go through the school know everything that happens, but one thing I have learned is they are taught a traditional fighting style using two sticks. We also saw the residents making joala ba Sesotho, or traditional beer. They stir it with a stick and it's a murky tan color. It tastes a bit gritty, and quite sour; I didn't like it, but others did. One of the trainees in my village lives with a family who makes it themselves, and it's a daily routine for the adults to sit around the bucket where the beer is made, drink, and chat.
After seeing the caves, the Peace Corps staff had a big treat prepared. They had grilled burgers and hot dogs, and we got to have a whole American cookout (complete with Sesotho music, of course). It was nice to sit outside with the beautiful view and enjoy a taste of home.
Meet my fellow volunteers! We had a great backdrop to take some photos together.
Stay tuned for more weekend adventures! This is a beautiful country, and though small, there is a lot to explore. Until next time, tsamaea hantle! Goodbye, or go well!
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