little victories

Yesterday marked a monumental step in my Botswana life.

I went to cross the street 

and I looked right, then left.

This has been an ongoing battle since day one

and has resulted in more than a few "close calls" between the combis and I.

Since this is a former British protectorate, they drive on the left side of the road.

For as long as I could consistently differentiate between my lefts and rights I have been told by my parents'

"When crossing the road: left, right, left."

as to not be hit by a car.

Now, I have begun to adjust to life here at a subconscious level.

(This driving on the left side of the road thing also applies to walking. I have also adjusted to that. Now if you fail to pass someone on the sidewalk by swerving left, it is awkward because you practically run into them... but you won't face death, hopefully.)

I only have 59 more days in this beautiful country.

Sobs. 

That's 59 days to secure my 'left side of the road' thinking and return to the harb to literally run into every single person I meet in Albertsons.

So friends, prepare yourselves, I'm comin' in hot.