Ndebele and other languages

For those who love languages- you'd be fascinated by the Ndebele language. It's spoken by 1/5  of people in Zimbabwe- all in this region known as Matabeleland. The different clicks are fun to learn. It is related to Zulu, mainly found in South Africa and they can understand one another. The primary language of Zim- Shona is different and spoken by majority in the country.

Formerly known as Rhodesia after John Rhodes (as in Rhodes Scholars) the primary language is in fact English- making life easier for me. The country's name changed to Zimbabwe when Mugabe took power in  1980. The accent  difference between English in Zim and South Africa is also great. It's related but like neighboring accents in England & Scotland, noticeably different. Best example for those who are curious is Leonardo di Caprio in "Blood  Diamond" in which he plays a Rhodesian involved in the smuggling of diamonds under Charles Taylor regime in Sierra Leone into Liberia.

Oddly enough, there is a French speaking Alliance in Bulawayo. They offer great entertainment & cultural events. Been to a few of them where I've befriended some of the members this month. Wed night's Cabaret (different meaning from how it's used back home) featured a French singer/songwriter playing 5 different instruments.

A lost generation

A friend sent me some questions this week


Hardest part of your work out there?
 
  Hardest part is honestly the patients incredibly challenging social situations. A generation is literally dying off from the AIDS epidemic so grandparents are the main caretakers. Between limited resources and their knowledge & understanding of adherence to complicated regimens, providing excellent care is tough. Tribute to our counselors in the clinic that it works at all!


How often are you newlyweds in touch?

 Nadeah and I use Gchat (we have internet at MSF office- but not at clinic or the house) about weekly and send e-mails most days. We'll see each other in May for her graduation as a lawyer in Cleveland.


Do you have any help at home with cooking and chores?

We have a maid at the house that does our laundry and cooks dinner each weekday. On weekends we're on our own. The other two docs are great and I really like living with them- which is key because we spend all day working and evening socializing together.

Best wishes on match day next week to all those involved!