My first week in Moz

Getting out of bed this morning was a feat, I felt so tired! I didn't even experience a time change from Jo'burg to Vilanculos, so I'm not sure what is up with me. I had breakfast at the volunteer house and had my...final induction! I can't believe it. This year has just whizzed by, where did the time go?? Just last year (right around this time, actually) I was vying for a spot in the finals for YBY Liverpool! Who knew I would actually win, what a blessing.

We headed to school and the kids are on break, which means no real lessons, just activities. I prefer structured teaching to playing around because I end up feeling like I'm not doing much, but what are ya gonna do? The children are gorgeous, but I didn't take my camera today because I prefer to meet people and have them get a bit comfortable before I stick my camera in their faces, but you'll see the kids soon, I promise. They're really fun and the setting seems very relaxed.

After school the other volunteers and I walked back through a nearby resort (really nice) and along the beach to our hotel. I read by the pool, a good end to a good day!
Tuesday: I had a bit of an easier time getting up (barely) so I was thrilled that just as I was about to walk out the door my roommates told me we had to skip school because of some government stuff. I didn't get to go back to sleep because we walked to the market instead. I asked and there was some discussion about whether this was a" a 30 or 45-minute walk, try closer to an hour! As if that wasn't painful enough, it was on this walk I found my card does not work at any of the ATM's here! AAAAH having flashbacks from earlier this year when my card got a scratch, it was miserable! Wondering again if I should be so dependent on a piece of plastic, but I don't think it's safe or smart to carry around a ton of money, so until someone comes up with an alternative (maybe retinal scans at ATM's? ;-)), this is it.

We headed back and just hung out at the pool, I even got in a good afternoon nap. School is canceled for Wendnesday too, so we decided to take a trip to Tofo.

Wednesday: We took a 2:30am bus, had a few transfers (including a boat ride and a crowded van), and arrived in Tofo on Wednesday afternoon. Tofo is GORGEOUS, a definite must-see for volunteers in Vilanculos.
Our trip was short-lived as school was back on, so we left on Thursday morning and arrived in Vilanculos just in time for the orphanage (we go every Thursday). We hadn't known we needed to go to the orphanage today, so the revelation after a 6-hour trip was met with some whingeing (we're volunteers, not saints, people!), but it was fine. Volunteers basically just sit in the yard and play with the children, and the children seem really happy to have us there so I'm happy we went. We played duck duck goose or pato pato galino (sp?), I believe this is the one game you can play around the world that kids-and most adults- will love!

We had a full moon tonight and a good Mozambiquan dinner (I can't remember the name), my first proper day of preschool is tomorrow, full update soon!