On missing people you’ll never know; or, to mothers, fathers, sisters, grandmothers, and everyone else we love
I have a friend here who simply defies explanation. He is good-natured; he is optimistic; he is kind. I would be none of these…
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I’m getting a reputation
I met up with a friend in town today, and somehow wound up talking with him about my trepidation at dealing with the gender…
Read MoreOn having enough
A few days ago, I was thinking a bit about the having of things. I wrote about things I wish I had here, but…
Read MoreBy any other name
I met three new young’ins at the gate today. Two boys, maybe 9 or 10, and a girl, maybe 8. The girl only spoke…
Read MoreMore Google Scores
I’m incredibly pleased to say that two people found their way to my blog by googling “birdwatching in India.” Thanks, Anna. Also, I’m inexcusably…
Read MoreDeath knells and news
It’s lame to just link, but I can’t help it. Some of you–like the ones who try to make a living the way I…
Read More“So…you’re white too?” “Yeah…” “Huh. Me too.” “Yeah…”
I went to an international food fair at the U.S. ambassador’s residence today. I didn’t meet the ambassador,and I stupidly did not take advantage…
Read MoreMaterialism’s Materiel
Mostly, when I think about the number of boxes I packed up and took to my parents’ house before my half-move to Rwanda, I…
Read MoreLost, no translation required
There’s a story about a goat in the NYT today. Here’s the punchline: He is now awaiting a prosthesis, a very rare indulgence for…
Read MoreA trip through the countryside
I like to think of sugar cane as the umusaza, the wise old man, of plants. Tall and lean but somehow commanding, it bends…
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