This doesn’t count as materialism, does it?
I want a pair of fitted sheets. I miss fitted sheets so badly, which is funny because I didn’t often consider their existence, except…
Read MoreAfrican Great Lakes
Language Lessons II
Our gardener sought me out today–and before I go any further, yes, I feel strange and a little queasy saying “our gardener”–because he wanted…
Read MoreThe cultural aestethics of being half-naked
Last night, a friend was telling me how foreign the concept of “roommates” is to Rwandans. “No one really believes that men and women…
Read MoreGood thing he didn’t ask for the Grey Poupon
There’s a lux coffee shop in town called Bourbon Coffee. It has wireless internet and good music and pricey food and beverages. It is…
Read MoreOn 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…
Read MoreI’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 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…
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