the big move

After deep thought and consideration into what to do next, we've come to a conclusion....it's time to settle down.  This news may come as a shock to you, but it's something we've been secretly contemplating ever since our trip to Africa and it's exciting to finally say it out loud!

In the north of Botswana lies a small village called Sepupe a few hours drive from Maun, close to the border with Namibia.  Sepupe lies right in the midst of the incredible Okavango Delta area, the beautiful swamps that lie in the heart of a desert, which makes for the most incredible wildlife and nature scenery that I have ever seen, with animals and plants that exist no where else but in the heart of the Delta.  

What this area is particularly missing is a fair and just tourism industry that pays the Mokoro boat (scooped out tree trunks that float and pushed thru the shallow waters with a pull) guides a fair amount of money, while also not ripping off the tourists.  Both Rodolfo and I felt a calling to the people and the land there...just a general vibe of happiness from everyone who lives there, a little piece of heaven....and we both have a feeling that we are the right people to help.  

The view 5 minutes after watching an elephant shake a coconut tree!

We've decided that this is the nitch we have been looking for, our calling in the world!  This coming fall, we plan to move permanently to Botswana!  We are now planning to return to Botswana and open an eco-tourist backpacker hostel in the heart of the Okavango Delta near the village of Sepupe.  Botswana is a peaceful, harmonious country in the heart of Africa, which makes it a wonderful place to raise children.  We can grow our own garden on the land and buy a large enough space to live on with the savings we have left while we construct our hostel.  It shouldn't be too difficult to build our entrepreneurship, with the majority of land in Botswana used for growing cattle in that area and nothing much else.  Throughout this area, the herdsman's wives dress with cloth horn hats on their heads and wide hoop dresses so that they share a strong resemblence to cows.  It may be tricky getting ownership of a piece of land as a foreigner...but that's a minor detail that can be "worked out".

A mokoro ride thru the Okavango Delta!

Plus, how cool would it be to live in a place where elephants and giraffes pretty much roam free!?!  Like Dinosuars!!  Granted, we will probably have to buy a range rover to get around, and we are pretty much on our own if something goes wrong, but that's allright!  It's part of the adventure!  Our kids will be like little Indiana Jones kids!  Complete with khacki shorts and big hats!  AWESOME!  Talk about an education!

Rodolfo manning the Mokoro!  Perhaps his future occupation?

Generally speaking, Botswana is a very safe country to live.  When we took the bus ride up to the Sepupe region (where there are currently NO backpacker friendly hostels...good for business) we also saw quite a few refugee camps filled with people from surrounding countries.  That's how well put together Botswana is as a country.  They try to help other countries in need when they can.  How much more positive energy can you get?

I still remember when I first learned about Botswana as a country back in 5th grade when I did a report on the country for class and that it's the most "peaceful" country in Africa.  It really is!  Plus, the Fried Chicken?!?  DELICIOUS!!!!

If I want to blend into the crowd, I'm going to have to gain a bit of weight though.  Particularly in Botswana, women with more "curve and roundness" to them are the most attractive!  It's a sign of health and wealth..  Bring on the fried chicken I say!!!  YUM!  Can't wait to get plump!

So.  If you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Botswana Africa in need of some S&R plus R&R, give us a call or shoot us an email and you'll always have a place to stay with us!  

April Fools!
(We do love Botswana, everything I wrote is true, we just don't get to move there.....yet!)