Travel to Botswana and Day 1

We spent the first day driving around the city with Jody Stark and a hired driver, Justice. We hit a few stores to try and stock up on staples and fill in some of the empty spaces in our packing lists. It's funny to see how things are so different, yet so much the same with brand names and some US-based chain stores in the shopping centre. We had a lovely dinner at an Indian restaurant where we were joined by Ron Coleman, the director of the Center for HIV Research at Penn. He's here to work with the medical school to expand research efforts. While Botswana is affluent by African standards, it has not been an independent country for long. This results in not having a rich medical tradition, such as exists in many other African countries. Much of Penn's work here is to help develop those processes and traditions. It's a long road ahead but one that we're all very blessed and happy to be traveling.

Here are a few pictures from our journey and first day in Gaborone:

Finally! The flight to Gaborone! We look amazingly perky and well-rested despite all evidence to the contrary. L-R: Lydia Warner, Blair Kraus, Lucky Anderson, Stephanie Routson, Taleen Khoury, and Megan VanBuskirk

On the tarmac and boarding our South African Airways Express "Jet" to Gaborone. L-R: Blair Kraus, Don Payette, Lydia Warner

Yay! Our boxes it made it! L-R: Our boxes in the background ;-), Megan VanBuskirk

Welcome to Botswana.

The Penn Flats on Pilane Court. The eight of us are sharing a 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit. It is located on the left side of this building.

This is a picture of the youngest son of our house matron, Hilda. Isn't he adorable? It's funny... no matter where in the world you go, give a kid a puddle, a cup, or a pair of sunglasses and they're happy!

The group is off doing many things today. Some joined Hilda and her family to attend a traditional church service, others are studying, and I'm off for a long walk and to do some exploring.

It's a great day to be in Botswana.