"Backsteet's back, alright!"

First Priority for today’s post: Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! I wish I was in the states to celebrate but I know we will have a lot of fun when he comes to join me in 3 weeks! Plus, I know that some awesome people will be celebrating with him!

Today Alex and I went to a near by town, called T.Y., to look at some of the weavings. The woman that ran the place was so incredibly pleasant. She would show us different tapestries and explain the story behind them, or simply what they symbolized. Her words often made the tapestries seem even more beautiful. Additionally she showed us where they make them and walked us through the process. They are all hand made and can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month to make. The picture I have here of the men is one of the most popular tapestry designs- it is called “The circumcision”. Circumcision is an optional cultural ceremony. At one time it was kind of a rite of passage for boys. Usually at age 15 they were sent to live alone in the mountains for 6 months and then would be “honored” with a circumcision. The process remains the same, but it is no longer required. Imagine explaining that tapestry to visitors in your home!!

Alex and I walked around a little bit too and grabbed some lunch at a near by hotel that was known to have good pizza. The weather has been just beautiful during the day so we sat outside where a band was playing. I think we heard some “killing me softly” with a nice Sesotho accent (that is the language spoken in Lesotho). Between songs the singer tended to use a soft sultry voice as though he were in a romantic night club, which was kind of hilarious! Overall it was a nice lunch with a decent glass of wine.

Of note- we had a taxi pick us up to take us to T.Y. in the morning. We got into the car to some regular local music playing, but it was promptly changed to Backstreet Boys by the driver. I wasn’t sure if he thought we would enjoy it, or if he just did. Needless to say, listening to “quit playing games with my heart” as we drove through the Lesotho mountains was quite a memorable experience. =)

We are going to a worship service at a nearby orphanage tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing all the children- it should be fun!

Missing all of you!