Made a weekend trip to Bloemfontein and now I see why Peace Corps volunteers consume such great quantities of alcohol. It's no wonder when you visit them at site where there is nothing to do and then travel with them to places that have nothing to do!
Bloem, as the locals call it, is a provincial capital for the Free State area and it is also the Judicial capital for all of South Africa. This doesn't sound very exciting because it really isn't. Basically you are looking at the melding of Afrikaner Free Staters and the recently empowered black government living together. Like much else in Africa, it is a work in progress.
The town doesn't have much to offer to a Westerner coming to visit Africa and it may be nothing more than a gas stop to most but to Lesotho's Peace Corps community Bloem is a sweet haven of civilization, better food, and two movie theaters. Nothing could be more amazing. Unfortunately for Casey and I, the movies were less than spectacular. No Casey did not want to drag me to the newest Chick-flick so we ended up seeing the newest Underworld movie; Rise of the Lychin (sp??). It was good and for a movie that is basically made to fill in gaps from the previous one, the story was pretty interesting.
Other than that and some decent food in town, Casey and I sat out at the Waterfront area drinking a few beers and enjoying the extreme lack of a donkey smell in the area. Woolworth Foods and Pick-n-Pay are heaven for anyone who loves food but a distinct hell for a volunteer on a strict 'cheap is best' budget. We did get a few good things and the Panini sandwiches with cheese were amazing.
Our backpackers, Backpackers at Naval Hill (lodging), was alright but what made it was Ann and her family's kindness. They were more than helpful with tips and places to go. We are also extremely thankful for the info about the Satanists. Witnessing burning baby sacrifices was not part of my vacation plans.
Casey is awesome to travel with though this is the only trip I have ever made with her. It's a shame she is peacin' out and heading home. She will be missed but already has an awesome trip planned in Costa Rica to work with a friend.
This reminds me that if ANYONE hears of or knows of work, keep me in mind. I like real paying jobs just as much as the next person! Cheers!