Pessene

 

Today we went to visit Aunty Marta in Pessene. 

Its a long hours drive on the dusty and bumpy roads, but once we arrive, the hustle and bustle of city life is gone! No car horns or city noises, just the birds chirping, the goats munching on grass and kids laughing. 

The kids love to visit Aunty. They miss chasing the goats, but any excuse to kick off the sandals and climb a tree, any attempt to catch a bird or whatever. There are no toys, or parks or fancy computers to play with, but the kids are contempt. They run and jump and hang from branches, snack on the local fruit growing around and just generally have fun! 

Im drawn to the simplicity and I'm sure the kids are too.

Aunty is an old women who lives by herself in the bush! And has for many years. She survived the war of independence and civil war in Pessene. She has raised kids and lost them and a husband too. She was a goat herder until last year. She doesnt have much, but will gladly share what she has. She makes me laugh with her well intentioned advice but some randomly is right! Life is hard in Pessene, no running water or electricity or even baby wipes, the nearest clinic is too far if there really was an emergency, the better market is quiet a walk too. She charges her simple non-smartphone at the train station, which is hooked up to a car battery. But she is happy. Everyone in Pessene knows everyone and all are friendly and watch out for each other. 

Neighbors come and chat and the hours pass quickly. The food bubbles away on the outside wood fire and takes a while, but nobody really notices as we are all soaked up in catching up or climbing a tree and enjoying the freedom bush life brings!

Aunty with some of her grand-kids

Lunch