John Aerni was the Grinnell Corps Lesotho fellow for 2002.
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John Aerni's Reports
John Aerni, Grinnell Corps: Lesotho 2002
Publication:
Lesotho Fellows' Reports
Issue Date:
February 1, 2002 -
Report 1Well, here goes nothing. I will try to be insightful and witty here in my first report back to the States from the sunny, southern climate of Lesotho. I have decided to call it:
Lesotho vs. Iowa: A Non-Scientific Comparison
Lesotho Iowa When you are here, no one has any idea where you are and assumes it is the middle of nowhere. When you are here, no one has any idea where you are and assumes it is the middle of nowhere. The weather can and does change drastically in less than an hour. The weather can and does change drastically in less than an hour. You are surrounded by maize fields (corn). You are surrounded by corn fields (maize). February is beautiful, sunny, and hot. February is brutal, snowy, and cold You wake up each morning to the sight of towering valleys and mountains. You wake up each morning to the sight of endless fields and prairie. People think you are crazy when you run for fun. People think you are crazy when you run for fun. The most noticeable sound on Sunday mornings is the ringing of church bells. The most noticeable sound on Sunday mornings is the ringing of church bells. A late bedtime on any day of the week is 10:30 p.m. An early bed time on a Friday or Saturday night is 1 a.m. Electricity 7:30-9:30 pm if the generator is working. Electricity: 24/7. Preferred refrigeration: a pot of cold water stored in a cool place. Preferred refrigeration: Bought at the store for $150. Washing clothes: By hand in the bathtub. Washing clothes: Maytag. Beef: grazing in your front yard at 5AM. Beef: 89 cents at McDonalds. News: BBC world service if the weather allows. News source: CNN, internet, newspaper, etc. Time to a major city: 3 hours by bus. Time to a major city: 1 hour by car. Home Home
