Last weekend I went bike riding with my friend Trevor through a game park. We were mauled by a lion. Haha…yeah right, but that would be a great story! We did go mountain biking, though, but the animals we saw were mostly tame (such as zebra, impala, and warthogs). I tried to instigate a stampede with a pack of wildebeests, so that was somewhat dangerous. I also wanted to throw a stone at a few sleeping crocodiles, but Trevor advised me not to on the principle that “nobody likes to be suddenly awakened by a rock to the head.” All in all, it was good exercise and great fun. Unfortunately no pictures could be taken since we were soaring through the savanna and flying over rocks at breakneck speeds.

After the game park extravaganza, we stopped at a local craft center to pick up some souvenir gifts for my family back home. With little regard to common sense, I decided to purchase an engraved wooden chair for myself. Now I’m going to have to use more than common sense to figure out how to get it on the plane with me. Trevor is having a similar problem with a surfboard he bought while traveling in South Africa. Both of us independently came up with the idea to donate most of our clothes to local friends. That should at least help with the weight limits for luggage.

My office also did a bit of riding last week. Horse riding that is. Actually, therapeutic horse riding with the children who attend Cheshire Homes. I have been advocating for this activity ever since I arrived in Swaziland, and we finally were able to coordinate all of the logistical details. Most of the mothers were initially worried, but it turned out to be a resounding success. Therapeutic riding will now be a monthly event for these children with disabilities. Check the pictures below.

One of my favorite children, Thotho, being helped by one of my favorite adults, Sicelo.