An ode to Maun

I miss home. Some days more than others and while Lusaka is home now my heart will always belong to Maun.

Leaving Maun and Botswana was such a big deal for me. I grew up in an awesome and not so little village. It helped mould me into the awesome and "humble" human I am today.  A lot of who I am; views on Africa, life and especially what it's like to be foreign or different stemmed from growing up in this amazing place. Its great place to grow up, lots of adventure and fun things to do, lots of crazy stories. So this post is an ode to Maun and what makes it so fatalistically unique. 

Consider this my personal guide to Maun

Picture: I stole from the Internets

1. Livestock trump humans

This will be one of the first things you notice. Goats, Cows and especially Donkeys. Do not be alarmed, they are friendly and just want food and water. Prepare to stop regularly for livestock when driving, particularly at pedestrian crossing often frequented by goats. Also prepare to want to punch a Donkey in the face. They are stubborn and are best treated with respect, its not like you have much of a choice anyway.

2.Everyone will talk to you

Yes everyone. The taxi driver, The random person next you in the taxi, the random person next to you in the grocery store. Note this does not count if you’re white, it may happen but it’s not guaranteed. Maun people are friendly and talking to strangers seems to be part of the experience. Small communities are like that I guess. 

3.Weird Tourists

There are two types of tourist. The Ultra-rich ones that fly straight from their mansions to the Okavango delta, via a few airports and such. You won’t interact with many of these but its good to know they exist. The second kind is the more common kind. The backpacker often travelling through Africa with friends as some kind of “life experience”.  They love third world countries, saving poor Africans and partying in the process ( the two are not mutually exclusive you know). They may or may not shower regularly, they may or may not think that shoes are necessary. They will be a fun bunch though.

4.Even Weirder fashion

Pretty sure the  Marokara-movement started in Maun. If you’re wondering what is, join us, we’re all wondering. It’s basically a gang or clique of men who are really into heavy metal, but dress like cowboys except in all black leather. Down to the stirrups or their boots. It’s a mish-mash of cultures, Heavy Metal meets Cowboy in Africa. Needless to say It’s fun to watch, they’re pretty big on exhibitionism.

5. The Juxtaposition. Yes big word. So far you may have the idea that Maun is a rural african village. It is not. We can give you KFC and Nandos (because chicken comes first). Fast internet,  Woolworths, direct flights to Jorburg and Cape Town, Fashion, good food and coz you know you love to be one with nature boat cruises and flights over the delta. Don't get it twisted Maun caters to all your needs.

My favourite place in Maun

Before this starts to sound like a Botswana Tourism Board Plug Imma leave it right there. Check it Maun. Its lovely. You'll wanna go back, I know I do. 

Luwi