Photo Notes

Smiling Baby
The Koreans had a lovely garden in which they grew some Korean-type vegetables, lettuces, peppers, and tomatoes. It looked wonderful when we were here in March, but was in a sad state on our arrival this time. I asked several people why it had been allowed to become overgrown with weeds, but didn't get a clear answer. Perhaps during the rainy season they let it go. A few days later some Ethiopian workers began to clear the weeds and work the soil to ready the garden for planting. This baby's mother and others worked on the garden. The baby, just beginning to walk, stayed with his mother and I assume a brother who looked to be about 8 years old. I don't know why this brother was not in school unless they didn't have the money for books, which I understand have to be paid for. Or perhaps he stayed home to help with his younger brother so Mom could work. I watched them from our balcony and was touched by the tender care given the child from his mother, brother, and other men who were helping. He was just a cute, fat, little one.

Rollerbladers
Recently arrived, and in the apartment next to ours, is a young Korean couple with their two pretty, little girls. Mr. Moon has a degree in computer science, I believe. Getting these names sorted out is difficult. On their door is a welcome sign that says, "Welcome to the family of Moon Sung Chung," or something like that, yet he is called "Mr. Moon." The little girls have added another dimension here, as there are no other children. They seem to do really well at keeping themselves entertained. During the soccer-tennis match Saturday evening between the Koreans and Norwegians (a follow-up to the arm-wrestling event), their parents were watching the game, and the little girls, fully dressed in roller gear, skated over the uneven stone tiles, actually doing quite well. The parents are trying to get them into an English-speaking school, but I believe when tested were told they must learn more English before they can attend. I think the mother is home schooling them.

-- Barb