Diamonds in the Rough

I've complained a few times on this blog about the lack of anything remotely cosmopolitan in Maun. This wouldn't be so terrible if there was some sort of distinct culture, arts scene, theater, fashion... ANYTHING to balance the bush and safari culture that eats up this village.

I've been trying to alter my perspective, look at things in a gentler, softer way instead of through my pessimistic view. And you know what? I've found a few gems. The first being shopping. I know this is going to sound shallow to many but when you are surrounded by khakis and hiking boots 24-7, it's a delight to remember that Maun has some alternative options for those of us who don't spend most of our days in the bush and work in offices.

When I moved from Canada, I brought five suitcases. I packed most of my summer wardrobe and reasoned that I wouldn't spend any money on clothes in Botswana. In seven months, some of my clothes has been ruined by dirty water, some has disappeared and a lot of it has become boring.

So it's not like I had to shop but it was worth looking around.

Surprise, surprise. Maun's got a few gems. And I've got the photos to prove it.

My new favourite place to buy shoes is Pep. A mix of dollar store meets department store, Pep has by far the best shoes and the best prices in town.

Case study one: My studded flats.

I first came across these beauties when I saw my neighbour Sarah walking through our yard wearing these sandals. I immediately asked where she got them and proceeded to tell her that I would be purchasing the same pair. It took a while for me to find my size, but eventually I got my own pair for the bargain price of $54 pula (about $8 Cdn).

Case study 2: The Summer Dress

Found at my new favourite store Mr. Price, this pretty dress is a perfect weekend addition to my wardrobe. It's also great during the boiling summer months.

Case study three: Polka Dots

Again, a Mr. Price gem, this blue and white polka dot fake bustier is versatile enough to wear with jeans or a cute skirt. The flower belt adds a little flash of colour. For 50 pula ($8 Cdn), it's a steal.






















Case study four: Flower Power

In my previous life in Canada, I thought I was too old to wear short skirts. Maun has squashed this myth because of the heat and because people simply don't care about how they look. So if I'm showing off what I think are less than adequately toned thighs, most likely, I'm the only one who's going to notice.

The skirt below is my latest purchase. I have no clue whether flowers and patterns are the rage in the real world, but I saw this skirt in a add in the paper and I decided it was the perfect summer skirt. I'm telling you, Mr. Price is amazing. It is my new favourite store and I have to stop myself from going there every day.

I plan on trying to make this a regular part of my blog. Not the shopping bit, but new and interesting tidbits I keep unearthing that make this place not just bearable, but sometimes, even enjoyable.