Lesotho 101

July 23rd I had a four minute conversation with my Dad around 5:00am in Cancún, Mexico. He told me I would be leaving October 12th for Lesotho in Southern Africa. Although I was excited, I like most people had never heard of Lesotho.

Here is what i have learned since then:
          Cautionary Discretion: Some of these facts could be wrong, but I guess I won't know until I am there!

20 Facts of Lesotho

1. Lesotho roughly translates to the land of the people who speak Sesotho. Therefore, Basotho (people of Lesotho) speak Sesotho. Also English is the 2nd Language. 
2. Lesotho is about the size of Maryland, and landlocked within South Africa with about two million citizens. 
3. Lesotho has the highest low point of any country in the world, therefore it is quite mountainous and perhaps I will become an avid marathon runner when my lungs adjust.
4. 24% of the population is afflicted with HIV/AIDS and life expectancy is about 48 years.
5. Peace Corps volunteers can get pretty good cellular access and internet on their phones. (really hoping this is true for me)
6. Lesotho can range from 86°F in the summer to 0°F in the winter and because it is south of the equator, the seasons are flipped. 
7. Unemployment rate is 45% although a lot of Basotho are subsistence farmers and practice animal husbandry. 
8. The Peace Corps says it can be difficult for vegetarians to find food in some parts of Lesotho. (very excited for this)
9. Lesotho produces 90% of its own electricity and provides electricity to parts of South Africa.
10. In Maseru, the capital, there is a KFC, Sushi restaurant, and an Italian pizzeria.
11. Lesotho has kept generally close ties to Ireland. Dangerous Alliance. 
12. Basotho dress extremely well. Time to up my game. Girls often wear high heels.
13. Lesotho has an 82% literacy rate and females have a higher literacy rate than males.
14. Peace Corps has had volunteers in Lesotho since 1967 with a brief intermission in 1998 due to political uprising. 
15. 49% of the population is under the poverty line.
16. Traditional Basotho homes are round houses (rondavels) because locals believe evil spirits can hide in the corners. 
17. Children's classrooms can be up to 75 students. 
18. No malaria! Due to its high altitude tropical diseases are insignificant although waterborne diseases can be prevalent. Hopefully I have eaten enough clementines in my life to sustain a robust immune system. 
19. Afriski is one of the best ski resorts in Africa and even the world. Located in Lesotho it flourishes with tourists and backpackers every year. 
20. Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky.