Africa

Lesotho

If the palm of the hand itches it signifies the coming of great luck.

— Lesotho Proverb —

Not many countries can say that their traditional dress is a blanket. The Basotho blanket is a very common sight in the kingdom of Lesotho, often with colourful patterns. The blanket is not only used to protect the Basotho against the cold, but is also worn as a status symbol and cultural identification. 

Almost entirely made of wool, they protect very well against the harsh cold winter. Another typical feature is the woollen balaclava (which only leaves their eyes free) and the gumboots.

Lesotho

We were in Lesotho on two occasions to build a school and shower block at an AIDS orphanage. 

We ate and slept in Ficksburg, South Africa, the neighbouring town to Maputsoe, Lesotho. Most of the photos are in or around Maputsoe.

We didn’t have much of an opportunity to be a tourist in Lesotho. I saw a rondavel when we visited an AIDS hospital in Leribe.