December 1981

Friends,

When we were young, our parents always told us that the years go by faster as one grows older. Of course, we thought that it was balderdash, but it's TRUE and, by George, now that we're in our 35th year (!), the time seems to literally fly by.  For example, it's incredible to us that we're into our 4th year here in Africa--and we still haven't seen everything or done the things we had planned to do 3 years ago.

Fortunately, we do get good vacations in education, and last year at this time, we made a 2 week trip to South Africa that was a real eye opener.  Visiting SA was once philosophically taboo for us, but now that we have lived in black Africa, we feel that we have a truer picture of the situation down South.  And frankly, it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world!  It's like the U.S. of 50 years ago, but with modern highways and conveniences. We drove for several thousand miles, saw quaint, neat towns, beautiful cities, beaches of a hundred miles in length with sand dunes 150 ft. high, gardens of tropical flowers, vast farms, unspoiled wilderness, and fantastic Cape Dutch architecture.  And truthfully, the Africans there have the highest standard of living on the whole continent, and we saw the beginnings of change that we hope will bring a complete end to apartheid.

Returning from such a mental high, we then went on a physical high by climbing Mt. Kenya, that 16,000 ft., snow covered behemoth which straddles the equator. It was the most grueling experience of our lives, something we are not likely to repeat (Basically, there are 2 kinds of fools in the world:  those who have never climbed Mt. Kenya and those who have climbed it twice!). Anyway, the scenery was majestic, the cold was biting, and the air was THIN--so thin that Sharon ran out of it totally only a few hundred ft. from the summit.

At Easter, we visited the Seychelles Islands for a week--expensive, but worth it with extraordinary French-influenced cuisine and gorgeous South Pacific-type lushness.  Really brought us back to Samoa.

Last summer was a return to Greece--our third year in a row--for another try at subsidized summer school, and then a couple of weeks in the U.K. where we marveled at the architectural splendor of Bath, toured the Cotswold country staying at small inns, and then luxuriated in the excitement of London, with its splendid theater and restaurants.

On the home front, we now have a VW camper which is just perfect for weekends in the country and game runs. We visit our country club from time to time for golf and squash, and attend the theater whenever we can. Plus we try to make it to the coast as often as possible for diving.  But this year is mostly characterized by work, work, WORK at school!  We're just involved in too many extra-curricular activities such as newspaper, yearbook, junior class advisors and Honor Society.  It's too much, so we have promised ourselves to cut down next semester.

We always end these newsletters with a bit of speculation about the future. Right now, we are seriously looking for jobs elsewhere and are most interested in the Middle and Far East.  If we can snag good offers, we'll leave--if not, we'll stay here for another 2 year contract and then return to the States (mainland!) to complete our educations.

All in all, we're basically happy and healthy of mind and body.  We are looking forward to hearing from as many of our friends, acquaintances and relatives as possible this year.  Merry Christmas to you all and may you have a splendid New Year.