The day started with a nice drive near Maseru. Then Ntate Scott took us up Thaba Bosiu. This is the birthplace of the nation. He stopped at different spots telling us the stories of Moshoeshoe the First. We trekked the way of which the enemies of Moshoeshoe would have taken. Let me say it was a difficult hike, with lots of rocky, narrow terrain. There are only 4 paths up the plateau, which is why it was considered a mountain fortress. There were fables told by enemies of how the mountain grew at night due to how dangerous the hike was with no visibility, as well as Moshoeshoe's people throwing rocks at the enemies, which added to the perception that the mountain seemed to become bigger at night. Scott taught us how Moshoeshoe led with peace and diplomacy to find a place for his people to live. When we got to the top we had opportunities to take many photos, as well as a final teaching moment about how the Basotho hat has nothing to do with the rock formation seen at the top. It was actually just a hat created to protect them from the sun. It was then changed by an artist around the 1950's. We then talked to Justice, a photographer who shows the stories of the Basotho through ethical photography. One of his main lessons to us was "Do what you love and it will love you back." The night ended with a nice bonfire and Basotho s'mores.
Signed,
Khotso