Mass Entertainment

There is one Botswanan TV station (BTV), with daily news and programs in Setswana, a few South African programs, lots of BBC reports on Africa, American sitcoms and dramas (all about a year old), plus music videos, Sesame Street, WWE, and huge doses of Dr. Phil, who is on EVERY NIGHT without commercials. I also get 1-3 South African stations (variable depending on the day; my stations switch by the hour with no rhyme or reason, sometimes in the middle of programs). I occasionally get a movie channel or CNN, but I can turn on the TV at any time, day or night, secure in the knowledge that 2-3 of my 5-6 stations will be showing a soccer game. I mean, who could wish for Gilmore Girls when I have the chance to watch Arsenal play for the third time this week?
Movie theaters (2 in Gabs) are filled with American films, just weeks to a few months behind U.S. release dates. There’s assigned seating for popular shows. Popcorn comes completely unbuttered and unsalted. There’s no butter option at all, but there is a whole range of flavored salt and seasonings to add yourself, including a “vinegar salt” that is perhaps my favorite thing I’ve eaten in Botswana. I seriously considered absconding (a very common word here) with the shaker, but have decided to experiment and try to make my own instead! (Even making tapioca pudding here is a process that begins with overnight soaking of the tapioca and includes much experimentation, so another kitchen experiment will be good fore me.)