Day 3-064
2 hrs, 5 kms

An older man joins me on my walk along the road . We get to talking about the economy.

"So those Chinese textile factories... did they do much to help the economy?" I remember years ago working at Kmart and seeing a lot of "made in Lesotho" boxes.

"Not really. The pay was very bad... hardly enough to buy food." He continues, "and now we're having a drought. This year we're going to starve" he says glumly.

It's a harsh reminder that behind the image of beautiful countryside and friendly people, is real suffering. I've seen patches of half grown, parched corn. Those who are relying solely on subsistence agriculture are going to go hungry this year.

Meanwhile, those who took their fertile lowland farmland from them will not go hungry. Perhaps the Basotho will be forced to go works as laborers for the very people who took their land...

As I continue, the towns start to merge together and feel more like the suburbs of the capital. Some interaction gets a little less pleasant--like a half crazy guy following me demanding money, while others watch in amusement.

Actually, I think I'll skip Maseru altother in this hike. I really feel no need to experience a sprawling African city in this hike... So I'm going to follow the road south instead...