Ndlandla

June 14, 2006
Ndlandla is my across the hallway neighbor (or, at least, one of them). He has impeccable Zulu, but is only beginning to learn English. When I first met him, all he spoke was Zulu to me, not knowing that I don't understand him at all!
Kids are funny that way.

He is only three, though, and by four, he will have master two languages. Until then, my name remains Lion, because it's the closest pronounciation. Not bad, if you ask me. And it's heartwarming to have a name. Before, he didn't call me anything at all.

I'm pretty sure he's just using me for the fruit (he always demands fruit), but I like the company, and he has a peaceful presence.

Tonight Ndlandla came over in his PJ's, and we (Kumarie, Ashwell, Ndlandla, and I) popped popcorn, shared an orange, and watched "That Darn Cat." His laughter is contagious.