Today was a much better day than yesterday. I got rid of my fever! I have a cold and my chest is clogged. I thought I had strep, but I don't. Somebody asked me if I had laryngitis. It's definitely a possibility.
We went on a field trip today to Siby: Mount Mading. We had a lecture on ecotourism, which I thought was very appropriate for me to listen to. We then climbed so many rocks. You would think Yosemite would have prepared me....Yosemite has nothing on Mali. Again, this perspective may change if I go back feeling healthy. I think it would have been even more beautiful if I felt 100%. I am going to sleep so good tonight!!! I have a feeling we are all going to be sore in the morning.
I go back to homestay tomorrow. We only have a few more weeks until we are sworn in as PCVs, and the next few weeks are mainly field trips. I have to really pick up the language business. Tomorrow, I am going to tell my family NO English. I use my brothers as crutches instead of advancing in French.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I Have Seen Better Days...
I feel pretty bad today. I was running an 102.3 fever. It really stinks. I hope that I will feel better tomorrow. But, I will take my head pounding and a fever over Mr. D any day.
We are going on a field trip tomorrow, so I hope I will be able to go.
We are going on a field trip tomorrow, so I hope I will be able to go.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Mail Day!
We got mail today!!! I love mail day!!! I want to thank everybody who has written me!!! Aunt Sue and my mom write me every time mail day comes!! THANKS!!!:D Oh, I love Bethel UMC. I have recieved letters from several church members. It means so much to me. I am planning on buying stamps soon.
MAIL DAY= GREAT DAY!!
MAIL DAY= GREAT DAY!!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Site Visit!
I am sitting at the computer and I have sooo much to write! I wish I would have brought my journal...I hope I don't leave out anything!
Wednesday: August 22
We were suppose to leave Tabinso (PC camp)at 8 am. I was running around (as usual) that morning. I got sick (for all you curious folks out there...vomiting) the night before, so I didn't finish packing. Because we are on WAIT, we didn't LEAVE until 3 pm. We didn't get on the bus until 6 pm! The bus was crowded and hot. Oh, 2 people with big guns came in. I asked my homologue because it's a little scary. One's at the back of the bus, and one is at the front of the bus. My homologue said "for security." My homologue is smart and got us seats in the middle of the bus because there was an opening at the roof that lets air in. My homologue also bought all the PCT fans. So useful! We got to my homologue's house at 12:15 am. His daughter made us dinner! I had the most amazing green beans, almost as good as Grandmas. We also had fish and potatoes. At 12:30ish, he drove me to my house. Adam, the volunteer I'm replacing, was there. I'm basically taking over his apartment and job. We talked until about 2 am. He was so informative!!!
Thursday: August 23
Adam and I went to the bank at 7:50 am. The bank opens at 8 am and apparently, it can be an all day affair. So, they opened the gates and people run in the bank! (They don't have atms.) They have a number system. It started with 761. I got number 772. So, I waited an hour, and Adam and I went up. (It's basically amazing having a personal tour guide that speaks French and some Bambara). I needed to open a bank account; we should have gone in the back to wait. No number needed. TIA. So, I ended up spending 3 hours in the bank to open an account. I went out for lunch at the restaurant that serves 4 rices. They alternate 3 of them with different sauces for 300 CFA. I got zambina sp?. It's red rice and delicious!! The spices are baked in the dish. Adam then took me to work. I met everybody. I'm excited that I am finishing a project that 2 other PCVs worked on. I told Adam I wouldn't drop the ball. The construction will continue in January. I'm relieved because I get to concentrate on learning French. (People are in the fields until January). We went back home and I read HP and took a nap. We had dinner at Trin's house. She is the other PCV in my town. We had delicious chili! I do miss the oven...
Friday: August 24
I forgot that it was Friday (Muslim Sabbath), and everything closes Friday afternoon, so we got a late start. We went furniture shopping. I picked out what I liked, and he bartered for me. I hope that I will be somebodies hero next year when a new PCT comes. Anyway, I decided to get a bamboo bed. The guy said he would have it ready by the next day. It then started to pour. Not drizzle. POUR!! A restaurant owner invited us to his restaurant the day before so we had to walk to the restaurant. I was COMPLETELY wet. We had couscous. It was really good. We then went back to my apartment and I read....HP. I went to a local hotel for dinner and got nems. Delicious! My mom called. It was great to hear from her, even though there was like a 10 second lag. So annoying!!! It will be so cool to see how far cell phone service progresses in my 2 years here. I stayed up to finish HP. I am so glad that nobody ruined it for me.
Saturday: August 25
We went to the market early because I wanted to buy a mattress. I decided on the foam mattress because it's softer. Even in Mali, I still have champagne taste. Sigh. Some things never change. Anyway, I opted not for the terrific real mattress, but the medium quality foam mattress (couldn't afford the really good one). Adam got upset because the man was saying how all white people have money, all the time. In the banks, in their hands... I couldn't understand what was said. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. So, I got a mattress and was getting the bed delivered that afternoon.
Adam left at noon. It was so scary because I was on my own. For real. I know some of y'all are thinking, she sounds obsessed with this Adam character. He is super nice and really helped me out in my "city". Don't you worry! I have a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment, and he has a serious girlfriend. It was nice to have a personal tour guide.
I bought an egg sandwich all by myself! I was so happy with me even thought my French...not so good. I went home and cleaned. I really need a "real" broom. Malians (most) prefer brooms without handles, and they mop on all 4s. I think I will continue to clean my house even though I could outsource it. Sometimes I get irritated with people thinking that tubabs always get others to do their work, so I'm going to take a stand and clean my house by myself the whole time I'm there. I might outsource washing clothes. I'm terrible. After cleaning, I was trying to stay awake for my bed, but I fell asleep. As life would have it, they delivered it when I was asleep. So, a lady who sells lettuce outside my apartment, her daughter, and I carried up the bed (2 floor). The angles were quite tricky, but we did it! A little later, I met my language tutor. He seemed really nice. I then got an egg sandwich (convenient) and talked to my dad on the phone. He couldn't get through, so I called. We could only talk for a few minutes because it's 50 cents a minute...and on my living allowance...that's alot. So, I slept in my own bed in my own apartment all by myself! I was a little nervous so I locked the outside door, the porch door, the front door, and my bedroom door. I was thinking, gee it would be terrible if there was a fire and I needed to get out quickly.
Sunday: August 26
I survived the first night in my site, no problems. My friend Lindsay came. It's hard to tell people where I live because I don't know exactly...
We had lunch at the hotel. I splurged and got a coke. SO GOOD! I HEART COKE! It's funny because in the states, I'm so cheap and won't buy soft drinks at restaurants. But, here...bring it! I then had 3 hours of tutoring. My tutor is amazing. I really lucked out. We then we over to Trin's house for Mexican night. Homemade tortillas, guacamole dip, salsa, bean spread, and meat (cow). It was really good! Lindsay then spent the night with me. It's so nice having a guest bedroom.
Today: August 27
I got up at 5:30 am to finish getting my stuff packed. We were at the bus stop at 6:55 am for the "7" am bus. We each ate a loaf of bread for breakfast. The bus came at 7:30 am, not bad for WAIT. The bus ride was lovely! It wasn't crowded and we all had a row of seats to ourselves. The ride was 6 1/2 hours. Optimal conditions. We then had to take a cab to the PC office. They were trying to charge us 2000 CFA per person. I am looking forward to being able to barter and tell them off in French. We ended up getting a ride for 1500 CFA for all 3 of us. We then went to a restaurant/bar and ran into 10 other PCTs. Basically, the mothership. I got a coke (so bad, but oh so good!) and a margarita pizza. We then went back to Tabinso, and I started a new book. I studied French and am ready to go to sleep now.
I am so impressed if you made it down this far. I didn't bring my camera to site visit, so when I move in, I will definitely take pictures of my apartment and town.
Bonne nuit!
(Good night!)
Wednesday: August 22
We were suppose to leave Tabinso (PC camp)at 8 am. I was running around (as usual) that morning. I got sick (for all you curious folks out there...vomiting) the night before, so I didn't finish packing. Because we are on WAIT, we didn't LEAVE until 3 pm. We didn't get on the bus until 6 pm! The bus was crowded and hot. Oh, 2 people with big guns came in. I asked my homologue because it's a little scary. One's at the back of the bus, and one is at the front of the bus. My homologue said "for security." My homologue is smart and got us seats in the middle of the bus because there was an opening at the roof that lets air in. My homologue also bought all the PCT fans. So useful! We got to my homologue's house at 12:15 am. His daughter made us dinner! I had the most amazing green beans, almost as good as Grandmas. We also had fish and potatoes. At 12:30ish, he drove me to my house. Adam, the volunteer I'm replacing, was there. I'm basically taking over his apartment and job. We talked until about 2 am. He was so informative!!!
Thursday: August 23
Adam and I went to the bank at 7:50 am. The bank opens at 8 am and apparently, it can be an all day affair. So, they opened the gates and people run in the bank! (They don't have atms.) They have a number system. It started with 761. I got number 772. So, I waited an hour, and Adam and I went up. (It's basically amazing having a personal tour guide that speaks French and some Bambara). I needed to open a bank account; we should have gone in the back to wait. No number needed. TIA. So, I ended up spending 3 hours in the bank to open an account. I went out for lunch at the restaurant that serves 4 rices. They alternate 3 of them with different sauces for 300 CFA. I got zambina sp?. It's red rice and delicious!! The spices are baked in the dish. Adam then took me to work. I met everybody. I'm excited that I am finishing a project that 2 other PCVs worked on. I told Adam I wouldn't drop the ball. The construction will continue in January. I'm relieved because I get to concentrate on learning French. (People are in the fields until January). We went back home and I read HP and took a nap. We had dinner at Trin's house. She is the other PCV in my town. We had delicious chili! I do miss the oven...
Friday: August 24
I forgot that it was Friday (Muslim Sabbath), and everything closes Friday afternoon, so we got a late start. We went furniture shopping. I picked out what I liked, and he bartered for me. I hope that I will be somebodies hero next year when a new PCT comes. Anyway, I decided to get a bamboo bed. The guy said he would have it ready by the next day. It then started to pour. Not drizzle. POUR!! A restaurant owner invited us to his restaurant the day before so we had to walk to the restaurant. I was COMPLETELY wet. We had couscous. It was really good. We then went back to my apartment and I read....HP. I went to a local hotel for dinner and got nems. Delicious! My mom called. It was great to hear from her, even though there was like a 10 second lag. So annoying!!! It will be so cool to see how far cell phone service progresses in my 2 years here. I stayed up to finish HP. I am so glad that nobody ruined it for me.
Saturday: August 25
We went to the market early because I wanted to buy a mattress. I decided on the foam mattress because it's softer. Even in Mali, I still have champagne taste. Sigh. Some things never change. Anyway, I opted not for the terrific real mattress, but the medium quality foam mattress (couldn't afford the really good one). Adam got upset because the man was saying how all white people have money, all the time. In the banks, in their hands... I couldn't understand what was said. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. So, I got a mattress and was getting the bed delivered that afternoon.
Adam left at noon. It was so scary because I was on my own. For real. I know some of y'all are thinking, she sounds obsessed with this Adam character. He is super nice and really helped me out in my "city". Don't you worry! I have a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment, and he has a serious girlfriend. It was nice to have a personal tour guide.
I bought an egg sandwich all by myself! I was so happy with me even thought my French...not so good. I went home and cleaned. I really need a "real" broom. Malians (most) prefer brooms without handles, and they mop on all 4s. I think I will continue to clean my house even though I could outsource it. Sometimes I get irritated with people thinking that tubabs always get others to do their work, so I'm going to take a stand and clean my house by myself the whole time I'm there. I might outsource washing clothes. I'm terrible. After cleaning, I was trying to stay awake for my bed, but I fell asleep. As life would have it, they delivered it when I was asleep. So, a lady who sells lettuce outside my apartment, her daughter, and I carried up the bed (2 floor). The angles were quite tricky, but we did it! A little later, I met my language tutor. He seemed really nice. I then got an egg sandwich (convenient) and talked to my dad on the phone. He couldn't get through, so I called. We could only talk for a few minutes because it's 50 cents a minute...and on my living allowance...that's alot. So, I slept in my own bed in my own apartment all by myself! I was a little nervous so I locked the outside door, the porch door, the front door, and my bedroom door. I was thinking, gee it would be terrible if there was a fire and I needed to get out quickly.
Sunday: August 26
I survived the first night in my site, no problems. My friend Lindsay came. It's hard to tell people where I live because I don't know exactly...
We had lunch at the hotel. I splurged and got a coke. SO GOOD! I HEART COKE! It's funny because in the states, I'm so cheap and won't buy soft drinks at restaurants. But, here...bring it! I then had 3 hours of tutoring. My tutor is amazing. I really lucked out. We then we over to Trin's house for Mexican night. Homemade tortillas, guacamole dip, salsa, bean spread, and meat (cow). It was really good! Lindsay then spent the night with me. It's so nice having a guest bedroom.
Today: August 27
I got up at 5:30 am to finish getting my stuff packed. We were at the bus stop at 6:55 am for the "7" am bus. We each ate a loaf of bread for breakfast. The bus came at 7:30 am, not bad for WAIT. The bus ride was lovely! It wasn't crowded and we all had a row of seats to ourselves. The ride was 6 1/2 hours. Optimal conditions. We then had to take a cab to the PC office. They were trying to charge us 2000 CFA per person. I am looking forward to being able to barter and tell them off in French. We ended up getting a ride for 1500 CFA for all 3 of us. We then went to a restaurant/bar and ran into 10 other PCTs. Basically, the mothership. I got a coke (so bad, but oh so good!) and a margarita pizza. We then went back to Tabinso, and I started a new book. I studied French and am ready to go to sleep now.
I am so impressed if you made it down this far. I didn't bring my camera to site visit, so when I move in, I will definitely take pictures of my apartment and town.
Bonne nuit!
(Good night!)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Leaving for Site! (Tomorrow)
Life is great! I got my Harry Potter book this morning! It was basically Christmas in August. I'm stoked! (Oh, I'm told that if you send a letter or package to Mali, write West Africa beside it. Apparently, some Americans don't know where Mali is...[I was one of those people])
Other great things: I got tootsie rolls and lifesavers. I spoke with my brothers yesterday (it was really funny b/c it took like 10 seconds for them to realize that I was calling from Africa. As soon as they realized it...KATIE?!?) I have a cell phone (and will get service at my site). I ate a margarita pizza yesterday (IT WAS SUPERB!!!) I went shopping yesterday at a store. It sold tvs, toaster ovens, eggs, candy, shampoo, etc. etc. I got envelopes so I can write letters now. I have been so busy, but all the letters I received means so much to me. I love rereading them, so I definitely want to write back. These blogs are only a glimpse into my life in Africa. I sometimes think to myself, my life could be a movie. Anyway, life is great.
For lunch yesterday, we had my favorite Malian meal. It is this red rice with meat in it. I love the red rice. Only 3 of us at out of the same bowl. I put a huge dent in it. Also yesterday, SED (Small Enterprise Development) went to Bamako. (Emily should be posting acronyms on her blog. I should have Internet where I'm going; I don't think she has electricity, so I may post acronyms on my blog too. The more I think about it, the more I think it's a great idea.) It was so much fun! We went shopping and ate at a nice little restaurant.
We met our homologue's last night. Mine is super nice. He says I'm going to have to change my last name when I get to my site. They are so funny about last names. In Mali, they have joking cousins. I was trying to find a link about the history of joking cousins, but I can't find one that does it justice. Michigan Tech University does a lot of work in Mali, so maybe (if your interested) in searching joking cousins Mali within the Michigan Tech site.
Tomorrow, I will be taking a six hour bus ride to Sikasso region with my homologue. I have to go back to Tambinso by myself. I am a little concerned because the lack of my language abilities (right now). I still remain optimistic. I hope it doesn't change after I go to site visit.
Other great things: I got tootsie rolls and lifesavers. I spoke with my brothers yesterday (it was really funny b/c it took like 10 seconds for them to realize that I was calling from Africa. As soon as they realized it...KATIE?!?) I have a cell phone (and will get service at my site). I ate a margarita pizza yesterday (IT WAS SUPERB!!!) I went shopping yesterday at a store. It sold tvs, toaster ovens, eggs, candy, shampoo, etc. etc. I got envelopes so I can write letters now. I have been so busy, but all the letters I received means so much to me. I love rereading them, so I definitely want to write back. These blogs are only a glimpse into my life in Africa. I sometimes think to myself, my life could be a movie. Anyway, life is great.
For lunch yesterday, we had my favorite Malian meal. It is this red rice with meat in it. I love the red rice. Only 3 of us at out of the same bowl. I put a huge dent in it. Also yesterday, SED (Small Enterprise Development) went to Bamako. (Emily should be posting acronyms on her blog. I should have Internet where I'm going; I don't think she has electricity, so I may post acronyms on my blog too. The more I think about it, the more I think it's a great idea.) It was so much fun! We went shopping and ate at a nice little restaurant.
We met our homologue's last night. Mine is super nice. He says I'm going to have to change my last name when I get to my site. They are so funny about last names. In Mali, they have joking cousins. I was trying to find a link about the history of joking cousins, but I can't find one that does it justice. Michigan Tech University does a lot of work in Mali, so maybe (if your interested) in searching joking cousins Mali within the Michigan Tech site.
Tomorrow, I will be taking a six hour bus ride to Sikasso region with my homologue. I have to go back to Tambinso by myself. I am a little concerned because the lack of my language abilities (right now). I still remain optimistic. I hope it doesn't change after I go to site visit.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
WAIT
I am back at Tubaniso. This past week went by so fast! All the days run together. I had my language test yesterday. We have to be intermediate mid before we start our service. I am at....novice med (I started off novice low...one little step). Basically, I have to go through 3 steps in like 4 weeks. Sigh. I have to get tutored when I get to my site.
Anyway, nothing of real interest happened this week. The mosquitoes are biting the heck out of me. My hand looks terrible. I now wonder if the bites on my hand are bed bugs or mosquito bites? And then the flies also land on them. I didn't realize how much I hate flies. I really do! My big toe is infected (I had a close call last week on the bike...don't know if I have mentioned it. I was trying to avoid hitting another PCT, slammed on my breaks and threw my foot down, actually my big toe.) and I have an infected mosquito bite. Africa may leave its mark on me.
We had a session today about transportation. Africa is on WAIT. "West Africa International Time." Schedules don't really exist here. I thought it was such a funny acronym.
Oh, I got my box today:) I was super excited because I knew I had a box, and I had to wait allllll week! Whenever I saw a PC car, I would get so excited....and then disappointed. I have another box at the post office...I hope it gets here before I leave on Wednesday!
Another notable item. My mom bought a goat. He is so cute! And, apparently, dinner tomorrow. I'm glad I don't have to witness his death. He was a little annoying this morning, making goat noises.
All in all, life is great. TIA!!!
pictures: my poor hand; group photo at Tabinso
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Going to Sikasso
I found out a few hours ago that I am going to Sikasso! I am working with the tourism sector and am so excited!
I need to eat and then pack, but will be post again on August 18.
photos: my village at homestay; 2 adorable twin goats and their momma; our kitchen; people hanging out in front of my house, making tea (people drink so much tea here!!! it's like 100 degrees outside and they are making HOT tea!); areal view of yeagan; view from my roof; this is where I tie up my mostiquto net, it's too hot to sleep inside!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Down...6 lbs!
I weighed myself today...down 6 lbs! Pretty happy about that. Weight Watchers has nothing on Africa!
I am so tired, but I am posting tonight because I really do miss it when I have those crazy French computers. Life is great at Tabaniso. Some of the meetings are a little dry, but whatever. I have a cold, but it could be so much worse.
I got a letter from the Whitts, 2 from Aunt Sue, and 1 from my mom. It was wonderful! Emily got Harry Potter, but that's alright. Mine is on its way. I need to start writing snail mail letters, but that first requires paper and stamps. I'll work on that this week (if and when I take a break from language).
We find out our sites tomorrow. I am too exhausted to be excited.
We go back to Homestay tomorrow, and it's funny because I don't know how long we are staying, so I don't know the next time I'll post.
pict. my sister Bintou and me
Monday, August 6, 2007
Introducing...Lala!
I am back at the PC area, and I Have so much to say!!!!! I should have brought my journal...if I forgot any huge adventures, I'll write tomorrow.
So, I went a few weeks ago to a town where I am living for about 9 weeks. I got off the bus, and there was music, dancing, and clapping. It was great! I went to my house and I am basically living in a Hilton. Tile floors (even on the outside patio), fans, and ... ELECTRICITY! But, I was really happy that they have a well in the courtyard area so I don't have to get up even earlier to get water. We had orientation, and I ate my first dinner with my family. We sit on the floor and eat with our RIGHT hand!! Just to clarify, not everybody is right handed in Mali. My brother is lefthanded, and he eats with a spoon. I also recently met a little girl who is lefthanded. I eat with my mom, Mariam and sister Bentwo (phanetically spelled). My mom is so funny! She speaks 3 langauges and a little English, so we make do. She loves posing for the camera! My father formerly worked for the food bank, but has been disabled for the past 7 years. I have 3 brothers. Hibip is 29. He owns a botique and is really nice. Next is Isumel. He is 22 and is studying to become a judge. Muhammed aka Papa is 20. Bentwo is 12. We have a house keeper. She is 12 and works so hard!! She cooks, cleans, is always up before me and goes to sleep after me. I'm still not crazy about the yagen. There are so many flies all the time!!!
I got sick when I first got there. Not fun. I had a fever and was burning up in my room! But, I would rather throw up than have dirareha. And, I did make it to the yagen. The next day, my mom was upset because I was refusing to eat. All I wanted was bread. So, I got bread for dinner. I was almost done, and she sent the housekeeper to get me butter. They don't have a fridge, I didn't want to refuse, so I put butter on my bread. I ended up getting sick, and not making it to the yagen. The next day, she told my brother to tell me when I am full to quit eating. I was so appreciative of that.
Everybody gets a new Malian name when they arrive in homestay. My mom named me Lala Maiga. I am named after her sister. I love my name! We are somewhat like rockstars. Everybody wants to shake your hand, etc. Kids chant "Tubabu" which is white person. I was so tired of that, so I introduced myself, so now kids chant "Lala!!!" It's so much better than "tubabu".
Typical day at Homestay:
Wake up at 7 am. Put water in my bucket for a bath. It takes 30 miunutes to bathe. No joke. Eat bread and jam for breakfast. Go to class. Class starts at 8:30, but I'm usually early. Language, language, and more language. I leave at 12:30 for lunch. Lunch is rice and a sauce with meat in it. I don't always know what the meat is. I think it's better that way. We watch these horrible French soaps. I go back to class at 2:30 and we do language and cross culture (i.e. gender roles in Mali, etc.) I go home at 5:30, and sometimes stop for a soft drink (heaven in my mouth.) I sometimes bath, depending on if it's raining or how gross I am. I hang out with my family and do homework. We eat about 8:00, rice and sauce, and
I'm beat. I write in my journal and go to sleep. I sleep outside because it's too hot to sleep inside.
We are back at "House of Doves" for a few days. Emily and I were in our room telling stories from our homestay when the turtle came up to our door. We were like what do we do? He was trying to get in and broke our screen! We got Susie to distract him. It's craziness.
Alot of PCT say TIA. So, I'll end it with "This Is Africa".
picts: my house, my mom, and my brother Ismel and me
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