Farewell to the Last Belushi in Sikasso

My trip to Segou was fantastic!! I didn’t even know I needed a break until I got there! I interneted for about 20 hours. I drank lots of soda (I felt like I needed to buy something in order to use the wi fi), and I ate lots of good food (expensive, but I splurged). My first meal there was a ham sandwich! With REAL cheese!!!! (We have fake cheese in Sikasso…fake as in it doesn’t melt…)
I thought Kyle was nice because he has sisters, but then I got to thinking, my mom has 4 sisters….just because you have sisters doesn’t make you nice. (I think that came out wrong. My mom is AMAZING!!! But, when she is with her sisters, they can all get…shall we say rude?) So, he’s much nicer than me. I ended up buying him dinner one night and we called it even. (If I won, I would have showed no mercy.)
Mary put the map in color. It looks so good! She has inspired me to take a photoshop later on in my life. I am currently trying to make some minor changes, but I think I am going to give up today.
This sounds crazy, but I was looking forward to getting out to village. Just the simplicity and the quietness (is that even a word?) of it all. So, I ended up going “camping” with Mary at Kyle’s site. I do like my toilets, but it was so pleasant bathing in the rain. During moments like those, I wish I had both a toilet and a yeagan. It reminded me a bit of when I was a lifeguard and would go swimming in the rain. I guess that’s the Pisces in me.

Brooke and me

Brooke, the last Belushi of Sikasso, left. We had a wonderful Indian food night on Friday night. On Saturday, we were supposed to go to the pool all day, but when I arrived, Katy was the only one there! I got a drink, and it was fun chatting with Katy. Her village is quite far from Sikasso, so I don’t see her as much as the other volunteers in Sikasso region. It was really nice catching up with her. When we were leaving, we ran into some Koreans, and they asked if we were Peace Corps. Why yes, we are. Apparently, it was literally their first day in Mali. No, really. They are working for a NGO for 3-5 years. Katy and I wished them all the best. When we left, Katy and I were discussing if we give out a PC vibe. Do we look like the former stereotypical PC volunteer? Or are we in areas that no tourist would go?

Tata and Lala @ the pool

When the rain stopped, we met everybody and got street food. Chelsea had FUN FETTI birthday cake mix and icing, and it was absolutely superb!!! While it’s sad to say goodbye, it’s crazy that my stage will be the next group of volunteers to leave!

Random Thoughts/Experiences of Lala

You know how some women get monthly pedicures for mental health reasons? I think I am going to put air in my bicycle tires once of month. I didn’t realize how much a little air can make such a huge difference! I feel like a new woman!

Yesterday (10-13), the secretary of the Environment Conservation Bureau, decided I should marry her brother. He’s a Christian, speaks English, in his 30s…what more could a girl ask for? It was so funny because I apparently am in my prime marrying age, and everybody who finds out I’m single, plays matchmaker. I asked the secretary how old she thought I was…15 or 16!!! And, my family is coming in December so if it was up to the secretary and my coworker, I would be getting married in December to a guy I’ve never met. Love is not a factor. Security and being culturally appropriate is.

Malians are so wasteless when it comes to food. I was noticing how Malians cut onions and tomatoes and there is literally no part that can be eatten that goes to waste. I thought nothing of cutting the end of the onion off, until I saw how they meticulously only cut the inedible part out.

Last weekish, I saw a guy who was riding a bike. He was about to turn right, but was signaling with his left hand. This also happens, I feel, a lot with both cars and motos. While I was anti drivers education as a teenager, it really is a good idea, and I am now an advocate of driver’s education. And, it would be fine with me if South Carolina raised the driving age. Geez, I sound old!

Yesterday (10-14), we saw a white guy going into our favorite restaurant when we were leaving. We didn’t say a word, but then he asked “Peace Corps?” When this happens, I feel proud. It’s like we go where no tourist plans to go (except PC families that are visiting). He lives in Kayes region and thought we were PCVs so decided to go to “our” restaurant (we are regulars).

Today, I almost got hit by a bashee (green truck that has benches in the back where people sit). I’m glad I can laugh about it now. The guy was turning left; I was going straight…anyway, I’m glad PC gives us nice bikes with brakes…

I had an epiphany last week. I am an adult. Sigh. I’m trying to get excited….

Life is Grand

I am sitting by the pool in Segou, using whi fy internet. Isnt that great?!

This most eventful part of my week was going to Segou. The bus schedule listed that a bus would leave sikasso at 8 am, but we ended up leaving at 9. But, what was so memorable was sitting and waiting while people watching. A teenage Malian girl and an adult Malian woman were getting into it. I dont know what was said, until a Malian who spoke impressive English sat beside me and explained it to me. Apparently, the teenager told the woman that nobody could beat her in this area. The woman said oh yeah, well i can, and then proceeded to try to hit her. A Malian man broke it up, and in Mali, they use 3rd party intervention. The individual listens to both sides of the story, and it really helps calm them down (most of the time). The woman just thought it was disrespectful.
Then in Koutiala, some body thought they were getting gyped out of money. That "discussion" (as the guy beside me told me...i would have probably used yelling match but whatever) lasted 30 minutes. TIA.

Segou is wonderful, except the harrassment from garabos, tour guides, etc. Laying by the pool, reading, listening to an ipod was how I spent my afternoon. Just like an enthralling book, I forgot where I was for a few hours today!

Segou is a much needed break. So glad I'm here!

I Bleed Orange and Blue!!! Always and Forever

My pregame pict before i went to sleep

Like I said on the previous post, Auburn played LSWHO last Saturday. Even a continent away, I got really excited on game day, and was totally rocking an Auburn shirt and flip flops. Well, fellow PCV and LSWHO Alum, Kyle and I made a bet. I said money at first, but then we agreed that the loser would go to the other persons site and be their servant for a day, wearing the other teams shirt. Well, I was super pumped because my house could always use a good cleaning. I am so thankful my daddy understands how much I LOVE AU football, and he called me at half time. Auburns up!! It was 1:30 am my time, but I was super excited!! I felt like I was there! When he hung up, I don’t think I slept. When I got another telephone call at 3:30 am, I was ready! I was singing “It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger” in my head. “Kate…I’m sorry” $#$% is what I was thinking. Anyway, after he described the game, I am still proud of my Auburn Tigers. War Eagle!!! So, next week, I am going to Segou to settle my bet. I would rather be his servant for an ENTIRE WEEK than wear that skanky, hideous, yellow and purple shirt! But, a bet is a bet.

I actually used my goofy horn this past week! It was really funny because I was biking along and then this guy is on his moto, and if he continued his course of action, would have ran straight into me! So, I honked. He started laughing, and I did too. So, if I ever get hit, at least both parties will be laughing.

This has been a week of bugs. There was this ginormous bug on my porch! I put him in my stairwell. He either fell down the flights of stairs or just dropped, but the next morning, he was on his back at the bottom of the stairs. I was hoping that my tutor knew the name of the bug, so I asked what’s that? He told me a worm. I explained that wasn’t a worm. He then told me it’s a big bug. But then again, if someone where to ask me what the name of a bug was (other than a lightening bug, lady bug, or grasshopper), I probably wouldn’t know either.

Monday (September 22) was Mali’s Independence Day. I was a bit disappointed. I thought it was going to be like the fete Tabaski (in December). The food was delicious and who doesn’t like a day off from work? But, there were no hot dogs, hamburgers, fireworks, etc. But, I was totally sporting the fabric!

Lye and me next to the camera shy geese

Tuesday was basically like Christmas for me. 3 BOXES!!! It is absolutely marvelous! And, one box had an eight page letter!!

Because I have an absurd amount of chapstick, I decided to give one to the Mama (the teenager who cleans my clothes). I gave her the Nesquick Chapstick. Later that day, her mom asked what it was. The knob was completely broken. It actually looked like there were teeth marks on it. Then it occurred to me that she probably has never used chapstick before and had no idea what to do with it! And, I bet the chocolate flavor threw her way off! Oh the things you assume everyone knows!

On Thursday, I had a meeting with the Environmental Conservation management. It was a great meeting! Even though all the paper work is so tedious at times, it was so great to designate responsibilities. I am excited and confident in this project now!

Yesterday, I helped Mama cut onions. Malians typically cut the food in their hands. I would cut my hand. So, I brought out my cutting board and sharp knife. They definitely got a kick out of it. I began crying, and apparently, I don’t know if it’s a Malian thing or what, but Mama put a piece of onion on my head and it is suppose to help with the crying. It might have been a mental thing, but it worked! Until it fell off my head, and I had to put another piece on and then I think it lost it’s magic. Also, when I went to Echin’s house yesterday afternoon, I sat down and watched a guy shaving 2 goat heads. It was fascinating! I did feel a little bad for the goat, waiting in line. I’m sure he could smell the death of his friends. I can’t tell who gets more entertainment out of the geese: Lye or me. They are so cool! I wonder if I could have both labs and geese…

I am learning more Bambara! Not exactly the ideal Friday night, but it was good. But, after studying, instead of taking a bath (no bath tub), I did the second best thing; I soaked my feet in hot soapy water. Wonderful! I should have started doing that a long time ago!

And, on Saturday morning, Makan and I began to work on the paperwork for the PCPP project (the project where the village is asking for funding for the tap system). It’s so long and tedious, but we made progress. Next week, I will examine where the committee has decided the best location for the tap system. Also on the agenda, I will be going to Segou region for completing my side of the bet (I will NOT allow photography in that…shirt), and I will also work with Mary on the map of Sikasso. Apparently, it looks so good (and it does!) the mayor wants to get it in color and make it poster size! So, Mary and I will also work on the poster. 2 birds with 1 stone.

I miss my brothers

I cant think of a title

One cultural experience that I had this past week occurred at my homologues’ house. Lye (5 year old), began eating without inviting others to join him. Even though most people would decline, it is impolite here to eat without inviting the others around you. So, Echin’s friend said (in Bambara, but I still understood it), Lye’s an American. It was because we don’t offer to share our food with others. Interesting huh? That is one thing I hope to continue when I live in American again. I really like how you are always invited.
2 days ago, when I was done at work, I was telling everybody to have a good weekend. My coworker told me it’s only Thursday. I didn’t believe him. So, I pulled out my calendar and checked it with my cell phone….I’ll be darn…he was right! That was a bit disappointing.
Trinh called on Wednesday!! I was so happy to hear her voice!!
I almost hit a kid on my bike the other day. I’m not going to lie. I like the feeling of almost hitting someone better than the “ut oh, I’m about to get hit”. But, both experiences are nerve racking. So, I finally installed the goofy horn I received for my birthday on my bike.
I am trying to get 2 projects of the ground. And, I’m just giving you the heads up, but YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I am going to apply for a PCPP (Peace Corps Partnership Program). The money would be used to get a nearby village a robinet (tap) because during hot season, their wells dry up. Anyway, I’ll put the link when I finish applying for it.
Auburn plays LSWHO today!!! WAR EAGLE!!

(I apologize for not taking pictures. But, September 22 is Mali’s Independence Day, so I should take some then.)

It's September!

I looked at the calendar today, and can’t believe it’s already September! I am starting to plan “The Cannon’s Go to Mali” trip. It’s really hard to plan because things can change in a blink of an eye. So, as long as everyone comes in with good attitudes and flexibility, it should be a good time.

I woke up last week at 4:30 am to use the bathroom, and I felt so incredibility lazy. My neighbors were already starting their day! It turns out, it was the beginning of Ramadan. One Malian told me “If you eat after 5:30, you’re not really fasting.” So, for the month, people do not eat or drink after 5:30 am until the sun sets. People are giving me a hard time because I am not fasting, but it’s okay.

I also have been having some…interesting dreams. One night, I dreamt that there were centipedes in my hair. I couldn’t feel them, but when I shifted my part, they were there. Another weird dream was I at the local mall in SC, and I saw a woman who just squatted down and peed in front of the mall! And, the last dream I remember was going home to see my dog. I don’t know who was more excited, K-dog or me! Even though my life is fairly uneventful right now, my dreams aren’t!

We were supposed to have a meeting for the robinets (taps) for the nearby village, but somebody died, and it was canceled. And, I am getting frustrated with the local environment project. Now granted I can only understand most of what is going on in the meetings, it seems to me by his tone and word choice that he is doing ME a favor by contributing to THEIR project. And, it’s absolutely ludicrous to me that the Environment Conservation bureau doesn’t have basic tools like a wheelbarrow, hoe, ax, etc. Even though they didn’t think it was a priority to go in their budget, I feel like I am expected to get this equipment for them. Next week when my homologue returns from vacation, I will explain the dilemma to him, and I know he will take care of everything. I am so blessed to work with someone like him! (And, there is a junk scrap place next to my apartment, and there is a guy who appears to be interested in me. Maybe not, maybe I’m tooting my own horn, but I explained to Echin [my homologue] that this guy has turned around car before to talk to me, and I feel uncomfortable. Echin told me the next time that happens to call him and he’ll take care of it.)

The new volunteers swear in this week! And, my new teammate, Diane, will move into her house this Sunday. I think this solo time was good for me, but I am excited about having a new teammate.

Next week (if I remember), I will try to take pictures of my life in Sikasso. But, it will be difficult to upload lots of pictures because the fast internet place closed. If they weren’t making a profit, they should have lowered their prices and then more people would leave the medium internet place and use the fast interenet place. Too bad nobody asked me;)

Not much to report

This was another extremely uneventful week. I am studying Bambara and French daily. And, it was pay day!
Oh, I fell down last week, but my cuts are healing nicely.
And, I almost got hit by a bus today, but thankfully not.

I know, BORING. Some weeks are like that.

Solo in Sikasso

a younger, naiver, Lala

I’m solo in Sikasso. I really had a wonderful vacation; I am still hearing how fat I’ve gotten. I do need to start exercising. On Wednesday, I really was going to run, but then I was having gas problems. I ran out of gas while I was cooking on Monday. So, on Tuesday, I exchanged my empty gas tank with a full one. I took it home and gas was spewing out of the top. So, the next day, I got a new one. I took it home, and that too had a malfunctioning top. I went back again, and told the owner he should pay for my transport. He actually came to my house with the 3rd tank. He discovered that I turned in 2 critical pieces when I exchanged my tank. So, he went back and got the necessary pieces, and I once again, can cook. What does this have to do with running? I’m having toe problems (surprise) and I was going to soak my feet before running because of the pain/infections.
One of Chelsea’s friends spent the night at my house on Wednesday night. She is doing missionary work. It’s so interesting how you can all be living in the same country with COMPLETELY different experiences and different mentalities.
Rob, our ONLY MALE, is leaving this Sunday. We all are very sad about this. Maybe I’ll host a “Sikasso Girls need Lovin’ too” party and invite all of the Mopti boys (or maybe just all males in Mali…) Sigh.
I do have some good news to report. I have my own water counter! One word: ecstatic! My bill went down 93 percent! I am a happy girl! And, there was a meat strike. It was going to be over early September, but for some reason, we again have meat. Life is good in the south!