The Beginning of Goodbyes

Farwell Jacq

Well, this past week, Sikasso Kaw said goodbye to a Bulshi (the stage that came 2006), Jacq. Jacq is extending her PC service in China! Last Saturday, we had a lovely party for her. I think everybody had a great time.
On Sunday, I went to market. I detest the market on Sundays because it’s really crowded, and one time, I almost got pushed over. Linds came in for the party, and she needed to go, so I went with her. I did, however, make a fun purchase. I bought some lingerie beads. They are called and you wear them around your waist. When we first got here, they were talked about during one of our cultural lessons, but the Malian was too shy to show her beads.

I, however, am not to shy to show my beads!

Monday was a really tough day for me. I was ready to call it quits. But, I have an amazing support system here, and concluded that some days are just terrible. Did I mention how much of a crappy day it was? Oh, and my beads fell down. Apparently, I didn’t tie them tight enough. Thank God I was wearing pants!
Tuesday night, we had Jacq’s Bash part II. We had Asian Fusion night. It was so much fun and absolutely delicious! Jacq left Wednesday morning for Bamako, so it was her last night here!
On Thursday afternoon, Trinh and I went house hunting (for me) and bureau shopping (for Sikasso Kaw). Our bureau is a one room hole in the wall, and we have to share a yeagan. (And, the yeagan is almost overflowing. I won’t take a picture though. You can use your imagination!) I really enjoyed house/apartment shopping in America, but not so much here. First of all, there is no brochure of all the places for rent. We started off with my landlord, he knew another landlord, talked to him, and asked if he knew anybody, etc. Anyway, that little book is really helpful. The last house we looked at was quite impressive. 5 bedroom/ 5 bathroom house…only 6 times the price of my apartment! Note: It’s never a good sign when you ask how much a house is and the landlord says, “It’s expensive.” My power got cut yesterday, so I am even more motivated to find a new place. One thing I believe Americans take for granted: Having separate electricity and water bills. I’m predicting my water to get cut within the next few weeks too because I haven’t seen a bill in quite some time. Time and time again, if I ever have to choose between water and electricity, water all the way!!!!
Next week, Emily is coming to Sikasso to celebrate her birthday! Linds is coming too, and we are going to have a magnificent time!

A Slow Week

This past week dragged on and on. But, it’s now Saturday, and I am hosting a Farwell Bash for Jacq. She is extending her Peace Corps service in China! I was cleaning my house this morning when the water got cut. Sigh. Always something.
My homologue is traveling around Mali and then going to Germany. It seems like the saying, “when the cat is away, the mice will play” seems pretty relevant to the work environment too. PC is coming down to Sikasso in a few weeks, which will be really good. We need to sit down and have a meeting. It’s frustrating because some really basic things that would, I feel, really improve tourism, can’t be done because of money. (Don’t get me started!!!) Anyway, I think/hope this meeting will be beneficial for everybody, especially me to give me some guidance of where I need to go.
I can be pushy and demanding in America, but I seem to have put that away here and am somewhat passive. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes because that wouldn’t accomplish anything. But, I do think I need to take more of a stand.
Trinh, Laura, Chelsea, and I did make ice cream last Tuesday. It unfortunately didn’t turn out as planned because the bowl wasn’t frozen. But, the cold creamy mixture was delicious and I definitely see potential.
On Thursday, I went around with the Water Sanitation APCD. We checked out a new site for a volunteer coming this year. Chelsea was getting a ride back to her site, and I basically went so I could check on the progress of the campament. When Chelsea and I saw the house for the new volunteer and we looked at each other and laughed! (So bad I know!) It is so small! My porch is bigger than the house! Chelsea and I both think a guy should live there! The volunteer should also have an amazing attitude and really wanting the classic PC experience. The community built the first house too close to the road, so they had to tear it down and build it again (I personally think the APCD should have given the community specific requirements, but whatever). Anyway, I think they are going to build an outside kitchen which will definitely make it better. When I went to Waroni, nobody was working. I do not think the campament will be finished for the upcoming tourist season, but maybe they will prove me wrong.
It is about to storm! Storms are great because it really cools things off. I do not like how so much dirt is stirred up or how I think trees may fall down or when mangos fall off the trees, but overall, storms are so pleasant!

The computer is being stupid so I cannot post pictures. Sorry!

Sikasso

Well, I survived my first week back. It hit me a few days ago that I won’t be in America until 2009!! I guess I wasn’t thinking about that when I was in America. For so many months, I thought, well, when I’m in America, I’ll remember to bring this back. I have to stop doing that!

Pict of Casablanca

Anyway, here’s a few highlights of my week:
On my ride home to Sikasso, I was exhausted! My sleep schedule is crazy! I typically wake up at 2 am and go back to sleep 5ish. So, I was laying down, even before the car left the PC office! We hit a really bumpy road, and I thought maybe we are taking the back way. Well, I tried to stay awake for a little bit, but I didn’t recognize anything! The trees were different, the road, I swear, was smaller, and I thought, man you really must be tired! So, I slept for 3 hours, and when I woke up, I asked if we made it to Bogoni yet. The driver explained that we were going to Segou then Kouticala then Sikasso, not the Bogoni to Sikasso route. This, explains why everything looked so different! It wasn’t because I was exhausted (even though that is true), it was because we were on a different road!

Pict: my porch

As I knew before I left, my house was FILTHY! But, kids are always wanted to help me, so I let them.

I went to work Monday morning, and was wondering why everyone was stopping at the particular intersection. I was thinking there was probably a wreck or something, but then I looked up and lo and behold…Sikasso has a WORKING stoplight! I couldn’t believe it! I wonder how long this will last. (We have always had stoplights, but they are never on.) Only time will tell. Monday night, I woke up with a migraine. I use to get migraines semiannually in the states, but I’m working on every other month in Mali! So, when I woke up, I called work and let them know that I wasn’t going to make it in. I slept until 2! I then ate lunch and hung out with another volunteer. I felt bad because Echin came to my house that night. He called, and I let him know I wasn’t home. I believe he was either inviting me to dinner, or he brought me dinner. Either way, I felt bad.

On Thursday, I was sooo exhausted! I tried not napping during the day, but would still wake up in the middle of the night. Anyway, I was just going through the motions: peddle, peddle, peddle, but I hit a bump, and off my bike I went! I’m thankful that: I didn’t have my camera in my purse, wasn’t transporting the ice cream maker, and nobody else ran over me. I was more embarrassed than hurt. But that sure woke me up!

Yesterday my outside door wouldn’t open. A Malian broke the lock for me. But, I was, I don’t know, irritated with PC because I’m suppose to replace it because it’s a “minor repair”. I don’t know, I guess I feel like they should replace it because it is a “safety and security issue.”

Okay, now that my trip to the States is over, here’s a look of my calendar of events:

May 30^th: Emily’s Birthday Party in Sikasso

July 4^th: Celebrating the 4^th in Manitali

July 23th: Ghana (I hope!!!)

Early September: Festival in Kayes

October?: Gambia (again, I hope! And, I have to look at my funds…or should I say lack of funds?)

Early November: Balafone Festival in Sikasso

November 27^th: Thanksgiving in Sikasso

November 28^th: Mexican Night @ my place!

More events to come!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=fr&q=map%20sikasso%20region&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Map so you know what places I am talking about.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

My last week in America was so wonderful! I was excessive in all that I did. I bought too much, ate too much, and interneted too much. The night before leaving, I went to sleep before I was done packing , but I made a list of crucial things I needed to remember. I was frantic the next morning, but I only managed to forget one crucial document and a long sleeved shirt! NY was so cold! Anyway, my flights went well. The Morocco airport was quite frustrating. I just wanted to go to the hotel to sleep, but we got a few different answers. I befriended a Malian in NY (she lives in DC now), so we were frustrated together. We finally made it to the hotel, and I crashed. I woke up for meals, and I did shower, but that's all I did in Casablanca.
I arrived safely back in Mali this morning, 2 am ish. I was asleep (or almost asleep) but as the cat perks up as it hears the can opener, I too, perk up when I hear the wheels on the food cart! So, I had 2 dinners last night. I got a ride with a Malian who is currently living in Canada. I was delighted! I DETEST getting ripped off. I wasn't aware that he hasn't seen his family in 6 years! So, he brought not 1 not 2 but 9 BAGS! And, a big screen tv! (for his mama!) I felt somewhat of a nuisance, but I do believe he would have had to get a cab for his stuff anyway because the trunk in his car wouldn't open. He was so kind, and I hope that he is repaid for his kindness later on in life.
I made it to the hotel at 5 am! I slept until 4 pm! I'm going to have dinner w/some other PCV, so that should be fun. I leave for Sikasso on Saturday! (I <3 PC transport!!)
Back to life, back to reality...

Nothing Could Be Finer...

This week was so uneventful, but I'll blog a bit any way.

I am having such a blast hanging out with my family and my dog. My dog had surgery last Wednesday, but I am happy to report, making a quick recovery.

A few highlights:
~I watched my brother play soccer (he's on the Varsity team.) And, I got to catch up with some people at the game too.
~I went swimming 4 times this past week! So wonderful!
~I went shopping at GW and the Salvation Army! My favorite!
~I got a new camera so I can post pictures on my blog now!
~I hung out with my friend Hannah who drove 3/4 hours (depends on who's driving) to see me! And, she bought me PB m&ms!!
~I am eating SO much, on behalf of other PCV who eat rice and sauce or toe every day. It wouldn't surprise me if I put on 10 lbs. in 3 weeks!

One more fun filled week in America and then back to hot season in Mali!

What an Amazing WEEK!!!

This has been such a terrific week! Where to start...

I woke up 04/06 at 5 am sick. I took medicine because I was getting on a bus, so after that, I felt much better. I was basically running around trying to get last minute things done. When the bus came, I was ready! And, I gave some money to my neighbor, so hopefully, everything will still be turned on when I return! I hung out in Bamako until Monday morning when a car came to pick me up at the airport. There was some miscommunication (surprise! jk), but I made it in plenty of time. Apparently, this particular airline only leaves at 3:30 am, so needless to say, their were many travelers there. I stayed awake and managed to get on the plane. I fell asleep for 2 hours or so, and then I had a great conversation with a Canadian. It was so interesting getting another point of view of Mali, coming from a person who spent a few weeks there. (He loved it!) We swamped email addresses, so maybe someday I'll see him again.
I finally made it to NY, but it took me, oh 2 hours to navigate around the subway system. I was quite irritated because I didn't have a phone, and with all these cell to cell free calling, I was appalled that nobody had the same server as my mom. I hung out in McDonald's because the RPCV had class all day. But, at the time, I didn't know it. I only had 3 hours of sleep, and I once again realized how crucial sleep is to my sanity. She eventually came to the McDonald's (I left her a message), and we ended up staying up at talking. She is so sweet! It's such a blessing that PC has such an amazing community of people.

Tuesday morning, I got picked up at 3 am (I had enough fun on the subway), and went to NC. It was so wonderful seeing my parents!!

My Mom and me at the airport

I can't remember the rest of Tuesday, but Wednesday morning, I left for Indiana with my brother and Kt G. I was so grateful that they let me ride up with them so I could spend some quality time with them. We had dinner at Kt G.s house, and I fell asleep oh around 8.

Thursday morning, Kt. G, Jamie, and I ran errands. It was fun seeing where Kt G. grew up and shopping (or should I say marveling?) at stores. I could have spent a few hours at the Dollar Tree!! That afternoon, Jamie and I went to the library and more errands. I forgot how amazing libraries are!!! In the evening, we went out to eat with several aunts.

Friday was the day of the rehearsal. That morning, my dad and I went to Fry's. I really need a camera, but they didn't have exactly what I wanted. But, it was so much fun hanging out with my dad, grilling him about his time in the PC. He told us about some of his experiences when we were kids, but it brings it into a whole new perspective when you are feeling the same emotions and some of the same experiences. The car trip was special and a lovely memory. When I got back to the hotel, I saw Jamie's groomsman, Dan. It was pretty ridiculous because I haven't seen him in 7 years! It's always fun hearing what people are up to. That afternoon, my aunts, cousin, mom, and I got pedicures and manicures.

Aunt Donna and me getting pedicures

It was remarkable! The guy didn't even flinch when he saw my feet. I then went shopping at GW and got some great clothes. The rehearsal took 10 minutes, so we talked for a bit and then went back to the hotel. The rehearsal dinner was near the hotel, and it was so much fun! My favorite part was the slide show. (I had already seen it 4 times, so I didn't shed a tear.)

On Saturday morning, I woke up quite early. I had breakfast with my dad, and then took a morning nap. I then got ready for the wedding! I wore long johns under my dress.

Aunt Donna helping me get on my shoes

Good call!! It was 43 degrees!! And, compared to my typical Malian weather of over 100, I really needed those long johns. We went to the church, and as I reflect, I marvel at how fast the wedding went by! I cried (again, surprise), but was able to laugh by looking at my little brother's face. He is phenomenal at mimicking my "get it together" deep breath face. 5 seconds after I was escorted out of the church, my shoes were off! We took lots of pictures and then went to the reception. It was so much fun seeing family members I rarely get to see. After the reception, I took a 3 hour, much needed nap. I woke up and met some of Jamie's friends at the bar. I felt really bad because once I got out of the car, I checked my phone and it said that it was 21 and up, so my little brother and his friend couldn't get in. We stayed for an hour, and I had a great time chatting with Jamies' and Katies' friends and then got lost. Will was tired and wanted to watch a movie, so we went back to the hotel, and I drove to the other bar. I had such a great time. I think before PC I probably would have been insecure, but so many things just aren't a big deal. So what that I had a sweatshirt on and tennis shoes? It was great hanging out with their friends (even though most of them graduated from Clemson;)

On Sunday, my Dad, brother, and brothers' friend all drove back. Private transportation is so wonderful!

Today, I went shopping with my mom. I am continuously amazed about how excessive Americans are. I think I am going to have cultural shock again when I get back to Mali.

Just a few picts.

I gave Malian clothes to my family...it didn't occur to me that people don't really wear unique fabrics here.

The men going to the "man hole"

The MOG (mother of groom) and me

The happy couple

On My Way!!!

This past week went by remarkably fast. Here's a recap:

On Monday, I went to my friend Chelsea's site. I kept on telling her I would come and visit, but it never happened. I went to the bus stop early, but ended up waiting 1 1/2 hours. WAIT. I finally made it to her site, but it was completely dark. I kept on saying her name when I got off the bus, and a nice man helped me get to her site. We greeted the chief, and he invited us to eat. We ate toe with him, but she told me he doesn't wash his hands before. But, it would be extremely impolite to refuse the chief....I woke up sick the next morning. I don't know if it was mental or if I really ingested...I don't want to think about it.

Tuesday morning, Chelsea and I went around to greet people. One concession made me so mad and sad. There was a two year old that was completely alone in the concession. Apparently, all of the adults went to gather firewood. This two year old is malnourished and is basically fending for itself. It truly angers me. After greeting, we went to the well. Chelsea organized her village to empty the well. It was quite a feat. I helped carry buckets. I pulled water a few times, but I was a little weak, and the Malian women were so much more efficient. We pulled for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but Chelsea wasn't sure if it was refilling. Everybody was tired, so she called it and got the information about the bottom of the well. The well is quite damaged and needs repairs. That afternoon, Chelsea was finishing her formation. I didn't really understand what was going on (surprise...no really, it was in Bambara), but it was cool watching another PCV led a session and interact with her community. That night, we were talking about April Fool's Day. We got some great laughs with her prank. That night, I saw a HUGE spider in her house. I think it was pregnant. Apparently, she lives with spiders and has come to terms with it. I wanted to stop shining my flashlight on the wall, but I kept on doing it and seeing more and more spiders. I was thankful that I slept outside.


On Wednesday, we went to the waterfalls. It was fun, except I got a little burnt. I realized that I have to start carrying water tabs. It's quite a hike from the village to the waterfalls (get ready Dad!), and I drank all my water on the way there, so I am glad Chelsea came prepared! I didn't bring a suit, but I got drenched filling up my water bottle! We went back and had toe for lunch. I think I took a nap and then they got my bucket ready for me (for bathing). I bathed and then watched a soccer game with 30 other teenage male Malians. I think I would use my car battery for a refrigerator, not a tv, and then sell cold drinks. Surly you would be successful being the only cold drink seller! But, in many villages, one person has a tv that is powered by a car battery. After the match, I had dinner. I went to sleep really early because I was tired and there is nothing else to do. I woke up in the middle of the night. It was either a bird or a bat, but I decided it wasn't that important to investigate.


I began my Thursday morning with a hot bucket bath! It was such a pleasant surprise! I was bracing for the cold water, and delighted that they heated water for me. I then greeted people for a long time. I really don't know how long I was actually gone, but it felt like a long time. I proved to be excellent comic relief. My favorite concession was a girl about the age of 12 and a few other children. I greeted her (in Bambara), and continued walking towards her. She looks at me with total fear on her face and sprints out of the concession. I would be curious to know what she was thinking. After I had a herd of 15 kids following me around, I decided to go back with my host family. I cracked peanuts for a few hours and then had lunch. I took an afternoon nap, but woke up in a sweat. I cracked more peanuts, and then learned a Malian card game. I'm not very good, but I don't think it's a good game any way. Then, I bathed, ate, and went to sleep.


Friday morning, I left the village and waited for a bus. I got ripped off, but I was ready to go home to start packing. I told the guy which quarter I lived in, but he either didn't understand me, ignored me, or didn't hear me. We stopped, and they pulled off my bike. I explained that I told the guy my quarter, but they didn't care. I threw a small fit, but didn't get my way. It was purely principle. If they are going to charge me to transport my bike, why wouldn't they drop me off at my quarter, which is on their way to their next destination? Anyway, I was tired, hungry, and irritable and began crying when I left. I was so upset, and then a kid, unknownto him, yelled, Tubabu! Wrong thing to say. I whipped around and definitely scared him. I went to my homologue's house, and she gave me rice and I bought some dehgay. I took a nap, and it's amazing how naps can refresh you and get you to think clearly. That night, Trinh, Lindsay, and I made macaroni and cheese. It was fun catching up.


Saturday, I was packing, cleaning, and getting ready for my trip. I was slightly sick, but ate dinner any way (bad call).


This morning, I woke up sick. But, I took some medicine, and am feeling much better. I was running around, trying to get last minute things done. I really hope I didn't forget anything. The ride to Bamako was wonderful! Private transportation is the way to go! I had lunch and hung out with Emily and other volunteers that I never get to see.


Right now, most of my stage is at Tubaniso. So, I was catching up on the internet. I think I am going to limit myself when I get to America.


I am so excited right now! I hope I keep this energy up because my plane doesn't leave until 3:30 am!!!


So, my next entry, I will be in America!!!

America, Here I Come!!!