If Harry Potter were Malian, I like to think he would look like Lye and posse

This week has gone surprisingly fast. Here’s some highlights.

On 10/14, I went to Babemba to meet with the individual who works for the water company. Several individuals from the community met with us. I saw where the main water line is and where we would install the faucet. Unfortunately, after talking with the water company, it is unfeasible to put the faucet in the middle of the village. He informed us that the pressure would be too weak. Hopefully, after this first faucet is installed perhaps in a decade; they will have the technology to supply water uphill to Babemba. But right now, we have to install it near the road. While this isn’t the ideal situation, people will still have access to potable water which is the main goal.

2 Wednesdays ago (10/15), I left the internet café in such a good mood! It’s remarkable how just an hour of the internet can put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I was peddling along, when I past a kid on my bike. As I was passing him, he managed to nail me in the leg with a rock, propelled from his sling shot. I abruptly stop my bike, grabbed my purse, and chased after him. I spent a good 30 minutes of my once joyful afternoon, chasing this punk kid. He knows Sikasso better than me, and I unfortunately lost him. During the chase, I began crying (which is such a no no in this culture) because I felt like one of those kids from elementary school that is constantly bullied and then one day, they fight back. All this built up tension of kids yelling TUBABU!, taunting me, making farting noises when I passed on my bike…it just all built up and I broke down. I did not even know I had so much built up tension in me! I bought a coke (I only drink soda on the weekends, but I felt like I deserved one), and called Emily in tears. Oh how drastically moods, and the weather, can change!

I went to a women’s group last Friday to help them cook. I cut the onions with my left hand, but nobody said anything. When I told my tutor I helped them cook, he asked with what hand did cut the food with. I told him my left, and it told me it was bad. Why don’t you try cutting food with your non-dominant hand and tell me how that works out for you? I washed my hands more than anyone in the group. I am so unMalian, and cannot cut food in my hands without shedding blood. They gave me a plate to cut on, and I will start looking for a piece of wood to give them for when Americans help them. I am planning on hanging out with them more this upcoming year because I had a great time and was able to practice my Bambara.

On Sunday, I went to Babemba for a meeting. Unlike the previous meeting, people were on WAIT time. We ended up starting 30 minutes late, and people continued to come in even near the end. I think it is because we started the meeting earlier and people were still at the market (Sunday is the big market day in Sikasso). Anyway, everybody is on board. I hope to submit the paperwork early Novemberish, with the intent of it being online in December.

On Wednesday, I went to a baptism. I think a more appropriate name would be the naming ceremony. I was supposed to go to my homologues house at 7 am. I came a few minutes late, and Madame was already gone. Thankfully, Echin’s son Essac escorted me there because I had NO IDEA where I was going. They served me beans when I got there, and I hung out. Jaba (Echins wife) was so in tune with me and as so as she saw me yawn, she took me inside to nap. I, unlike most PCVs, think 7 am is really early, but people in brusse think 7 am is sleeping in. Yes, I am a city girl. Because I didn’t bring my cell phone, I had no idea what time it was. So I kept on listening to see when the greeting changed from good morning to good day. IT’S STILL N E SOGOMA? [Good morning in Bambara, spelled phonetically] Needless to say, it was a long day.

Jaba and her sister-in-law Fatimata...while I couldn't understand their conversations, they were so comfortable and considerate (Jaba pulled water from the well so Fatimata could bathe) I bet this will be Katie G and myself in 30 years

The guest of honor primping with him mom (it was quite funny because I asked her his name, she told me Karim...but she was mistakened. His name is Ibhrihim...in Mali, the father and his friends name the child )

I hung out with the women, ate zami (red rice), had an orange frozen soft drink, and ended up leaving in the afternoon. I left before the griots came. Griots are people that give out blessings and you pay them. I (much to the horror of all Malians I’ve told) don’t really agree with griots and don’t want to pay someone for something I didn’t ask for. I explained to my tutor that they just do it for the money, but he argued that their heart is in it too. While I understand it is a part of the culture, I have had a hard time embracing griots. So, I got to experience the preparation for the baptism.

So much food!
I believe this child hasn't seen many white people before...

Women cleaning the dishes

My last name, Maïga, is a northern name. Because I live in the south, people are always like, you’re a northern woman. Sure. So, I typically impress people because I know how to say good morning in Songhi (sp?). They laugh. But, last week it backfired, because the person I said good morning to continued speaking in Songhi. I guess I can’t fool everybody.

Isnt this little girl adorable? She didn't cry at all

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.