I came to Kaolack, once again, for a number of reasons. I am certainly spending my time in the village and trying to learn pulaar (tons of fun let me tell you), but the dramatic drop in number of fruit trees in my backyard and the random disappearances of personal items let me know that it was time to leave for a night. That, and I wanted to decorate Chrismas cookies. So here I am, spoonless, toothbrushless and alarm clockless (all taken by the fam…random) but I’ve got cookies. Not that I can eat them. However, I will eat them all in front of my family out of spite. Hey, maybe I’ll even eat them with the new spoon I bought, fully equipped with my initials via permanent marker.
However, it is questionable if I will go back to the village today. Yesterday on my way into Kaolack, I found myself stuck in Nioro because the Alhum driver decided he wanted a nap. WHAT?!?! Oh Africa! Being without my nalgene and dying of thirst, I had no other option but to buy water from a street vender. In some circumstances this is okay because the water is in “sterile” water bags. Meaning, purified water bags instead of the one I drank: Pretty much a plastic bag that tasted like someone’s hand and was filled with puddle water. Greeeaaaattt….. Needless to say, my tummy hasn’t felt so good since last night and I’m afraid Galaas is rearing his ugly head again….NOOOOOO!!!!
On a brighter note though, the Alhum I rode in today was extra classy. When I stepped on, I wasn’t sure if a Mexican birthday party had thrown up all over the inside of it or if Snoop Dog was throwing a party. First, the festive blue with white ruffled fabric hanging down every row and down the windows was perfect length to just touch the top of my head. I wonder how many other people’s heads it has touched? Ew. The gauwdy gold pictures of Muslim Cheiks hung down like Pinatas all around the car constantly bumping people as they walked by. But with the windows obviously lacking a tint, the sun reflected of the disco ball hanging from the center of the car. Right from the stomach of a life size cut out of Snoop Dog. Again, WHAT?!?! The entire ride I had the pleasure of listening to “gin and juice” dubbed into French, while being blinded by Snoops disco ball bellybutton. It was great. Not to mention the chickens that were under the seat in front of me pecking my toes for the entire 3 hours. I swear it was an accident that I dropped my bag on them. 6 times. Whoops!
I’ll keep everyone posted on my whereabouts. Keep stalking me on google earth Chris haha! Maybe you’ll see my hut sans banana and papaya trees. I’ll probably be back in Kaolack on the 22nd or 23rd before I head to Dakar for Christmas. Yay Beach!
Oh also, if anyone can find some information on NGO’s who deal with building wells or info about grants and that kind of stuff let me know!!! I think I’m going to start working with that. When I went to the gardens, the people digging the wells made sure to stop for about 2 hours to tell me how tiring it is to build a well. Think they were trying to drop a hint? Well, I caught on so I’m going to see what I can do with it.
Enjoy the snow and downtown Chicago for me!!! Steal a present off the big tree since I’m not there to do it dad!
Also, there is a new critter in my hut....Look closely and see if you can find him. He needs a name. Unfortunately, Tyler, has already be taken by Rachel's roommate.
4 comments:
just so you know: tyler, tyleta, tylina, tyrone, tytus, and 15 other "ty" names are already taken by the mice that were in my house. Do you remember that bus driver in San Antonio that stopped to take a break with a bus full of people. Maybe its you... :) Love you sweet girl!
Wow, honey..... nice cookies. I miss you and we will definitely steal a big present off the tree in your honor. Did you say toothbrush? EWA! Good thing I sent you with 4 of them. That is random. I did not see the "special friend" in the picture and I am afraid to look too closely. Ima scurred to look! I think you should name him Chuck E. Cheese; the rat with the hat! Make sure you let me know when you get all the packages. They should definitely be there before Christmas. I love you kiddo.
what is the punishment in senegal for carrying a whip and using it whenever a "transportation specialist" wants to take a nap? find that out because it might be SOOOOOOO worth it. congratulations on doing something that i could never do---- like everything you have done since you got off the plane. i know that you are homesick but illinois is the laughing stock of the nation right now because the feds caught on tape our govener blagoyovich trying to sell obamas vacant senate seat for 1.5 million. even jay leno is having a field day with this. we all miss you.have a great time at the beach. your biggest fan. PAPPY
I have a friend with the NASA JSC branch of Engineers Without Borders. I know they have done work in Rwanda with getting communities clean water. Is that something needed? I could get you a contact if you want??? Not sure if that relates.
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