Jon has laready mentioned that things have not been particularly "peachy" the past two-three weeks....pretty much since we've been at site. First, sadly, we are down a kitty. Mali has gone to the hereafter and Eleanor is our only cat. I guess we learned the hard way that you have to be careful with beloved pets in Africa! Next, during a weekend visit to the capitol, a beggar slapped me in the face and a taxi driver tried to kiss me. Last week I had an infection in both feet and this week I had a bacterial infection with a really high fever and horrible stomach issues. I'm now recovering in Ouaga and feel a lot better. It's amazing how a little AC and Shrek will change your perspective on the universe.
So about our work! School gets going next week and we should both get busier. It is hot hot hot right now but we're told that November-January is "like paradise" (a quote from Sylvie the PCMO who tried to cheer me up yesterday) which remains to be seen. We have several friends in Pissila. We probably spend most of our time (besides with eachother) with Philippe. He is who serves us cold drinks at our local buvette "Kosnabas." The drinks are SUPER SUPER cold and the ambiance is outstanding (maybe a little too far on that last point). We are lucky though.
Here's a typical Day-in-the-Life if you will: wake up around six, lay around while someone makes hot water for an awesome cup of Nescafe (YUM) and then make some oatmeal. next, (and this might be around 8) we go for a bike ride down this dirt road that leads to surrounding villages (sometimes we go off road for a little exploration..hello Lewis and Clarke) this will include about one million greetings and Burkinabe laughing at the weird white people. Next we head back to the homestead for some bucket bath action. Hopefully around now it is close enough to eleven to warrant some benga and cold fanta/castel/coke/sachet de l'eau (water). Around 12:30 begins what we call here the repose (rest/nap time). This lasts until 3:30. I usually lie in our house fanning myself. The evenings are wild cards, sometimes we have a guest or two, sometimes we get invited for some socializing over dolo (local beer) and sometimes we just cook up a tasty meal around 4 and hit the hay around 6. It's a hectic schedule for us. Sometimes you just can't fit it all in!
Well thanks for the comments guys! Love to everyone over there in the Americas. Enjoy the fall t.v. lineup!
Au Revoir for now.
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3 comments:
Despite the illnesses and unkind men, it sounds like you and Jon are doing really well! You guys are tough cookies. I miss you very much and think about you so often.
Love, Beth
Hey Heather it's Rachel, I left a message on another site, but I don't know where. I blogged your name on google and there you were. Anyway just wanted to say HI so "HI"!! Hope you are doing well - What will you and Jon teach at school? Them sound like pretty good days except it's hothothot, that doesn't sound so inviting!! TAke care Heather --- Rach
HAha!! I can't believe you were Slapped by a beggar!! HOw rude!! However, quite humorous in a wierd way. Wow, you have had a lot of bodily problems..huh? Im Sorry. IM glad you are feeling better and I hope Jon is okay. It seems as though you are the only one that is getting sick. Tell jon to quit poisoning you!! haha!! j/k. Well miss you and i will definitely send you your goodies!!
~much love, Mark
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