So I am oficially a volunteer now. We swore-in on the 29th of September at the Ambassador's house. There were 65 of us swearing-in and there were like 7 volunteers who gave speeches in the seven languages studied during our stage: French, Bambara, Fulfulde, Bomu, Malinke, Khassonke, and Songrai. There were a lot of PCVs and other Americans I've never seen and probably will never see again. But after swear-in we had a BBQ pool party at the Ambassador's house. It was LOVELY! Open bar, pool hamburgers, and 65 volunteers=fun, fun, fun!!! Later that night we went to the Bejing II Chinese restaurant and it was absolutely delicious-seriously some of the best food I've ever eaten. Then we all went out to the Pirate's Club where most of us danced the night away (the Tombuctou volunteers had to leave for an early flight to their site the next morning). It was a lot of fun and i have some good memories. I forgot my camera, but I'll try to do that soon...
The other day in Bamako I saw a man on a moto get hit by a sotrama (or the green beast-it's like a mini-bus thingy). The guy got up but the sotrama didn't even stop- it stalled traffic for a minute or two. But then I saw three policemen sitting under a hangar on the corner just across the street from where the accident took place, and they were just sitting there doing nothing... I was a little disturbed.
We had to take public transport (in this case a big bus)to get to Sikasso and that was a bit of a pain. It was a horribly dusty ride over a pothole-ridden road. And then some guy puked a few seats behind me and his throw-up slid down the aisle onto my shoe and bag. The lady next to me picked up my bag and held it in her lap for the next hour of the ride even though I repeatedly urged her to let me hold it. Then the guy sitting in the row across from me got the driver's assistant to wash my shoe off with water by the bus door. we didn't stop or clean up the mess. We gave the guy a plastic bag and waited for it to dry up. Needless to say that hot shower at the IHKLASS hotel was much appreciated as we arrived in Sikasso.
I'm being installed at my sight tomorrow and I should be there for a few weeks before I come back to Sikasso. I have a cell phone but I'm not sure if I have coverage in my village yet. I have coverage in Sikasso city though. My number is 223.515.29.88. Call me if you want-I'd recommend a phone card.
Dad I got your package. Thank you so much! Dad you got me covered on Beef Jerkey and candy for the next few months. Thanks for the reces pieces Uncle Rog!
I wanted to update my list for care packages now that I have a house and such;
books, magazines, instant oatmeal (maple and brown sugar), sauce mixes for pasta etc., spices, granola bars, gatorade mixes (I like the red and blue kinds), dried fruit. I just wanted to put that up there cause I know mom and dad have both talked about sending me stuff so that's what I see myself needing. I love and miss you all.
4 comments:
Hi Chele,
WOW! Sounds like your having a good time. Sounds like some of the people are looking after you even though they don't know you. That's neat . That'show it should be. we should all look out for each other,the world would be a better place if we did.
Bradley and I just got back from Disney for a week. It was his fall break. Jeremy had foot ball pratice. Nicole was working away,and of corse Uncle Brad was working also. We had a good time it was nice to spend time with my son. we went with my boss and her grandson and her sister inlaw. Lets just say that was an exsperience. I had to use some of that kindness we were talking about,with people. LOL I want you to know how proud I am of you ,and am thankful there are some good people watching out for you. I love you with all my heart and miss you alot. stay safe . have a good week Love Aunt TY oxoxo
How's site? Did I hear Hillary ETd? WTF? OK Peace.
Hi chele,
this is grandma. I just wanted to say hi real quick. I got your blog address , i,m aunt Ty's right now and I am going to attemt to send you a message at my home by myself. I talk to you later
Love Grandma. XOOXXOX
Hey homie. Im sad you arent in sikasso this week since tim and io wont be back next week. When i find out the number to our local cabine, I will let trinh know and then she can tell you since your reception sucks ass. Then you can call me and the peple will hunt me down.. yada yada and we can figure out when to come back at the same time. No halloween for me, and i dont think many people are going now taht this ominous-sounding email was sent out to everyone about how we could be admin sep-ed if we get caught out of region.... anyway, hope life is good. miss ya----
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