Well, I am here, after a 16+ hour flight I am on the continent of Africa. It's pretty surreal to me. We touched down in Banjul as the sun was setting over the Atlantic ocean and received the best greeting that could be offered as the crimson red sun departed. That was two days ago. Today we had our first day of training and interviews to figure where at and what language we'll be involved with for the next two years. I will be speaking Wolof, which from what I am hearing is a beautiful, smooth sounding language. I will also most likely be working in the capitol city of Banjul with the national health agency, which sounds like it will be a great experience. Great thing is I can surf and have the city luxuries. Bad thing is I'll have the city luxuries. No biking allowed for me in the city and I wouldn't want to either...crazy drivers.
The other volunteers and I will be here in Banjul for 10 days then we head of to central Gambia for training. We have pretty good resources and living areas for the time being, but when we go out to camp we will all be livng 3-4 volunteers to a host family. No more flushing toilets, or city luxuries...thank God.
I will post as much as I can when I can...love ya'll
DrS out.
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My Peace Corps Volunteer Experience in The Gambia. I will be working at the National Nutrition Agency which runs every nutrition program in the country including, salt iodization, vitamin A supplementation, anemia control, etc. I'm a Registered Dietitian interested in international work.
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9 comments:
So super cool! Surfing?! Now you can conquer or be conquered by another ocean! We are so proud of you! Enjoy not flushing! love you sooo much! ~sl p.s. change your location, no more Ventura for you.
Why haven't you been online the past few days? Did you go somewhere?...haha
That's kind of funny that you will be speaking Wolof. I'm actually fluent in the language.
Dude! I'll bet your Amped!! Do you need us to send you a board, or do the locals have em? Surfing West Africa. Talked to Ryan today, he said he might show up, with his surfboard strapped to his back and his para glider (nothing else). I start Caje Monday.
Oh yeah, I heard people that surf west africa are 'fishing lures for great whites', and remember the sea lions speak Wolof.
Watch out for the super gnarly corkskrew barrels and don't forget, every wave is the best wave of your life (try not to get drilled on the closed out beach breaks ha:). Do you need us to send you a wetsuit (I hear its cold water)?
glad to hear you made it ok bud - and that you get to do some surfing while out there. unfortunately for me, i won't be doing any surfing anytime soon here in Minnesota. I didn't realize that a flushing toilet was a 'city luxury' - enjoy the poop shoots! When you come back, i want to learn how to speak Wolof. Good luck out there bud!
Saw DeKRON today in Carp Sports (behind the counter), his 'getta-way'. Asked him if he knew I was coming in Mon., he didn't. HA! HA! HA! The lack of communication is famous over there.
Watched Endless Summer One 1964 last night. Check this... their first spot was Dakar Senagol (from LA)!(officially winter water 70Degrees)
There is a little island off the coast behind a "Goverment owned" hotel. Go there, to N'gor Island one mile north of Dakar, ask for Patti-nah (this info is up to date). Owns a camp at best spot. Can get crowded, paddle out (a long way) and watch out for rocks.
Also...
Posted Jan 05:
"try brufut beach in the gambia, i drove there this time last year in a 100 quid car and took a board with me, brufut beach is a cool break and say hi to the guys at brufut beach bar number 1 from james and daddy cool...superb cheap food and beer on the beach....we left 3 boards with them so they could start board hire, would love to know how they are getting on"
all yhe best
jamrs
Also...
"Surfing in Senegal is much better than Gambia - waves are generally better. Almadies in the best place to go, just outside of Dakar, or Yoff is quite good too."
Find out if you have 'stone fish' there, if you value your life.
DO NOT SURF IN DURBIN!! Unless its surounded by a net (to keep the hundreds of sharks out).
Its 8:00 PST, 11:00 p.m CST & 4:00 a.m. Gambia Standard Time.
I did not watch the Super Bowl.
I have some crucial phrases in Wolof that you must master David-son:
'Nungee bene ci wann wi'
'Bar bi mungee daw'
'Riibal ki dege ci mbuuru mi!'
'En ma saaku bi'
'Dama bugga feey ci geej gi'
'Gon yangi wari si aala bi'
Translate for the masses later, have fun with these.
With these wise Wollof words I say goodnight:
Dama jiital (I have underwear on)
Nob sa caamen,
Matt
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