African Affair

Affair Over

2007-12-29T05:32:00.000+01:00

I finished my tour and arrived back in the States on Thursday.

It has been an interesting and life-changing experience - one that I will not soon forget. I will be heading to New York to complete a graduate program for the next 2 years...

Thanks for visiting.

David

Senegal

2007-10-09T22:41:00.001+01:00

This last weekend I traveled to Dakar, the capitol of Senegal, with a friend to pick up someone at the airport. The drive was neither short nor smooth, but Jake, the American teacher, managed to maneuver the pothole-laden pathway rather nicely. We took off early Saturday morning, crossed on the ferry to the Northern side of Gambia, and started our approximate 150 m drive to Dakar. After a very bumpy, hot drive to Kaulack about 1/3 of the way to Dakar, we were informed at the security checkpoint in Senegal that we needed to get a piece of paper at the border, another 1.5 h back on the crappy road. We tried to talk our way out of it, but it was to no avail. Three hours later we arrived back to the checkpoint with paper in hand and nobody even wanted to check it. This is a snippet of how the 3rd world works - chaotic and unpredictable.

On the outskirts of Dakar are new roadways being constructed, actual proper highways, I was nicely surprised, however the roads used for the meantime are absolute helter skelter. There are fruit and vegetable stands setup in the median, cars driving towards oncoming traffic, horse and donkey carts merging on and off, sellers running through halted traffic to sell any various item, for example: dates, calling cards, bottles, and pens; and no road markings whatsoever. They did have signs for general directions of towns - and I emphasize 'general.'

We arrived in downtown Dakar around 8p and drove around looking for a hotel. The area was pleasantly similar to a large U.S. city. I couldn't believe I was in West Africa. Banjul and The Gambia are about 100 years behind Dakar. We found a hotel and then went to grab something to eat. We stopped by a small bar/restaurant and had some food and a beer and watched as France upset New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup. We then stopped by a bakery that had the sweetest smell taken in by my nose in 2 years. We promptly went back to the hotel, gobbled our decadent sweets and passed out.

The next morning we drove to the harbor and took a ferry out to Goree Island for the day. It was an old French colonized slave island. It was very interesting and beautiful (check at the link) and worth the time visiting. After arriving back on the mainland we drove to the airport, found a really nice hotel, swam, and took in some food while we waited up the rest of the night until the 6am flight came in. Without any sleep we drove back to Gambia and finally arrived around 430p. It was great to take a break from The Gambia, and nice to see what this place can strive towards, economically and developmentally.

I'll post some pics of the trip soon.

And the Rains Cometh...

2007-08-14T22:41:00.000+01:00

with them they bring a myriad of other joys to complement the flooding of our recently constructed Agency building (thanks for the contracting work World Bank), my leaking apartment, and flooded roads. For instance, the host of various bugs, spiders, and teeny-tiny mini toads (never seen them at this stage at home), and swarms of mosquitoes and flies. The downpours are unlike anything I've experienced in the States, and when thunderstorms blow in they are grandiose. Last week a lightening bolt ripped above my apartment delivering a threatening pop through my electrical box knocking out my breaker. I wasn't scared. I was petrified. I usually have to wake up in the middle of the night, if it's raining, to engage in damage control as regards to gathering towels and placing them strategically enough to avoid flooding of important items.

People and places just shutdown during a rain. Nobody wants to get wet, drive or work while it's raining. I don't complain.

After a rain or thunderstorm it's amazing how fast the water is absorbed and taken in by the vegatation. During the beginning of the season fields go from reddish-brown dirt to a plush of green in a matter of days. The green is everywhere and really makes it feel tropical - it's beautiful.

Ok, just thought I'd share. I see my Cubbies are in a battle for first!

Local Headlines

2007-07-13T12:01:00.000+01:00

Almost daily there are headlines in the local newspapers that grab your attention and or are less than appropriate proper English. Here are a few of many examples: (DoSH = Dept. of State for Health; Jammeh = The Gambia's President)

'Government Not Involved in Buying of nuts'

'Bono' fide?

2007-07-06T12:55:00.000+01:00

Most of us Americans are use to seeing an Africa on television portrayed as a lost cause and most hold these images as their only idea of Africa. It is true that poverty is rampant and Africa has a long way to go, but it is nonetheless, advancing. It's really annoying to me when people expect to be given free handouts, as I get propositioned for daily. Here, that is in large part, due to the touring Brits' who happily throw pens, candy and give money to the people and then leave thinking they're saints and feel they did their part to aid Africa. But when they leave the only white people around to beg for free handouts are those who work, volunteer and live here. This only exacerbates their reliance on handouts and promotes laziness by not working hard to improve their lives and their country. Therefore, when I see and here all these concerts and Bono PR bonanzas promoting Africa as hopeless and the people helpless it irritates me.

Here is a great article, which prompted this post, that discloses a more realistic view of Africa than Mr. Bono and other celebs like to dramatize.

Instead of falling prey to these dramatizations we need to look at areas we can do something about besides throwing money at the continent and magically hoping things change. One major current issue is the U.S. Farm Bill that is up for readjustment. This bill is a large problem for farmers in Africa (as well as the majority of farmers in the U.S.) wanting to get equal market share for commodities like cotton. Because of the subsidies received by U.S. farmers, who receive more money for more crops produced, the market is flooded by a surplus which undercuts the price that would be received by farmers whose livelihoods depend on this income. Farmers here would greatly benefit if the market were fair by increasing their income helping them to save and enabling greater choices of food and other entrepreneurial opportunities. The only real, sustainable way to reduce poverty is to have a reliable source of income. So instead of listening to an hour of Bono playing bad music send your concerns to our government.

Fading Down

2007-06-29T13:26:00.000+01:00

It's been a long while since my last update. Things are becoming pretty routine and I'm enjoying my work at the nutrition agency. We're still conducting our weekly diabetic and hypertension clinics, and I'm working on the national nutrition report that is completed twice a year to determine the health status of the under fives, which includes over 50,000 children. I've also taken on the task of indexing and organizing the library, which should keep me quite busy for the rest of my time here.

A lot of friends are starting to leave the country as their time is finished. It's sad, but it is also starting to feel like my time here is dwindling down as I see them leave. Fairly soon I'll be back and hopefully going to grad school. I'm definitely looking forward to it, but I'll also miss the slower pace of life I've become accustomed to here.

I hope everyone is getting along back home - love you all and can't wait to see you's.

D

Trek II

2007-05-19T10:42:00.000+01:00

On my second trek my colleagues and I ventured out to various spots in the country to assess a vitamin A/de-worming campaign that is being implemented this month. One colleague and I stayed in Farafenni, which is on the north bank in the middle of the country. From there we met with some other counterparts in the area and trekked to different villages to encourage, consult, and gather data on the progress of the campaign.

FYI: Children less than 5 years of age have a regular schedule of vitamin A supplementation, but de-worming, which is regularly completed in most other 3rd world countries, has not taken place in the Gambia on a widespread basis, until now. Children can easily acquire worms by walking barefoot in a contaminated area. The worm will attach to the bottom of the foot and burrow up until it finds the intestines and then will set up shop and steal nutrients from the infected host. Certain species of worms can multiply and severely deplete a very needy young child of the dire nutrients they need to grow and survive. With the de-worming pills the child will pass out the worms in the feces, which is a very effective visual for the mother that the pills are working and their child will show marked health improvement.

Most sites were doing well, meaning their coverage of children being supplemented was on par with how many child they should have completed. Anytime an area was lacking they would have to come up with solutions to gather and supplement all the recorded children in the area.

On Trek

2007-05-12T00:34:00.000+01:00

These last two weeks I've been on a trek up-country with the Nutrition Agency. Last week the Agency took 4 visitors from African countries (Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia) to visit different villages that had been trained on an initiative to promote exclusive breastfeeding. The visitors were able to meet, discuss and hear about how the villagers' trials and benefits on exclusive breasfeeding has helped their community. Here's a quick rundown of events:

Day 1: Drove to Banjul, crossed on ferry to north bank; drove to Basse at the far end of the country; stayed the night at a health worker's house; to wash off the stickiness of the long day my bucket bath entailed getting swarmed by giant ants, so washing off that stickiness was marginal and tried to get a good nights sleep but impossible due to the unimaginable humidity and no air circulation (living in the city has spoiled me to weather, most other volunteers would punch me if I was to complain about the heat.)

Day 2: Visited different villages; villagers danced and sang for us; had lunch in Basse; drove to Monsakoko in the middle of the country, south bank; stayed at a lodge for the night

Day 3: Continued visiting other villages; I was forced to dance, it was taped, all my counterparts told me how 'well' I danced (in a very well disguised, sarcastic tone); drove home via the south bank road (imagine bouncing sideways, up and down, and in circles at varying speeds for 3 hours straight).

Overall, the visitors learned a lot and it was great for me to go out to the field to see the progress and efforts of the agency in action. I'll post pictures and an outline of my second trek soon.

May Day Events

2007-05-01T19:48:00.000+01:00

Yes, today was international workers' day/labor day/haymarket martyrs' day, etc. We, in the US, ideally celebrate by enjoying the spring weather with maybe a BBQ thrown in. Here, different international, domestic and government agency organizations train for about a month for track-and-field type events which they will then compete in all day at the soccer stadium (pictured).

It's quite a sight to behold; thousands of Gambians running, tug-o-warring, three-legged racing, falling down while racing on the track - in their socks - and then getting carried off on stretchers. No serious injuries, they're just used to seeing football (soccer) players embelish any physical contact as a broken leg and wrying in pain on the ground. The reason they play in their socks - to lessen the liklihood of tripping. Overall, it was a beautiful day out and good fun for the Gambs'.

Islam Benefits?

2007-03-25T23:55:00.000+01:00

One facet of living in a predominately Muslim country is the exposure to different ideals of living. One in particular is the fact that Islam allows multiple wives, usually up to 4 wives for a husband. This is obviously, for most Americans, very unusual. Personally, I can't imagine the jealousy, stress, and rife that would be involved; I could barely handle that with one significant other.

Anyways, I thought I'd write on this topic after reading this very interesting, and relavent (mentions Gambia) article from the NY Times.

Eventually, most of the Gambia men I have discussions with will ask me if I have a wife. This usually progresses to their marriage life and then to questions concerning why I don't have at least one wife. I will tell them that a wife is too expensive or I haven't found the appropriate woman, but this only perplexes them more. And of course, every man wants an American wife, which they do not forget to remind me about each day. I try to explain that an American woman wouldn't have anything to do with a man who will always be looking for another woman to add to his stock, but this is to no avail. Their response is that they just won't tell them. OK, good luck with that.

It's an interesting idea. What 50 year old prune wouldn't want a 20 year old beauty? But as with most, anything in excess will usually lead to problems.

Youssou Ndour

2007-02-25T02:34:00.000+01:00

Last week I attended a Youssou Ndour concert. You probably haven't heard of him, but he is one of the more famous African musical artists. He's from Senegal, but has lived in The Gamb.

The concert, after a typical delayed Gambian starting time (11pm listed start time - 1:45am actual start time), was really enjoyable. Most music here is laden with African drums, in particular the talking drum, which is a tiny drum strapped on the shoulder. It has a distinct sound, like an electricky drum with quick, bellowing, rythmic sounds. You can listen to a song here.

Drumming is pretty popular around here. A lot of tourists and ex-pats buy handmade drums and eagerly join local instructors for lessons. I haven't really gotten into it - probably because I suck at playing any musical instrument, and it's not cheap, but it seems cool.

Youssou Ndour's website

HIV/AIDS in The Gambia

2007-02-19T11:58:00.000+01:00

Here's a link to an article discussing some of the issues health professionals are encountering in The Gambia. I can't expound too much, but it's quite controversial.

Also, check out the new interactive Gambia Map at the bottom of the page. Use the zoom button to get a close-up of the entire country. The map is provided by my friend Josh who owns a website business here: wow.gm.

1 Year Anniversary

2007-02-10T12:55:00.000+01:00

Well my one year anniversary has come and gone. The new health volunteers arrived on Feb. 1st, marking the same time last year our health group arrived google-eyed and staring in wonder at our new home for the next 2 years. To be completely cliche, time has really flown by. I still feel I'm getting acclimated to the environs, people, culture, etc. and I know soon it will be time to depart and begin another chapter.

Already this experience has changed me for the rest of my life. I think it should be mandatory for every American to live in or visit other countries. I'll never look at the world in the same way I did before I arrived here last February. We are so sheltered and cared for in the States without much knowledge of whats going on "out there." That said, being here has brought about a new found love for America. We truly have an amazing country. You don't fully appreciate it until you're denied the basics most American's take for granted (i.e. (real) democracy, a voice, a choice, freedoms, etc.)

Ok, well let me finish this chapter...

As discussed last year...pics of the new apt.

2007-01-20T00:05:00.000+01:00

View from doorway of roof terrace
Kitchen area
Living area with bedroom on the right

You can also find more apt. picks under the picture blog.

Holidays

2006-12-29T12:52:00.000+01:00

Hey loved ones. Wanting to wish all a happy new year and hope everyones' Christmas was terrific. My Christmas in Africa was great, but I sorely miss family and friends, snow and cold. One more Christmas to go.

The locals, mainly Muslim, will be celebrating Tabaski (Eid ul-Adha), which is a celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. Families spend a lot of money on buying and slaughtering a goat and share with those less fortunate and with family. It's basically like a traditional American get-together where everyone eats all day and mulls around with friends and family. The scene in the capitol Banjul is similar to the busy shopping season in America, except care takers are dragging around massive goats on the sidewalks and you have to sidestep sheep pellets and pools of excretion while being hassled by kids for money and shopkeepers to buy their stuff because they have the best deal.

On another note, I finally have my own apartment now and it's wonderful. Nice little place with a roof terrace. I'll post pictures later, til then enjoy the holidays.

Tailor's Rule

2006-11-17T22:26:00.000+01:00

One of the unique features of living here is getting clothes. All over The Gambia are tailors who can whip up just about anything from a tie to a suit if you give them the fabric. It is super cheap and the craftmanship is superb. I have yet to utilize these tailors, but plenty of friends have, and I am hoping to get around to it soon. I'm getting pretty tired of the same 'ole clothes I brought.

Check out this link to a local tailor in the Serekunda market (just down the way from where I live.) The scenes are quite familiar to me.

National Diabetes Day

2006-11-17T21:01:00.000+01:00

Tuesday was National Diabetes Day. A march took place in Banjul to the main hospital, The Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, where The Secretary of State for Health and other leaders of the community were present. Overall, it was a success and directed more awareness to the public about the disease.

After a hot hour of listening in the sun, a nice cold, refreshing soda pop was handed out to the audience.

No one said it was going to be easy.

The SOS for Health.

Student nurses. Blah (middle looking at camera) and to her left Rokey enjoying the talk.
A young member of the Diabetes youth organization.

Peace Corps Mens Calendar 2007

2006-11-12T14:01:00.000+01:00

If you would like to buy a calendar I have set up a link on the right side of the blog under "photoblog." You will need a Paypal account to order one. They are $11 USD which will also cover postage. Part of the proceeds will go to the Peace Corps College school fund for a Gambian student while the rest will go for the costs of making it.

I will send them out as soon as I can after I get the order.

Thanks everyone, and Happy Holidays!

Calendar

2006-11-04T01:20:00.000+01:00

Some of the lovely ladies in our health group decided to do a "men of the Peace Corps calendar" for 2007. They have recently completed this extravagent endeavor and are selling them for 300 Delasis, which is roughly $11 USD. If you would like one let me know via a comment and I will look into how to send them out from here and to collect the money.

All of the proceeds will be placed in the Peace Corps scholarship fund which awards a Gambian student money for schooling. Now if this is not enough reason to get one, let me tell you, August is one hot month :)

Miss and love you all.

Contact and Large Cats

2006-10-13T12:06:00.000+01:00

Well, I am no longer untouchable. I gave in to the craze that is the cell phone. As an American accustomed to technology and ease I fell into the "convenience excuse" to get a phone. I'm going to miss living in the stone ages where one actually had to set a meeting time or actually get off their asses and to much appal, meet with other humans face-to-face.

How about D-town??! The Tigers slain the evil empire and now have a 2 game to 0 lead on the A's! They look very impressive and have a lot of confidence right now. It's good to see the Tigers turning things around from recent failing. Mets - Tigers World Series?? Ah, I love October.

Oh yeah, my number if calling from the US. > 011 220 9862388

Elections

2006-09-22T02:50:00.000+01:00

The Gambia will be holding presedential elections this weekend. Its a pretty wild time around here and we (Peace Corps) in the city can't leave our homes until Sunday for safety reasons. For a fairly accurate representation of the goings on check here.

Happy A.

2006-09-22T02:35:00.000+01:00

Hey Brother Matt and Sis-n-Law Steph...Congrats on your 11 years of marriage. How amazing. You guys are quite the honorable and aspire worthy couple. Thanks for being a great example for Jon and I and maybe someday we'll be as blessed to have such a wife to deal with a Strefling/Lundy :)

Tell the boys I miss and Love'em.

One Down

2006-09-17T01:32:00.000+01:00

Well, one of the volunteers, a Ms. Kellie who had the pleasure of being in my village during training has been taken. Yes, she was victim to a predator that is always lurking when new volunteers come into country, like a succulent lamb to a starved lion, she didn't have a chance. As soon as the preying laid eyes on her it was all over. Kellie is now engaged to Craig, a fellow volunteer whom she met less than 7 months ago. Oh, this Peace Corps cult, it is something.

To their credit, they're made for each other.

Good luck to them, but I'm still wearing my Peace Corps garlic necklace. I don't envisage a girlfriend, yet alone a wife anytime in the near future.

"Kelster"

2006-09-17T01:07:00.000+01:00

An homage

2006-09-04T12:56:00.000+01:00

In case you haven't heard the exuberant, full-of-life Stevey Irwin was killed today by a stingray while filming "Ocean's Deadliest" near the Great Barrier Reef. I don't think there is or was a man as passionate about life as Irwin alive on this planet so it is certainly unfortunate and sad to say goodbye. The saddest part will be to see his kids grow up without a dad that absolutely adored them.

Also, in sad news, Andre Agassi has bowed out of USTA in a tearful exit after his third round loss to some punk Becker. These life events sure bring it home to you. I'm getting older and life is not slowing down for me.

A Monkey For Adam

2006-08-27T23:04:00.000+01:00

Pictures

2006-08-19T13:05:00.000+01:00

Due to the massive urging and requests from my many ardent, demanding fans (n=2), I will post some pics of my African life. Also check out my photoblog as I will post more there. Enjoy.

2006-08-19T12:06:00.000+01:00

The Atlantic Ocean during tourist season (much less crowded during off-season)
The restaurant Weezo's (owned by a Brit.) My house is on the opposite side of the street down the road.
The Kombo area (my stomping grounds)
Children from my training village. My tome (namesake) Moot, pronounced (M aw t) is holding the soccer ball I bought for the kiddies as my going away gift.
The river Gambia at Tendaba, a tourist resort area in the middle of the country.

The wonderfully smooth roads up country.

Long time

2006-08-18T01:06:00.000+01:00

Hello all my faithful readers. And I use "faithful" quite loosely. It's been a long time. I've been fairly busy but mostly I've just been lazy and not wanting to post. I beg for your forgiveness.

So a quick update since my last post. We had the annual all volunteer meeting here in my neck of the woods (the Kombos) where every volunteer (~100) flooded in for a very informative, necessary session. My birthday came and past. Woopee I'm 27. Work is going great and I'm keeping very busy with all kinds of nutritious projects including gathering and assessing data for our diabetes and hypertension clinics, collaborating with country health workers to compile a manual for a vitamin A supplementation program that will be used throughout the country and assisting with every possible computer-related scenario for the employees.

But enough about me. My two good friends (Adam and Lauren) have just arrived in Latin America, Honduras and Ecuador respectively, to do some teaching. Of course more importantly, upon my prompting, they will be searching for my future wife. They will be teaching for 1 year and when they're done I'll still be hanging around the Gambia (LW.)

Hope everyone is well. Steph, tell Cameron congratulations on his recent tooth loss! I now have one super high resolution, close-up picture of my little buddy looking like a true hockey player. Love it.

Until next time.

The AU Summit

2006-07-01T20:49:00.000+01:00

This weekend the African Union is holding it's annual meeting here in the Gambia (check out BBC). The area is tightly controlled and we're recommended to stay in and avoid the madness which includes unnecessarily high-speed reckless police/military armed escorts racing through the streets, signs and buildings being erected everywhere, and delays with everything. Has anybody heard about this or is Gambia's efforts to get noticed going to be for not? They're trying to get their name out there, but I hope the money spent is worth the efforts and results in benefitting the country.

Some government leaders present: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Libyian President Qadhafi.

Jerejef

2006-07-01T11:01:00.000+01:00

(Thank you)

I wanted to post a thank you to all the beautiful people who sent me letters in my last package from home recently. It was lovely to hear from all of you and great to learn of all the goings-on back home and in your lives. I hope everyone is well, I'm getting along fine here, and look forward to hearing from all again soon.

Watch Out

2006-06-11T09:47:00.000+01:00

Mom Disclaimer: If you happen to be a mom, especially my mom, you may want to reconsider viewing this post.

Yesterday, as I was coming out of the supermarket an observant employee joyfully pointed in the direction of a dirt area just beyond the asphalt, which to my amazement I saw this:

Except it looked like this:

However, it didnt just finish eating a sheep like this chap.

As soon as a small crowd gathered the snake became nervous and rather quickly slithered to a mammoth hole in the ground. But it was big and in it's real habitat, something I've wanted to see since my spring break trip to Arizona a few years ago and California before I came here. I would've settled for a regular sized snake, but I guess it was my lucky day. I'll just have to watch my step and make sure I never decide to take a nap in the area.

"Toubob"

2006-05-28T15:40:00.000+01:00

Everywhere I happen to walk, without fail, I will get the term “toubob” shouted at me by, mostly children, but even the adults like to hurl it in my direction. The term is a reference to a white person. When first I was exposed to this, being from America, I was immediately defensive, as my experience would like to infer this comment as offensive be it only spoken to white people, but I soon discovered, through cultural learning, that it’s not a racist term; I now believe most of the Gambians barely have a concept of racism.

It’s not exactly known how the term originated, but it is suggested the relationship is from the colonial days of British rule with British money of the sort “bob’s,” some coins given out by the visitors to the villagers. Apparently they gave them “tou.” This however, caused the present experience of going through a village and getting a choir of voices and running children shouting, at the top of their lungs, “Toubob, Toubob!” hoping the “rich white people” will toss them money or pencils or mintis (any candy ranging from Werthers to blow pops.) It was flattering all about 2 times, now I rather throw my shoe at them.

Eurovision

2006-05-22T21:26:00.000+01:00

This weekend I was exposed to an amazing event filled with an array of horrible talent, tacky dress, superflouous drama and one terrible haircut. This event occurs once a year with the competing nations of Europe. It's, to my best comparative description, the mother of American Idol. Apparently this is where Simon Cowell was apprenticed and spawned. The event begins early in the year when the individual competing countries have an audition with the winner getting the illustrious invitation to the "main event." During the competition each country has the chance to woo and win over the voting public, from which I understand is every European that has a tele, with the aformentioned acts.

When all countries are finished the exciting moment of voting takes place. This, in my estimate, was one of the best portions of the program as every vote was decided not on "talent" of the performers but on political status. For instance, Sweden would pool more votes for Denmark and Finland, and vice versa; Greece votes for Cyprus and Cyprus recipricates and no country votes for France. The other best portion: the Europeans that I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with. From shouting Irish men to face painted, flag bearing Swedes - and the most fabulous part: many delicious European dishes. I stuffed myself.

The winner of Eurovision - think of Marilyn Manson times four, all on steroids. You should look them up. Overall, a very interesting night of immersing myself in the British culture.

Football

2006-05-14T23:03:00.001+01:00

Football, football, football, or as we Americano’s know it, soccer, soccer, soccer. That’s all I hear, from my co-workers to shopkeepers to ex-pats. Now I understand that the whole world, besides the U.S., is obsessed (major understatement) with football and I’m trying, really, really hard to get into it, but it’s not working. It’s just not fun to watch, fun to talk about, or exciting and I’m not good at it so I don’t like it.

I sure do miss “real” football, and hockey (playoffs are currently underway - the most exciting playoffs in sports) and baseball (oh baseball, how I’m suffering without you) and very soon the French Open will begin (some of my favorite times are watching the mono-e-mono battles on the clay, grass and hardcourt.) I would bet the majority of Gambians wouldn’t understand the word hockey, let alone have witnessed the spectacle. It’s a tough life without the sports, ever since I can remember, and have the fondest memories growing up with, not being a part of my daily pleasure. Ok, I’m done, just wanted to vent.

Hope everyone is well (and watching the “good” sports for me)

The Meantime...

2006-05-14T23:03:00.000+01:00

Hey, how’s everyone doing? Things are fine over here in the Gambia. Days are becoming more regular and I’m adjusting to the culture and environment. I’ve been reading a lot of books with the down time I have, the last few of which were: Surprised By Joy by C.S. Lewis, Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale, and I’m finishing with Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust.
I’m still debating on getting a cell phone. It seems everyone has one and are all pushing me to get one. I really don’t want one. I already have every other convenience that I never imagined living with in a third world country, not to mention it will take up a lot of my time and money. I kind of like not being at everyone’s fingertips.

The wet season is ready to commence here. I hear that it gets very green and beautiful but will make walks very muddy. Along with the rain the heat and humidity trail, which I’m not looking forward to. But I guess this is Africa, so I’ll suck it up.

Until next time…

Packaged

2006-05-01T13:17:00.000+01:00

For any of you very generous wonderful people that will so kindly send me packages I’ve assembled a list of items that would be useful for my needs, or in better description: my desirable wants!

-Macaroni and cheese
-Packaged tuna, chicken
-Oatmeal (quaker oats, granola cereals, malt-o-meal)
-Chocolate (peanut m&m’s, fruit/nut/choco. trail Mix, brownie/cake mix,)
-Cereals (blueberry morning, cinn. toast crunch, smart start, cracklin oat bran, or basically any cereal, I will eat it)
-Sugar free gum
-Non-fat milk powder
-Granola bars (nature valley, All bran, Cliff Bars, etc)
-Dried fruit (except pineapple)
-Peanut butter (natural, or jif)
-Ground coffee (seattle’s best, starbucks, anything but folgers or Maxwell house. Only thing here is Nescafe, crap!)
-Pancake mix
-Books (memoir’s or classical literature)
-Candles
-DVD’s
-CD’s
-Bar soap
-Deodorant (high endurance)
-Magazines (sports illustrated, paste, new Yorker)
-Pictures of you

This list is not all-inclusive, nor is it limited to only these items, only that these things I could ALWAYS use, however, I will be thankful for anything anyone sends.

Routine

2006-04-29T19:28:00.000+01:00

OK, now that I have a few weeks under my belt and I have a better idea of my routine I thought I’d compile a week’s activity list for all my faithful and devoted readers. Love you. Also, check out the photoblog. I should have some new pics up soon.

Monday -- Friday: Wake at 7a put on some oatmeal (usually included are bananas, peanut butter, milk powder, or mangoes, milk powder, and honey) or cold cereal. Hop in the freezing cold shower to wake my butt up, quickly exit and enjoy my breakfast over some reading until I head to work.

I walk about 40 min to work down near the soccer stadium while having everyone I pass just stare at me; I feel they’re waiting for me to do some amazing trick. I don’t understand it yet. It’s not like I’m the only whitey in the city area.

At work I head out with a couple of the employees to Banjul where we do one-on-one patient education for hypertension (Mon.) Diabetes (Wed.). One of the employees is a younger chap by the name of Seedi who is a blast to hang out and work with and another veteran of the nutrition scene, “the queen” or Auntie Ooulay. We head up to the hospital’s kitchen for lunch, which usually is a choice of mashed black beans over cassava, white rice and chicken, chicken and chips, or okra soup.
After the session we head back to the air conditioned, internet equipped office for any filler work. At the moment I’m working on a diabetes and hypertension brochure we can hand out to the patients being counseled.

Following work I walk home and pick up dinner at a local stand. There’s an assortment of fresh fruits and veggies; I usually grab some green peppers, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and or fruit, depending on what I need. Also along the car-exhaust, red sand, warm ocean breezy walk home I grab some talappa, which is basically a French bread that is abundantly consumed and produced country-wide. I will usually pat on some hummus, sauté the veggies, and cut the meat off the bone for a scrumptious dinner.

Can you tell I’m a dietitian? I don’t talk or think about food much at all.

After dinner I might head to the beach to read, or at least I try. We have a lovely presence of “bumsters” ever running up and down the beach. They’re, to sum them up, male whores. Thanks to the tourist season they’re more prevalent than ever jogging, stopping to pump some push-ups, jumping jacks, or performing any other assortment of exercises waiting, or convivially forcing themselves into conversation with anyone looking like a tourist. They’re mighty annoying, but at least I’m not a woman.

When I come home I shower the acquired salty film off, slip on some comfortable clothes and relax to, if we have power, a movie, or if not a book.

Recently I joined the local ex-patriots, Kenyan’s, Ghanians, and other Gambians in Tuesday and Sunday’s beach rugby and Saturday and Monday’s volleyball gangs. The much-needed exercise has been redemptive for me as 2 months in village elicited zilch on the physical activity meter.

Update

2006-04-23T13:52:00.000+01:00

First week of volunteering is complete. Things seem they will be alright. I'm already working on a brochure about diabetes that the workers can hand out to the patients after they educate them about their condition.

My room is looking up to speed also; with new curtains, some authentic African wall decoration, and a few candles make it my own.

My roommate is friends with a few of the ex-pats living nearby at the Medical Research Company (a British org.) who just happen to have a sand volleyball court, which I was fortunate enough to play yesterday, which also makes me a very happy PCV. I planned on not playing volleyball for the next 27 months of my life. Theres also talk of "beach, touch rugby" - sign me up. Anything for a sport that gives me some exercise and that isn't related to soccer. I'm stilll looking into finding somewhere to get a surfboard.

OK, Hope everyone is well.

DrS

Pictures

2006-04-18T21:20:00.000+01:00

Inside the hut

My hut in village

The girls in my compound

My brothers and sisters of the host training village family

Happy Jesus Resurrection Day

2006-04-16T19:59:00.000+01:00

I'm officially a Peace Corps Volunteer. The last week of training took place here in Kombo (a combination of 4 cities near the Banjul area) at a hotel near the beach. We all had a great time and they made the best of the last luxuries of city life they will encounter for at least 3 months; I on the other hand live here and they all despise me for this reason. They will go up to their sites to stay for three months until we meet again here in the city.

I have a lot of pictures that I hope to put on my picture blog in the very near future. So be on the lookout.

Tomorrow is a holiday here (they just announced that fact today) so I will just kick back on a hammock with a book taking in the sunshine at the beach. Ahhh, the Peace Corps life.

Salaam Maleekum

2006-04-05T17:43:00.000+01:00

(Peace be with you.) I arrived last night to my new home for the next 2 years. I will be located in the Kombo area near the capitol of Banjul. It's a pretty nice apartment, with sporadic electricity, somewhat continuously running water, and a roommate. I'm about a 5 minute walk to the beach and a 10 minute walk to my new workplace, the National Nutrition Agency.

Training went well. I lived with a host family who supplied me with a grass roof thatched roof hut, made me breakfast and dinner and helped me with language. The breakfast I received was a rice porridge with a groundnut (peanuts) paste served hot-- not bad. Dinner was cous-cous (if you take a handful of sand and start eating it, you'll know what cous-cous tastes like) mixed with either fish and oil, oil and pasta, groundnut butter, or a plant leaf paste.

Training involves getting our bodies use to the new environs too. I was about the only trainee who didn't come down with an assortment of various ailments the likes of severe diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, psychotic episodes and a handful of others. Me and the other two trainees spent most days in the village learning language, escaping the sweltering heat, eating our lunches from a food bowl (which included using only our hands), and getting together at night to play cards and drink attaya and ley (a sweet tea and an evaporated milk mixed with a gallon of sugar and boiled.) MMMMMMMM.

We swear in on the 14th and officially become Peace Corps Volunteers. Until then I am learning about my permanent site and attending one last week of classes and programs.

Hope everyone is doing well, I really miss you all!

I'll be in more frequent touch from here on out.

Last post...

2006-02-08T19:04:00.000+01:00

for awhile. Friday will be my last day in the city for 10 weeks. The trainees and I will be taking wonderful, relaxing, smooth riding public transport out to our training site in the middle of the Gambia. From there, the Wolof's (me and 2 other gals) will be placed in a town about 32 km from the main training camp. There we will stay with a host family and learn as much as we can about the community we will soon be helping. Occasionally, all the trainees will meet in the main camp for evaluation, and classes, etc. I'm trying to convince my site-mates to bike the journey with me, but it is going to be a hard sell. Anyways, things are going good here. On Sunday (our one and only day off) all the volunteers got to go to the beach for some relaxation and fun. It was beautiful there; the water was luke, and clean and we all had a wonderful time playing ultimate frisbee, and swimming. I've taken some pics, but won't be able to post them til later.

Well until next time, "goodnight and goodluck" (really good movie, and also the last I saw in the States.)

In the Bush

2006-02-03T21:55:00.000+01:00

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.

33-36

2006-01-30T00:27:00.000+01:00

I'm in the Holiday Inn for the Peace Corps meeting tomorrow reflecting on the last 3 months of my "vacation" time in California. I had such a great time with my brother and his family. My time out there couldn't have been better. I'm gonna miss a lot of things about the West Coast including a few of my favorite things here: I got to work at a great coffee shop meeting the relaxed beachtown folk, and spoiled myself with the good coffee. Bringing home pizza and a movie for friday nights with the kiddies, all the desserts a chocolate fiend could imagine, the best home-cooked meals this side of the Mississippi River, a wonderful miss Cathy who can really cook a mean steak and always fill our tummies; surfing Saturdays with an all day beach ticket at our own personal shoreline; driving one mean, gator-protected mercedes mobile; exploring the rocks and finding all types of creatures; sitting atop the roof to watch sunsets, admire the bright stars and reading in solitude. And can't forget the visits from my younger brother Jon and my homie Devon.

The boys were lucky enough to get a pool table for Christmas and we played numerous games inside our poolroom, aka the garage. In fact, Christian, for at least the next two years will have a winning record against me: 36-33.

The sunsets at the beach are majestic. The beauty God created for our sight is inspiring to no explanation. The sunsets, beautiful sunny days and fresh, salty smell are reasons enough to spend the rest of your life living on the Pacific coast. I can't wait to come back.

Thanks Matt, Steph and boys for letting me share the experience with you.

Anacapa

2006-01-29T02:49:00.000+01:00

Well I was able to make it out to the Channel Islands before I leave for Philly for training early tomorrow. It was an amazing time with beautiful island scenery. I have posted more pics of the trip on my photoblog. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and because of the high winds causing the huge swells I wasn't able to kayak around the island. But nonetheless, I had a great time. I was able to go up in the lighthouse (thanks Ranger Mike) that overlooks the east side and get some great views.

Saw California sea lion breeding grounds, tons of brown pelicans that looked like an air fleet flying overhead, and never even got pooped on! Did have a close call though. On the hour long boat ride out we were lucky enough to see humpback and blue whales on their annual migratory journey through the channel from Alaska. Simply, awe-inspiring.

Well, as i mentioned, tomorrow morning is it - off to Philly then to Africa. I hope to be able to post whenever I get the chance and update everyone on my experience.

DrS out.

Channel Islands

2006-01-10T16:17:00.000+01:00

I have been working at an organic coffee and smoothie place here in a quaint little seaside town called Carpinteria. It was just something to help with the rent for my brother and his family for the 3 months I was going to be living here. It's been a great job; learned all about espresso and can make any coffee drink like a pro. The owners are my age and we get along well and have a lot of fun. My last day is going to be on the 20th so I'll have about 9 days to get all my junk together and little time for an excursion I have really wanted to go on.

The Channel Islands are visible from our beach and have been calling out my name since I've learned about them. They are truly magnificent with a variety of wildlife (sea lion grounds, bald eagles, sharks, sheep, indigenous foxes, feral pigs, many native birds and more) and sea/rock formations (sea caves, arch rocks, lava tubes, etc) I plan on spending a day out there kayaking and enjoying it.

Staging

2006-01-10T15:40:00.000+01:00

Well I received my staging materials the other day. I will be flying to Philadelphia and staying at the Holiday Inn for 3 days while we go through immunizations and basic information regarding: safety issues, cultural topics, etc, etc. I'm sure it will be quite informative, but also slightly lame - I'm positive the government makes sure about that.

I have a lot to still buy before I leave, you can see the Peace Corp list here if you like. With the bag weight and size restrictions they enforce I don't know how volunteers can fit it all in. Guess I'll have to be relying on tailors to make me some new clothes!

I've met a few people online that are in my group and we plan on meeting the night before and having dinner. That should be nice to get to know a few people before "boot camp" begins.

New Years Dud

2006-01-02T16:44:00.000+01:00

Well the New Year didn't get off on the right foot for me. Devon came to visit from Arizona for a few days and we planned on going to LA to celebrate New Years at the Giant Village which had Black-Eyed Peas and Death Cab headlining the all night event. Devon and I arrived in LA in the morning and hung out at Universal Studios, caught a flick (Dick and Jane), and went to Hollywood Blvd. We then proceeded to downtown LA super pumped and ready to go all night long with great music, fun and drinking to bring in the new year. To our extreme dismay, the event volunteer kindly informed us that the event, due to the fire marshall declaring the event unsafe (forcast of heavy wind and rain), was canceled. We were utterly drained of all our excitement. we just turned around, hung our heads and dragged ourselves away thinking of what we were going to do. It turned out that a bar was open all night inside the venue so we hauled our depressed bodies into the bar ate some food, drank a little, and got jiggy on the live DJ dance floor. When I say a little to drink, I do mean a little. When the scantily clad bartender looks at you and says 24 for two 12 oz. Long Islands It's hard to drink a lot. A long way from cheap Michigan bars, I suppose. Nonetheless, Devon and I had a great time, especially driving back at 5am and stopping in at Denny's. Oh, and the weather all night in LA -- warm, slightly breezy and not an ounce of rain.

California, Here I Come

2005-11-22T04:59:00.000+01:00

I'm not in Africa yet, but I am getting into this blogging thing, so I wanted to experiment with posting pictures, itunes, etc. As I mentioned, I'm not in Africa, however, I am in California - a place I had always thought of as somewhere I would enjoy to live. The coast, beaches, mountains, snow, sun, etc - Cali has it all who wouldn't want to live here?

I am living in La Conchita, a small coastal town in the Ventura (where the recent brush fire was headlining the news) vicinity between Santa Barbara and LA. La Conchita is a scary place. It is absolutely beautiful, but impending doom sometimes trumps the beauty. As recent as one year ago a mudslide killed 10 people one street over from ours. The slide, along with the houses, is still buried and apparent with a memorial to the community members who perished. I have an arial picture of the mudslide of 2004 below.

Nonetheless, it is absolutely wonderful here. Watching gorgeous sunsets, spotting jumping, playful dolphins, surfing, and hanging out with my nephews is just splendid. I am not going to want to leave for Africa in February.

Our house is in the bottom left hand corner

Sunset (with an oil rig in the distance)

Me TRYING to surf

The coastline

First Post

2005-11-21T07:38:00.000+01:00

My first blog post ever. I never wanted to get into this blog thing, but I do believe it will be the easiest way for family and friends to get the latest news and to see pictures. Also, it will prevent me from sending out mass emails.

I will include links to information on Gambia, the Peace Corps, and other related subjects. I also hope to include many pictures of the life, land, and times of my experience.