Not a whole lot to report lately, I know my blog has been pretty dead in March, other than the posting of a mutt named Bob (who managed to find a pig jaw last night on our bike ride home from my friends house). Amazing how time passes once you become comfortable in a place. I'm making friends, working a lot, playing soccer and basketball on a regular basis, and keeping myself remarkably healthy. I have found strategies to counter the word Nisara that are both culturally acceptable and effective, and as a result none of the students dare call me that at school. I am known as Monsieur Dylan (They think Dylan is my family name) to a great number of people here in Tenkodogo.
Yes life is very good. Things no longer suprise me here, I've grown used to the music and food and have started to become my own person at site, not just that weirdo white guy. As most PCVs will tell you, the first couple months you agree to everything because you don't want to offend anyone. Now I don't care as much, and have zero problems in setting my bounds.
Though I will say I was suprised once, when I saw two guys on camel back rolling through. I sat there mesmerized as everyone else continued on their normal routines, as if camels are just as common as goats and donkeys. Hell, I draw more attention than a guy riding on camel back!
"Oh those are just the Peulhs, they come through here on camel back when the weather gets too hot up north. Nothing special."
However, I do expect some of the extraordinary as I prepare myself for my first full blown vacation. Yes that's right, I am taking a vacation.
First stop, Komthoega 40k west to do a computer workshop with my PCV nieghbor Kirstin (the one who gave me Bob) and her girl's club.
Second stop, Banfora, where I will be returning to my roots as a soccer ref coaching girls soccer games in a Peace Corps sponsored soccer tournament in the West. I can't wait to wear the old zebra stripes (in my case pink zebra stripes).
Third stop, Ouagadougou, for an enourmous Peace Corps gathering for the Volunteers leaving in the next coming months. I believe that all or almost all of the 102 Volunteers in Burkina will be in attendance.
Fourth stop (my real vacation), Togo. I am going to the beach baby! Going to stick my little feetsies in the Atlantic for the first time since summer, 2008. Note* I did not dare touch the ocean in Conakry.
In total that makes four stops in 17 days before I must resume, and readjust, to my life in Tenkodogo. Ahhhhh how I love Spring Break.
Bike Tour East!
9 years ago
