Hi all... Hope you don't mind another group email. I'm in Abidjan, after spending the week in Taabo at my site. I have SOOO many letters in my sack, for Ward, the website, Mom, Jenny Amicon, and others. I will mail them when I get back to Alepe tomorrow.
I spent yesterday (my b-day) in Abidjan with the daughter of my counterpart (maybe 'mentor' is a better translation?). She's 18 and goes to school in Abidjan. She showed me around town a little. We shopped in a couple markets and a book store that had a few English titles. I ended up with curtain fabric for my house in Taabo, a little door mat, and a map of Abidjan. The big win was that I found a guy who makes picture frames. I am in charge of getting 45 copies of the group picture we took put into frames to give as gifts to the training staff and families. We had been looking for a frame shop all day, and had given up, when we just wandered by one on our way someplace else. What luck!! I explained the situation, he agreed to make the frames overnight, and I've already been there twice today... once to deliver the pictures, and once to pick up the completed projects. The trip is harrowing... the place is in a huge bus terminal and there are all these 'bandits' offering to 'help you' (for a fee) find your way to your proper bus. I took a friend with me each time to help.
I'm sure the frame shop guy couldn't believe his luck. I paid about a dollar each for the 45 frames, and that will be more money that he makes all month. You just can't imagine the standard of living that is acceptable here. When you hear stories about slave wages of a dollar a day, remember that will cover food for two or three people if you do it right.
So, like I said, I've been in Taabo all week. My house is cute. I described it all in a letter to Ward that I was hoping he would type to Laila for the site. <<note: letter not yet received.>>
The mayor's office in Taabo seems to be forward thinking, and there's enough budget to do projects. I'm very happy with the site so far, and anxious to get settled in and start working!!
Some pinky tangents... Things I 'need' include US news magazines, US entertainment mags (like People), books from my boxes at Ward's, and clothes from my boxes. I guess I've lost about 30 lbs since I've been here, and my pants and underwear are all too big!!!!! I guess that's a good thing, but not if you spend all day pulling up your baggy underwear!
So, I spent my birthday shopping, as I said, and then returned to the Peace Corps Hostel. Have I told you yet there's a house in each region we have rented as hostels, so volunteers can save on hotel fees? The hostel in Abidjan has four bedrooms, perhaps 24 beds total... all bunked and stacked together. Since everyone is returning from their site visits, and all roads go through Abidjan, there were six of us here last night. We got directions from another volunteer to go to a place that gives a discount to PC people, and has burgers. Good call! We MUNCHED on burgers, potato salad, slaw, onion rings, and fries. The beer was 1/2 price. Just what I wanted!! What a good birthday.
Today about 12 of us from training have descended upon Abidjan. Another volunteer showed us this internet place... five computers, coke and beer, and sandwiches... and he gives a PC discount too. Only 3 dollars for an hour. Yay!
I can't believe I'm 38. That's amazing. I was telling one of the young volunteers that my 20th reunion was yesterday too, and I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone is doing. He was all - what year did you graduate? My response - 1981... yes, even my breasts are older than you! (Sorry Mom) I mean really... He was born in 1976.
Oh - if anyone gets this and wants to call at the hostel tomorrow or tonight...the number is 22.41.52.61. Anyone who answers the phone will speak fluent English and knows who I am. Nice, huh? I'll probably leave around 5pm Sunday (1pm your time).
All is well. Love! Kate