We are here in Kombo (the greater Banjul area) doing our basic training. The landscape reminds me a lot of what the Esan region of Thailand must have looked like 25 or 30 years ago. Next Friday we will head out to our training villages to start intensive language and cultural training. I am headed to Bumari with our great language and cultural helper (LCH) Muhammadou. I am learning Mandinka, which is the most commonly spoken langauge in country wih 40% of the population belonging to that group.
Had my first Larium (anti-malarial) induced dream two nights ago... Something about baseball, 15 innings, africans, and beef being thrown were all involved, I'll let you figure out the rest of the details.
As I said earlier our group is diverse. We have people as young as me (I am the youngest, ouch), up to a third time PC Volunteer. People from Oregon to Atlanta, and West Texas to Montana; in other words a lot to learn from the fellow volunteers. We also have a married couple which is great.
Best wishes, please do write.
5 comments:
Happy birthday, Todd.
July 10 birthday pix:
http://tinyurl.com/nkztv
Great to hear from you at last. I also checked blogs of your friends and colleagues and found more info about life along the River Gambia. I hope that everyone can get connected once in a while to keep us all informed of your adventures.
CUW sends thanks again for the nifty wheels. He got them installed and is thrilled. Will the thrill.
Salam. -Dad
Todd,
Happy birthday! I hope you get to celebrate your birthday with a little Gambian style with your fellow PCVs.
Delighted to receive your note. Very pleased and excited to know that you are in the company of some very interesting and knowledgeable people.
Have a wonderful birthday, Todd. Take good care.
Cheers to you,
Valerie
Todd,
Happy birthday! I hope you get to celebrate your birthday with a little Gambian style with your fellow PCVs.
Delighted to receive your note. Very pleased and excited to know that you are in the company of some very interesting and knowledgeable people.
Have a wonderful birthday, Todd. Take good care.
Cheers to you,
Valerie
You and Matt were always about "throwing meat" around, if you know what I mean...
I miss you. Keep it real in Afrique, the USA wants you back.
-Steevo
PS Happy Birthday from the Skybox
Dime bag,
I'm not sure how long mail takes from America to Africa... but... look for something...
Jess
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