Well, first, my apologies to anyone at home who actually keeps up with my ramblings. It's been a busy week, and I've neglected my blog.
But here I am now, with a free bit, to blab about my latest adventure, which actually occurred about a week ago now.
So, I officially decided on my mid-semester trip, and I can't remember if I've already revealed it, but if I haven't I'm going to continue to keep it a secret. The only clue is that it does not include Cairns. So, since I wouldn't be heading there for break, I decided to head there for a weekend!
My friend, Suzie, and I picked up on Friday morning, caught our flight out of Sydney and landed in Cairns before lunch. By dinnertime, I had already knocked another item off of my life "to do" list. Suzie and I bit the bullet and went bungy jumping.
Though, invented in New Zealand by Aj Hackett, the tallest Aj Hackett Bungy Tower is now stationed just outside of Cairns in a rain-forest environment. It is a towering 50 meters high (150 feet for all those in the states). So, after a short bus ride out of Cairns, Suzie and I paid our money and climbed the tower, where we strapped on our harnesses, let them bind our feet, wiggled to the edge of the platform, took a deep breath, and plummeted the 50 meters to the small pond below. It was exhilarating to say the least. It took way more guts than skydiving, and it was awesome to just leap from a platform, putting all my faith in..... a rubber-band. I'm sure this sounds ridiculous. So, I'll move on.
Day two of Suzie and I's excursion to Cairns proved as entertaining. We woke up bright and early to catch our reef tour with Passions, the most wonderful of the local touring agencies. The catamaran boat took us on our hour long trip out to Michaelmas Key, a tiny sand island that we used as home base. From there, we got our diving lessons and then went on our first 30 minute dive. Yes, the reef is beautiful, and yes we found Nemo, living with daddy Marlin in their anemone. We also saw sea cucumbers, starfish, and tons of other tropical fish. Plus it was incredible to see how big the reef is, I suppose hence the name GREAT Barrier Reef. On our second dive, we got to go for a longer time and we got to go deeper. This time we were in the outer reef where things are less disturbed, brighter and more active. The mountains of coral were enormous and we saw so many more fish. It was really incredible day. The food was good, the water was beautiful and our instructors, Dave and Em, were so much fun!!!!
For our last day, we met up with some other girls from BU and went sea kayaking at Fitzroy Island just about an hour's ferry ride from Cairns. The water was so beautiful and clear. The island was awesome too. It had trails to hike on and a beautiful beach to relax on all afternoon. Sea kayaking was a great relaxing day to finish up our trip.
The next morning, after saying goodbye to our lovely british roomie, Matt, I caught an early flight back to Sydney (I had to get back for class, but Suzie stayed an extra day). It was a great weekend!!!!!!
Looking forward to the one coming up too. I spent this weekend resting, but I'm headed to Melbourne for the first part of next week. It should be really cool. Also, I'm getting ready to start production for my film class, and also getting ready to go to an interview for my internship.
All of that stuff, I'll give details about later.
Love you all, and miss you tons!!!!!
Peace.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Koo-Wee!
Well, I just got back to my apartment from a weekend in the Blue Mountains, and it was fabulous!!
We hit up a cheesy tour bus for a quick ride out of the city to Glenbrook and Katoomba. Our crazy guide, a woman named Ned, took us to see the main sights. We got to check out some kangaroos, so aboriginal cures for the cold, and the reason the Blue Mountains are blue (a chemical released from leaves that creates a blue haze). After a walk down the Furber Steps (over 1000) we hopped on the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world, topping out at at 52 degree angle!!!
After some pasta and a trip to the local pub, we stayed the night at the local YHA (youth hostel association australia) and woke up early to embark on our day of abseilling (australian name for rappelling) and canyoning (for you montreaters think crazy extreme rock hopping) in the Blue Mountains.
We met up with our guides, Lee and James, geared up and headed to the abseil training course. I was awesome. We started at about 15 feet and worked our way up with 30 meters (about 90 feet!). It was completely sick and had crazy views.
After a morning of dangling from midair, we ate some lunch and then hiked our way down to the Empress Canyon. We donned our wetsuits, since the water is still only about 6-8 degrees celsius, and took to the canyon. After walking for just about 25 meters, we took our first 15 foot water jump. We then trekked our way through the canyon doing 2 more jumps and then finishing off with a 30 meter abseil down the famous Wentworth Falls with a water jump at the end.
The day was tiring but awesome! We had a great time conquering our fears, taking hold of the rope, and dropping down the side of cliffs.
Everything else is going great. Start full time classes tomorrow and then headed to Cairns next weekend!
Miss you guys, and check my flickr soon. I'm working on getting pics up sometime in the next couple days.
Cheers!
Liz
P.S. Koo-wee! is what you yell if you're ever lost in the bush - hopefully someone will answer.
We hit up a cheesy tour bus for a quick ride out of the city to Glenbrook and Katoomba. Our crazy guide, a woman named Ned, took us to see the main sights. We got to check out some kangaroos, so aboriginal cures for the cold, and the reason the Blue Mountains are blue (a chemical released from leaves that creates a blue haze). After a walk down the Furber Steps (over 1000) we hopped on the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world, topping out at at 52 degree angle!!!
After some pasta and a trip to the local pub, we stayed the night at the local YHA (youth hostel association australia) and woke up early to embark on our day of abseilling (australian name for rappelling) and canyoning (for you montreaters think crazy extreme rock hopping) in the Blue Mountains.
We met up with our guides, Lee and James, geared up and headed to the abseil training course. I was awesome. We started at about 15 feet and worked our way up with 30 meters (about 90 feet!). It was completely sick and had crazy views.
After a morning of dangling from midair, we ate some lunch and then hiked our way down to the Empress Canyon. We donned our wetsuits, since the water is still only about 6-8 degrees celsius, and took to the canyon. After walking for just about 25 meters, we took our first 15 foot water jump. We then trekked our way through the canyon doing 2 more jumps and then finishing off with a 30 meter abseil down the famous Wentworth Falls with a water jump at the end.
The day was tiring but awesome! We had a great time conquering our fears, taking hold of the rope, and dropping down the side of cliffs.
Everything else is going great. Start full time classes tomorrow and then headed to Cairns next weekend!
Miss you guys, and check my flickr soon. I'm working on getting pics up sometime in the next couple days.
Cheers!
Liz
P.S. Koo-wee! is what you yell if you're ever lost in the bush - hopefully someone will answer.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
G'day Mates!
Well kids... I'm here and have been for 2 days. So far it's excellent. Basically I left Louisville and traveled for 36 hours to get here - stopping in Chicago, LA (for a chat with an old high school friend and an 8 hour layover), Auckland, and finally Sydney.
Everything is fabulous. The weather is beautiful. The city is beautiful, and my room is awesome. I'm living right downtown in a loft apartment with one roommate. Her name is Leah. She's great as are a lot of the other people on this trip.
We've basically been doing orientation and seeing a bit of Sydney. We're almost finished up. The only thing left is academic orientation tomorrow and then they are turning us loose for the semester.
So far we've been down to the wharf by Darling Harbor, cruised under the famous Harbor bridge and past the opera house, had very fun presentations about all the places to see, met some awesome surfing instructors and ventured to Bondi Beach.
I'm pretty excited about everything I'm going to get to do this semester. Trying to pick and choose as there is way more than time will allow for.
For now all of you can look forward to hearing about my upcoming weekend trip to the Blue Mountains and later in the semester you'll get to laugh at pictures of me learning to surf. The rest I'll leave you in suspense for, mostly because I don't know what else I'm going to do yet!
I'm shooting pics all on film this semester, but the good thing is there is a Target and a Kmart just across the street. So, hopefully I'll be able to develop film and post the digital prints on flickr!
Love all you guys! Drop me an e-mail or message me on facebook.
Much love and many smiles.
liz
Everything is fabulous. The weather is beautiful. The city is beautiful, and my room is awesome. I'm living right downtown in a loft apartment with one roommate. Her name is Leah. She's great as are a lot of the other people on this trip.
We've basically been doing orientation and seeing a bit of Sydney. We're almost finished up. The only thing left is academic orientation tomorrow and then they are turning us loose for the semester.
So far we've been down to the wharf by Darling Harbor, cruised under the famous Harbor bridge and past the opera house, had very fun presentations about all the places to see, met some awesome surfing instructors and ventured to Bondi Beach.
I'm pretty excited about everything I'm going to get to do this semester. Trying to pick and choose as there is way more than time will allow for.
For now all of you can look forward to hearing about my upcoming weekend trip to the Blue Mountains and later in the semester you'll get to laugh at pictures of me learning to surf. The rest I'll leave you in suspense for, mostly because I don't know what else I'm going to do yet!
I'm shooting pics all on film this semester, but the good thing is there is a Target and a Kmart just across the street. So, hopefully I'll be able to develop film and post the digital prints on flickr!
Love all you guys! Drop me an e-mail or message me on facebook.
Much love and many smiles.
liz
Monday, May 14, 2007
Za ni koma Amerika
Well, I was going to write this tomorrow, but the reality is: There's so much to do and I'm running out of time.
As I pack up my stuff and visit my friends to say goodbye, there is so much going through my head. I'm so excited to see everyone - so excited to talk to people about what I've learned here (if anyone has some extra hours lying around) - and so excited to come back one day.
Two nights ago we had our soireè culturel - think Do-In/Montreat variety show, but in Africa. A lot of people did not want to do it. So, the event sort of caused tensions in an already tense group of girls. However, once our friends showed up, everything was different. We had an amazing time playing our drums, dancing, doing skits, and enjoying a little public humiliation. Not to mention it was the last time we got to see a lot of people. Though we've had our differences this semester, I think we all we're all leaving this country with a little different perspective. What we've had here, which has been this amazing, trying, and blessed semester of lessons and adventure, is ours. It's something we'll always share; and though we can't wait to share our stories back home, it's something that only we will ever be able to really understand.
So as I walk through the markets one last time, eat lunch with my professors who taught me so much - mostly outside the classroom, get covered in henna by my amazing and truly God given homestay family, and tell Idi goodbye, I thank all of them for everything.
I wish that I could bring all of you here one by one and show you this beautiful overlooked country, but at least I might get to share a little piece Niger when I come home.
I love all of you. Thanks for checking in on me for from time to time. You guys have been my wonderful support back home. Because of you, leaving here is the epitome of bittersweet. I'll miss the desert wind, but I'll see you soon.
(Side note - probably won't post this summer - but I leave on August 24th for Sydney - another big adventure!!)
As I pack up my stuff and visit my friends to say goodbye, there is so much going through my head. I'm so excited to see everyone - so excited to talk to people about what I've learned here (if anyone has some extra hours lying around) - and so excited to come back one day.
Two nights ago we had our soireè culturel - think Do-In/Montreat variety show, but in Africa. A lot of people did not want to do it. So, the event sort of caused tensions in an already tense group of girls. However, once our friends showed up, everything was different. We had an amazing time playing our drums, dancing, doing skits, and enjoying a little public humiliation. Not to mention it was the last time we got to see a lot of people. Though we've had our differences this semester, I think we all we're all leaving this country with a little different perspective. What we've had here, which has been this amazing, trying, and blessed semester of lessons and adventure, is ours. It's something we'll always share; and though we can't wait to share our stories back home, it's something that only we will ever be able to really understand.
So as I walk through the markets one last time, eat lunch with my professors who taught me so much - mostly outside the classroom, get covered in henna by my amazing and truly God given homestay family, and tell Idi goodbye, I thank all of them for everything.
I wish that I could bring all of you here one by one and show you this beautiful overlooked country, but at least I might get to share a little piece Niger when I come home.
I love all of you. Thanks for checking in on me for from time to time. You guys have been my wonderful support back home. Because of you, leaving here is the epitome of bittersweet. I'll miss the desert wind, but I'll see you soon.
(Side note - probably won't post this summer - but I leave on August 24th for Sydney - another big adventure!!)
Friday, April 27, 2007
Yau, Muna Hokies ne
Okay so I wasn't planning on writing another blog until just before I left for Paris, but something really interesting happened today, and I wanted to share.
So every Friday I go to work at the museum. I primarily am an apprentice for Idi, but there is another wood carver Conde who I work with too. He speaks some English and likes to listen to the radio in English. Today on the radio there was talk about the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. He did not understand everything that was said. So, I was explaining what happened. Idi and Conde both got very worried about me and my fellow students. They asked if we knew anyone who was there. They asked if that could happen at our school. They were very concerned about the students at Virginia Tech. I was telling them how the students were getting so much support from the American public, and I told them about how people are saying "We are all Hokies" and wearing the Virginia Tech colors in honor and support. After I told them these things, Conde said that the students have the support of the Nigeriens too. He said that today even the Nigeriens are Hokies.
So, there. It's been really strange to be here and hear about what happened at Vtech. All of the students here have gone about dealing with it in different ways. Some of us were really affected. Others did not seemed to barely notice. I just found it interesting that the artisans that I work with cared so much about American college students in Virginia just because they've worked with American college students here.
I guess it comes to this. During the semester, if there's one thing we have learned - everyone, when it comes down to it, is simply human. Here in Niger poverty and sickness is everywhere, and everyone shares the burden. It was really touching to see Idi and Conde extend that courtesy to me, my fellow students here, and the real Hokies in Virginia.
see you all in a couple weeks... and I'll probably still post just before Paris.
sai an jima
habiba
So every Friday I go to work at the museum. I primarily am an apprentice for Idi, but there is another wood carver Conde who I work with too. He speaks some English and likes to listen to the radio in English. Today on the radio there was talk about the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. He did not understand everything that was said. So, I was explaining what happened. Idi and Conde both got very worried about me and my fellow students. They asked if we knew anyone who was there. They asked if that could happen at our school. They were very concerned about the students at Virginia Tech. I was telling them how the students were getting so much support from the American public, and I told them about how people are saying "We are all Hokies" and wearing the Virginia Tech colors in honor and support. After I told them these things, Conde said that the students have the support of the Nigeriens too. He said that today even the Nigeriens are Hokies.
So, there. It's been really strange to be here and hear about what happened at Vtech. All of the students here have gone about dealing with it in different ways. Some of us were really affected. Others did not seemed to barely notice. I just found it interesting that the artisans that I work with cared so much about American college students in Virginia just because they've worked with American college students here.
I guess it comes to this. During the semester, if there's one thing we have learned - everyone, when it comes down to it, is simply human. Here in Niger poverty and sickness is everywhere, and everyone shares the burden. It was really touching to see Idi and Conde extend that courtesy to me, my fellow students here, and the real Hokies in Virginia.
see you all in a couple weeks... and I'll probably still post just before Paris.
sai an jima
habiba
Friday, April 13, 2007
Ina san Niger
Well kids, it's April and I can't believe that in basically one month I'll be in Paris with my mom... but enough of that for now.
So, I've been back in Niamey for about a week. First, let me say that this is the first blog I am actually typing here. My mom has been so kind to post blogs that I send her as documents. However, with our new fast internet I can now post directly. That means, however, that there will probably be more typos... sorry.
Anyway. We went on our national trip, which basically means that we got to go see the northern and eastern parts of Niger - basically the part before you get to the Sahara.
Anyway we startd our road trip rather eventfully. Between us and Konni, our first destination, is a place where you can pick up a guide who will take you to see the last free roaming herd of giraffes in Niger. It was sincerely incredible. The giraffes were so close and beautiful that they actually brought tears to my eyes. It was really breathtaking to be so close. For real at least check out those pictures. The peeing giraffe and the peekaboo giraffe are my favorites.
After another 5 hours in the bus we finally made it to Konni. Konni is the village where the Peace Corps Hostel is located. Basically it's the home base for volunteers in about a 3 hour radius. So we stayed there for one night and chose our villages and volunteers that we would be staying with for the next couple of days. I went to Bilandao and stayed with Dogo Drew. Dogo means tall... he is 6 foot 9.
So, first, Drew is very cool. He hails from South Carolina, actually knows what Montreat is, and grew up in Toledo. So we have lots in common. Not to mention, he's just cool in general. He's only been in country for 3 months, and he has only been in village for 3 weeks. So he's very new.
Bilandao was really cool. We drew water from a 270 foot deep well, walked 8 km in the burning hot sun to the market, met missionaries from Seattle, drank the best Sprite ever after our walk, saw a man fight a cobra, at with the chief, and peed in a hole. Viallge life is rough, but really cool.
Now the million dollar question: Will I still apply for Peace Corps? Answer: yes, and you people better write me letters and send me treats (for those of you going into Peace Corps in the near future, I'll do it for you!).
So after our four days in the village, I went with Zags, we packed our stuff up and headed back to Konni for the night. Then, it was up to Agadez.
Agadez is basically the gateway between the Sahel and the Sahara. It's a really cool city inhabited mostly by Tuaregs who are a really cool nomadic people (if anyone ever wants to talk about a really cool nomadic people let me know).
Anyway, we went to the mosque on Easter Sunday and bowed to the sultan of Agadez and Zinder. Happy Easter to us. We had to pay homage to the sultan and ask permission to go into the mosque. He allowed us to go. So we got to climb into the minaret. It was really pretty, but it was a very tiny space - not cool if you are claustrophobic.
We also checked out the artisan village and markets and bought lots of goodies. Then, we went to Le Pilier for dinner - the only Italian restaurant in Niger. It was actually really good... but weird to eat Italian food. We also hit up a grocery store for munchies. They had 2 litres of Fanta Fraise... which if you read my Burkina Blog you know it's pretty much my favorite drink ever.
So that was basically it. We had an awesome time, and it was really cool to see other parts of Niger. They are so different than Niamey.
Oh! I forgot to mention that we saw a dustdevil, basically a dust tornado, on the way home.
Now we're all in full swing to finish work and wrap up classes, and the internet is rocking right now. So, I uploaded pictures. I guess the next time I blog will probably be a wrap up before I head to Paris. Still loving my experience here, but I'm getting ready for a change and looking forward to Paris, Boston and Montreat.
Miss you all and see you guys soon!!!
As always, drop me a line and tell me what's up with you.
Love and sai an jima,
Habiba
So, I've been back in Niamey for about a week. First, let me say that this is the first blog I am actually typing here. My mom has been so kind to post blogs that I send her as documents. However, with our new fast internet I can now post directly. That means, however, that there will probably be more typos... sorry.
Anyway. We went on our national trip, which basically means that we got to go see the northern and eastern parts of Niger - basically the part before you get to the Sahara.
Anyway we startd our road trip rather eventfully. Between us and Konni, our first destination, is a place where you can pick up a guide who will take you to see the last free roaming herd of giraffes in Niger. It was sincerely incredible. The giraffes were so close and beautiful that they actually brought tears to my eyes. It was really breathtaking to be so close. For real at least check out those pictures. The peeing giraffe and the peekaboo giraffe are my favorites.
After another 5 hours in the bus we finally made it to Konni. Konni is the village where the Peace Corps Hostel is located. Basically it's the home base for volunteers in about a 3 hour radius. So we stayed there for one night and chose our villages and volunteers that we would be staying with for the next couple of days. I went to Bilandao and stayed with Dogo Drew. Dogo means tall... he is 6 foot 9.
So, first, Drew is very cool. He hails from South Carolina, actually knows what Montreat is, and grew up in Toledo. So we have lots in common. Not to mention, he's just cool in general. He's only been in country for 3 months, and he has only been in village for 3 weeks. So he's very new.
Bilandao was really cool. We drew water from a 270 foot deep well, walked 8 km in the burning hot sun to the market, met missionaries from Seattle, drank the best Sprite ever after our walk, saw a man fight a cobra, at with the chief, and peed in a hole. Viallge life is rough, but really cool.
Now the million dollar question: Will I still apply for Peace Corps? Answer: yes, and you people better write me letters and send me treats (for those of you going into Peace Corps in the near future, I'll do it for you!).
So after our four days in the village, I went with Zags, we packed our stuff up and headed back to Konni for the night. Then, it was up to Agadez.
Agadez is basically the gateway between the Sahel and the Sahara. It's a really cool city inhabited mostly by Tuaregs who are a really cool nomadic people (if anyone ever wants to talk about a really cool nomadic people let me know).
Anyway, we went to the mosque on Easter Sunday and bowed to the sultan of Agadez and Zinder. Happy Easter to us. We had to pay homage to the sultan and ask permission to go into the mosque. He allowed us to go. So we got to climb into the minaret. It was really pretty, but it was a very tiny space - not cool if you are claustrophobic.
We also checked out the artisan village and markets and bought lots of goodies. Then, we went to Le Pilier for dinner - the only Italian restaurant in Niger. It was actually really good... but weird to eat Italian food. We also hit up a grocery store for munchies. They had 2 litres of Fanta Fraise... which if you read my Burkina Blog you know it's pretty much my favorite drink ever.
So that was basically it. We had an awesome time, and it was really cool to see other parts of Niger. They are so different than Niamey.
Oh! I forgot to mention that we saw a dustdevil, basically a dust tornado, on the way home.
Now we're all in full swing to finish work and wrap up classes, and the internet is rocking right now. So, I uploaded pictures. I guess the next time I blog will probably be a wrap up before I head to Paris. Still loving my experience here, but I'm getting ready for a change and looking forward to Paris, Boston and Montreat.
Miss you all and see you guys soon!!!
As always, drop me a line and tell me what's up with you.
Love and sai an jima,
Habiba
Thursday, March 29, 2007
INA SABKA DA IYALI KIMSO
Well last week was probably my favorite week so far here in Niger. It was home-stay week, and to be perfectly honest I was really nervous about how I would handle it. For those who don’t know all the details about my semester, for one week all of us students go and stay with Nigerian families. The point is not to be their guest but rather function as a member of the family and household, probably the most important social unit in Nigerian society.
So I accidentally caught a glimpse of the list of families with their profiles before I was supposed to and immediately became attached to the idea of staying with the Kimso family. They are a uniquely bicultural family who speaks French, English, Hausa and Zarma. So I got to practice all three of my languages. (I don’t know Zarma.) Also, the father used to work for the Nigerian Embassy. So the family lived in Ethiopia for 8 years and even in Maryland for 8 years. While in the US, the family converted to Christianity. Then, they decided that their place was back in Niamey where they could start and foster a Christian community. Now, they basically run a church out of their house, and it’s not just a Sunday morning thing. There is choir, youth group, special speakers and even all night prayer during the week. It was a really incredible community and experience. As Pastor Kimso said, “It must be cool to see how Africans worship my God.”
Aside from the really interesting religious experience, I got to hang out mostly with Oumou and Christine, the two daughters who live at home. Oumou is 24 and the former RA for our program. Christine is 12. They are really fun. Oumou is a lot like my older sister. She took me to meet all her friends so that I had to practice my French. Also, we had a little evening ritual of talking about our separate customs. It was really interesting to talk to her about polygamy and her ideas about relationships. She has very American views, but a lot of her friends do not, and it was cool to see how she agreed and disagreed.
We also ate strawberry yogurt in bags and watched Dawson’s Creek on DVD.
With Christine I shared a bed, and we would do homework together. She’s really sweet and loves movies. So, I told her that I would be her personal resource of movies once I’m back in the states. She love romantic comedies, so I can’t wait to send her 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, and Never Been Kissed. She hasn’t seen any of them and at twelve she would love them!! I’m taking over You’ve Got Mail in a couple weeks for us to watch.
All in all I had an awesome week with them. It’s nice to have a Nigerian family to visit, and they really now are my family here. I’ve started to go to church on Sunday mornings at their house, and I took Christine swimming last weekend.
Oh, and they have the sweetest dog named, Buzz and a turtle… but like a big turtle at least 2 feet in diameter.
On Monday we leave for Agades and Konni!! We’re very excited. Oh, and I’m getting my hair braided tomorrow. Could or could not be a good idea, but with a trip coming up there will definitely be lots of pictures (which by the way are easier to upload now with the addition of 2 more internet connections)!!!!
Loves and smiles to all you.
Sai an jima,
Habiba
So I accidentally caught a glimpse of the list of families with their profiles before I was supposed to and immediately became attached to the idea of staying with the Kimso family. They are a uniquely bicultural family who speaks French, English, Hausa and Zarma. So I got to practice all three of my languages. (I don’t know Zarma.) Also, the father used to work for the Nigerian Embassy. So the family lived in Ethiopia for 8 years and even in Maryland for 8 years. While in the US, the family converted to Christianity. Then, they decided that their place was back in Niamey where they could start and foster a Christian community. Now, they basically run a church out of their house, and it’s not just a Sunday morning thing. There is choir, youth group, special speakers and even all night prayer during the week. It was a really incredible community and experience. As Pastor Kimso said, “It must be cool to see how Africans worship my God.”
Aside from the really interesting religious experience, I got to hang out mostly with Oumou and Christine, the two daughters who live at home. Oumou is 24 and the former RA for our program. Christine is 12. They are really fun. Oumou is a lot like my older sister. She took me to meet all her friends so that I had to practice my French. Also, we had a little evening ritual of talking about our separate customs. It was really interesting to talk to her about polygamy and her ideas about relationships. She has very American views, but a lot of her friends do not, and it was cool to see how she agreed and disagreed.
We also ate strawberry yogurt in bags and watched Dawson’s Creek on DVD.
With Christine I shared a bed, and we would do homework together. She’s really sweet and loves movies. So, I told her that I would be her personal resource of movies once I’m back in the states. She love romantic comedies, so I can’t wait to send her 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, and Never Been Kissed. She hasn’t seen any of them and at twelve she would love them!! I’m taking over You’ve Got Mail in a couple weeks for us to watch.
All in all I had an awesome week with them. It’s nice to have a Nigerian family to visit, and they really now are my family here. I’ve started to go to church on Sunday mornings at their house, and I took Christine swimming last weekend.
Oh, and they have the sweetest dog named, Buzz and a turtle… but like a big turtle at least 2 feet in diameter.
On Monday we leave for Agades and Konni!! We’re very excited. Oh, and I’m getting my hair braided tomorrow. Could or could not be a good idea, but with a trip coming up there will definitely be lots of pictures (which by the way are easier to upload now with the addition of 2 more internet connections)!!!!
Loves and smiles to all you.
Sai an jima,
Habiba
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)