Bakary at Homestay

The internet is finally back up at Tubaniso. The server was fried by a lighting strike two days before we returned. Then it was unbearably slow for the first 8 or so hours as every volunteer rushed into the hanger with their laptop. We have been back at Tubaniso since Sunday and have once again been subjected to long days of sitting on our rumps.

The homestay has been a relatively painless experience so far. I live in a compound which is a large courtyard area surrounded by around ten low, adobe rooms where everyone sleeps. The courtyard area is left for livestock predominately. Cows, goats, chicken and sheep can be heard at all hours of the night. My host father is Issa Coulabaly. My new name is Bakary Coulabaly. Issa has around 7 children with his sole wife Fatamata. Issa's two brothers also live in our compound, resulting in a total of around 20 children who all find me verying interesting. We have Bambara language classes twice a day, unless we travel down to Kobe for our environmental sector tech class. The Bambara is coming dooni donni as they say and I get along really well with everyone in my family. The food has a times been difficult to adjust to, although usually it consists of solely carbs mainly macarooni and the only really trying meal was a healthy portion of tripe. My intentines have managed to hold pretty strong, which probably has a direct relationship with why I feel my homestay has been painless. There are 4 other trainees living in Tamala with me, Jon, Lucas, Monica and Joel and so far we all are getting along wonderfully. Some have not been so lucky at times on digestive front. Our language trainer is a true pleasure and is pushing us along at a quick clip.

Tonight I promise to put up some pictures so that you can get a little taste of Tamala. The hanger is pretty busy right now making the internet slow. I miss eveyone at home although Africa has not been as uncomfortable as I was expecting. The people here are very warm and inviting and the landscape is often breath taking. Anyone in my village will patientely talk with me as I test out my toddler-like vocab after class. I've been drinking a ton of the tea they make here, which is both really strong and really sweet. Sending all my love back states side. Also I have a cell phone. Anyone can call if they feel obliged. The number is some country code followed by 478-0057. Pictures coming this evening.