So I have been here 5 full days and I must say that the way things are going I might be able to come back to the US and run a triathlon. Mr. Freedman is the aerobics instructor at one of the one and only gyms in The Gambia. He can appear to be a frightening man but in reality he is a sweetheart who just wants to whip his customers into shape. A one month membership costs 100 Dalasies which is equal to 3 dollars. The gym itself is a very run down stadium and the classes dont have windows which is the norm for most buildings here. It is about a mile walk to and from the stadium, the walk itself is quite interesting. Yesterday while walking we had followers, a group of kids bombarded us. It was cute at first because they held our hands and were talking to us then they started asking for things money/candy/homes. They call candy minties and while walking anywhere kids often yell Toubob minites. When they found out we had nothing to offer them they ran off.
Larium is the drug that I am taking for malaria prevention, it has a list of side effects but the one that I am suffering from is weird crazy dreams, anger and death filled dreams. It is beginning to get a little disturbing because while I am in the dream everything seems like it is normal but when I wake up and think about the dream all I can think of is wow that was messed up, I didnt even know that I had thoughts like that. Larium must dive deep and unlock the deepest of my subconscious, almost as if it releases people from inception.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I am here
I am here in the Gambia and I must say that after only 3 days I am in love with this place. I feel that there is to much to say so I will just make a list of interesting things that I have experienced.
1. falling down the stairs at the Brussels airport, great way to start the trip.
2. The Banjul Airport, Hustlers. Everyone wants to grab your bags and they wont give them back to you unless you pay them.
3.walking everywhere, average of 10 hours a day.
4. The kids are adorable, they are so curious about us, they call us toubob which means stranger or in our case white person.
5. People don't speak much English even though it is the national language. Its ok tho we are talking lessons in Wolof which is the local language.
6. I was offered a child, which I would have gladly taken.
7. The beach is an hour walk from our house, its work the walk.
8. Julbrew is the local beer which is surprisingly really good, there is no drinking age here.
9. Bread is served with everything
10. All of the food is wonderful and full of flavor
11. Africa has the best French fries well at least Haddy makes the best French fries
12. The power occasionally goes out
13. I have gotten used to drinking warm water and bathing with cold water
14. The hustle and bustle of the city is comparable to NYC
15. sand is everywhere and its quite hard to walk through
16. dont open your backpack in front of a monkey
17. Gambian men love white women, the more voluptuous the better
18. Gambia is a place for women 60+ to come and find a much younger soul mate, at least for the week and about 50 dollors.
1. falling down the stairs at the Brussels airport, great way to start the trip.
2. The Banjul Airport, Hustlers. Everyone wants to grab your bags and they wont give them back to you unless you pay them.
3.walking everywhere, average of 10 hours a day.
4. The kids are adorable, they are so curious about us, they call us toubob which means stranger or in our case white person.
5. People don't speak much English even though it is the national language. Its ok tho we are talking lessons in Wolof which is the local language.
6. I was offered a child, which I would have gladly taken.
7. The beach is an hour walk from our house, its work the walk.
8. Julbrew is the local beer which is surprisingly really good, there is no drinking age here.
9. Bread is served with everything
10. All of the food is wonderful and full of flavor
11. Africa has the best French fries well at least Haddy makes the best French fries
12. The power occasionally goes out
13. I have gotten used to drinking warm water and bathing with cold water
14. The hustle and bustle of the city is comparable to NYC
15. sand is everywhere and its quite hard to walk through
16. dont open your backpack in front of a monkey
17. Gambian men love white women, the more voluptuous the better
18. Gambia is a place for women 60+ to come and find a much younger soul mate, at least for the week and about 50 dollors.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
preparations
So this big day is almost here. I cant believe that in a little over a week I will be leaving for The Gambia. Its strange to think that life in the us will go on without me and my life will go on outside the US. I cant wait to start my life in Africa it will be quite the learning experience and I know that I will not be coming back the same person, I have a feeling that I will despise technology after living without it for a while. My bags are all packed, its so weird that my life had to be boiled down into a 50 pound suitcase and a carry on.
Africa get ready because I will be seeing you soon!
Africa get ready because I will be seeing you soon!
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