I didn't come in under the best of circumstances, but it's been a good week nonetheless. I had planned to come in Wed. because Seabass's birthday was thurs. But my wallet got stolen in the Balleyara Market on Sunday, so I came in to deal with the bank and police. It's all taken care of, and I didn't lose much. I now have a hefty leather wallet with a chain that ties to my belt. Anyway, I was glad that it didn't get stolen earlier that morning because I had a large sum on my way to pay Djibo for my camel.
Yes, I bought a camel, finally. He is 2 or 3 years old and not fully grown, but mild mannered and rideable. He doesn't have a name yet, I bought him on Saturday in Bonkoukou (they wanted way too much in Balleyara) and have been in Niamey pretty much since then, so I haven't talked to him about a name yet, much less ridden him. I'm hoping to learn this week and be able to ride to market next Sunday.
I'm going back to the bush tomorrow morning, and Anna (Yasmina) the previous volunteer is coming to visit. That will be a lot of fun, and the villagers will be ecstatic. In a couple of weeks I'm going to visit her at her new post in the Say region to see what work she's doing in Icrisat and what I want to do when I move there. We've talked to the boss and it seems very likely that I'll move down there early next year. I will continue to work with HollaBella, as I love the village and will be doing the same thing at Icrisat that I want to do in Hollabella. I'm hoping to move into the Bella village near the facility, as they are more rural and less pampered by Icrisat, plus I like Bella culture and am starting to learn their language in addition to Zarma. Nothing is concrete yet, so wish me luck.
Anyway, I've gotten lots of stuff done, preparing for new volunteers, dealing with paperwork, shopping, laying plans for a grain bank, and laying plans for the new post. It's been a fun and crazy week, It will be nice to spend a few days in the bush before going travelling again.
I'll try to get pics of the new camel, and I'll let you know as soon as he picks a name. I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Love and miss you all!
4 comments:
Aah! The lessons we learn. I guess there are rotten people everywhere. Sorry to hear about the wallet. Hope you came out of it okay and didn't loose too many important things. I will be interested to hear all of your stories about the new critter. Will you bring it home with you to put in the pasture with Stormy and Clyde? Not sure if he will get along with them, but who knows.
Take care and good luck!!!!!!!
Aunt Jenny
How does a camel pick a name?
Good to hear from you, glad to know you're doing well. Everyone in Manhappy says hey!
If there's anything you want/need, drop us a line and we'll put something together for you. Take it easy!
--Travis
Jim,
I just came across your journal about your adventures in Niger. I added a link to your page to a database I collected of Peace Corps Journals and blogs:
http://www.PeaceCorpsJournals.com/
Features:
1. Contains over 1,400 journals and blogs from Peace Corps Volunteers serving around the world.
2. Each country has its own detailed page, which is easily accessible with a possible slow Internet connection within the field.
3. The map for every country becomes interactive, via Google, once clicked on.
4. Contact information for every Peace Corps staff member worldwide.
5. Official rules and regulations for current PCV online Journals and blogs. Those rules were acquired from Peace Corps Headquarters using the Freedom of Information Act.
6. Links to Graduate School Programs affiliated with Peace Corps, along with RPCVs Regional Associations.
There is also an e-mail link on every page. If you want to add a journal, spotted a dead link, or have a comment.
Thanks for volunteering with the Peace Corps!
-Mike Sheppard
RPCV / The Gambia
http://www.PeaceCorpsJournals.com/
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