tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67112392420006726592024-03-13T09:06:35.948-04:00Une Aventure AfricaineSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-7093370408445819992013-06-20T13:36:00.013-04:002013-06-24T09:56:20.298-04:00Last Post in Togo: The Lists<!--StartFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For my last post in Togo, I figured why not end on a happy note as I’m sure my trip home will be a doozy. My site-mate Katy Todd and I worked on two lists before we left Dapaong: Things we’ll miss about Togo and things we’re looking forward to in the U.S. So if you notice that I smile over the little things, please don’t find me odd…just content to be home. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Things we’ll miss about Togo: </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 27.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li>An excuse to repos/take a siesta</li>
<li>Drinking (tchakpa) in the morning</li>
<li>Kids excited to see you</li>
<li>The simple life</li>
<li>Muslim call to prayer</li>
<li>No one is afraid to break out in a dance no matter how bad he or she is and if you wiggle your butt a little it’s like you’re the coolest person in the room</li>
<li>Children yelling your local name from corn fields as you walk down streets</li>
<li>Motorcycle taxis</li>
<li>Relatively inexpensive means of transportation</li>
<li>Frequency of bars/buvettes (although I don’t think that’ll be a problem for me in NYC)</li>
<li>Togolese food—it really is quite good</li>
<li>Open air buses :)</li>
<li>Playing with stranger’s kids without asking—yep, it’s not creepy here</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Things we’re looking forward to in the grand ‘ol USA:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Customer service</li>
<li>Using debit cards</li>
<li>Change of climate</li>
<li>Stores having change ($$)</li>
<li>Trying on clothes before buying them</li>
<li>Reliable menus</li>
<li>Varied meals—(If you make me pasta or rice within the first three weeks that I’m home, don’t be surprised if I sigh and/or shed a tear.)</li>
<li>Sleeping on a real bed and not a cot</li>
<li>Fixed prices</li>
<li>Having something to do other than eat and drink</li>
<li>Not sleeping under a mosquito net/applying insect repellant</li>
<li>Posted hours of operation</li>
<li>Monthly cell phone plans/no worry about buying phone credit</li>
<li>Reliable electricity</li>
<li>Reliable wifi</li>
<li>TAP WATER</li>
<li>Anonymity/not having to say hi to everyone on the street</li>
<li>Cheese/milk/rice and almond milk</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, there you have it. This soon-to-be Returned Peace Corps Volunteer is signing off of this African adventure and ready for the next adventure stateside. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Much love and perhaps I’ll see you soon,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Samantha</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-62675566318700131422013-04-19T18:18:00.004-04:002013-04-19T18:18:49.962-04:00Peace Corps Volunteers: We are ideal guinea pigs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Before Peace
Corps, soon-to-be volunteers often purchase safari-like attire and equipment
such as solar chargers, Swiss Army knives and heavy-duty travel packs for
whatever adventure lay ahead. And no matter how well volunteers take care of
that which they bring for the two-year service, some items last but many do
not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In West Africa,
we become experts on items that persevere the African sun and unpredictable
climates. For this post, I gathered incite from several Northern-Togo
volunteers for their opinion on products: good vs. bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Additionally, I
include some toiletries to both lists as we receive and test many products
within two years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">So here goes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">GOOD LIST<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Backpacks<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Patagonia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Kelty 6000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Osprey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7FN8D7CFESkxQSFsW7RIsfIiUaV2EnguWjinsm9oXOTXYhK3KYgfa5_e7_OenVK-Nesg8q-6WGFZ5Mo1YdHgVIow_JQ0U2dWhrvVMmKV82oPI6mOxekrs22OyZuoTkFHgNCbPTyOvRY/s1600/IMG_4265+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7FN8D7CFESkxQSFsW7RIsfIiUaV2EnguWjinsm9oXOTXYhK3KYgfa5_e7_OenVK-Nesg8q-6WGFZ5Mo1YdHgVIow_JQ0U2dWhrvVMmKV82oPI6mOxekrs22OyZuoTkFHgNCbPTyOvRY/s320/IMG_4265+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Two Patagonia bags I brought to Togo--still in excellent condition.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Computers and
electronics</span></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Macs (others do
not survive electrical outages and reboots)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Kindles are nice,
but not the knock-off brands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">iPods are great,
though buy a protective case<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bras and underwear<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">American Apparel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Victoria Secret<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Shoes<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Teva<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">KEEN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Birkenstock
(lives up to the hype)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Chaco*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Clothes</span></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Patagonia blue
jeans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Skirts from
Eastern Mountain Sports or Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Colombia
outerwear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Foot Locker
T-shirts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Lightweight pants
from Eastern Mountain Sports (easily washable and still no holes after almost
two years!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCRtOcEni6YaGNjXjzXapIvfYSz4ZPaENfhKTsONJcZc1pHJxns-bRIEJnuuwVlbzWMbLArpMWOU1XwPx1EY6c2G1O-C07ZCso5foNqMzbZgh-Zow1sdibUzYazY_MbtrLFPKOQ4Dtoo/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCRtOcEni6YaGNjXjzXapIvfYSz4ZPaENfhKTsONJcZc1pHJxns-bRIEJnuuwVlbzWMbLArpMWOU1XwPx1EY6c2G1O-C07ZCso5foNqMzbZgh-Zow1sdibUzYazY_MbtrLFPKOQ4Dtoo/s320/DSC_0575.JPG" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Foot Locker Women's t-shirts.</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">ENVIROSAX foldable,
reusable bags (one of the best items I brought to Togo)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Gaiam Yoga mats <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Camelbak water
pack<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Female
feminine products<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Diva Cup (no
wrapping, no fuss)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">O.b. (I stocked
up on whatever O.b. tampons I could find in department stores since they are no
longer manufactured, but there are other products similar to O.b. that work
just the same.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bathroom
supplies<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Soleil<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>razors (razors are terrible here)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">US toothbrushes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Coppertone
Ultraguard sunscreen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">American pens!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">BAD LIST<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Clothes</span></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Fruit of the Loom
underwear (cannot stand hand washing)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Cheap T-shirts
from H&M<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Computers and
electronics<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Touch-screen
cameras<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">$200 notebook
computers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Inexpensive solar
chargers (spend money on better quality)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Apple earbuds do
not last, on my third pair (but climate is a factor)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Batteries found
in Africa are terrible, rechargeable batteries are great<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My second pair of earbuds. Notice the electrical tape!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Shoes</span></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">*Although <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I have been very lucky</u></b> with my
Chaco sandles, almost <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>every</u></b>
volunteer who owns a pair in Togo has complained about the soles completely
falling apart—this happened twice for a friend of mine. Perhaps they just can’t
stand the heat. Sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Bathroom
supplies</span></u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Vanicream
Sunscreen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PACKTOWL PERSONAL
(microfiber towels start to smell bad quickly no matter how many times they are
washed)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Regular Band-Aids
(they don’t stick in extreme humidity)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I hope readers
find this post useful. This is merely a mini list to help future volunteers or
even people who intend to backpack in Nevada or make a trip to Kenya. No doubt,
more can be added to this list, so feel free to comment for interested readers.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time… </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-78190020719540000692013-04-18T17:55:00.003-04:002013-11-11T16:49:12.722-05:00What Are You Wearing?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Women and men
spend years experimenting with many fashion styles (e.g. preppy, sporty, goth,
emu, classy, classy-chic, hipster, etc) and many even spend years wishing they could erase
certain trends from their memory. I, for instance, like to imagine I never wore
bell-bottoms or neon colors. Neon with pale skin never seems to work for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In New York City, I
found a style that suited me: classy-chic. I felt comfortable in the clothes I
wore. I felt beautiful, sophisticated and confident. Then two years later, I
moved to West Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7kefJGzspQHmw0wrPs802VH0PQM68_H_j_MM29wH3HTCMgYe3OxY0bm47JYrEf0k7X6JhCFCCld0dX-WqfEnNGU5SRF72Mki94YhKAhm1m6SToZrYxBiNXHlWY8qOct3KdzEI49dZ1Q/s1600/DSC01882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7kefJGzspQHmw0wrPs802VH0PQM68_H_j_MM29wH3HTCMgYe3OxY0bm47JYrEf0k7X6JhCFCCld0dX-WqfEnNGU5SRF72Mki94YhKAhm1m6SToZrYxBiNXHlWY8qOct3KdzEI49dZ1Q/s320/DSC01882.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Peace Corps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Undoubtedly with
Peace Corps set in stone, the classy-chic clothes I loved so much were
metaphorically tossed out of the window. But really, even if they were dated
upon my return, there’s no way I’d throw some clothes out. And no doubt my big
sister, Kathrine, still profits from a few items. But what did it leave me? The
clothes I bought for the Peace Corps remind me of young adults going to camp. Have I been in camp for almost two years?! No, but how there is no way to know for sure until the very moment comes when the plane has landed. Needless to say, pre-volunteers pack their African safari-like clothes in their
suitcases and wear them throughout pre-service training until they
arrive at post. And from that moment…there are no rules. And for many...western clothes are history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Most volunteers
wear what locals want/like us to wear: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pagne</i> is fabric with innumerable
patterns, bright colors and different qualities. Only the experienced know good
versus bad quality <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i>. After
volunteers buy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i>, they then take it to a tailor or a seamstress for the next work of art. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeE-rhpCs36op1zYwZFxf3r72KaEHXf12kkgMHemSFZsW4xqaPCZy4Pa6nzIlDr35hL1TLg_48itg4P8u7nFHKMCezaKLSUr4lePmmLV3jl7Nb1r8UNh2bzG3mkR8cSxzneayQJk6JUA/s1600/DSC_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeE-rhpCs36op1zYwZFxf3r72KaEHXf12kkgMHemSFZsW4xqaPCZy4Pa6nzIlDr35hL1TLg_48itg4P8u7nFHKMCezaKLSUr4lePmmLV3jl7Nb1r8UNh2bzG3mkR8cSxzneayQJk6JUA/s320/DSC_0125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There really are no rules. Former northern volunteers attend a farewell party for a COSing volunteer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtA93M9Gq8avNK-_6MF0BB0q9D5LBRuuKjclgE_Fb5P9c8JaIZMC0pWquu5Q-6z9rsiBbqMGwuIfXU96PABabVXx4y8xDC6YYeMusBestAqx8W0NVuWAw_3KgQO7dHxWwfPsBGmr72vU/s1600/430246_10101534273260967_1525172057_n+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtA93M9Gq8avNK-_6MF0BB0q9D5LBRuuKjclgE_Fb5P9c8JaIZMC0pWquu5Q-6z9rsiBbqMGwuIfXU96PABabVXx4y8xDC6YYeMusBestAqx8W0NVuWAw_3KgQO7dHxWwfPsBGmr72vU/s320/430246_10101534273260967_1525172057_n+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as a counselor for Camp Eco-Action 2012.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXwfJxNWS7jCLE84ODtezVRkY_eoC9ryTqYu9Sadq7jjeR-9VD-Jd97JabUK2lKXp0ETEdU009uwd8zrNL7Vi9KgIvzdzP5IBUn0ecI5O0Al5q4oO9FLSwZ15tuPTtzYc7gsTwjvddYQ/s1600/304936_10101534288505417_1260040950_n+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXwfJxNWS7jCLE84ODtezVRkY_eoC9ryTqYu9Sadq7jjeR-9VD-Jd97JabUK2lKXp0ETEdU009uwd8zrNL7Vi9KgIvzdzP5IBUn0ecI5O0Al5q4oO9FLSwZ15tuPTtzYc7gsTwjvddYQ/s320/304936_10101534288505417_1260040950_n+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me again in Datcha for Camp Eco-Action.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Along with bagels and cream cheese, fresh mozzarella pizza and pre-made smoothies, I miss clothing stores. You know, those remarkable stores you can enter, browse latest trends, try clothes on, buy, and boom...you're done. There are perhaps
two stores in Dapaong that have ready-to-wear clothes, <u>but no dressing rooms</u>. Thus trying on clothes in a community where it is respectful for females to have
their knees covered makes it difficult to de-dress and test clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In regards to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i>, I’ve had several items made in
Dapaong. Some designs are great accomplishments, but most are disasters. Togolese do know how to sew…they just don’t understand what we [Westerners] want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">One benefit to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i> is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i> wrap. This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i>
style is comfortable and people often wear it as a skirt, as a bathroom towel, and/or
as a harness for babies. I love to use it as a bathroom towel and will continue
once stateside. I am addicted. It is lighter than a towel, yet more fashionable. At least in
West Africa, it is perfectly acceptable to answer the door wearing this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne </i>wrap—that is of course if the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagne</i> has a hem. If not, shame on her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbzFAcbaMSzysWSyeuWQIW_VW94kkJCIMmLKIs78zUEYALC9JrJUrTYXEKPgbw2u6Mul3npWJdFclmo4ARX_u0DEyGSPao_g4XGZLkXJ9IE-YGNw8cgXBpbQ6_TZ_b66S_zuO6w-InpQ/s1600/IMG_1161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbzFAcbaMSzysWSyeuWQIW_VW94kkJCIMmLKIs78zUEYALC9JrJUrTYXEKPgbw2u6Mul3npWJdFclmo4ARX_u0DEyGSPao_g4XGZLkXJ9IE-YGNw8cgXBpbQ6_TZ_b66S_zuO6w-InpQ/s320/IMG_1161.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me wearing a <i>pagne</i>-wrap skirt at <i>Club Espoir</i> in Dapaong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Although I look
forward to having more 15 outfits from which to choose over
the course of a year, I am quite concerned that I have lost my classy-chic
style and it will take a bit of time to get it back again. Shamefully there
are fabrics I never thought were beautiful at the beginning of my service,
which now I find to be the most beautiful in all of Togo. Have I completely
lost it?! Perhaps this is the re-culture shock people often warn me about. Oh my dear siblings and friends in NYC, be kind to me. It may take me a while to veer back into the fashionable lane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-44429082925542956002013-04-15T18:05:00.003-04:002013-04-15T18:05:43.455-04:00The US is Calling
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">The countdown to stateside has official begun. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Dick Day,
regional director of Peace Corps West Africa, approved my request to leave Togo
<b>June 25, 2013</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In these last
couple of months, I have and will continue to tie up loose ends (work-related),
eat as much Togolese food as possible, and enjoy the company of my closest
friends in Dapaong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I intend to leave
Dapaong on June 18. Administration requires three full days in Lomé to
complete official paperwork, do a final physical examination, and return
government property (i.e. bike, water filter, medical kit, etc). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Once I return to
the U.S., I will spend roughly four days in New York City until I head to
Florida for a family reunion (and a great welcome home!) around Independence Day. Then…it
is NEW YORK CITY again, Baby!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Look forward to
seeing friends and family soon!! It has been <u>too</u> long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Lots of love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-48154746828032160872013-03-11T17:58:00.001-04:002013-03-11T17:59:40.028-04:00Where There Is No Dog Food<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">I’ve been
watching my site mate’s dog, Lux, off and on for a while now. Lux, meaning
light in Latin, is well behaved and I thoroughly enjoy my status as the Aunt
Spoiler. PCV Katy Todd intends to bring Lux stateside when she returns in June,
but for the month of April, Katy will be in Italy visiting family and friends.
This of course means Lux will be with me and I couldn’t be happier. It’ll be nice
to have a little company mid hot season. At the same time, Lux is getting older
and Katy and I are doing are best to stop Lux from getting pregnant before she
leaves Togo so I’ll be on her like a mother on a teenage daughter.</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">For roughly a
month, Lux will stay chez moi and I asked Katy to educate me on how to prepare
her meals. And unfortunately in Togo, it means more than grabbing a bag of
Kibbles 'n Bits and filling a bowl. There’s no dog food in Dapaong. It exists
in Lomé, but the capital is also 12-13 hours away.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Togo, most
dogs eat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte</i> like Togolese because
it’s inexpensive and it’s everywhere. Few Togolese take into account the
nutrients needed to keep a healthy domestic animal, thus many throughout the
country are very malnourished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
often painful to see them searching for food in villages and even in cities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Katy, on the
other hand, did her research and found ingredients needed for Lux to be happy
and healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And this is how
she does it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilmYSN5cprgLYUifwd4HGWXXQgJJFmEdE9nqLMVvK_NsTDGr6EV6is3Xcy74PquZsItfYhXcyeLHRUDHnQp6QmMNe5kChEa2YBY7ebmYHF3M4Mq7rocBN846qaesdJ1eQLMnmje8wsuo/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilmYSN5cprgLYUifwd4HGWXXQgJJFmEdE9nqLMVvK_NsTDGr6EV6is3Xcy74PquZsItfYhXcyeLHRUDHnQp6QmMNe5kChEa2YBY7ebmYHF3M4Mq7rocBN846qaesdJ1eQLMnmje8wsuo/s320/IMG_5541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: small;">Ademé, a common leafy green in Togo that’s often cooked with a sauce.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VrEhBOZ08u-_lmM6JhZqKACE4GmW8XAguNCe33gSjrgudde_sk0z_7bTTgdynxLbIGJGsekXM7oP2FPzOZq9GhRUymD0h0IP3ouBii1_W0m6nMV10l4E0EYSGmWwRSwQ6zswCp9VILo/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VrEhBOZ08u-_lmM6JhZqKACE4GmW8XAguNCe33gSjrgudde_sk0z_7bTTgdynxLbIGJGsekXM7oP2FPzOZq9GhRUymD0h0IP3ouBii1_W0m6nMV10l4E0EYSGmWwRSwQ6zswCp9VILo/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: small;">Katy saves and washes her eggshells for Lux, which are then crushed and added to boiling water.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: small;">A little oil added to boiling water and crushed eggshells.</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: small;">Dried fish for protein that is also crushed.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Ground dried corn that is mixed with water to acquire pâte.</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKPz3RmdKJvnPBh21nygJC0sVBjX98ExgSaNCs28LQ4UbLFbsiCH79KYBIy35iRxmheCH2iC0W_RNw1tOM8Ep1SOXmTIXImvJhSYO__IVfDIYmX28bfIg1Bmz6zj8FZ7wBcX0MlnRRMg/s1600/IMG_5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKPz3RmdKJvnPBh21nygJC0sVBjX98ExgSaNCs28LQ4UbLFbsiCH79KYBIy35iRxmheCH2iC0W_RNw1tOM8Ep1SOXmTIXImvJhSYO__IVfDIYmX28bfIg1Bmz6zj8FZ7wBcX0MlnRRMg/s320/IMG_5551.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> Boom. Dog food.</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And there you
have it: dog food in Dapaong. This will be part of my daily routine for almost
a month and it’ll be a nice change to cook for two—even if it’s not the same
meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time… </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">PS – Did you know onions, like chocolate, are not good for dogs?</span><!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-76600870671140907922013-02-11T17:25:00.000-05:002014-11-17T15:13:47.793-05:00Pure Water Sachets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Togo, I’ve had
to slightly suppress my pro-environment personality. You’d think it would be
the opposite, being in Africa and all. But trash on the ground of every corner,
deforestation near villages, and trash burning says otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">There aren’t
recycle bins in offices separating plastics from paper. There aren’t really
trash bins at all throughout most villages and small towns. After almost 20
months, it’s no surprise to me when someone throws his trash on the ground
wherever and whenever he pleases. And admittedly, I’ve done it too a bit—though
I aim for the already-started trash piles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For years I
separated glass bottles, plastic and paper. I also composted and never burned
my trash. So you can imagine how difficult it was for me to change such a
lifestyle in Togo—a country where the concept of reusable bags has yet to reach the
masses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Even though
respecting and protecting the environment is at the bottom of the must-do
checklist, Togolese are learning. And PCVs educate them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmoYkLYFIr2plaZticJib0bgHa5YXk5NlhVfdZxP5OTi9_u-ms56IZBiOSezLAYMV8oP-diIt7RhTXP5YTQsG_Rof-J58gB7P7OUoyNRfi3qbYnnuwcQ-mFf8jCbzGoxnY0YrAL6h7fY/s1600/IMG_5342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmoYkLYFIr2plaZticJib0bgHa5YXk5NlhVfdZxP5OTi9_u-ms56IZBiOSezLAYMV8oP-diIt7RhTXP5YTQsG_Rof-J58gB7P7OUoyNRfi3qbYnnuwcQ-mFf8jCbzGoxnY0YrAL6h7fY/s320/IMG_5342.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Since purified
water is scarce, in addition to bleaching and filtering, people buy small bags
filled with water (500ml) for 25CFA (approximately $0.05). Volunteers and locals call them "pure
water sachets" and they are a bargain. Nevertheless when someone drinks a
small bag of water, a question surfaces: What does one do with the leftover bag? The
answer: Bags are often tossed on the ground with everything else, adding to
pollution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Thankfully, an
organization called Zameke found a solution. They collect the pure water
sachets, wash them, dry them, and reuse them. Following the well-known “REDUCE
RECYCLE REUSE”, they’ve made wallets, purses, school bags, trashcans and pencil
holders out of these bags. Phenomenal! This organization, however, exists in
Lomé, 12 hours from the northern-most capital. Additionally, there’s no office
or store that sells its merchandise in Dapaong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Soon I hope that
will change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I just started to
work with my site-mate’s work partner (who is an upholster) and we plan to make
several wallets and bags for students in Dapaong. We’ve been practicing with
pure water sachets I collected since I moved to post, which amounted to more
than 250. But I knew it wasn’t enough to start. So I created a little
competition with elementary students in my art class. Last week I told them a
prize would be given to the top five students to bring me old pure water
sachets from the streets of Dapaong. Today, they made my day. Several kids
handed me large bags filled with pure water sachets!!! One student who forgot
her bag of sachets even cried and begged for me to give her a chance to
retrieve it from her house. It was priceless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkQKsPGG18BroFvOxnrNshjAHnUjCFIxUjzeG74fPmkeMOV1asUhDZKIhaT3O9IdhT1DySfiDGCzstFWaGwB8cX_HTTo5g7XEQALJ7RqdLkCT0dqGb7zEH8Ag09hHXihxeUgkhuMlMXM/s1600/IMG_5531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkQKsPGG18BroFvOxnrNshjAHnUjCFIxUjzeG74fPmkeMOV1asUhDZKIhaT3O9IdhT1DySfiDGCzstFWaGwB8cX_HTTo5g7XEQALJ7RqdLkCT0dqGb7zEH8Ag09hHXihxeUgkhuMlMXM/s320/IMG_5531.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpjhjMTKQjk4EIqHSC4ZZJo4-tsccidSbEjzqwx-m_Jbu93ORoCNnjLCi7ZDEfe9QU5BpqyTYMU3FFAQqYgRIFcMGuLGb3EuSuVR8ohGGUr0-8vkTOpSFLbD3Gvivt-lEIi52iqjULdc/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpjhjMTKQjk4EIqHSC4ZZJo4-tsccidSbEjzqwx-m_Jbu93ORoCNnjLCi7ZDEfe9QU5BpqyTYMU3FFAQqYgRIFcMGuLGb3EuSuVR8ohGGUr0-8vkTOpSFLbD3Gvivt-lEIi52iqjULdc/s320/IMG_5533.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">With a bit of
luck and hard work, this project will go well and students will purchase these
bags for about 200CFA (less than $0.41). The purpose of this project isn’t to
increase income, but to reduce waste and make the streets of Dapaong a bit greener.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We’ll soon see.
But for now, it’s time for me to start counting for I have prizes to pass out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PS – I counted.
980 sachets. Today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-53067844373950820062013-01-11T07:58:00.003-05:002013-01-11T08:50:20.738-05:00The Inevitable Return Flight Back to Togo<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">At the Airport<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I do my best to
maintain airport etiquette but sometimes it’s hard to surpass ill-mannered,
apathetic and tired staff. My conversation with a certain gentleman at the
check-in counter quickly reminded of what little desire I have to ever work in
an airport—such pleasant co-workers I would have indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The security
checkpoint at Orly Airport in Paris had no surprises. Still people forgot to
pack their large containers of shampoo in their check-in bags along with their
Swiss Army knives and disposable plastic “shoes” (or bags) are offered as a courtesy for
passengers. I was, however, surprised by an officer’s suspicion of my Lowepro
camera case—which is always a carry-on. For the number travelers and tourists
who pass through the airport I was shocked by his question, “What is this?” I
bit my lip to avoid answering with, “a bag,” and told him it was my camera
case. Stupefied, he then requested I pull out both my cameras. With all that I
stuffed in my backpack I was surprised he didn’t pull me into an interrogation
room. But alas, a few moments of unpleasantries with staff members and several
moments of peace with a book as I waited to board the plane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In the Plane<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">What’s worse?
Being in economy class where passengers are at the back of the plane with
crying babies or being two rows behind first class where the benefits of a
couple hundred extra dollars are just within reach? Tough call. Before both of our
flights out of Paris, my sister and I spoke of our temptation to give into
first class and bask in the glory of comfortable seats, and no children
allowed. I don’t mind that first class (or business for the suits) exists but I
don’t want to see it! I prefer ignorance. If I can’t see it, perhaps it’s yet another figment of my imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">But no. Instead,
for my return flight to Togo, I saw everything from pre-departure juice
(which could very well be freshly squeezed) to linen napkins to tickets to the
premier of Iron Man 3—which premiers May 3rd but one never
knows. Surely I exaggerated on the benefits of first class—they would never
offer tickets to a premier—but it’s quite luxurious. I experienced first class
once in my 26 years and it was blissful. A complete surprise. The story entails
innumerable details for which I can sum up to Air India fucked up, and my sister
and I benefited. Score. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">But not this
time. Royal Air Morac didn’t fuck up, and it was T-Rex style dining with babies
unable to pop their ears and the predictable sick person next to me who
frequently coughed in my direction. The poor woman coughed just enough for me
to wish I was a paranoid hypochondriac with my own white travel mask. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Oh snap! Big
events happened in the air. Passengers of flight AT 771 had the pleasure of
enjoying Dora the Explorer in both first and economy class. If I was in first
class I’d be <u>LIVID</u>. Where’s my Iron Man 3, damn it?! But since I wasn’t
in first class, I just smiled and continued to listen to my iPod. Ha. Suckers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Even though I
love music, across the aisle, a man hadn’t quite finished one of the original
Star Wars on his iPad. Nice! Clearly people haven’t yet forgotten great films.
Times like those, I wish I had had the courage to ask if movie sharing was
likely or socially unacceptable (aka get your own iPad). But even if courage
wasn’t a variable in this equation, I still had knocking-on-death’s-door French
woman attempting a nap and I’d surely go to Hell if she awoke because the young
American just had to watch Star Wars. Return of the Jedi!! Fuck. Have strength
McCullough! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And I did. Thank
you, Katy Todd, for your iPod!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Overall the
flight from Paris to Lomé was tolerable, nothing out of the ordinary. Except
when I landed. My intention was to take the Post Office bus up to Dapaong the
following morning but it, along with several other services, was full the
entire weekend. Thus 72 hours after I left Paris…I arrived in Dapaong. Home at
last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Again, I am home
at last, and no doubt ready to tackle these last six months of my Peace Corps
service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time… </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-88821939577746975812012-12-29T08:19:00.002-05:002012-12-29T08:20:34.562-05:00Why I Love The Arc de TriompheI love the <i>arc de triomphe. </i>It is the Empire State Building of Paris in my eyes.<br />
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My interest in Napoleon's desire to honor the <i>Grand Arm</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>é</i></span><i>e</i> with this immense arch perhaps<i> </i>falls hand-in-hand with my fondness of films such as Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, The Last of The Mohicans, The Pianist and Cassablana. Neverthless, the few times I've visited Paris and the few times I've stood in front of the <i>arc de triomphe, </i>I often think of visitors who prefer the <i>tour eiffel</i> over the <i>arc de triomphe. </i>Yes, both are marvelous in their own way: (1) a monument to honor the French military and (2) an entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, today's symbol of France, and even a symbol of love.<br />
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I'm certainly no historian, nor am I anti-love. I simply never tire of the magnificence of the <i>arc de triomphe. </i>Whenever I stand in front of its simple design and colossal size, typical of late 18th century romantic neoclassicism, my smile is that of a child who sees his favorite characters at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl.<br />
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Again, I love it. All of it.<br />
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The sculptures unique to each pillar represent historic moments and they are names of major battles in Napoleonic wars: The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792 (aka <i>la marseillaise</i>), Napoleon's Triumph of 1810, Resistance of 1814 and Peace of 1815.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhD0X0Ms6x9GbesfRAMAF5gQ373qZDgM-WSFcLAkCP8hIHcDFkMdFk_m9VEsfkdo6qtHnaWpo9o55E7kiQEQUTJfIL-5t3LEDgpzOL6EyJ-iRahaZqP0dwhtH3Td8yjW_mDXHtCXvOBs/s1600/design-Arc-de-Triomphe-is-a-historic-monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhD0X0Ms6x9GbesfRAMAF5gQ373qZDgM-WSFcLAkCP8hIHcDFkMdFk_m9VEsfkdo6qtHnaWpo9o55E7kiQEQUTJfIL-5t3LEDgpzOL6EyJ-iRahaZqP0dwhtH3Td8yjW_mDXHtCXvOBs/s320/design-Arc-de-Triomphe-is-a-historic-monument.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the rose sculpted ceilings, the richly sculptured frieze of soldiers, and the arch's placement at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>étoile</i></span></span><i>--</i>with its 12 streets. I love that the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>étoile</i></span> is clearly a death trap but like many things in France, the French make it work. My sister and I once drove around the <i>arc de triomphe</i> and I swore to myself I'd never do it again unless I either had a Frenchman drive me or I had excellent health insurance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbfF68twh70CrRnVp4BWB1tRSBJuCgjbdb_RXQcA4M9iSOnMMK95a7njHS_VTejBSrH2B7Rs6OrF4ztXgIVVnuAO0-V-GeMjQgzWrFWZmtefB6gQS-m3gUEQWhdhll44geWuSTvu84WE/s1600/arcdetriompe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbfF68twh70CrRnVp4BWB1tRSBJuCgjbdb_RXQcA4M9iSOnMMK95a7njHS_VTejBSrH2B7Rs6OrF4ztXgIVVnuAO0-V-GeMjQgzWrFWZmtefB6gQS-m3gUEQWhdhll44geWuSTvu84WE/s320/arcdetriompe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdn9PoOv5u4ttw6XvWyWD2Xe514aKCVHPv91HQLFshHog6gKoBKKmuA1ttk6MOk-bD1AHYA0LGwrSTJ7rKCq8ljCb2TYeIMbUHf9HmBI3GWZmzjaAIBBO3oOjLIrzHdTjXoiFKuIVW1Y/s1600/charles-de-gaulle-arc-de-triomphe-paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdn9PoOv5u4ttw6XvWyWD2Xe514aKCVHPv91HQLFshHog6gKoBKKmuA1ttk6MOk-bD1AHYA0LGwrSTJ7rKCq8ljCb2TYeIMbUHf9HmBI3GWZmzjaAIBBO3oOjLIrzHdTjXoiFKuIVW1Y/s320/charles-de-gaulle-arc-de-triomphe-paris.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px;"><i>étoile</i></span></td></tr>
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I love the inside walls of the monument listing names of 558 French generals--names of those who died in battles are underlined. I also love the Unknown Soldier buried beneath the <i>arc de triomphe, </i> which burns in memory of the dead who were never identified in both World War I and World War II.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV8lxUELa47pvmzlJ7Hl1I0zWlN_aMQIAWExA54Q3woBD8uYtF3UyXoA57SGREXx8_ESmSCtQYkr_qauaFvhJFrQx0pXxK4oAsXpGNA36Z23MNkxhN1jnqR_NAbQ9SphRE1OUPc583Hg/s1600/11951627-paris-arc-de-triomphe-unknown-soldier-monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV8lxUELa47pvmzlJ7Hl1I0zWlN_aMQIAWExA54Q3woBD8uYtF3UyXoA57SGREXx8_ESmSCtQYkr_qauaFvhJFrQx0pXxK4oAsXpGNA36Z23MNkxhN1jnqR_NAbQ9SphRE1OUPc583Hg/s320/11951627-paris-arc-de-triomphe-unknown-soldier-monument.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unknown Soldier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally, I love the 30 shields with names of major revolutionary and Napoleonic military victories engraved above the army bordering the top of the arch.<br />
<br />
Napoleon I may have made several mistakes (putting it lightly) as the emperor of the French, but I'll give him this: The <i>arc de triomphe </i>is a truly remarkable structure adored and to be adored by people from every generation, from every part of the world.<br />
<br />
Until next time... :)Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-33068814463665269412012-12-21T15:04:00.002-05:002012-12-21T15:04:24.534-05:00Merry Christmas!!Tomorrow I leave for Angers--a few hours southwest of Paris--to spend Christmas with my old French host parents Lili and Jean-Claude. And just in case I don't have easy access to Internet, or I am unable to call...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Merry Christmas!! </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I love you, my dear family and friends. Soon I'll be home to give you all a hug and my love. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>But for now, just wait until I return to <u>Paris on </u><b><u>Dec 26th</u> </b>for a Skype date. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are a few Christmas pictures to keep you in the spirit. Seasons greetings! And Carolyn, tell Trevor and Vanessa to make a couple snow angels for me. :)</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfRHOnfVDt0enobw8Yhdmjx0fhUF2CpKgaSNezq2ja1_-J1ttssjr2VR8mGW_HslPg5z4N-fGhwnqNa6sDMSQMGnSmtPWHRpaPAjGZs5a-LsQPUgGVp_xdP0AosoDgDgnIkhHPsUU96o/s1600/Christmas+balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfRHOnfVDt0enobw8Yhdmjx0fhUF2CpKgaSNezq2ja1_-J1ttssjr2VR8mGW_HslPg5z4N-fGhwnqNa6sDMSQMGnSmtPWHRpaPAjGZs5a-LsQPUgGVp_xdP0AosoDgDgnIkhHPsUU96o/s320/Christmas+balls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue light display on fountain near Arc de Triomphe.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLwixobEJqpg7F55TLWgRTnQoqBNyLEgA5nDYGuz_Xpnd0pY_mNBYCuiJFvYcobROPAkDCQ6nyWKifvZoyPydrVz6GLqGD22dmh6rG0baDUfHFe8ly4h2NZ9GflnsHe_ata2V88phFAg/s1600/Arc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLwixobEJqpg7F55TLWgRTnQoqBNyLEgA5nDYGuz_Xpnd0pY_mNBYCuiJFvYcobROPAkDCQ6nyWKifvZoyPydrVz6GLqGD22dmh6rG0baDUfHFe8ly4h2NZ9GflnsHe_ata2V88phFAg/s320/Arc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Champs-Elysees all lit-up with Christmas lights.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmW9Gydifj84BqYcFTXdDzgSvmHeqOX13AIS01E4xJxVnO2-yZcqNSN5J8OGBJbklruGC_XaA0Tr777ziWaR1VxFRn3TXxgxfpxH1_-3vrdTHPJdNnkmqQLSWNKrzETS_UEvsFZxMRDg/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmW9Gydifj84BqYcFTXdDzgSvmHeqOX13AIS01E4xJxVnO2-yZcqNSN5J8OGBJbklruGC_XaA0Tr777ziWaR1VxFRn3TXxgxfpxH1_-3vrdTHPJdNnkmqQLSWNKrzETS_UEvsFZxMRDg/s320/DSC_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas boutiques in a Paris garden.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk0-TN87OQ_5NqLRSox4f7o0XntiOengm41ug30qlysDCPKSManajhCOSGlAHGYjGi5sPL3nkNn4oWQp0avUGGKRD1GU1cMdagQF_purTIUI3pS9-6D3Bg9MDa5t0C93XSruPWyOJz1c/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk0-TN87OQ_5NqLRSox4f7o0XntiOengm41ug30qlysDCPKSManajhCOSGlAHGYjGi5sPL3nkNn4oWQp0avUGGKRD1GU1cMdagQF_purTIUI3pS9-6D3Bg9MDa5t0C93XSruPWyOJz1c/s320/DSC_0470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you'd like to contact me, my number in country is (+33) 07 53 56 46 54.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until next time...</span></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-67768209165391086542012-12-09T07:24:00.000-05:002012-12-09T07:24:50.663-05:00An Attempt at Invisibility The stress of being a PCV is certainly incomparable to that of anyone with a nine-to-five job, nor one who works 80+ hours a week. We of course have work stress, but I find volunteers have more of a social stress similar to high school multiplied by (oh) 10. You try your best to fit in by speaking the same slang (or language), by finding people who make you feel comfortable for being the person you are, and by buying the right clothes (or pagne) that indicate you're part of the group. And like high school, this push to fit in all the time gets old and sometimes all that's needed is a little break to reboot your engines and get rolling again. Students call it summer break while everyone else calls it a <u>VACATION</u>.<br />
<br />
Well my friends, this volunteer needs a vacation. And it's happening!<br />
<br />
After more than a year-and-a-half in West Africa, I finally have a break. Nope, I'm not returning stateside--as much as I would love to see my entire family and close friends--but I'm going somewhere just as good: France.<br />
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My last trip to France ended in June 2007, which was the conclusion of my study abroad term. More than five years ago! As most of you know, I lived with a host family the entire term. They were (and still are) amazing people. When I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with them I barely had a sliver of homesickness--something I hope to have this Christmas. And wow are they as excited to see me as I am to see them.<br />
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For a bit of fun check out the difference: Samantha McCullough 2007 vs Samantha McCullough 2012.<br />
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Think they'll recognize me?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF33xNnKj_iX6piVV3NTLv84f5PWY8QAU3aamq_TsgIbGoB12AqY0ubGpkG3zDKVxDGNyGDBQPpyYEAiu4DRuyyCa55W6AkkEvz_0vnHFqFRg4XnNreb9CpLrHnVPuC0NQpsHcZYRfj8E/s1600/IMGP2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF33xNnKj_iX6piVV3NTLv84f5PWY8QAU3aamq_TsgIbGoB12AqY0ubGpkG3zDKVxDGNyGDBQPpyYEAiu4DRuyyCa55W6AkkEvz_0vnHFqFRg4XnNreb9CpLrHnVPuC0NQpsHcZYRfj8E/s320/IMGP2473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A weekend outside of Angers, France 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHMhkGz89hUShqGJRfR-xvycvy3FvKGY5RX3VoKeMFEj5wf-Y9sVsyFIdwSlBQ16PATdgCQxg3UUzwZ-EdjKCv6LaG0ZChRXYkv-8X7cGJ4bNx2ltMuIWNY2b2M65qKagxWc18cpa2Pw/s1600/Me+and+Katherine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHMhkGz89hUShqGJRfR-xvycvy3FvKGY5RX3VoKeMFEj5wf-Y9sVsyFIdwSlBQ16PATdgCQxg3UUzwZ-EdjKCv6LaG0ZChRXYkv-8X7cGJ4bNx2ltMuIWNY2b2M65qKagxWc18cpa2Pw/s320/Me+and+Katherine.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving 2012 in Togo, West Africa</td></tr>
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I'll be doing a little back-and-forth traveling between Paris and Angers with the intention of seeing close friends in Paris, spending Christmas with Lili and Jean-Claude Maupoint--my host parents--and seeing my old university in Angers, and much to my delight...spending my last week in Paris (and celebrating New Year's) with my sister Kathrine.<br />
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Not too long ago I received an email from my good friend Mariana--a chef who lives in Paris--who asked, "What do you want to do in Paris?" To which I responded, "BE INVISIBLE!!!!"<br />
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Volunteers are often on display. It's something we admittedly despise in the beginning and learn to accept and impressively ignore as our service moves forward. But even with this almost superhuman ability to <u>space out</u>--a term we're quite familiar with in Togo--a vacation is still THE WAY to bask in the glory of anonymity without locking yourself in your house for a weekend.<br />
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In addition to the joy of anonymity, I fully intend to (1) photograph the streets and life of Paris once more, (2) eat well, (3) explore the Christmas boutiques, (4) drink coffee, (5) and hangout with people I love.<br />
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I have no doubt my Internet connection in France will be more than tolerable, so feel free to email or message me on Facebook if you'd like to chat (or even video chat I dare add).<br />
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<b>The vacation officially begins December 18, 2012 and ends January 3, 2013. </b><br />
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And then my dear family and friends...six months to go until I'm stateside again. Oh how fast time will fly!!<br />
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Much love to you all. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (or Happy Holidays) and all that jazz.<br />
<br />
Until next time in 2013... :)Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-56051006996914437912012-11-12T16:08:00.003-05:002014-11-17T15:05:16.451-05:00To Give or Not To Give Money<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Sub-headline: The one bit of
Peace Corps guilt that sticks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Volunteers often
have reading material. Books and magazines spread from Peace Corps Volunteer to
Peace Corps Volunteer like notes pass from teenager to teenager in middle
school. But every once in a while, an attention-grabbing article pops up in circulation
about Peace Corps life. I’ve read three attention grabbers: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What the Peace Corps Taught Me About Failure</i>
by a volunteer in Senegal, a blog post titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Real Peace Corps</i> by a volunteer in Ethiopia, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peace Corps Guilt</i> by a volunteer in
Paraguay. Though I enjoyed all three, the last article left a bit of a sore
spot. Most likely because it is true, Peace Corps guilt does exist and I just
didn’t want to admit it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Ester Katcoff,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peace Corps Guilt</i>, details several
variables of volunteer guilt: (1) taking time for ourselves, (2) not sharing
personal possessions, (3) being too fancy, (4) being unsustainable, (5) and failing
to save the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Roughly my entire
cluster of PCVs in Savannah, the northernmost region of Togo, agreed with every
variable. But I wasn’t completely sold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I never feel
guilt in taking time for myself. Yes, I came to Togo to help the people of interested
countries in meeting their need for trained men and women and to perform
cultural exchanges. But if a women’s group stands me up because they need to
work in their fields or men catcall me as I walk on a street or I’m missing my
sisters more than ever, I firmly believe I deserve the right to enjoy the
latest superhero film in the comfort of my home—even if it's the middle of
the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I never feel
guilt in not sharing personal possessions. I share pencils, paper, crayons,
glitter, beads for bracelets and necklaces, old magazines, fabric for clothes, etc.
I offer tastes of American dishes and beverages. But do I share my MacBook Pro
or Nikon D80 with my Togolese neighbors and friends? Absolutely not. Why?
Because I paid for both electronics with money I earned in America. They were
not just gifts given to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I never feel
guilt in being too fancy. I live in the capital of Savannah, thus life is
already different than life in village. The married couple I replaced once told
me to dress well and people will respect you. This of course I have known since
I graduated from Central Michigan University; however, it was a fitting
reminder that even though I am in Africa the rule still applies. The first
eight months at post I hand washed all of my own clothes. Then, a nice woman
asked to do my laundry so she could send her daughter, a student at the
University of Kara, money for fees and miscellaneous expenses. Nowadays, she
stops by my house every two weeks (or whenever I need her) to wash my clothes.
Do I feel too fancy? Not at all. She works to gain money for her daughter like
my mom once worked three jobs to pay for two daughters to attend university and
one to go to high school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Despite what's
in the previous three paragraphs, I'm not made of ice. I do feel guilt. And it
comes when children and friends I know ask me for money and I don’t want to
give it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In New York City,
I often saw people who were either homeless or simply poor asking for money in
the subway. Though it made me sad, I never gave them money unless they included
a special performance with their request: a song, a dance, a witty limerick, a rough
sketch, etc. In Togo, it’s really no different. I see children everyday with
tin cans tied with string dangling around their necks hoping someone with give
them 25 franc cfa here, 100 franc cfa there like in Slumdog Millionaire. I
never give them money. I barely flinch as I shoo them away. Though if I have leftover bread from a restaurant, I don't hesitate to pass it on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">With familiar Togolese
friends and children, it’s an entirely different ballgame. A guilt either too
tough to swallow or one I bury deep hoping to forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Last Christmas a
friend asked me for money. His name is Robert and he was two months behind on
his rent. Christmas is an uncomfortable time to say no to friends in need of
money, not to mention his family lives in Burkina Faso. So I gave him six-mille franc cfa (approximately $12). He told me he
would pay me back, but he never has and he never will. Even though I am glad I
gave it to him, even that day, last Christmas, I couldn’t help but wonder: What
would he have done if I weren’t here? Would he have found a way to pay for it
himself or would he go door-to-door asking for 100 franc cfa here, 100 franc
cfa there like the children with tin cans? I will never know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This morning, the
guilt almost too great to swallow hit me again. At just after 8AM, a child
knocked on my door. Not thrilled to have a visitor so early in the morning, I
opened the door slowly. To my surprise, it was a familiar face. His name is
Jonas. Jonas helped with the second world map project I completed at Bon
Pasteur Elementary School. This year he started middle school. How exciting!
Today, however, was less than exciting. After we exchanged salutations, I asked
him why he was not in school. And the rest of the conversation went like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“I’m not in school
because they sent me home,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Why did they
send you home?” I asked him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Because they
want my school fees,” he replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Where are your
parents?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“My parents are
dead,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Well, who takes
care of you?” I further asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">“My grandmother,”
he replied as he looked at me with heart-wrenching eyes. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In truth, even
after 18 months of service, I didn’t know how to respond. I so wanted to remain
strong and refuse to offer money but I just couldn't tell him no. So instead I
told him to “have courage” and I would see him soon. As he exited my
compound, I slowly closed my front door and stood staring at the ground. I felt
wretched and so many thoughts entered my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What are you doing? He is a good kid. It’s
only twelve bucks to help him continue his education. But you’ve been so firm
about not haphazardly giving Togolese money. He has to work to gain money. But
he is a good kid!! And his help with the world map project was voluntary. Everyone
has problems, what makes him so special?</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Above all
thoughts and questions I had, the inevitable question took precedence over all: Will it stop?
That is, if I give Jonas money for school, will the other two students who
helped with the project come knocking on my door and ask for money? Am I a terrible person for thinking it's all just a domino effect?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It isn’t like in America
where donations to charities can be made anonymously. Most host country
nationals think volunteers have money and even with shame, they will ask for
financial assistance from volunteers they barely know. It's not only their fault. Here is a country that has had so much assistance from foreign lands that for most it's all they know. But when do we as volunteers say no? What
impossible situations remove the guilt and leave volunteers with the
satisfaction of helping a friend? Is it not so different from America after
all? Does this guilt only exist because it’s a third-world country and we are Peace
Corps Volunteers? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">In the end, I chose to split the cost of Jonas’ education with my site mate Katy Todd—since
we completed the world map project with Jonas. The decision, however, doesn’t
bring any answers to any of these questions and I fear the guilt to give or not
to give money will always remain a question. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Until next time...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">PS - If you have answers, do share. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-73933991883831031592012-11-09T17:08:00.001-05:002012-11-10T12:27:04.152-05:00Wasn’t I Supposed to Gift You?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In a culture
where gifts are hardly if ever given on birthdays, rarely on Christmas, and few
have even heard of Valentine’s Day, you might question when do people give and
receive gifts?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In French, gift
translates to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cadeau</i>. In Togo, this
word is more often than not a thorn in any PCVs side. The term is most
definitely applied too loosely. Everything is a gift. Tipping a taxi-moto
driver an extra 50FCFA, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cadeau</i>;
paying for another round of tchakpa for your Togolese friends, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cadeau</i>; or buying a bowl of tomatoes and
the vendor throws in a few extra, cadeau. In Togolese society, it’s ill
mannered, even offensive to refuse a gift—and even more so if you’re a
foreigner. I’ve often heard PCVs politely pass on gifts even though deep down
they are fully aware it’s a battle they can’t win. Besides, gift refusal makes
it hard to integrate, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Most PCVs do
their best to return the kindness either by bringing a loaf of bread home to
their host families in village after a business trip or by printing photos in
America for Togolese counterparts and friends so they may savor the memories of
working together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Dapaong, I
have no host family. I live in a compound with four other tenants. One family I
know well (a married couple with a baby girl) and the three other tenants I
rarely see. For this reason, I rarely return from a trip with a bag full of
bread. Yet I still gift the family I know. I’ll oftentimes make Moringa juice
and offer a bottle, or I’ll cook an American dish and propose a taste. Does the
family reciprocate? Oh yes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Before the mother
left with the baby to return to the University of Kara, we were quite close. The
father and I don’t often cross paths because our work schedules are
considerably different. And once, after I hadn’t see him in over a month, we
talked in front of my house for a while and then out of the blue he asked me if I liked beer—he
works at a brasserie. My first thought, “Uh not the beer from here.” But I
said, “Yes of course!” He asked me which kind of beer I prefer and I said Castel.
Little did I know his intension was to gift me seven beers. Not buy seven beers
from a local bar, but bring me seven beers to drink alone. Seven beers…just
because. Does he think I’m an alcoholic? Nope, just a nice gesture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Roughly one week
ago he gifted me again with an entire watermelon—yep it’s watermelon season.
Since there isn’t a chance I could eat an entire watermelon alone I shared it
with my site mate Katy Todd. Although it was a very sweet gift, literally, I
couldn’t help but wonder: When do I gift him? And with what?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Well, two days
ago, I got my answer: a chicken. I was finishing up with a carpenter who I’d
been working with over the last three weeks on remodeling the Dapaong
workstation. And as a gesture of our friendship, he gifted me a live chicken. Again,
since I live alone there’s no way I could eat an entire chicken. And more
importantly, I didn’t have the first clue as to how I’d kill and cook the damn
thing. So, I decided to “re-gift” it and give it to my neighbor. Genius. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After I biked
home from the Dapaong workstation with the live chicken in a bag attached to my
bike, I walked over to my neighbor’s house, clapped, said “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Excusez!</i>” and presented the gift. Even though I told him it was a
gift, I also suggested we dine together. To my surprise he proposed to eat the
chicken that very night. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why not? Saves
me from sweating in my kitchen one night.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eh voila</i>, the plan was set. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For most of the
day I thought about the relief of not cooking and eating a delicious chicken with
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte</i>. Again…little did I know I was
in for a real treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Around 6:30 that
evening, he knocked on my door with hands full of black bags. Of course he
brought the chicken, but he also brought two bottles of wine and guinea fowl, a
northern specialty. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’ve got to be
kidding me?! I was supposed to gift you. Come on man!!!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The lime-green
price tags on the wine bottles immediately caught my attention. Four mille five
hundred franc CFA each! Twenty bucks easily!!! I don’t even spend that much on
wine in this country. He told me one bottle was for us to share and the other
was for me. I said I couldn’t accept it, but that didn’t go over very well. Stubborn
man. So we ate a little, we drank a little, and he excused himself and left me
with three-quarters of a chicken, some guinea fowl and <u>one-and-a-half</u>
bottles of wine. Bullshit. But I grinned from ear to ear and thanked him
several times as he walked out of my house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The next day, he
called and thanked me for a wonderful evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-26149005767486165962012-10-20T13:18:00.001-04:002012-11-05T13:43:41.352-05:00Telephones, Cell Phones and Beeps<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I’ve never really
enjoyed talking on the phone. In fact, I loathed and feared it as a young
adult. During the awkward stage of braces, I begged my mom to call and schedule
all my orthodontist appointments and to top, I hid in my room hoping that
either my mom or dad called for pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In high school, I
rarely called my friends after school. It certainly wasn’t because I didn’t
like them, nor was it because I lacked friends. I simply just preferred /
continue to prefer one-on-one conversations. And I’d like to believe my close
high school friends knew I still liked them even though I rarely called. I also
tried to make up for it by chatting during extracurricular activities such as
yearbook, volleyball, French club, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In college, the
world of technology threw me a bone, and it wasn’t just because cell phones
were a must-have. It was because technological geniuses invented texting. What
a Godsend!! Of course there are texting maniacs who text on their phones—WITH
BOTH HANDS—as though they’re playing on a DS. This in itself is also the very
reason I have never owned a cell phone similar to a sidekick (or a flip phone
that opens up into a keyboard). Sorry if I offend those who own one but you
look like an idiot walking on the street, texting with both hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Togo, I
envisioned PCVs only using cell phones for emergencies or the occasional
freak-out call between PCVs. “Why am I here?!” “Two years? Holy shit?!” What?
PCVs don’t have freak-outs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
anyways, as to be expected, my ideas of PC life changed once I arrived in Togo.
Truthfully, PCVs text all the time. We text about work, social life, insects we
find in our houses, and even bowel movements. But this post isn’t about phone
interactions from PCV to PCV. This post—finally getting to the point—is about
Togolese communicating with PCVs via cell phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">How could it be
different? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Well, Togolese
beep. Beep? Think of your cell phone as a pager. Why do they beep? More often
than not, it’s because they don’t have enough phone credit—because most African
countries are on a pay-as-you-go system—to call or even text. OR…Togolese
assume that PCVs have money to return their beep with a phone call.
Unfortunately, as PCVs, we’re not exactly rolling in the dough, which some Togolese
understand but not all. No matter if they get it or not, it doesn’t stop me
from saying to a Togolese “PAS DE BEEPS!” if he or she asks for my number. I
once played this game of beep tag, which meant I played five rounds of a
Togolese beeping me and me returning the beep with a beep. Evening
entertainment if you will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">What else is
different?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Togolese call
just to say “Hey.” Sure, grandmothers and distant aunts call to catch up or
just say “Hey,” but here even strangers or random Togolese work partners call
to say “Hello” and that’s it. Literally, that’s it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here’s an
example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A possible work partner (PWP) calls me one
day after meeting me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “It’s so-and-so from
this-and-that, you remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: [Searching my brain for
a name with no luck.] “Oh yes, hello, how are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “I’m good. Just calling
to say ‘Hello.’”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “Okay, well hi.”[Awkward
silent pause.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “Alright, have a good
night.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “You too.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Ummmmmm…what?!
Was that really worth 100CFA? It’s a sweet thought, but really, come on Togo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The call just to
say “Hey” is definitely a cultural struggle for me. Sure after 16 months I’ve
learned to brush off the little things but every so often I do implement
Operation Screen Togolese Calls to bring a bit of peace to my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">No doubt this PC
Togo experience halts any desire to own a pager in America. And I think I can
live with that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-26265808036565813592012-10-20T13:13:00.001-04:002012-11-04T06:57:45.698-05:00Telephones, Cell Phones and Beeps<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I’ve never really
enjoyed talking on the phone. In fact, I loathed and feared it as a young
adult. During the awkward stage of braces, I begged my mom to call and schedule
all my orthodontist appointments and to top, I hid in my room hoping that
either my mom or dad called for pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In high school, I
rarely called my friends after school. It certainly wasn’t because I didn’t
like them, nor was it because I lacked friends. I simply just preferred /
continue to prefer one-on-one conversations. And I’d like to believe my close
high school friends knew I still liked them even though I rarely called. I also
tried to make up for it by chatting during extracurricular activities such as
yearbook, volleyball, French club, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In college, the
world of technology threw me a bone, and it wasn’t just because cell phones
were a must-have. It was because technological geniuses invented texting. What
a Godsend!! Of course there are texting maniacs who text on their phones—WITH
BOTH HANDS—as though they’re playing on a DS. This in itself is also the very
reason I have never owned a cell phone similar to a sidekick (or a flip phone
that opens up into a keyboard). Sorry if I offend those who own one but you
look like an idiot walking on the street, texting with both hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Togo, I
envisioned PCVs only using cell phones for emergencies or the occasional
freak-out call between PCVs. “Why am I here?!” “Two years? Holy shit?!” What?
PCVs don’t have freak-outs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
anyways, as to be expected, my ideas of PC life changed once I arrived in Togo.
Truthfully, PCVs text all the time. We text about work, social life, insects we
find in our houses, and even bowel movements. But this post isn’t about phone
interactions from PCV to PCV. This post—finally getting to the point—is about
Togolese communicating with PCVs via cell phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">How could it be
different? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Well, Togolese
beep. Beep? Think of your cell phone as a pager. Why do they beep? More often
than not, it’s because they don’t have enough phone credit—because most African
countries are on a pay-as-you-go system—to call or even text. OR…Togolese
assume that PCVs have money to return their beep with a phone call.
Unfortunately, as PCVs, we’re not exactly rolling in the dough, which some Togolese
understand but not all. No matter if they get it or not, it doesn’t stop me
from saying to a Togolese “PAS DE BEEPS!” if he or she asks for my number. I
once played this game of beep tag, which meant I played five rounds of a
Togolese beeping me and me returning the beep with a beep. Evening
entertainment if you will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">What else is
different?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Togolese call
just to say “Hey.” Sure, grandmothers and distant aunts call to catch up or
just say “Hey,” but here even strangers or random Togolese work partners call
to say “Hello” and that’s it. Literally, that’s it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Here’s an
example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A possible work partner (PWP) calls me one
day after meeting me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “It’s so-and-so from
this-and-that, you remember?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: [Searching my brain for
a name with no luck.] “Oh yes, hello, how are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “I’m good. Just calling
to say ‘Hello.’”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “Okay, well hi.”[Awkward
silent pause.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">PWP: “Alright, have a good
night.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 58.5pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me: “You too.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Ummmmmm…what?!
Was that really worth 100CFA? It’s a sweet thought, but really, come on Togo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The call just to
say “Hey” is definitely a cultural struggle for me. Sure after 16 months I’ve
learned to brush off the little things but every so often I do implement
Operation Screen Togolese Calls to bring a bit of peace to my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">No doubt this PC
Togo experience halts any desire to own a pager in America. And I think I can
live with that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-53842363925900229542012-10-06T18:20:00.000-04:002012-10-07T05:06:27.583-04:00A Surprise Weekend in Anfoin <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s expected of any volunteer in Togo who participates in a
conference (in another West African country) to present that which they learned
to PC Administration, i.e. the country director and program directors. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On what did I need to present? The Food Security Summit in
The Gambia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We put it off long enough due to conflicting schedules and a
summer packed with camps, rain and the training of new PCVs. But this weekend
dubbed “Now or never!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we set a date: Friday, September 28. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I of course bought my post bus tickets ahead of time—figured
if I didn’t have my iPod there was no way in Hell I’d take a bush-taxi.
Moreover, my good friend Katy Todd planned to return to Togo around the same
time after her vacation in America, thus I also bought her return ticket to
Dapaong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, life is rarely this easy and inevitably plans change.
A program director—we have four in country—called me the Monday before the
meeting and informed me the date and time of the meeting changed: Monday,
October 1 in the afternoon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What?!?!?! SURPRISE!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Needless to say, I was a bit crossed. Being that a
volunteer’s salary is by no means substantial, I simply couldn’t afford to
spend five nights in a hotel in Lomé in addition to 17,400CFA it costs to
travel south to north. And to top, I already purchased Katy’s tickets and <u>someone</u>
had to hand them to her in Lomé before the day the bus left, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So where did this leave me? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily, my partner for this presentation lives in Maritime;
and even better, he lives only an hour and a half away from the capital. So the
new plan was set: I took the post bus down on Thursday as scheduled, spent the
night in Lomé, took care of some business at the PC office, and made the trip
to Anfoin that is located near the border of Benin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traveling to Anfoin wasn’t difficult at all. I grabbed a
taxi to the bush-taxi station and much to my surprise I didn’t have to wait for
the car to fill up. As usual, in what was a five-seated vehicle, four women
including me squashed in the back seat and two others in the front passenger
seat. Although a small car often means a quick departure, I find the rides to
be less comfortable than riding in a larger, 15-passenger van. There’s bound to
be at least one side of my butt that goes numb, or an entire leg for that
matter. This trip was no exception. Once I reached Aneho, a town near Anfoin, I
switched to a moto—but first had to allow the blood to return to the entire
left side of my body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I love motos—just me,
the driver, and wind in my moto helmet. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What happened once I arrived in Anfoin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decompressed a bit, and then Ben and I walked through town
to get to a bar near a canal. The bar built a bar deck on the canal, so we
lounged on well made comfortable wooden seats and drank a couple beers. It was
perfect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A bonus to living <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">au
village</i> is host families oftentimes feed PCVs. After the bar, Ben and I
returned to his house to dine with his homologue/host dad/president of an NGO. That
night we ate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte</i> with great sauce
AND pasta with oil, tomatoes and onions AND sugared bread. It was delicious,
but I wanted to hurl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Volunteers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">au village</i>
generally have two rooms in their houses: One as a living room/kitchen/dinning
room, and the second as a bedroom with a small litpico equal to a twin-sized
bed. This meant I slept on the floor—though Ben offered his bed—and you know
you’ve become accustomed to life in a third-world country when a straw mat is so
comfortable you sleep like a baby. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, even after I overindulged on pasta and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte</i>, I was ready to eat again. Ben
heated up some water, arranged the necessities like oatmeal, sugar, honey, milk
powder, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moringa powder</i> and the
meal was set. The thing about eating chez other volunteers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">au village</i> is that if they’re those who don’t enjoy cooking, they
don’t have enough utensils for guests. This of course led me to eat my oatmeal
out of a large measuring cup and a plastic tablespoon. TIT (This is Togo)!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After breakfast and for most of the day, I worked on our
presentation scheduled for Monday. We wrote an outline that detailed the
purpose of the summit, activities and sessions, future plans, etc. We also
created a country action plan to use as a guide in order to effectively improve
food security in Togo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since Saturday was a workday, we had Sunday to party. And oh
did we party! It happened to be the town’s party of the year that Sunday. They
called it a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pique</i>-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nique</i>!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben and I were invited to a couple of his good friends’
houses—and these friends are more or less forty-year-old men. Since I was a
visitor from the north and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tchakpa</i> is
the local drink, I simple couldn’t refuse the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sodabe</i> from the south. In an hour, I took three shots of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sodabe</i>. It was good <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sodabe</i>, but I prefer <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tchakpa</i>.
We ate and ate and ate all morning until it was time to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">repos</i> and sleep off the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sodabe</i>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaP0XiDYmxKQ2MrYVR8Upq6Y9Y7gtdmV_6bhGMMIEYTjSHMCFnAaasY96-3kSwd9u76SyF9CxImYi1xgGQkwj3pUIyM5TDZuWnofxEjfnbXAb1pjd7aSJ80QD9LmQfHnkq9A9Q737V4s/s1600/IMG_5329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaP0XiDYmxKQ2MrYVR8Upq6Y9Y7gtdmV_6bhGMMIEYTjSHMCFnAaasY96-3kSwd9u76SyF9CxImYi1xgGQkwj3pUIyM5TDZuWnofxEjfnbXAb1pjd7aSJ80QD9LmQfHnkq9A9Q737V4s/s320/IMG_5329.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a shot I liked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJzbCWsn9Bw0VHvAMmFBipTBUZ1-oPBuuQwEsPuJ_M4nZEEvEXIdVbOG9PWJA_iF796agUUkJmJTqww0l5eYFl_ufMxpGYAcubdlyZhtxtih6kZ2_gWrqDHvKIBovkv0H5B-lUvrvZZ8/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJzbCWsn9Bw0VHvAMmFBipTBUZ1-oPBuuQwEsPuJ_M4nZEEvEXIdVbOG9PWJA_iF796agUUkJmJTqww0l5eYFl_ufMxpGYAcubdlyZhtxtih6kZ2_gWrqDHvKIBovkv0H5B-lUvrvZZ8/s320/IMG_5333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Ben's good friends gifted me more than 30 oranges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGBIWE6fK-nHUa6JIQX9N-E9Wic_n3_bOjjMDx5a3cl0KaNHzxc5T8VMgdZe_LDFdSkQmzJ2NspTZrw9I3-6eZmPxIYY6tbRJOIxlAETPr7KBrRrgtYk2N2Ae9FsozNwHXEPzDpJiH04/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGBIWE6fK-nHUa6JIQX9N-E9Wic_n3_bOjjMDx5a3cl0KaNHzxc5T8VMgdZe_LDFdSkQmzJ2NspTZrw9I3-6eZmPxIYY6tbRJOIxlAETPr7KBrRrgtYk2N2Ae9FsozNwHXEPzDpJiH04/s320/IMG_5334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, we drank wine out of a shot glass. Tis how we roll!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaksJd2ZLz_Qr5PFQ6fXj1poItwHz5AhFhb7CtQ2WSAgPOVNCkL5KVjTSIfeb2Lg8dJWxfrHfVLh0UbHJQVm6e3Pqsqvn9i9wSgzpOsnS0LHXoOAxuqPIi2Yj_twe1N9_D_wFuC4EnEg/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaksJd2ZLz_Qr5PFQ6fXj1poItwHz5AhFhb7CtQ2WSAgPOVNCkL5KVjTSIfeb2Lg8dJWxfrHfVLh0UbHJQVm6e3Pqsqvn9i9wSgzpOsnS0LHXoOAxuqPIi2Yj_twe1N9_D_wFuC4EnEg/s320/IMG_5331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since Ben didn't eat a lot of the first course, I told his friends they had to make him eat all of his second course. No mercy. Ha, life's a bitch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-J9DskDv6NiOXUM-UJUUmOoli_O04KM5Y_p1KrY2IdHikzoU7-OaWjRkhSnlxWPCMThkkMN3c7LYecZ5ZvzZ3DpuVAibGiU2y1hOYCQxhHqwdTZq-bnjaFNYb7ainuMxZslALQPWoNM/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-J9DskDv6NiOXUM-UJUUmOoli_O04KM5Y_p1KrY2IdHikzoU7-OaWjRkhSnlxWPCMThkkMN3c7LYecZ5ZvzZ3DpuVAibGiU2y1hOYCQxhHqwdTZq-bnjaFNYb7ainuMxZslALQPWoNM/s320/IMG_5332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the right, one of Ben's besties. Yeah, we tend to hang with people twice our age or more. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall it was a great night, a new PCV from a nearby
village biked over and we made sangria with freshly squeezed orange juice. We
also ate too much banana bread that I have no intention of making it for a
looooooooooong time. But it was delicious. Thanks Ben!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I would have preferred to spend just a couple of
nights in the maritime region, it was a pleasant weekend and I experienced yet
another town in Togo. And in case you were wondering…the presentation with
Country Director Carolina Cardona and the program directors went very well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until next time… <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-8245605943239440172012-09-10T10:14:00.000-04:002012-09-20T04:31:43.193-04:00MANGEONS: An African Civility<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In English, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mangeons—</i>pronounced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mAH-zh-OH</i>—translates to “Let’s eat!” It’s courteous, its brother is
“Bon appétit!” and it’s <u>very</u> African.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Truthfully, this
phrase isn’t exclusive to French-speaking African countries. Lili and
Jean-Claude Maupoint, my host parents in France, said it often—even though I
prepared my meals, Lili always offered a taste of French cuisine. So how does
one distinguish France from Togo? It’s simple. The courtesy is open to anyone
and everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">In Togo, the
phrase is said to whomever, wherever and whenever. It’s spoken without
reservation, meaning if I buy fruit from a woman in the market and she happens
to be eating <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte </i>with peanut sauce
and says “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mangeons</i>!” Well, no problem if I do
just that and snag a bite of her food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Within a Togolese
abode, it’s no secret that the size of a traditional family far exceeds that of
most American families. It also comes as no surprise that more family members
imply more mouths to feed. “What’s mine is yours,” an expression that is
oftentimes taken literally. In most households, the mother prepares a sizable
casserole of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâte</i> along with one
large bowl of sauce and the entire family gathers in a circle surrounding the meal
and they dive right in, preferably with clean hands. No plates, no cutlery, no
hesitation to share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The purpose of
this post is to acknowledge a civility I appreciate in Togo, and not to reveal
a lack of propriety on the part of Americans. It’s a cultural difference. In
New York subway cars, for example, never did I see someone in a car with
something to eat or drink—be it a coffee, a smoothie, a hot dog, a McDonald’s
cheeseburger or a banana—and offer a taste to everyone in the car. The Paris
metro is just the same. Surely the majority of Americans grow up with basic
manners, i.e. they learn to say please and thank you, apologize if accidently
push or bump into someone, etc. Most of us know the meaning of share.
Undoubtedly, for some it takes longer to master than for others or for some it
means everything can be shared and taken (MOOCHERS!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This in mind, how
often do we [Americans] share with strangers? Similar to France, there in lies
a cultural difference between Togo and America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A quick story</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Yesterday I
traveled from Sokodé to Dapaong. It was a long travel day, which started at 9AM
and ended at 9:40PM. The ride was like every other bush-taxi ride: people
packed into a vehicle like sardines in a can, people complained about the heat,
women breastfed their babies (seven on this trip), men blasted artist Too Fan
on their cell phones, taxi broke down for 30 minutes, etc. So what made this
trip and others like it bearable? An iPod and little pleasantries like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mangeons</i>. As I waited four hours for the
taxi to fill up, a man offered me a banana, another man offered tea, and a young
hip woman (one I sat beside the entire trip) offered rice and beans with tomato
sauce, eggs, water and a banana. I didn’t have much to offer, but since the
woman was kind enough to hold onto my iPod while I slept (so it didn’t fall on
the floor), I shared my headphones and we jammed to Lady Gaga and Rihanna. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Questions??<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Must one accept a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mangeons</i>? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Nope.
It’s there for the taking. If you want to, go ahead, and if you don’t, just say
“Thank you!”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Does one always have to say it?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> No, but it’s polite. Not all Togolese say it, but most do and they respect foreigners who do as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Will I bring it back stateside?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> Good question. Soon find out. ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Have I ever accepted a <i>mangeons</i> from a stranger?</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> Yep, sure have!! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><b>Dishes I plan to bring back stateside? </b>See photos below. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60DksCoh3ZTxIntv4AMXdGUCirT3Mr5YHYQOq0un9BHvmkquNlw3xgAYIZbOtd2j6wogypKKmCui64edKHNivpYRZ8EuqD97lgttwFtlWX2yuUsdGZKpIELQ3Bj4fmDThmlszQW1BFDc/s1600/P1050650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60DksCoh3ZTxIntv4AMXdGUCirT3Mr5YHYQOq0un9BHvmkquNlw3xgAYIZbOtd2j6wogypKKmCui64edKHNivpYRZ8EuqD97lgttwFtlWX2yuUsdGZKpIELQ3Bj4fmDThmlszQW1BFDc/s320/P1050650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy: Rebekah Chang<br />
<br />
Kalma, ground beans with peppered salt, onion and oil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBu3Cy3-tjdU2rQS88A1wgkbesrGyD01-GiUW7iYSQldR-1CDGb_NX6B0bRTFH8DEL5uUxS-Q8iP5H45zMZsIYYvCpcQxksQemEyxz2FvpHUHKjMrnQlSLjKJ0E_O4UL1AqczmcOmAj4/s1600/P1050656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBu3Cy3-tjdU2rQS88A1wgkbesrGyD01-GiUW7iYSQldR-1CDGb_NX6B0bRTFH8DEL5uUxS-Q8iP5H45zMZsIYYvCpcQxksQemEyxz2FvpHUHKjMrnQlSLjKJ0E_O4UL1AqczmcOmAj4/s320/P1050656.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy: Rebekah Chang<br />
<br />
Rice balls with peanut sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-49344165762167770092012-08-04T18:27:00.001-04:002012-08-04T18:27:19.048-04:00En Gambie<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">In my 25 years, I’ve never
travelled to another country strictly for business. The week I spent in The
Gambia, several locals asked me if I was interested in a safari to which I
replied, “Sorry, I don’t have time. I’m here on business.” Ha! I’ve always
wanted to say that and Peace Corps gave me the opportunity. Sweet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">Why did I go to The Gambia?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">I, along with fellow PCV
Benjamin Bogardus, was invited to attend the West African Food Security Summit.
The summit was scheduled to be in Mali, but with the coup (and evacuation of
Peace Corps), The Gambia was next in line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">FOOD SECURITY. It’s a
buzzword PCVs know well. But what does it mean? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: Futura;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Food
security is the existence of safe, nutritious food for all people at all times
and a food system (a community’s means of food production, distribution, and
consumption) that protects people and promotes their culture, economy and
environment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">PC TOGO Food Security Task Force<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">Food is life in Togo. Of
course, food is life everywhere. Everyone needs to eat. But in Togo, food <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IS</i> life. Agriculture is the primary
occupation of the population. Food is the topic of discussion at every tchouk,
tchakpa or sodabé stand no matter if women, men or children are present. If it
rains, farmers thank their Gods—not because it’s hot and they want to cool
down, but because they know their produce gets the nourishment it needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">What’s the problem in Togo?
To list a few:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">Unaffordable food prices:
seasonal price rises, etc. Land use and farm labor arrangements; sharecropping.
Unequal food distribution within a household (certain family members receive
less or lower-quality food such as young girls and children). Chronic
malnutrition (particularly in the north). Unaffordable protein sources (tofu,
meat, eggs, etc). Food borne diseases resulting from poor sanitation during
food preparation. Access to food crop preservation and storage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">How did the summit help
with food security in West Africa? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">The summit, itself, offered
PCVs from eight West African countries (i.e. Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Togo) a chance to exchange information on food
security and network. Every country had something to offer at the summit; be it
creative food transformations (Moringa juice, soy bread, etc), camp ideas for
kids (Eco-Action) or in-depth trainings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">It wasn’t all work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;">The summit also gave us the
chance to experience The Gambia. Along with our tour guides (Gambian PCVs), we
explored the markets of Banjul. We tasted exotic fruits like jackfruit. We walked
along the beautiful SeneGambia beach and took a field trip to the Kumu Kunda
Bee-Keeping Initiative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Futura;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroo_l_ZJ22cdfAlUGbkwI9G8Ao97k-_-Ynz46RkVSZOkwrePa96uM0SO_-qD6BnD4BryuFtjn7xvogF-U3sS8PK_35yjAldB_hLxIkhjTJwowKxWIV0lSVisNAy7PmWOAYdyUJqQGXc8/s1600/487702_10100866750117638_509628846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroo_l_ZJ22cdfAlUGbkwI9G8Ao97k-_-Ynz46RkVSZOkwrePa96uM0SO_-qD6BnD4BryuFtjn7xvogF-U3sS8PK_35yjAldB_hLxIkhjTJwowKxWIV0lSVisNAy7PmWOAYdyUJqQGXc8/s320/487702_10100866750117638_509628846_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Eating a jackfruit. It was delicious!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Futura; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It was a phenomenal trip. I bonded with PCVs from seven other West
African countries. We laughed. We celebrated American Independence together. We
ate well. We drank Julbrew…the ONLY beer in The Gambia. Above all, we became
cognizant of the magnitude of food insecurities in West Africa and the
importance of regional collaboration. </span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-77641734480897385382012-07-29T17:23:00.001-04:002012-07-30T16:04:28.398-04:00More Than Just A Cultural Exchange<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">My grandmother,
Celeste Strong, recently sent me a letter to which she posed several questions
pertaining to PCV work—and one question took precedence over all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do
you have to be on call at certain times or <u>are you on duty 24 hours a day</u>?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The former US
Ambassador to Togo gave the answer to this question my first week in country: We
are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">technically</i> on duty 24/7. We are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">essentially</i> US representatives, US (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">petits</i>) ambassadors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We may not be
educating our communities 24/7—we need sleep like everyone else—but we make<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> un grand effort</i> to shine a positive
light on America and it’s often hard work. But what do we do really? Or more
importantly what do I do, right?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I’m quite certain
there are some curious cats that would like to know about my work activities in
country (and outside). Am I wrong? I sure hope not! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">So here’s what
I’ve been doing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">WORLD MAP PROJECT <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">With my site mate
Katy Todd, I worked with a small group of elementary students at EPP Worgou in
Dapaong and painted a large world map on an outside wall of the school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">WELL-BEING CONFERENCE IN SAGBIEBOU<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Originally
organized by a CHAP PCV in 2011, the village decided to make this conference
annual (SUSTAINABILITY!) and requested PCVs and HCNs to present a topic of
their choice. Since my Togolese counterpart presented on family planning
methods and CHAP PCV Maggie McRae did condom demonstrations, I focused on the
benefits of family planning. More specifically, I explained the ways in which a
smaller family size benefits everyone, more resources for each member of the
family—food, money, clothes, housing, water, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">WOMEN’S GROUP IN DAPAONG<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Nutrition. I love
it; I teach it; and I live it. In June and July, I led a nutrition talk with a
women’s group in Nassablé, Dapaong. Most of the women are in their 50s or late
60s, thus I discussed the importance of calcium, low-sodium intake, hydration
(especially during hot season), etc. They also requested a talk on what
qualifies as a balanced diet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">CHAP TOOLKIT REVISION 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Each program
sector has a book complete with a plethora of resources for PCVs to use (if
they so desire) at post. An editorial team of six PCVs (including one PCVL)
revised the toolkit for the new CHAP trainees who arrived this month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE (FSTF)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">An increasing population, environmental
degradation, and gender disparities have led to the current food security
crisis in Togo. There are seven members of FSTF, which include PCVs from all
four sectors. Each member has his own role, and I work on public relations and
communication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">FOOD SECURITY SUMMIT 2012 (THE GAMBIA)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">EAFS
PCV Benjamin Bogardus and I recently had the opportunity to network and
exchange information at the Food Security Summit in Banjul, The Gambia with
PCVs and staff from eight other West Africa Food Security Partnership (WAFSP)
countries: Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, and Mali.
Through sessions and informal exchanges, we learned about the food security
activities happening in other countries and formed some recommendations for
moving forward in Togo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">MID-SERVICE CONFERENCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">That’s right.
Halfway there! This conference was an excellent opportunity for PCVs from each
sector, i.e. EAFS, CHAP, GEE and SED, to showcase their activities in a
three-day work fair. It also gave PCVs a chance to refine their skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">SITE DEVELOPMENT IN PANA (SAVANNAH)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Proper site
development is crucial before the arrival of a PCV. If a community is seriously
committed to receive a PCV—which entails a community-donated house for the PCV
that also meets PC requirements—then the site is accepted. PCVs often help
APCDs with site development and I helped with the site development of a village
near Dapaong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">CAMP ECO-ACTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Togo has many
camps, however, this environmental camp had its début this July. I was a
counselor for girls’ week. I led informative lectures/trainings on nutrition,
composting, improved cook stoves, and soy bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">HOUSE MANAGER OF A WORKSTATION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">There are two
workstations in Togo: one in Atakpamé (Plateau) and the other in Dapaong
(Savannah). I am the new house manager for the Dapaong workstation. Yay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">AGRICULTURAL TRADE FAIR 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Economic
development in Togo largely depends on improving sustenance farming and
agricultural information exchange. This fair gives individual farmers and
agricultural producers a venue to showcase locally produced products and open
new marketing and networking opportunities. I am a scout for the fair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Well, that's what been happening chez moi. Next blog will include more information on the Food Security Summit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-31937793631825471632012-06-24T10:31:00.000-04:002012-06-24T10:34:05.963-04:00Food Security Summit 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you might have read on Facebook approximately one month ago, I am invited to attend the West African Food Security Summit in The Gambia. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The invitation was surreal to say the least, but now that the date is quickly approaching I thought you'd like to know a few specifics. Yes?</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>When</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">July 2 - 6.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Summit Goal</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Assemble PCVs and Food Security Points of Contact to West Africa Food Security Summit in order to encourage, train and equip them to effectively improve regional food security and successfully engage in the West African Food Security Partnership.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Objectives</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inform PCVs on the context, function and components of the West Africa Food Security Partnership.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Train PCVs on Monitoring & Evaluation, Communication, Branding & Marketing, and Environmental Impact Analysis.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disfunction, creation, roles and management of PCV Food Security Task Force.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Train and equip PCVs to create or further strengthen a national PCV Food Security Task Force in their respective countries.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brainstorm and facilitate linkages between countries in order to benefit from the region approach's synergies and complementarities. Discuss communication needs and develop conceptual solutions.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>What will I do</u>?</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With my colleague, Benjamin Bogardus, I will do a 15-minute presentation on Togo (e.g. geography, demographics, key challenges); on Togo's food security program/activities and achievements; and on food security-related technologies or techniques used in your country by PCVs. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><u>Where</u>?</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the safety of myself and others, I will not disclose the location of the summit. For friends and family members, please send a request for further information. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will, however, inform you that I'll leave Lome on Friday, June 29 to Cotonou, Benin. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to uploading pictures and sharing stories!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wish me luck.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-76573183665279950732012-06-03T12:12:00.003-04:002012-06-03T12:13:32.187-04:00One Down, One TO GO: Hard to ignore the cravings<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My one-year anniversary in country is today. Needless to
say, in the last couple of days, cravings and fantasies occupy the majority of
my thoughts–e.g. takeout (or delivery), bacon, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hot</i> running water, everything bagel with veggie-light cream cheese,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good</i> coffee, Subway (Spicy Italian
foot-long sub on Italian herbs and cheese bread), high-healed shoes, movie
theaters, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real </i>Chinese food, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new</i> music, my old wardrobe, cereal <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">other than</i> Corn Flakes, etc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Really, fantasizing and craving the little things from home
is inevitable no matter how long you’ve been away. I find food cravings to be
quite random, surprising if you will. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chez
nous</i>, some people may stick up their noses at JIF peanut butter, Idahoan
instant mashed potatoes and Kraft macaroni and cheese, but here… receiving
packages filled with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">n’importe quoi</i>
“is like opening presents on Christmas Day,” says Emily Goldsmith (NRM PCV).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rMAgV4U-WKWavUtPvNAQnuCBD60JrwPlxBJpfN450Iy0Oud6cSi_1zHhPsWzxkdfjY8izHWTqUoXjrEdLwz6WQDgD4FZh2C4gq2fN-NnxE3o8j5nt0g85yrukknf2H5mkypRlimtc4/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rMAgV4U-WKWavUtPvNAQnuCBD60JrwPlxBJpfN450Iy0Oud6cSi_1zHhPsWzxkdfjY8izHWTqUoXjrEdLwz6WQDgD4FZh2C4gq2fN-NnxE3o8j5nt0g85yrukknf2H5mkypRlimtc4/s320/DSC_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pre-PCVs may repulse at the thought of consuming processed
foods stateside, but here…there’s no shame in any consumption<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>of JELL-O, Oreos, Crystal Light drink
mix packets, instant pudding, tuna in a can, pizza crust mix (just add water),
etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JELL-O? Who eats JELL-O here?!” asks PCV Maggie Person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I bow my head and clench my teeth I respond, “Um, I do.”
[I have a fridge.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I went through a pound of Velveeta in less than a week. My
parents were disgusted,” adds Goldsmith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do what we have to do to remain in country. We do what we
have to do to stay sane—sometimes that entails increasing our processed-food
intake; sometimes that entails major movie marathons; sometimes than entails
reading month-old gossip magazines; sometimes that entails dance parties with
questionable dance moves; sometimes yoga or morning runs are the answers to our
prayers; and sometimes speaking to locals in English is THE stress reliever (Ha
You can’t understand me. Sucker!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I highly doubt these cravings will subside in my
next and last year in Togo—if anything I’ll have even more—this year sure flew
by and I’m ecstatic to blaze through the next 12 months with or without JELL-O.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS – Not everything we’re gifted is amazing. Although it was
fun to design, this gingerbread cookie was gross. We were still grateful because
it gave us something different to do. So thank you!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAk-KqS7LbCEl9prV7MsP49wa-X3eSa7__xrydL4HwNrnYD3VAmCxXXLTiyxBsi5dipQ7AApzAfSmkdpF5fVDzc_G2ugmcb7b-jXKiAivwBRO5puqxjLc-ocboq6NBoi4EkuaSamU1zc/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAk-KqS7LbCEl9prV7MsP49wa-X3eSa7__xrydL4HwNrnYD3VAmCxXXLTiyxBsi5dipQ7AApzAfSmkdpF5fVDzc_G2ugmcb7b-jXKiAivwBRO5puqxjLc-ocboq6NBoi4EkuaSamU1zc/s320/IMG_4831.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-64025178693730715842012-05-16T15:21:00.001-04:002012-05-16T17:11:02.921-04:00What makes me smile in Togo?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For whatever
reason, friends and family question whether or not I am happy in Togo. Yes, The
Land of The Free has a great deal to offer: equality among men and women,
reliable electricity, wireless Internet (Oh how I want that!), coffee shops, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;">Häagen</em>-Dazs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Five ice cream (lemon flavor), and bratwursts. Although after
almost a year of living in Togo—even without its NYC-style hot dog stands and
McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches (Judge all you want! I don’t care.)—it still
manages to make me smile. The happy-or-not inquiry is usually followed by, “I
am not </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>un</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">happy.” And it is the truth. Peace Corps Togo
is an experience for which I asked. Peace Corps Togo, though at times quite a
challenge (culturally, physically and intellectually), is unlike anything else
I have ever come across in all of my travels. And that, friends and family,
makes me happy.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are, of
course, other little Togolese idiosyncrasies that either prompts a smile, a
mini surge of laughter, or a snicker with a headshake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what makes me
smile?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sound of my
neighbor’s wife sweeping the compound outside my house early in the morning</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The scenery</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUriUaf6vkVjWPSdAHJdIs2_4dNyKiN6Y3Akqd2wx1rEuVayvjJWBcjr2Yr2-BEu-cv2eXx_I6Yg1jO0E5-953KriloZEccLQso-cr8sl5nw_BezYYOovVn3IISUPNS0dqoPiJJUTZXk/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUriUaf6vkVjWPSdAHJdIs2_4dNyKiN6Y3Akqd2wx1rEuVayvjJWBcjr2Yr2-BEu-cv2eXx_I6Yg1jO0E5-953KriloZEccLQso-cr8sl5nw_BezYYOovVn3IISUPNS0dqoPiJJUTZXk/s320/IMG_0591.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Katy Todd</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lããfie</i>!” “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lããfie</i>!” “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lããfie</i>!” from
the street, which is simply women and men greeting one another quickly on their
way to work</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biking around the
city—working in a sense—and someone yells, “Yendoutien!” I turn my head and
slow down to see who has called my name and realize a friend wants me to sit
and drink tchakpa. The best is when this happens before noon</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Togolese fashion
sense and older women</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-lR00iuKvT5EC6L2iOHEx9RJV3twL1yHSfenvA99pH4g9PFPRy0h7A4Tz1y63ry5hbkDbg3iLzyufVFYSCWTSro7HdvqVxjR3DP0-sVpT_JdI3gRb4WOQxC1jV-ilyJ_Tvuuc7Y-bKk/s1600/IMG_0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-lR00iuKvT5EC6L2iOHEx9RJV3twL1yHSfenvA99pH4g9PFPRy0h7A4Tz1y63ry5hbkDbg3iLzyufVFYSCWTSro7HdvqVxjR3DP0-sVpT_JdI3gRb4WOQxC1jV-ilyJ_Tvuuc7Y-bKk/s320/IMG_0658.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Katy Todd</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passing donkeys
on the street while biking</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taxi-motorcycle
drivers sleeping horizontally on their bikes (anytime of the day)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truck drivers
taking naps under semis on the highway because it is the only place with shade</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eating spicy
spaghetti at 8am</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking naps on
the floor </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P71DEzMgwkWBEPL6HUkOjq4ITSny6nlWouKfmYB2K2vxgqX6FDc9fTRweDyq-HosIv3VvUIkMgLXirTv8BtQQSE8J6LUHE2lmmS7fzguvEV_CPlULZjIPoAXoJvpGSly1g7nEBSmGs8/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P71DEzMgwkWBEPL6HUkOjq4ITSny6nlWouKfmYB2K2vxgqX6FDc9fTRweDyq-HosIv3VvUIkMgLXirTv8BtQQSE8J6LUHE2lmmS7fzguvEV_CPlULZjIPoAXoJvpGSly1g7nEBSmGs8/s320/IMG_4547.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having
conversations with people while biking on the street</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An older woman at
the market who sells only grapefruit and limes—we greet one another with the
standard greeting but she is so kindhearted and she gives me great deals on
grapefruit</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Achu, my site
mate’s dog, is very strange (but cute) and whines every time I see him even if
it’s only been 24 hours since I last saw him</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women offering
their sons to me for marriage</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passed out PCVs
from either too much sun, too much work or too much… </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkRZi4ZOukSGBABkP6Jo9FGV99PdZdrEHC-LOGRPIKVRvWnMqBkN5jFp4bXNrxxZgSnGZXNN8qe6mcrF6bsZU_2QwezmgUpZ21_OE56xBi8d1C5WLSFcbPjm1rlz3ovjOhb31pxnNt2I/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkRZi4ZOukSGBABkP6Jo9FGV99PdZdrEHC-LOGRPIKVRvWnMqBkN5jFp4bXNrxxZgSnGZXNN8qe6mcrF6bsZU_2QwezmgUpZ21_OE56xBi8d1C5WLSFcbPjm1rlz3ovjOhb31pxnNt2I/s320/IMG_0679.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People telling me
I am too old (at 25) not to be married</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing all the
items motorcycle drivers attach to their motorcycles</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuGeznGuPRs-nrnk65QaUW1PorFWItCqrAV_eue_2XAZcgMPPr6fggg_IFMbotAYPNFn9giXm6-MLG9yHzHvGxaFCnya16SukgFnfqBoCz-y8q4rdhwkIzBWZWp_aKhjYBYkRiLYl89w/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuGeznGuPRs-nrnk65QaUW1PorFWItCqrAV_eue_2XAZcgMPPr6fggg_IFMbotAYPNFn9giXm6-MLG9yHzHvGxaFCnya16SukgFnfqBoCz-y8q4rdhwkIzBWZWp_aKhjYBYkRiLYl89w/s320/IMG_0668.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Cred: Katy Todd</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say
these are not the only tidbits of Togo that make me grin from ear to ear…just
happens often enough to make me remember. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inevitably I will
add to this list once more spring to mind, or, that is, the next time I smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time…</span></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-44274147766043550082012-05-08T17:44:00.002-04:002012-05-08T17:47:53.237-04:00Bike Accident in Togo<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Some days you just never
know what will happen. And later, perhaps you wonder if you had done things
differently—left your house a little later (or earlier), taken other means of
transportation, encountered different people—you might have avoided an
accident. (Ever seen Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow? Great movie.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Yesterday was one of those
days. Yesterday, a motorcycle hit another motorcycle and the latter hit me
while I was biking. Luckily, I was wearing my helmet—as PCVs should. And
luckily, only my left side received injuries, i.e. a large bruise on my thigh,
a mini bruise on my hip, scratches and a couple deep gashes on my arm and foot.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Why was I biking? I needed
to buy mangoes, avocadoes and tomatoes from the market. I also wanted to buy
carrots but none of the carrot mamas were out selling—GIRL CAN’T GET A BREAK!
Or is carrot season ending? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: Candara;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">I first thought I lucked
out because I was just leaving the market when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tout à coup </i>a moto in front of me decided to turn around without
looking behind him and I almost T-boned him—not that I really would have done
any damage. What the heck, man?! Shortly there after, while biking on the main
road the same moto passed me and the idiot said, “Pardonnez-moi.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes, thanks for almost killing me, you jerk.
But, apology accepted. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">About 200 yards later, the
fun really began. I don’t really understand how it happened. Perhaps moto man
#1 was drunk, or maybe he just doesn’t know how to drive—this is the case more
often than not. But the handle of moto man #2 hit my bike handle just enough
and caused me to tip over and slide on my left side a few feet. Moto man #2 fell just the same but the
damage to his moto was far worse than my bike. Although he had fewer scratches,
so I could give two shits about his moto. Ha! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">People were nice and
helped me up, asked if I was okay, and examined my bike for any irreparable
damages. At first, I was fine; I was more pissed off than anything else. So I
got on my bike and continued home to take care of my wounds. Didn’t want any
infections!!!! On my return trip, things changed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">I almost got home when I
started felling a little light-headed, begun to pedal slowly, and the
countryside had a grey and white overtone. It was then I decided it was time to
pull over. I sat on the side of the road for a bit, breathed slowly, calmed my
nerves, and then I called my neighbor to come help me get home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">Long story short, I’m
fine. I immediately hopped in the shower, rinsed off my wounds, applied triple
antibiotic cream where it was needed, slapped on (not really) a few Band-Aids,
and made some juice to ease the shock (sugar helps).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara;">What did I learn? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Candara;">There’s a
reason helmets were invented.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Candara;">Men, too, do
not know how to drive, so don’t generalize and say only women are horrible
drivers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Candara;">I’m lucky
there weren’t any serious injuries.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Candara;">Shit happens and
it’s not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>really</u></i> Togo’s fault.
Ha ha.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Candara;"> Want to see the battle scars?? Continue below.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-44974252553604970782012-05-02T18:26:00.000-04:002012-05-03T17:30:50.678-04:00Premier Mai<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christophe
DJIKOUTIKE, my Togolese counterpart, is one of the few people I’ve met in
Dapaong who just <u>gets it</u>. He fully understands Peace Corps Volunteers are not
sent to cities and villages to give sizeable donations, to give <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cadeaux</i> similar to those millions have
received on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Oprah Show</i>, etc. He
gets that we are here to educate, to exchange cultural ideas and ideals, and to
hopefully improve life in Togo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At 7:54am, I received a text from Christophe. He officially invited Katy and I to
celebrate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">le Premier Mai</i> with he and
his wife Martine—a woman half his age and twice his size. Niiiiiiiiice,
Christophe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Nice.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At first I was hesitant to accept. Katy and I had already
accepted two other invitations and we knew very well that such invitations
would include food, drinks and dancing. Accepting the invitation was an
absolute confirmation that our stomachs would despise us by the end of the day. End
of the day??? No. That’s not correct. By the end of the afternoon!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So what did we do? We accepted. Boom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank goodness I ate a hand full of mixed nuts and a mango
for breakfast!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>ROUND ONE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katy and I arrived at Christophe’s house shortly after 11.
Christophe was out in search of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">la soupe
de bon mil</i> (a.k.a. good tchakpa), so Katy and I sat outside, stared off
into space and occasionally came back to reality to admire the art of pounding
yams. Fufu was on the menu. Score!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So…yes, we ate fufu with a tomato sauce and beef. I often
enjoy dining <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chez Christophe</i> because
in addition to everything else he gets, he is fully aware of our disgust to
stomach lining. Or is that just me? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I had nearly finished my plate when Christophe said, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, il faut ajouter.</i>” (Oh, it’s
important to add.) Ummm…Christophe. I did tell you we had another lunch
scheduled with Katy’s homologue. Did he listen? Nope! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, he gets a kick out of my
sassy personality. So when I took the serving spoon from his hand and cut
Katy’s second helping of fufu in half to split between us he just smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course we couldn’t leave his house without taking a
pitcher of tchakpa!!! I guess we were just hoping we could. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>ROUND TWO:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We wanted to walk off some of our food before our second
date, with Katy’s homologue. That, however, did not happen. First, we were so
full we could barely breathe let alone walk a mile. Second, we were running a
little late. Pfpfpfpf…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">l’heure africaine</i>…we’re
never late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So we took motos. Before mounting the moto, my friend
Robert walked up to say and confirm our date later. We confirmed and then told
him we left tchakpa on Katy’s porch and he was welcome to take it and share
with others. Little did we know…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katy and I arrived at our second destination with no
desire to continue consuming liquids and food. But what were we to do? Say no.
Yeah, that would have gone over well! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We ate soup—but really it was tomato sauce—spaghetti and
enough meat to fulfill my protein intake for the week. We struggled. I finished
slightly more than half my plate but wanted to vomit. That was it. I was done.
At least for an hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Round
Three, we decided to walk (instead of taking motos) back to Katy’s house. No
doubt I was waddling either like a penguin or a pregnant woman in her third
trimester. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The hour we had to rinse off and GO HORIZONTAL (i.e. lie
on a mat) was sufficient enough. Well, kind of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>ROUND THREE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Since our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rendezvous</i>
was scheduled for 16h, we figured food might not be involved. Damn it. We were
so wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We met our favorite seamstress at Bar Obama. That’s right.
Obama! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As soon as we walked up to the table, it was
unmistakable…plates, cutlery and giant cooler. They waited to eat with us.
Balls!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Couscous, chicken and beer. Need I write more? No. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Following the day’s pattern, we ate and we drank, but this
time we danced. Togolese always get a kick out of foreigners doing the Moba
dance. Of course, I didn’t expect everyone at the bar to stare at me while I
danced. And somewhere in the middle of all the dancing I got a marriage
proposal from a man whose wife sat right next to him and she accepted me too.
Yikes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I could write more, but just enjoy the photos below (Give me a couple of days. Internet is pretty terrible today.). It
was a good day. We had some laughs, we ate lot, and we drank a lot. Reminded me
of Thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Candara; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-67465785178982855252012-04-29T13:53:00.000-04:002012-04-29T13:53:17.564-04:00Conference in Sagbiebou, Savanes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Last year, PCV
Superstar Lizzy Dupont planed, organized and directed a two-day conference – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conférence pour Mieux Vivre dans Notre
Communauté</i> – in her village. The conference, even though a success,
exhausted Lizzy and she had no intention of leading it again. Inspired by Lizzy’s
efforts and the benefits of the 2011 conference, people in her community
decided to make it annual with or without Lizzy. Whoa. SUSTAINABILITY! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And like all PCVs
in Togo, I received an invitation to present at this year’s conference on April
28. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Although each
presenter had the right to choose his or her topic, Lizzy kindly requested that
I present on family planning; my homologue to explain methods of contraception;
and PCV Maggie McRae to demonstrate proper utilization of condoms. We accepted.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Most Togolese
adults have at least heard of family planning – the words, the definition or
the importance. At the conference, I focused my presentation on the future, the
advantages of family planning (i.e. fewer children equals more resources for
each family member). Americans often consider the future, set goals, have
dreams, etc. Togolese, in contrast, seldom mull over the future and it’s a
setback. The average Togolese take each day one day at a time. Thankfully, this
mentality is slowly beginning to change. More and more high school students
dream, even plan on attending university after graduation. Moreover, recently
wedded couples no longer desire a family complete with 10+ children. Yes, some
might comprehend the importance of family planning, but regular presentations
and trainings are imperative. Similar to Togolese education, repetition is key
to memorization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We [Maggie, my
homologue, a Togolese volunteer and I] left Dapaong early afternoon and headed
south on a bush taxi. Conference organizers had called both Maggie and I the
day before and urged us to arrive at the school in Sagbiebou before 5pm. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why?</i> Because each presenter was assigned
to a host family in village and it’s proper to arrive before dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This was when the
fun began. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Spending the
night Chez No Clue often reminds me of boarding blind at university. You must
know what I mean. Those awkward first days of discovering one another’s quirks,
habits, personalities (multiple for some) and etiquettes…ring any bells?? Well
in a foreign country, it’s fairly similar only it’s A LOT more awkward—especially
if your stay doesn’t exceed 24 hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Surprisingly, I’ve
become accustomed to uncomfortable situations and random encounters. I suppose
I have Togo to thank. Thank you Togo! Friday, April 27 was just another day,
another random yet amusing experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We arrived at the
school in Sagbiebou shortly before 5pm. After having been told the family assigned
to host me, a guide led me to the house in BFE. It was very considerate of the
organizers to guide presenters to their designated families. Can’t imagine
anything more painful than to walk up to a house and say to the owners “Hello,
I’m sleeping here tonight.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I stayed with the
village pastor, Pasteur KOMBATE, although I don’t think I actually met him. I
spoke to his wife mostly. She was sweet and lovely, a classic African big mama.
And she was Moba! For what limited Moba I know, she got a kick out of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After first
introductions – How is your family? Children? Husband? Work? Health? – the mom
offered me a chair. I sat and stared off into space for several minutes while
the family prepared my room. It’s not unusual for a family to offer up an
entire room, even their own bedroom for guests, especially Caucasian guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">To my surprise,
the room had a bed and a chair. Nice! They also sprayed some sort of perfume in
the room. I couldn’t help but wonder what scent they hoped to cover up. Ah
well. Shortly there after, I set my personal belongings on the bed and returned
to my chair outside and watched. If you’re not a people watcher, don’t come to
Africa. It’s not only an art but also life! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
did I watch?</i> Everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Since it rained
early that day, I watched as one daughter scoop out stagnant water from holes
in the compound floor. I gaped at the beautifully built mud houses, terrains
made of compacted red gravel and large tree silhouettes. I also studied the
animals in the compound. Well, I counted them first. Times like these, you’ve
got to be a self-entertainer. Maggie named all the animals she saw in her host
family’s compound. I counted mine. I first saw five chickens. Then I noticed
one goat, a dog, two guinea fowls and four pigs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When all you’ve
got is time to think – since the family doesn’t talk to you – you often ask
yourself a plethora of questions. These questions commonly arise when someone
looks at you, smiles or laughs, but doesn’t speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">What questions?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Do they think
they’re special because a white person is sleeping in their house? Do they like
my bright green pagne pants? Are they confused because I speak French, but I am
reading an English-language magazine? Are they wondering why I am writing on
this magazine? Why are they staring at my toe ring? Do they also believe that
anklets on a right ankle mean a woman is single? Is she married? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Why? You going to offer your 10-year-old
son to me?)</i> Does she eat African food? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(I
sure do!)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">A DUCK! Boom. Any
more animals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">While I was
unaware of the dinner menu, I was surely aware of <u>the dinner plan</u>. That
is, the mother’s plan for me to eat alone at a clothed table with separate
cutlery and separate portions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Although she had
no intention of dining with me, I insisted. She smiled, laughed and said she
would join me after she fed her children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When she finally
sat down at the table, I had already finished one-and-a-half portions of
spaghetti with tomato sauce. I stared at my empty plate for a minute before I
gave in and added another half helping to ensure we ate together. Naturally,
two helpings of spaghetti weren’t enough. She insisted I eat more. I made a
sound, which translated into English meant “Holy balls, Mom, I’m full!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, I obliged. In addition to
the THIRD HELPING of spaghetti, she ordered me to eat the last sardine. I
respectfully refused and told her I already ate one and she must eat the other.
It’s only fair, right? So what did she do? She took off a sliver (amounting to
a tablespoon) and said I must eat the rest. I laughed, shook my head, removed
my plate from the table, and said I wouldn’t finish unless she took it all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">And so she did.
Ha ha. Sucker! Needless to say, she officially liked me after the battle over
who eats the last sardine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The night got a
little exciting after dinner. A storm hit. A torrential downpour mixed with
violent winds nearly removed the tin roof. As I sat with the family indoors, rainwater
sporadically dripped on me. Pfpfpfpfpf. I didn’t mind at all because the storm
cooled the air. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After the storm
mellowed, I decided it was time for bed. It was time in part because I was
exhausted and in part because no electricity equals early to bed. Done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The next morning
I woke up crossed. I was angry because the storm’s cool breeze didn’t last the
entire night and thus I woke up several times drenched in sweat. But mostly, I
was irritated and confused as to why nobody killed the dog that barked outside
the house from 10pm until 4:30am. WTF. Togolese are accustomed to sleeping
through anything and everything, but come on! It was ridiculous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Although the dark
circles and bags under my eyes were evident, I told the mom I slept well. For
breakfast, she made me coffee (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did
she know?!?!</i>) and placed a whole baguette (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pain sucré</i>) next to the cup. The coffee tasted like watered-down
skim milk with coffee flavoring, but it was drinkable. I might have been
exhausted, but the family was so pleasant I just couldn’t bring myself to show
the fatigue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The day of the
conference was a bit crazy. Although my booth was informative, most spectators
seemed to be interested in contraceptive methods and the condom demonstration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For lunch, all
presenters were ushered to the “reception hall” where Maggie and I were invited
to sit next to the prefect. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh yes, we
are THAT important. </i>Maggie sat next to me and I sat next to gendarmes with
AK-47s. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hi…is that on safety?!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Anything else??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">No, not really.
Overall I think the conference went well. There seemed to be too many children
and not enough adults at the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I got a
certificate. Yay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFBbggoqODRdGD5TgD8l0Md7ySe3UTR4F0vXuhc_pykhyphenhyphenWBZ4UtnjNcGLG38srh-v5-K5d6kAy-smh2VUpTI05XeZG__XF5BtBlSU1Rx9GC5F2BcYDu39_8w4LtjDbQZKw5M-e0um6VY/s1600/IMG_4996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFBbggoqODRdGD5TgD8l0Md7ySe3UTR4F0vXuhc_pykhyphenhyphenWBZ4UtnjNcGLG38srh-v5-K5d6kAy-smh2VUpTI05XeZG__XF5BtBlSU1Rx9GC5F2BcYDu39_8w4LtjDbQZKw5M-e0um6VY/s320/IMG_4996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">We left for our
return trip to Dapaong once the conference ended at 4pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Hope you enjoyed
this story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Until next time…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711239242000672659.post-19392185810208248602012-04-19T17:44:00.007-04:002012-04-19T17:58:41.402-04:00Benin: A Much Needed Vacay<div style="text-align: left;">I vacationed to Benin the first week of April.</div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Although the four-day trip deemed “too short” by other PCVs, it was just what the doctor recommended—a mini-break from the world of Peace Corps Togo.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><b>With who did I travel??</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">My sitemate Katy Todd. We travel well together. I use her for her good sense of direction and remarkable good luck; and she uses me for my French. Ordinarily I’d put on my defensive gloves and protest, “What?! I have DECENT navigational skills!” But then I remember all the times I’ve pointed to the sky as I described the location of my house in Dapaong. Yes, that’s right, I live in space. [Head shaking.] Idiot.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><b>What was our goal on this wee excursion?</b></span></p><div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">To see wild animals in Africa. Yes, that’s right. Katy wanted to see elephants and I wanted to photograph a cheetah (well, a cheetah sprinting across a field). I know, I know. My desire was a bit of a long shot—and as predicted, it didn’t happen—but it’s on my bucket list so can’t blame a girl for dreaming!</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUhVKS_5blceookMRnkPzmxhMnRbylyhuic0397U-ZsZ1WBFyqqC48PUnIEKT5VulQAW9rUfYnzD8uLKISGF2FQgGtqOIfgwo7vqekmwO-lfbxEB-8CceByozrjRKsvqGcFXNcfH5v40/s320/DSC_0402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233535281475522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 193px; " /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">We had an inkling the safari was expensive so we did our best to economize. How did we achieve this? We secured a free ride (aller-retour) on the Lomé-Limo, which is a PC vehicle that travels from south-north-south twice a month. We also spent our first night in Benin at the PC Benin transit house in Natitingou.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">But the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Beninois</i> adventure didn’t begin there. Oh no. It began in Kémérida with PCV Cameron Hobbs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Hobbs, a movie trivia guru (and thus a close friend), lives in Kémérida—a village just shy of the border. Now let me tell you a bit about Mr. Hobbs. He, too, is a CHAP volunteer, although I don’t think that’s how he and I became friends. I wouldn’t even think our friendship began <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">grace à</i> proximity in that we lived close to one another during stage. Nope. If I may be so bold, I’d pin it on a walk home when I quoted the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Six Days Seven Nights</i>.</span></p></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>A conversation between Harrison Ford and Anne Heche:</span></p><div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">“Aren’t you one of those guys?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">What guys?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">“Those guy guys, you know, those guys with skills?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Skills?!?!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">“Yeah, you send them out in the wilderness with a pocket knife and a cue tip and they build you a shopping mall. You can’t do that?!”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Nooooo, I can’t do that. But I can do this…[places an index finger in his mouth and pulls it out making a popping sound]…does that help?</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Yeah, I’m fairly certain it was then. It surely didn’t hurt that he had William Wallace’s speech from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Braveheart</i> on his iPod.</span></p><div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Needless to say, Katy and I had a fantastic time in Kémérida. Hobbs lived up to the stereotype of great southern hospitality as a man from South Carolina. Known to many PCVs as the deep fryer, the man deep-fries EVERYTHING. Sure, it might be tempting to judge him. But don’t. Dinner started with deep-fried chicken with a homemade barbeque sauce, a family recipe. No joke, that chicken pulled me out of Togo for a solid 30 minutes. Then we ate deep-fried ravioli. Ha! I know! Just try it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">The next morning, even after the epic failure of cooking an apple crisp in his Dutch oven, Katy and I told Hobbs we’d treat him like a king when he visits us in Dapaong. So Hobbs, if you’re reading this, get up here! What are you waiting for?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></p><div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">No doubt, we could’ve stayed Chez Hobbs the entire vacation but that wouldn’t really have been fun for him so we left before breakfast.</span></p><div></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Thanks to Katy’s luck, we didn’t have any difficulty finding motos and taxis, negotiating prices, etc while in Benin. And the roads! Oh my goodness. If Togo had roads like Benin, life would be so much better—not just for PCVs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhdDTTLeDBSoD-_pgZeO-Wb2nMsP5WktVJTDNLX-EdJCvrCj28D7soGaIMB4D1J2U_8nMy6VrqkBQXv0XPL491UxjZgm60jGKU4KS9VAPPOMXPTQMMV4u3n6Xx7GJXDozU0hLVFlsAGs/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233547136088338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Now, I’m not one to go on-and-on and detail my vacation from start to finish so I’ll answers some likely questions.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Was the food different from Togo? Beverages?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Yes and no. There are different names for similar staple dishes like fufu. I enjoyed the tomato sauce in Benin more but only because I never tasted fish. In my opinion, bread is softer and tastes better in Benin. Youki beverages are sold in plastic containers whereas Togo sells them in bottles. I prefer the latter because the company is really good about recycling the bottles.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Where did we go?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">We went to Pendjari’s National Park and spent two nights at Hotel Baobab in Tanguieta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">How much did the safari cost?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">It cost 50,000CFA, which included gas, guide, entrance fee to reserve and vehicle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">See anything good?</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Crocodiles. Hippos. Elephants. Baboons. Other monkeys. Tropical birds. Boars. Antelope. Buffalo. Etc.</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfqxMwysYKGF7bmu5D2op0gxJLDR2yiyBj6wt51MNU9-fZp7jSSIzmzH08QO60RAsD5OYkYCY2Tdy8nKXw-gvx-zaorw3SV9-TJ4SGl-QCqKYSYbr0DQE8YsQgtBBs8YhfoeIlX1a-xY/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233533734902146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Alas, we didn’t see any African cats. Yeah, I was bummed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">What else?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">We sat on the roof of a 4-Runner and it was amazing. We got really dirty. People at the hotel couldn’t help but laugh once they saw our “safari tan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Katy and I made enchiladas for some Benin PCVs at their transit house. I also made mango cobbler. Both were delicious.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">We had problems breaking larger bills. It was quite annoying actually.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Would I go back?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">No, but I enjoyed my vacation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Century Gothic"font-family:";">Thanks for reading! Until next time… </span><span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic";mso-hansi-font-family:"Century Gothic";mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08438828714406174249noreply@blogger.com1