Still here - Blogabond

As K2 subtly reminded me, I've neglected to update for the last week-and-a-half. Where should I begin? It's hot, and I have so many mosquito bites that taking my antimalarial pills seems like an exercise in futility. At least I'm able to drink copious amounts of water throughout the day, a luxury not afforded to the Muslim population of Niger during Ramadan. I can feel their lethargy on my afternoon trips to the market; West Africa is a difficult place to fast.

I've already had one dress made with fabric from the aforementioned market, although I don't have any pictures of it yet. I haven't yet had to haggle on my own, so it's anyone's guess how much the next dress will cost. We spent a lot of time last week visiting different NGOs in Niamey, trying to figure out our community placements. I started volunteering at a school for mentally challenged kids yesterday, but I still haven't figured out where else I want to work during the semester.

Classes started on Wednesday, so I've had a few days to get into a new, post-orientation routine. Taking classes in French hasn't been too bad thusfar, but my Zarma needs work. I'll have to gather a bunch of the neighborhood kids to help me practice it.

Well, that's all for now!

P.S. Since Clarissa asked, the yogurt here doesn't taste that different from American yogurt (as far as I remember), but it's of a thinner consistancy.

written by

The Boston Wanderer on September 12, 2008 from Niamey, Niger

from the travel blog: Sandstorms

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and I complain about fasting here, I couldn't imagine not drinking anything in such heat. Speaking of which, how hot is it there?

also, please post pictures of the dress, I need wardrobe inspiration :)

written by Zarmina on September 18, 2008

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