Mexican Food, American Football. What Country am I In Again?
Sunday, September 10th
The funeral we attended on Friday night was somewhat disappointing. We missed all the good stuff (the sacrifice, the casket, etc) so the night was just filled with dancing, singing and drumming. All of us obrunis – and there were a lot of us there – got called out to dance. My prior apprehension to dance at occasions like these has gone out the window for one – or all – of three reasons: I’m more comfortable doing the dance, I know I’m not being judged and it’s the effort that counts, and I was a little buzzed.
With the understanding that there was going to be nothing more than singing, drumming, and dancing, most of the obruni crew found its way back home.
The weekend has arrived, and things have been pretty lazy for the most part. Our running water came back on for a brief time. And I was overdue for both a shower and laundry. Feeling particularly lazy, I really didn’t want to wash the eight pairs of pants I have, so I paid Bernard, an “any-work boy” to was them, for just 2 dollars. Totally worth it. We also paid him to take a bench from another floor for us. Once again, totally worth it.
We had great hope for the evening. A formidable posse of Duncan, Rags, Francis, Kevin and I rolled into Champs Sports Bar, hoping to catch the Notre Dame – Penn State game. Sadly, the sports bar didn’t get any college football, so we settled for watching the Roddick – Youznhy U.S. Open Semi-final match and a recording of the Steelers – Dolphins football game. Champs has the only Mexican food in
I also finished a compilation of stories by Peace Corps Volunteers about their time in their respective countries. It was inspiring, and most of the stories showed how one person can truly make a difference in a community. It has only reinforced my beliefs in civil service and the idea of making some contribution to the world, no matter the size.
Today has been slow. Just about to catch the A’s game. Zito is pitching again – just our luck.
Out for now.
LDG
posted by Lee Gerston at 10:21 AM
2 Comments:
Hey Lee! I just love reading your blog and have been keeping up regularly although (obviously) not writing. Could you ever have imagined writing "we missed all the good stuff (the sacrifice")??
I realize this is a long shot, but I was talking with someone who has a friend over there now doing what you are... so, if you happen to know a person named Keron Sengull, tell her that Veslihah says "hi".
The pictures are just great. I must say that your accomodations there are a far cry from your La Jolla ocean view dorm room.
I have a friend who teaches 7th grade and I was telling her about your adventure. As it turns out, she will teaching about that part of the world at the beginning of the year and she would really like to 1) save some of your writings and pictures for her class (of course well-edited to exclude all of the drinking ;-) )and 2) have you come speak to her class about your experiences. I told her I would check with you before giving her the URL. You can either post a response here or write to my email... staceyw@mindspring.com
I'm very glad to hear that you are not starving over there and it sounds like you are doing well overall. Take care,
Love,
Aunt Stacey
It is funny how you in Africa are doing a better job keeping up with your blog than the other guys in Europe. Lee why do you try to dance you are white it has already been decided that you can't jk. Well sounds like you are having a good time.
Michael
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