...let it go, just enjoy the ride~
I'll have you know, I have been working hard and playing hard! The past few weeks have been filled with some unexpected twists and turns, but ultimately I am enjoying the ride! Due to housing issues (i.e. this is a developing nation and there are no stringent regulations regarding chemical use and distribution, therefore the attempt at termite removal resulted in a little chemical mishap that has left me displaced) I have been staying in the big city which will explain some of the luxurious fun it looks like I'm having.
Things have been busy with the sustainable fisheries project; we visited the major landing sites and have managed to capture some good local fisherman knowledge. Next on the list: going to sea!! I will be assisting with the gathering of information at sea, and mapping of sole fish hotspots and spawning grounds. Exciting stuff! The tiny boats that are used- not so exciting.
City life has brought about opportunities for using the internet, watching movies, and eating real food!! My friend Kelsey's visit to the city turned into a major food splurging spree! I didn't imagine this to be a possible occurrence here, but we dined on delicious things like banana splits, indian cuisine, and nachos!! It was fantastic! Maybe in six months I can afford to do it again!
Another advantage to my displacement and resulting presence in the city, was having the opportunity to see Melissa before her return to America. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, she was not able to continue her service here. To make her last night a little more pleasant, we baked a chocolate fudge cake and had hot foot baths while watching girly movies! I will miss my buddy, it was hard to say goodbye!
I also had the opportunity to hang out with another volunteer before his return to America. Highlights include a toga party and day at the pool. We discovered that my camera does in fact take great underwater pictures; however, I couldn't stay under water long enough...
Today I spent a few hours exploring one of the National Parks here, Bijilo Forest Park, which is known by Gambians as "Monkey Park". A Red Colobus greeted me at the entrance, but unfortunately a tourist walked up and scared it off, therefore ruining my picture. I learned that the name colobus is from the greek word for mutilated, because they don't have thumbs. Hmmm.
I strolled for a while on the trail beside the coast and spotted some Grey Hornbill birds among others that I couldn't identify.
I came across this little guy on the trail and couldn't stop laughing at how he was just sitting there like that!
There were many Green Vervets on the interior trails of the park! So neat!
(Admire the peeling and spotted condition of my face that resulted from the above mentioned day at the pool)
With all that said, life is good, but I am ready to get back to village life! I miss my host family and am losing my local language skills! Not to mention that I am officially sick of living out of bags...10-months is plenty!
It has been great catching up with all of you back home through skype and the net! Much love!!
