another one

Thwarted!

So I was not able to upload this bitter blog post like I planned because the internet was not working in Velingara. I’m posting it for you anyway. 

Hi Everyone,

You’re hearing from me a little earlier than planned because I’m in Velingara checking my post office box and I promised to be a dutiful blogger. No one’s forcing you to read this.

I was really upbeat the first night back at site and had a nice chat with mom. I thought my readjustment would be fine. I should have known better because it’s always hard coming back. So true to pattern the first full day sucked. 

I flunked some obligatory visits because I kept getting lost and couldn’t find where I was going. It’s the rainy season, and in the month I’ve been gone it’s become a different town. Everything has grown - the corn is higher than the rooftops. I could maybe get around Venice if vegetation started taking over like this, but I hardly know my village like the back of my hand. 

Also, this Ramadan thing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, most people don’t eat from sunrise to sunset. But as soon as that 7 p.m. prayer chant starts on the loudspeaker, people start bingeing. They break the fast with dates, bread, coffee, and a sugary yogurt drink. Then they have a rice based meal. Wait 30 minutes and they have another meal. Still, it’s nice because no one tries to get you to eat during the day. 

The second day in village went much better. I made it a point to get an escort, and I’ve got some trees as landmarks. My host dad is being a little clingy though and it’s annoying. I’m over the guilt (okay, I’m trying to be over the guilt) of feeling like I need to hang out with my family all the time. I’m here to work and frankly I think that should give me an excuse to be by myself more. 

On the whole things are fine. Enthusiasm for my waste-management project went out the window when it was revealed there isn’t any money to be made, it’s just responsible trash management. Can’t say I blame them. If you removed social responsibility from the equation, would you recycle? It’s not really that fun.

I’m writing this safe in my mosquito net, and I can hear the bugs trying to get to me and my headlamp. It’s nice to be back in my hut. My pillow has mold on it, but that can’t be helped and I really do like the rainy season. 

Comments

[mom]

I just loved reading about your life and how different it is. Great writing

Hugs and love