My biggest heartache - the garibous

Life in Burkina is always interesting, but can be really difficult emotionally.

I've been meaning to write about the beggar kids that you find everywhere, but the subject is a bit disheartening. All around Burkina (and from what I've heard and read, all of West Africa) are kids begging with large red tomato paste cans, or any other food receptacle for that matter. They can be found alone or in groups and are in their teens or very young. They beg in the market, on the street and in residential neighborhoods. They are truly everywhere.

These kids are supposed to be begging to learn a life lesson while also learning the Koran from a marabout. In many places the exploitation of these children is running rampant. I'm not sure about the kids in my area, since they are very happy to receive food and rarely ask for money.

I found a nice explanation of the garibous (aka talibés) at Africa Flak. There are also a couple of news stories from the AP and IRIN.

Recently the garibous have discovered my house. Nassaras (foreigners) are perceived as being rich whether or not it's true. I made the "mistake" of giving food to them one night. They came back in force and now are calling and pounding on my door sometimes twice a day.

garibous at the bus station in Yako

Ouaga, Obama and Mangoes

Well I'm back in Ouaga for another training session. Luckily this time it's only for one day. At the moment it's almost like there isn't enough time to teach everything that should be taught. So missing even one day of classes feels like a set back.

The second week of January I was in Ouaga for my IST (in service training). It was a week long and involved catching-up with my fellow SE volunteers, learning about secondary projects and getting sick. Ouaga is (so far) 3 for 3 at getting me sick. I'm officially vowing that it's not going to happen this time, however the odds may not be in my favor. During the bus ride here I ended up sitting next to a woman who was coughing. Argh!

Anyhoo... after IST, with cold in tow, I buckled down to get some teaching accomplished. It seems that I was successful since I'm giving two tests next week. I also gave my first laboratory demonstration.

permanganate, chromate, Fe(III), Cu(II) aqueous solutions

Then there was that spectacular confirmation of American democracy Jan. 20. Believe it or not, but I actually watched the inauguration live(!) on CNN. A big thank you to the inventor of satellite TV! The Burkinabè TV station, RTB, also broadcast the ceremony and many of my colleages watched it.

Then the Harmattan arrived and things became cold and dusty for a couple days. The temperature has since returned to hot and the sky is blue again. Generally the climate is very dry right now, but not as bad as winter in Montana. So far my lips haven't chapped and my hair isn't perpetually accumulating static charge.

mango trees in bloom

little mangoes in waiting

cabbage patch and mango trees

The Harmattan has arrived

Brrrr! It's officially cold here and very dusty. The Harmattan (in french) truly rolled in yesterday. It was a little windy before, but not like this. There is dust everywhere now. Last night it was bad enough that I wore a dust mask to bed! I'm still working on trying to get good pictures of the dust.

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Between training and teaching life has been interesting.

Rate this kitten...

I'm plotting his abduction.

Abduction update: Not going to happen. One of the guards helped me catch one of the other kittens, which turned out to be very feral. I tried to find the very nice kitten in the picture above, but to no avail.

Water!

As of this morning, I have water!

Bringing in 2009

The last day of 2008 was wonderful. I made hash browns, did laundry, received the most thoughtful present of my life and then rode out to a nearby village at sunset.

Dinner was a banana honey sandwich, popcorn and Bear Beer (a somewhat sketchy 12% German import). That night I fell asleep under the stars. They were so beautiful and you could actually see all of Orion's shield; personally I think he's really holding a bow, but then again I'm kind of partial to the Archer.

The next morning the volunteer I was staying with organized making pancakes ('just add water mix' sent by her mom, thanks!) for all her neighbors. The "américain gâteau" was a great success.

I can't believe it 2009!

Late addition: Just read this cool Wired article.

One more (couldn't resist): This American is currently surviving with only 3 of the listed items. I'll let you guess which ones. :)

Sunset cow (goats and sheep in background)

The herd kicking up dust

Last 2008 dinner


Last creep crawly of 2008


First creep crawly of 2009


Barrage at sunrise


batter stirring - it's fun!

making zoom koom (tamarind juice, pounded millet, sugar and water)

Sarata the pancake expert and daughter of the local gâteau lady

Sarata and Oumou