So how do you use this thing?

I wrote this yesterday but couldn't get online. I would have added more today, but I'm pretty tired. more later sometime-ish

Today was my first full day in Mali. We got in 4 hours late last night, so we didn't leave the airport until about 1:30 AM, which was pretty lame. We drove to the training site, Tubani so (sounds like too-ban-is-oh) and just crashed because we were all exhausted from all of the travel. We started in Philidelphia at noon on the 1st, so it's been a long time getting here. By the end I wasn't really nervous, I just wanted a bed to sleep in (ok, maybe a little nervous).

Tubani so has a cafeteria, some open buildings for classes, and groups of huts for rooms. Mine is exactly what you're picturing - mud brick round hut with a thatch roof. quaint. I do have electricity, though, and internet in the cafeteria. This morning was introductions and a lecture-style class on some general guidelines. We started our anti-malarial pills, so we'll see if I get dizzy like I did with the last ones. (Quick note from the future: yes, I do get dizzy. it's no good). This afternoon we went to the American Club to celebrate the 4th of July. It's seriously a little walled in America - the building has AC and an indoor bathroom (toilet, sink, AND hot shower), there were hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, and (my favorite part), there was a swimming pool. It was strange to be there while knowing that we're in Mali and about to live in villages. We have more classes over the next few days and an interview quiz thing to find out how good everyone is at French. This Thursday we will all move to our training homestay sites. there are 80 people in my class, but each homestay village will have around 8, so there's a lot more personal attention for lessons. The next 9 weels are supposed to be extremely intense - busy with classes constantly. Should be fun.

Today at lunch I was marveling at how much I've missed being in Africa. It's hot and humid (I sweat constantly), I don't have a toilet, there's trash all over, traffic is scary, and the food is generally bland at best, but I truly enjoy living here and living iwth people here. I s'pose that's a good thing. Hope it rains today, it's supposed to be the rainy, "cool" season. ha.

Lots of love

Elyse