I've now been in Guinea for 10 days. Seems like yesterday - but it also seems like a lifetime ago! I've been staying in the Catholic Mission which is near the massive "Marche Niger" or downtown market. Everything really has gone quite well. I have had to learn to wash out clothes by hand, and to specify NON-PIMENT when I order food! Guinean food is quite spicy and they everyone adds even more peppers to their meals. Piment was the first word I learned - spicy. The 2nd word I learned was the one for traffic jam. Traffic is really crazy here!
Had the opportunity last Sunday to attend an African Baptist church in Conakry. What a marvelous time! Happy, joyous people singing and praying. Also had the opportunity to ride up to Dubreka which is where I'll be living and teaching. About an hour north; mountainous; beautiful waterfalls just north of town. I got to see the school facilities (well, at least the outside of them) and meet several of the professors and administrators. I'll be teaching a form of Music History with a slant on American music and also a world music course.
Will probably be moving tomorrow. I don't have housing in Dubreka yet but might be moving to another area downtown Conakry.
The secret to living here seems to be to be flexible. The people are friendly and helpful and everyone has been willing to help out the American!
Janice: Good to see an update from you! I was thinking of you today and wondering how things were going. Sounds like you're settling in quite well. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are there safe and things seem to be going well! Liked seeing your pictures you sent out.
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