Oct 30 - Trip to the island of Kakossa

Many things going on but we've been without internet for several days.  Yesterday got the opportunity to accompany an African pastor friend to visit a school on a local island.  3 hours by truck, then boat, then motorcycle and walking to get to this village! Something I'll never forget.  Drank clean water from their own well and visited and played with 60 children who attend the school made of coconut fronds.  But what an experience.

Oct 26 - Crocodile Fanny Pack

As a fan of the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) you might think that I wouldn't choose to wear crocodile.  On the other hand, how cool!  Went down to the Marche Cumoyenne to have a crocodile fanny pack made to order.  I'm sure it will be the only one in Bemidji.  Life in Guinea rolls on.  No election.  No news, yet, on a new date.  The rainy season is coming to an end and I've *heard* it gets cooler the rest of the year.  That would be nice.  It's certainly very hot - although I seem to be the only one sweating.

I'll attach a couple of more pictures to those of you who need photographic proof that I drummed and danced at our FETE yesterday.

Oct 25 - Drum party

Today was our big drum party with my drum teacher, Moussa, and some of his students.  We had a grand time.  I even got to play some.  We attracted lots of people who heard the music, came to see what was going on, and stayed to dance a bit.  Great fun.  The music is incredibly complicated layers - once you start to hear and realize what's going on.  Each person plays a specific pattern and it's generally played over and over throughout the piece.  The leader or soloist is the one who does the improvising above the accompaniment patterns.  Very infectious.  Makes you want to dance - even if you don't know how!

Oct 24 - Sneak peak at pics

Act surprised if you see these again!

Oct 24 - Bad news on the Elections

Unfortunately, yesterday they announced that today's Presidential elections (1st free democratic elections in Guinea) would be postponed.  The two remaining candidates were able to agree on a new election commissioner but they needed more time to get ballots out to the rest of the country.  Tough news.  Many schools (including mine) have been waiting until after the elections to open.  Not sure what they'll do now.
I also managed to mess up my anti-virus so I'm sitting in a Cyber Cafe at the moment TRYING to get something downloaded that I can use.
Otherwise life is good.  Loving the drum lessons although I've decided I'm not a natural at it... Thankfully my teacher is very patient!  

Oct 21 - Shopping

Turns out a trip to the Marche Madina is quite the adventure!  I was very glad to have an African friend with me.  I walked in front and she walked behind with her hand on my shoulder.  Very crowded - like NYC Subway crowded - and lots going on.  Was able to find several things I needed, including fabric to make 3 African outfits.  After we got back to the Hotel, the local tailor came by and did my measurements.  Should be ready by next Tuesday. Very exciting!

Oct 20 - Clothes

Crazy day already.  Wild (good) lesson with my djembe teacher for about 2 hrs then the Administrator from the Institute knocked on my hotel door to see how I was doing.  He said he'd stopped by several times but I was never there.  (ooops)  Fish lunch.  Then I made an appointment with the head of the hotel rooms to go into the market tomorrow and buy some fabric and then go to a tailor to get something made.  I need some African clothes.  I sortof stick out.

I admit I wilted pretty badly with the 48 hrs of no electricity (fan, AC, water, etc) but otherwise I love Guinea and am having a great time!