I love my town. Katsepy is an utterly amazing place, beautiful and filled with wonderful people. With that said, I could not wait to get out of there this morning and head to Mahajanga for three whole days of REAL conversation with english speaking friends. It is so frustrating to not be able to express yourself fully day after day, and this week I hit the point where I actually felt like I as regressing in my Gasy. Kala Suru (have patience).
The week started off great, with Fete Vevavy - Int`l Womans Day! It was a big deal in our town - the women didn`t work, and off course they slaughtered a cow and we all got to take a chunk home.. I tried to convince my mayor that I didn`t eat meat, and therefore did not need enough meat to feed a small army but off course off i went with beef on a rope. Next came what was supposed to be lunch with my mayor and a few other important people of the town, but somehow turned into beers before noon. I hadn`t had a beer yet since going to Katsepy, as I wasn`t quite sure of the culture (being a half muslim town) but my mayor assured me that it was "fomba gasy". I think I endeared myself to him at that point, as he now knows my name. Thank you THB! Next came a soccer match, followed by a dance party which I left at 230 am while it was still going strong. All in the line of duty. Peace Corps.
I have been spending a lot of time in the rice fields, transplanting and weeding, and last weekend I planted cassava and pineapples so I`m feeling a bit more like I'm not just here to socialize. A family that lives about 3km up the beach has adopted me, so I now spend saturdays at their place, drinking coffee, farming, learning how to cook gasy food, napping by the ocean, and last week they braided my hair. They also have a big party planned for when my parents come to visit (Em I'm sure they'll have one for you as well:). Life is good.
Well, of to wander around mahajanga... I love and miss all of you, and hope that things are going well wherever you are. Aussie pals - I'm tentatively planning on christmas 2011 in the Sydney area, so start your shopping early! xoxo chan
The week started off great, with Fete Vevavy - Int`l Womans Day! It was a big deal in our town - the women didn`t work, and off course they slaughtered a cow and we all got to take a chunk home.. I tried to convince my mayor that I didn`t eat meat, and therefore did not need enough meat to feed a small army but off course off i went with beef on a rope. Next came what was supposed to be lunch with my mayor and a few other important people of the town, but somehow turned into beers before noon. I hadn`t had a beer yet since going to Katsepy, as I wasn`t quite sure of the culture (being a half muslim town) but my mayor assured me that it was "fomba gasy". I think I endeared myself to him at that point, as he now knows my name. Thank you THB! Next came a soccer match, followed by a dance party which I left at 230 am while it was still going strong. All in the line of duty. Peace Corps.
I have been spending a lot of time in the rice fields, transplanting and weeding, and last weekend I planted cassava and pineapples so I`m feeling a bit more like I'm not just here to socialize. A family that lives about 3km up the beach has adopted me, so I now spend saturdays at their place, drinking coffee, farming, learning how to cook gasy food, napping by the ocean, and last week they braided my hair. They also have a big party planned for when my parents come to visit (Em I'm sure they'll have one for you as well:). Life is good.
Well, of to wander around mahajanga... I love and miss all of you, and hope that things are going well wherever you are. Aussie pals - I'm tentatively planning on christmas 2011 in the Sydney area, so start your shopping early! xoxo chan
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Hey cousis Chan~ Sounds like you are having a great time. You look to skinny! Eat more! :) We all love you and miss you very much!
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