back in Mali

The sewers are full, the streets are like obstacle courses...huge mud puddles everywhere. My America trip was awesome but I'm kind of afraid to wear any of my new clothes outside. Every passing car is a risk at getting splashed by mud.

It feels kind of weird being back, but kind of normal. I'm gonna miss good food..whole wheat bread, skim milk, asparagus, etc...mmmm. One thing that makes me feel better is the arrival of the new group, who got here a few days after I left...they're all getting sick for the first time and asking the same one million questions that we all were last year. At least I'm a little more comfortable than I was this time last year. I think the biggest thing is knowing when people are trying to rip you off, and having enough Bambara skill to verbally laugh in their faces when they try.

I'm going back to my village the end of this week, or next week sometime. We'll see how it goes...

i'm in america...at least for a little while

so technically, I shouldn't be glued to the internet, and should be out enjoying the beautiful Atlanta weather (it's actually cool. I haven't sweated yet). But I think it's been too long since I could just stare at the computer and look up random stuff and play with my itunes. Plus my parents have DSL so why not?

It took me 3 days to take a shower after I got off the plane. There's just no dirt here. And it's not hot enough to sweat, so why waste the water?

I'm having a wonderful time eating fruits and veggies and black beans and not gorging myself on any of it. I've also gotten a pedicure and a haircut and gone shopping..although this season's fashion leaves something to be desired. Apparently the trend now is super thin shirts that are also baggy. Or like hippy looking shirts...you know, pregnancy style. It doesn't really work for me, because I swim in my clothes when they fit. Gone are hoodies and cute bright vintage shirts. I'm kind of glad I don't have to be in America for this fashion season.

To South Carolina today for the holiday. Happy July 4th!!