-one of many shouts heard when walking down the street, Anywhere, Mali..that and the "Awa! Fatimata! Mariam! Mariam!!!" of random shopkeepers trying to guess my name (which is Djeneba). Surprisingly, I'd rather turn my head to being called "white" or "American" than "toubab," which also means white person but is more annoying when called at you, because it's usually said over and over and over again to get your attention. It is really hard to blend in here..ha.
I watched "Fast Food Nation" the other day. If that movie's goal is to gross you out and turn you against eating meat, it should not be marketed in Africa. The whole time I was watching, I was thinking...cow poop in the burgers? There's poop on everything I eat. Poop particles practically float in the air here. Also, the scenes of cows being butchered in the factory made my mouth water, and also made me think how lucky Americans are that we get to eat so much meat, so often. Protein!
On the subject of cows, a friend of mine recently tested positive for tuberculosis, which comes from unpasteurized dairy products, and I think doesn't show symptoms until you've had it for awhile. The treatment for tuberculosis, which she has to take, consists of 3 months(!) of medication during which you can't, according to rumor, eat dairy products(including chocolate!) or drink alcohol. She's going to Ghana on vacation soon and asked the doctor if she could put off starting the meds until after her trip-apparently they have really good chocolate in Ghana.
I stopped drinking milk here long ago because it upset my stomach. Probably a wise decision. I recently discovered pasteurized milk at a dairy in San, but I'm a little wary. How do I know it's really pasteurized? It is possible to buy regular milk and boil it to kill any possible diseases, but I've never seen any other volunteers do that.
Another thing I've never seen volunteers do: treat local tap water. It's supposedly chlorinated, but would we really know the difference? Something to think about...
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2 comments:
Hi Djeneba!
I'm hoping that I got lucky and you are by a computer, since you just posted an update today. I'm so glad that we got to see you during your visit. You look great even if the food has been awful in Mali.
Thank you for bringing us mementos from Africa and sharing your experiences with us. Getting your firsthand account was fascinating. I love your "battery" dress. You are going to have loads of keepsakes by the end of your tenure with the Peace Corps.
I know that it's only August, but since I don't know when I may hear from you . . .
What is on your wish list for Christmas this year? Or, just your general wish list? Do you want sweet treats and salty snacks, or would you rather have books/magazines? Let me know when you get a chance. My e-mail address is joyce@wgcllc.com if you have access to e-mail.
Riley returns from France on Friday, and then we are heading to the beach for a few days. School starts on August 20th. It's humbling to read that you thought it was cool and comfortable in Atlanta. It feels like a sauna to me.
Stay well, and thanks for posting updates on your blog to keep your American family and friends current.
Love,
Aunt Joyce
Djeneba looks like it would be pronounced "j'neighbah," which sounds like "your neighbor" which is what you are to me. So it's a perfect name.
Actually.... I'd call you "M'neighbah" and refer to myself as "J'neighbah" so actually you should change your name to Yneba, and refer to yourself when speaking to me as Djeneba. And I'll do the same.
Holla! Much love!
Anneba jneba
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