Last post from W. Africa

Well, since I leave the Gambia on Tuesday, and fly home Fridy morning, this will be the last time I write here. I can't believe its already almost over, it has been an amazing experience. But first, a few re caps.

School has been interesting. The students talk a lot and there are so many of them it is very difficult to get them to listen. I tried to do a pencil reward system, but that just made most of the students tell me they don't have a pencil which isn't true. Some days it is very difficult to be teaching there, since they do not listen to me b/c i don't beat them. I tried to take them to the library the other day, and they were all pushing and pushing and not listening, and it was a bit much. One on one though, the students are really sweet, and always giving me bits of food and little presents, which is so nice. They also will ask me about America, and quiz my Wollof skills. Monday is my last day, and my teacher will not be there, so it should be an interesting day. Hopefully all goes well.

Every morning, they have an assembly where all teh students listen to morning prayers, and normallly a teacher or head mistress makes some announcements. On Friday, my teacher sent me to get my camera and then we went "on stage" so they could thank me for coming, and mention some cultural diffferences, like "not using the cane." (to hit students when they misbehave). Then one of the students in my class gave me a dress that they had pooled money to buy, and presented it in front of the school. Then I was asked to give a speech, which was awkward, and then they all sang the Gambian national anthem to me. It was awkward but really, really nice and I have some good pictures and a great video of the anthem.

In non- school news last weekend a friend and i traveled to kartung, a town further south on the coast. We traveled using local transport, which was interesting but luckily people are so nice here so they helped us find the right van/ pay the right amount of money. Then we stayed in a BEAUTIFUL hotel, litteraly 10 steps from this beautiful beach with palm trees and NO people. It was so relaxing. During the day, we walked into town, and there was a naming ceremony, which we were invited to. So we went in, and ate some porridge (which is like oatmeal and peanut butter.. quite good), and then we were introduced to everyone, and saw all the women cooking to prepare for the meal that evening. We had to start heading home, unfortunately, so we went to an italian restaurant on this beautiful quiet river where a real italian had taught this woman to make real pizza. So we had pizza with mozzerella cheese from a brick oven. Then we started our journey back, which was a bit long, but the worst part was leaving somewhere quiet and peaceful, to have to walk through a noisy market in a city. I wished we could have stayed where we were. It was a wonderful weekend, and I was very glad we did it.

Other than that, I have been preparing to come home, buying gifts for people and souveniers for myself. I am getting my last few outfit mades, including a skirt with a fabric that has giraffees on it. My students also put braids in my hair, so I look very interesting which I am hoping will last until I come home.

Hope all is well at home, and I will be back before I know it!