The last two weeks we spent at homestay were fun but this training is not too short. Although site is extremely daunting, some parts of homestay were getting pretty old. Although it was super nice that my host sister would bring me water in the morning to wash, and having all meals prepared for me is definitely appreciated, I look forward to having some more independence at site.
Last Sunday Peace Corps actually took all of us to the museum and the American Club in Bamako. We were picked up from our homestay village at 8am and taken to the natural history museum in Bamako. We had a guide who explained (in French) a bit about the artifacts there… there were a lot of wooden and clay masks and artifacts from all over the country and from all the ethnic groups that are found in Mali. There was another pretty extensive textile exhibit that was super interesting. Mali imports fabric from all over Africa and Europe, in addition to making some here in country. The fancy clothes they wear here are made with Bazan fabric which is super waxy and really stiff. Not really the most comfortable thing but, when in Mali!
We are going to be sworn in on Tuesday at the President of Mali’s house so I got an outfit made out of the super waxy fabric. It’s really stiff but I think after a couple of washes it should loosen up (I can only hope). After that, it’s off to site and then the challenge begins all over again.
Susie, is that you, the one wearing the tee shirt?
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