The Popcorn Apopka Park

The skulls of the land in Gambia. The Apopka National Park was, I must say, a disappointment. Just a little bit... Now, I'm not one of those people expecting to see lions and giraffes and hippopotamus as I traveled closer to central Africa. I mean, most people expect lions and animals inherent of the jungle to pop up as soon as one lands on the continent. Bones through the noses of natives are other ideas inherent of this kind of thinking. With that being said, I believe my expectations were reasonable. I didn’t expect an American zoo with gargantuan cages housing the silver-backed hyena or the lion-cheetah or something else created behind the walls of zoologists turned genetic modifying scientists (I don’t know if that’s true, I’m just making it up.) But still, I expected to see something. Instead, *shaking my head* I saw hyenas languidly strolling the cages putting forth more energy to lay down and swat flies from their head. There were no other animals to speak of. The “crocodile pond” was a joke. Needless to say, no crocs showed their faces. The park even had the nerve to have a look out post with binoculars to check out the reptiles (or are they amphibians or mammals?) but, last time I checked, I didn’t need binoculars to see a fucking crocodile, I just needed the crocodile. Anyway, my father and I had a great time anyway. We made the most of it. And here, we were able to stroll the beaten path, arriving at this clearing with skulls on display. I really just wanted to sit down on the only bench that the display was resting on, but I guess that would’ve meant the end of the attractions at Apopka.

Gambia and Parks

Here is a park in Gambia where 6m alligators are said to be...but I didn't see any. Although the park was a BIG disappointment, I did see some hyenas and baboons and large snakes weaving through the leaves. Gambia is a beautiful country and very relaxed. I stayed in Surrekunda, Banjul and Bakou. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'll be updated some more information on Gambia asap. Also, more pictures.

Island Streets

Yes, it's been a while.

Here is a photo of a random street on Goree Island, off the coast of Senegal. Goree Island was one of the largest transit ports for slaves transported across the Atlantic. Visiting the island gave me mixed emotions, but the strongest one I felt was compassion between the habitants of the island, as well as my relation to its history. There were many independent artist, selling their artwork and sculptures. The energy was great! There was also a large monument at the top that(to me, anyway) carried NO significance in design. The museum was also dilapidated and dissappointing. I hate sounding so negative, but the beauty of the island (the buildings, the coasts, the mini-beach, the cobble streets, the artist and habitants) impacted me more than the lackluster representations of history. Anyway, I had a great time and enjoyed myself.

Only 7 Months Left Until...

Tislime and I on a lazy day. I only have seven months left in Mauritania and I am quickly realizing that my relationships here of 2 years will slowly disintegrate as I readjust back in the States. That makes me really sad, but I am still grateful that I've had this experience and I've been able to share it with so many people, within and outside my Peace Corps network. I hope that these next seven months will help me to reflect and soak up every moment I have left! It's time to really live it up...

Donkeys, Rivers, and Writings

Donkeys in Wonderland! This is the frontier in my village. I'm facing West in this picture and if you look across the river, that's Mali and upstream a little ways is Senegal. I took this picture hanging out in my favorite tree on the bank until the donkeys ran me out...it's mating season.

Sticks and Paddles

In a row boat that I mentioned (see post below). The rowers use no paddles rather sticks from trees to steer. The river is not shallow so I don't understand how sticks provide leverage to navigate. But it works, and I'm with it. This kid was especially good at rowing. We were traveling in swift water across a broad river and he got us there safely without much freaking out (on my part).

Don't Rock My Boat, 'Cause I don't need my boat to be rocked

My road during the rainy season. Water washes out bridges regularly during the "saison des pluies". The trucks in which I usually ride become boats to cross the washed out roads. It's always fun and exciting until you get into a boat made from a trunk of a tree and it starts to wobble from the myriad of people inside. Once, I inquired about the safety of the pirogues to my dad and he said, quite reasonably, that, "Girl, they've been doing that since the dawn of man. Of course it's safe." I couldn't agree more. But every time I do it, I'm scared as hell.