first day of work!

Ha, I finally have some adventures to write about. ANd have potentially figured out how to post them? But, why is no one else writing? I dont even know if Chapel Hill is still there. Someone let me know!

First adventure-car broke down! 10 hours by the side of the road to fix it. It was great for a while-there happened to be a bar right beside the mechanic. Then I think we got tired of the bar and thought that maybe if we sat on a bench beside the mechanic it would be finished sooner. Not true!

Second adventure-arriving in the village. I wont be staying in the village, but I plan to visit often. Its about an hour away-paved roads, dirt roads, then a hike up the mountain (not too bad, about 800 meters)! And its absolutely beautiful. The toilet-the place behind the house where you poop-has the most beautiful views of the mountains. Anyway, we arrive, a chicken is killed (which the elders eat, not us) and then settle in for a bit in the homestay of another student.

Third adventure-beer. EVERY time we go into someones home in the village, they bring out local homemade beer. Its usually delicious, but I have already had A LOT in my otherwise disturbed GI tract. This morning for example, we were leaving the village at 6 am to head to town. By the time the Duke prof arrived to pick me up at 610, he had already been invited (and accepted the invites) to four houses for calabashes of beer. Apparently this has to do with the fact that there is a funeral going on (which is 8 days long).

Fourth adventure-funeral in the village. So I could write you all about this forever, but most of all I think its important to know that the children were out dancing and sipping beer later than we were, and they have exams in school today.

Fifth adventure-and last for now. I went in to work today around 10. Stayed until 1130 or so, and was told to return at 3. WHAT? But, I also already learned a lot, in an hour. phew.

Okay, someone else post now!

peace
whitney