Sweet Home Pennsylvania

After sort of being a 'site rat' for a few weeks, I finally escaped to Conakry for some 4th of July festivities/medical problems. The medical problems are not as crazy as last time, but the bugs in Guinea LOVE me. Anyways, I blew into town yesterday much like the rains that roared throughout the night. Katie, Jess, Felipe and I scored a Peace Corps ride into town, and we manged lots of jolly ranchers and even listened to some Y100.... yes, my fellow Philadelphians, that is the Y100 our old radio station! I was so stoked and even though the tape was from 1999 I still rocked out to it in honor of my hometown. It felt like I was cruising the streets of Montco. Though every once in a while I was humbled by the site of goats, sheep, women carrying buckets and other various things on their heads and the ridiculous potholes that tossed and turned my poor stomach. But alas, I am here in once piece, albeit soaking wet. We haven't been getting much rain in Kankan, though it's supposedly the 'rainy season'. However, I was fully welcomed by the rains in Conakry, and soaked to my core.

Recent Happenings:

- Our Chauffer's wedding, I'm sure that I've mentioned this before...but he married his 2nd wife. Muslim's are allowed to have up to 4 wives, and Conde is well on his way.

- I met a monkey named Aminata. In the event you were unaware, Aminata is my African name.

- There have been some political problems, the teachers were striking, the military and police were feuding. Of course, there are still looming problems mais, c'est la guinee.

- Our Country Director and My APCD are leaving, and we've had quite a few staff changes. Also we are welcoming our new stage G 16 in a matter of days!

- My cat is super cute. I HATED cats before I came here but she keeps away bugs, rodents and cuddles with me at night. What more could I ask for?

- I am on my way to becoming the greatest Guinean cook ever. Ok, total lie. But I am trying. I learned how to make peanut sauce with Conde's first wife. Or I sat there and watched and occasionally got to stir.

- My house finally looks like a real house, or at least that someone lives there. I've been living out of a suitcase for the last 6 months.

Finally I will leave you with some pictures...

My cat, Tiya De. It means Peanut Butter in Malinke. Guineans are mortified that I named my cat after a food item.

Tiya again.

Conde and his 2nd blushing bride.

Butt touching at Conde's wedding. Felipe, Katie and I.

and again.

Katie, Jean and I looking lovely in our matching gear.

Breaking it down, Guinean Style.

The creator of my beautiful wedding attire, Mr. Sow.

Feeding the masses.

My first Mosque visit. Jean and I during the Religious Ceremony at Conde's wedding.