Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mother's Day 2012!
Wow, from writing about having a baby to celebrating two years as a mom. Time flies. The adventures continue and I hope I can get my act together so that I can write more often. For Maddie.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
There's a baby on the way!
So, by now you know that I am no longer in Togo. I miss it sooooo much. I really hope that I don't lose contact with too many folks there because I really want to go back in a year and a half.
In the meantime, Tristan and I are preparing ourselves for life's next challenge: parenthood. Yes, I'm going to be a mom in less than two months. I really thought I would write a weekly progress report of the pregnancy, but that never happened. I'm not as disciplined as others in this regard, but I hope that I can at least share my thoughts and feelings (in the belly and beyond) with you as often as possible.
I'm still keeping the posts from my time in Togo because it has a special place in my heart and hope that one day my children (yes, there will be more) will delight in my adventures.
In the meantime, Tristan and I are preparing ourselves for life's next challenge: parenthood. Yes, I'm going to be a mom in less than two months. I really thought I would write a weekly progress report of the pregnancy, but that never happened. I'm not as disciplined as others in this regard, but I hope that I can at least share my thoughts and feelings (in the belly and beyond) with you as often as possible.
I'm still keeping the posts from my time in Togo because it has a special place in my heart and hope that one day my children (yes, there will be more) will delight in my adventures.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
With a little rain, floods occur.
So it seems. There have been many major roads shut down recently due to flooding. It's not too bad considering that all traffic is going through my village now so it's easier to get home. But the price of traveling is rising so there's an incentive not to travel. Besides, roads get far more dangerous when vehicles swerve to avoid potholes and chickens . . . and people. Yeah, it's quite disappointing to see that a taxi driver will almost run over someone in an effort to avoid damaging their tires. I understand that it's not cheap to fix, but is it really worth someone's life?
Recently, a few friends of mine where on a 15-placer traveling up on the route national (Togo’s main highway.) In the process, a local got off without paying the taxi driver and got into a different car. Now, it’s clear that the individual is trying to get away without paying, but it appears that he saw his friends en route and decided to joke around. The taxi driver was not amused and followed the friend’s vehicle for quite sometime. The friend even ran through a checkpoint where the military usually set up and bother everyone for a few CFA. [They don’t have much choice and neither would I if the military carries an unloaded weapon for the mere joy of intimidation.] Anyway, the 15 placer driver would rather retrieve his $4 or $5 than care about anyone’s safety in the vehicle. My friends repeatedly told him to stop but he continued. When the vehicle caught up to the friend’s car, which had been stopped by the police, my friends demanded to be let out of the car. The driver refused to give them their bags (piled about 5 feet high on top of the vehicle) so my friend climbed the car and retrieved their bags. She said it was pretty scary. I can only imagine. I really don’t like the driving situation here in Togo one bit. But, it does put things in perspective.
Not very many people here will ever own their own car and some may never ride in one. But the hassle that they go through is so overwhelming that it’s almost worth not traveling. And that is what upsets me the most. Travel can be so exciting, so memorable, and rewarding. I would love to own a plane in order to take some of my Togolese for a small joy ride around the world. I would take them to Texas for some BBQ, Mexico for taquitos, and New Zealand (random) to enjoy the landscape. They love to hear my stories of the places I’ve been and those I’d love to visit. I almost want to cry thinking that they may never see a place outside of Togo and the beauty that surrounds them. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to travel and see places even some Americans may never see. And, most of all, I enjoy sharing my stories with those who someday would love to follow me in that journey. But for now, I suppose it’s best that we just try to avoid the floods that can wash those dreams away.
Recently, a few friends of mine where on a 15-placer traveling up on the route national (Togo’s main highway.) In the process, a local got off without paying the taxi driver and got into a different car. Now, it’s clear that the individual is trying to get away without paying, but it appears that he saw his friends en route and decided to joke around. The taxi driver was not amused and followed the friend’s vehicle for quite sometime. The friend even ran through a checkpoint where the military usually set up and bother everyone for a few CFA. [They don’t have much choice and neither would I if the military carries an unloaded weapon for the mere joy of intimidation.] Anyway, the 15 placer driver would rather retrieve his $4 or $5 than care about anyone’s safety in the vehicle. My friends repeatedly told him to stop but he continued. When the vehicle caught up to the friend’s car, which had been stopped by the police, my friends demanded to be let out of the car. The driver refused to give them their bags (piled about 5 feet high on top of the vehicle) so my friend climbed the car and retrieved their bags. She said it was pretty scary. I can only imagine. I really don’t like the driving situation here in Togo one bit. But, it does put things in perspective.
Not very many people here will ever own their own car and some may never ride in one. But the hassle that they go through is so overwhelming that it’s almost worth not traveling. And that is what upsets me the most. Travel can be so exciting, so memorable, and rewarding. I would love to own a plane in order to take some of my Togolese for a small joy ride around the world. I would take them to Texas for some BBQ, Mexico for taquitos, and New Zealand (random) to enjoy the landscape. They love to hear my stories of the places I’ve been and those I’d love to visit. I almost want to cry thinking that they may never see a place outside of Togo and the beauty that surrounds them. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to travel and see places even some Americans may never see. And, most of all, I enjoy sharing my stories with those who someday would love to follow me in that journey. But for now, I suppose it’s best that we just try to avoid the floods that can wash those dreams away.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
A cup of coffee
If anyone is interested in robusta coffee from Togo, please let me know. Tristan and I work with the group and we're always looking for potential buyers.
I don't drink coffee, but I hear it's delicious. Check out their site at www.cafekuma.com!
Hope everyone is doing well.
A bientot!!!
I don't drink coffee, but I hear it's delicious. Check out their site at www.cafekuma.com!
Hope everyone is doing well.
A bientot!!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Etiquette 101
I know it’s important to follow local customs in any country. But in my travels I’ve encountered several moments of injudicious behavior, especially during mealtimes. I loathe (yes, that’s more than hate) eating with a million utensils surrounding me. I know it’s somewhat practical but I can’t stand having too many decisions calling out to me when it was difficult enough to decide on what to eat. During my honeymoon, I found myself stressed out during mealtimes because every time I would get just one fork to eat with and gently place the others aside, the waiter would come by and rearrange them to annoy the living hunger out of me. That’s why I’m so thankful to be in a country where no utensils are needed. I love eating with my hands. Almost all authentic Mexican-American food is eaten best by ten digits. Tacos, chalupas, gorditas, chips and salsa, burritos, etc. Here in Togo it’s no different. Fufu, pate, rice and beans, fried plantains, bananas (I’ve seen people eat these with a spoon, and it wasn’t even on a salad!) But, aside from the proper use of utensils or the right-hand, what do you do when you’ve eaten something your palate, tongue, and teeth disagree with? It’s only a second. It doesn’t take long to realize that you’ve eaten what your eyes warned wouldn’t be tasty but your mind adviced to be appropriate. After all, you can’t really say you don’t like it if you haven’t tried it. Well, I will advise you to give it a try, but once is enough. Except here in Togo, it’s pretty much the same meals everyday at every household. Sure, the sauces may be a bit different, but the fish is still intact and the chicken just doesn’t have enough meat to suck on.
Recently, we were invited over to a friend’s house who welcomed us as family. Someone always brings out water which we have to respectfully decline since it’s not filtered. Then we wait. Cooking with charcoal takes quite some time. But, we had a snack so we can wait. When the food is ready, they invite us in. The bring two enormous plates of food. One contains the pate, the other the sauce (with the fish. . . still intact.) I serve Tristan his plate, then mine giving us equal amounts of food which they never think is enough. After we pray they bring out what is perhaps the best invention in the world. No, not a fork. COCA COLA. Yes, this beverage has saved me more times than water in my travels (I obviously haven’t been stranded in any desert.) Coke cancels out the taste of bad food, is almost always served cold, and the bubbles play a little melody as they stream down. It’s been with me in almost all my “first” food adventures: when I first had sushi (which I now love); when I ate an unidentified piece of meat in Ghana; in Egypt eating street-food; in Brazil eating couscous (which I still don’t like); and in Greece when I ate a mound of mayo thinking it was ice cream. Coke has been there. Thank you Coca Cola and all it’s employees. Forget the embargo sanctions imposed to you. Travel well.
I must say, though, that I wasn’t in dire need of a coke this time around. The food was delicious and despite me reaching into my mouth to gather the tens of fish bones stuck in between my teeth and tongue, the meal and the company were very delightful. And the best part, I never had to reach for a fork.
Recently, we were invited over to a friend’s house who welcomed us as family. Someone always brings out water which we have to respectfully decline since it’s not filtered. Then we wait. Cooking with charcoal takes quite some time. But, we had a snack so we can wait. When the food is ready, they invite us in. The bring two enormous plates of food. One contains the pate, the other the sauce (with the fish. . . still intact.) I serve Tristan his plate, then mine giving us equal amounts of food which they never think is enough. After we pray they bring out what is perhaps the best invention in the world. No, not a fork. COCA COLA. Yes, this beverage has saved me more times than water in my travels (I obviously haven’t been stranded in any desert.) Coke cancels out the taste of bad food, is almost always served cold, and the bubbles play a little melody as they stream down. It’s been with me in almost all my “first” food adventures: when I first had sushi (which I now love); when I ate an unidentified piece of meat in Ghana; in Egypt eating street-food; in Brazil eating couscous (which I still don’t like); and in Greece when I ate a mound of mayo thinking it was ice cream. Coke has been there. Thank you Coca Cola and all it’s employees. Forget the embargo sanctions imposed to you. Travel well.
I must say, though, that I wasn’t in dire need of a coke this time around. The food was delicious and despite me reaching into my mouth to gather the tens of fish bones stuck in between my teeth and tongue, the meal and the company were very delightful. And the best part, I never had to reach for a fork.
Let’s Dance
I can’t think of a better way to work off all the calories I just ate than to dance it off. Back home I was a very timid dancer. I never liked dancing around others because I was afraid that I was constantly being judged, like in a beauty pageant without all the glamour and fame. But here in Togo, I love it. Our group loves dancing too. During a week-long seminar, we choreographed an amazing dance to the tune of Kanye West’s most popular song, “Gold Digger” or something like that. We even competed and won against the NRM (Natural Resource Management) group in March. To celebrate our one-year in country (yes, it’s been a year!!!) we went out dancing at a nightclub. I was getting very antsy because it was getting late (10 PM) and I had not danced all the food I ate for lunch, and it was A LOT. My friend’s knew I didn’t go out much considering that I was getting pretty tired by 10:30 PM. We finally danced the night away at midnight and I was working it. Yup. I can dance. All those years of practice-dancing in the privacy of my home paid off. J Now, if I could only sing I would be a Broadway star!
“Cleanliness is next to godliness”
I love to clean. Heck, apart from wanting to be a marine biologist, my other dream job would be to work in a huge mansion as a very well-paid maid, about 100K a year. If I could only deal with all the silverware (see “Etiquette 101” entry). J
No, really, I love cleaning. I do it almost every single day here in Togo. Well, I cleaned almost everyday in the US too, but I do it excessively here. During the harmattan season (November to March) I cleaned twice a day. I know, it’s ridiculous, but I couldn’t stand the look of unpolished wood. Most volunteers clean their homes once a month or once in their service. Some pride themselves on the latter, but I see nothing to be had. Cleaning is essential. Maybe not everyday, but at least once a week. Those same volunteers who clean once a year also have the worst hygiene. I still don’t understand why they make it a competition to have gone the longest without bathing or washing their clothes. Most Americans don’t like the way Togolese smell, but that’s because they don’t have deodorant, it’s not because they haven’t showered. But we as Americans should know the importance of good hygiene and have the means of purchasing a stick of deodorant, so there’s no excuse. Good hygiene prevents sickness and disease. It allows one to see potential areas of infection or growth, like skin cancer. Sure, some go overboard in the fragrance department, but a nice bar of soap can go a long way, no perfume needed. It’s difficult to teach on a subject matter so important to the well-being of others when the presenter doesn’t apply the information on him/herself.
Hygiene is a huge problem here in Togo in part because of lack of sewage infrastructure. Latrine projects are huge around here, but what happens when they fill up? Well, you make another one nearby, right? How often is this happening? From what I can see, not very often at all. In Lome people use the restroom on the ocean shore (that’s numbers 1 and2). So, if you see my pics of the ocean, you won’t see many people around. In Kpalime, people use the restroom just about anywhere. If you need to go, no need to hold it. Older women hike up their skirts and go. Who am I to tell them otherwise? Where can I tell them to go? There are no public restrooms and latrines are hard to find (or I’m just not looking hard enough.) I always see someone “using the restroom” on roadsides or against buildings. But, what gets me the most is when people relieve themselves in fields. This is never acceptable. How can it be? Some volunteers don’t buy fruits, veggies, or rice unless it comes from the grocery store, which is extremely expensive. But, I don’t blame them. I don’t buy certain local products, but I generally bleach all my fruits/veggies whether I peel them or not. I do my best to stay clean both inside and out. Now, if we could only have a competition to see who’s the cleanest. I already know my competition. Again, this is cleanest not best dressed. For that, there are a hundreds of Togolese who’ve got me beat.
No, really, I love cleaning. I do it almost every single day here in Togo. Well, I cleaned almost everyday in the US too, but I do it excessively here. During the harmattan season (November to March) I cleaned twice a day. I know, it’s ridiculous, but I couldn’t stand the look of unpolished wood. Most volunteers clean their homes once a month or once in their service. Some pride themselves on the latter, but I see nothing to be had. Cleaning is essential. Maybe not everyday, but at least once a week. Those same volunteers who clean once a year also have the worst hygiene. I still don’t understand why they make it a competition to have gone the longest without bathing or washing their clothes. Most Americans don’t like the way Togolese smell, but that’s because they don’t have deodorant, it’s not because they haven’t showered. But we as Americans should know the importance of good hygiene and have the means of purchasing a stick of deodorant, so there’s no excuse. Good hygiene prevents sickness and disease. It allows one to see potential areas of infection or growth, like skin cancer. Sure, some go overboard in the fragrance department, but a nice bar of soap can go a long way, no perfume needed. It’s difficult to teach on a subject matter so important to the well-being of others when the presenter doesn’t apply the information on him/herself.
Hygiene is a huge problem here in Togo in part because of lack of sewage infrastructure. Latrine projects are huge around here, but what happens when they fill up? Well, you make another one nearby, right? How often is this happening? From what I can see, not very often at all. In Lome people use the restroom on the ocean shore (that’s numbers 1 and2). So, if you see my pics of the ocean, you won’t see many people around. In Kpalime, people use the restroom just about anywhere. If you need to go, no need to hold it. Older women hike up their skirts and go. Who am I to tell them otherwise? Where can I tell them to go? There are no public restrooms and latrines are hard to find (or I’m just not looking hard enough.) I always see someone “using the restroom” on roadsides or against buildings. But, what gets me the most is when people relieve themselves in fields. This is never acceptable. How can it be? Some volunteers don’t buy fruits, veggies, or rice unless it comes from the grocery store, which is extremely expensive. But, I don’t blame them. I don’t buy certain local products, but I generally bleach all my fruits/veggies whether I peel them or not. I do my best to stay clean both inside and out. Now, if we could only have a competition to see who’s the cleanest. I already know my competition. Again, this is cleanest not best dressed. For that, there are a hundreds of Togolese who’ve got me beat.
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