So I survived my first stomach bug since getting here. I figured it was bound to happen at some point. I haven't figured out exactly what I ate that did me in. 36 hours later I'm feeling fine, thankfully.
After staying inside since Thursday, I ventured out of my house this morning to buy groceries. There's a small market near my house that I walk by everyday on my way to town. I stopped at my favorite stall to buy the essentials: potatoes, eggs, bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes. The two women who work there asked me where I had been the last few days. I was surprised they had noticed; I don't buy food there everyday. They must notice me passing by all the time (I do stand out around here). I told them I had been sick, and they seemed very concerned that I was doing alright. Did I have malaria? Did I see a doctor? Did I take any medicine? Was I 100% better?
I guess even being sick has a silver lining; it was nice to know that people noticed I was missing. Also it reminded me about the difference in community here. In the States, close friends and family MIGHT know when you're sick or have some big problem affecting you, but usually if you hide in your house for 2 days no one will be the wiser. People here are sometimes more interested in my personal business than I care for (e.g. a few weeks ago I had a Canadian girl visit who is doing her grad research here on Pemba. I showed her around town one afternoon, and the next day everyone was convinced that she was my wife, fiance, or "special friend"). But sometimes that interest is ok- around here I never feel that I'm invisible or that no one cares. It's a feeling we've all had at some point, and it's not one I miss.
Just read online that the Aggies beat Sac State to close out their season! Woot! Congrats to all the Aggie Band officers who are finishing up their year!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Beach Corps
If I go to Hell, it'll probably be for gloating (it's sorta like Pride, so it could be one of the seven deadlies), and with this post I may just be digging myslef a deeper hole.
I could use this post to complain about difficulties I'm having adapting syllabus topics into a more teachable order, but why bore you when I can make you jealous? So out with it:
I live on a tropical island. It's awesome. Every night there's a beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean a mile from my house. In the past few weeks I've been to a two amazing beaches, complete with white sand and turquoise water. Vumawimbi Beach is on the North end of the island and is sequestered from society by a surrounding forest preserve. The only way to get there is on a narrow dirt road which is usually waterlogged and is being encroached upon by the jungle. And then there's Misali Island. A small little oasis in the ocean; you can walk around the island in an hour. It's open for day trips only, so it's wildlife and coral reefs are well preserved. The coral is just about 50 feet or so from the water's edge. The peeling sunburn on my back is proof of how much my eyes were glued to all the life on the ocean floor.
To avoid sounding like a stuck up jerk, let me frame it this way: You chould come and visit me. All of you. Don't think about the cost of a plane ticket. Think about the white sand and turquoise water. Just do it.
In case you need further coaxing, here's pictures:
I could use this post to complain about difficulties I'm having adapting syllabus topics into a more teachable order, but why bore you when I can make you jealous? So out with it:
I live on a tropical island. It's awesome. Every night there's a beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean a mile from my house. In the past few weeks I've been to a two amazing beaches, complete with white sand and turquoise water. Vumawimbi Beach is on the North end of the island and is sequestered from society by a surrounding forest preserve. The only way to get there is on a narrow dirt road which is usually waterlogged and is being encroached upon by the jungle. And then there's Misali Island. A small little oasis in the ocean; you can walk around the island in an hour. It's open for day trips only, so it's wildlife and coral reefs are well preserved. The coral is just about 50 feet or so from the water's edge. The peeling sunburn on my back is proof of how much my eyes were glued to all the life on the ocean floor.
To avoid sounding like a stuck up jerk, let me frame it this way: You chould come and visit me. All of you. Don't think about the cost of a plane ticket. Think about the white sand and turquoise water. Just do it.
In case you need further coaxing, here's pictures:
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| Juanito strikes a pose at Vumawimbi |
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| Vumawimbi Beach |
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| These fine gentlemen landed a boat, unloaded, and soon had their goods on a truck heading inland. Smuggling business alive and well on Pemba.... |
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| The road through Ngezi Forest to Vumawimbi beach |
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| Justin, Doug, Laurie, and Dave (not me- were you confused?) about to board a boat for Misali Island |
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| Out on the water, island in the distance |
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| Misali Island! |
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| Landing at the beach |
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| Snorkling! Dave (my twin, not me, dagnabit!) and Justin are ready to go |
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