I’m in Bamako and am pleased to say it was the most pleasant experience on Malian transport I’ve had thus far. It only took 8 hours and while my friend Holly and I had to wake up at 4:30 to get to the gare in the pouring down rain, the actual bus ride was relatively delightful. No break downs, not unbearably hot while at the same time having most all the windows in tact so minimal leaks and water dripping onto us. Successful trip and made it to Bamako in under 9 hours. Afterward Holly and I ran some errands around town and met up with a former volunteer in San, Jen, who just moved to Bamako for a third year. She has her own apartment with a shower and toilet and fans…one lucky lady.
My mid service exam didn’t go quite as planned starting early on with my blood work. Peace Corps provided transport to the blood work facility in Bamako and while waiting for my turn I could feel myself getting nervous while evaluating the cleanliness of the building and staff. While all appeared to be in good condition (considering I live in one of the poorest countries in the world) I still couldn’t help getting in my mind and getting way too agitated. Thus before the nurse even got near enough to pick up the needle I knew I wouldn’t make it. After telling the staff in Bambara that I was falling down I came too in the arms of two doctors. They were both attractive so it wasn’t the worst way to come out of a fainting spell but still embarrassing because there is no privacy wall and the whole waiting room got to witness the fall. It wasn’t graceful either. I hit my head on the way down and then had to be helped to the bathroom where I promptly threw up…Mali won yet again. Passing out takes a lot out of you and much of the rest of the day was spent resting and finishing up the rest of my physical exam back at the Peace Corps bureau. I faced my fear by going to get my teeth cleaned at the scary dentist and while it was certainly not a pleasant trip at least it’s over now and when I COS in less than a year I get vouchers to go to my dentist back home. I’m happy to report that all the results thus far have come out and I’m in about as good of health as can be expected so hopefully can maintain my standard of health for another year.
I’m headed back to San tomorrow hopefully with Peace Corps transport. My boss is headed up to the region of Mopti for some site prospective and Holly, Justin and I are hopefully getting to ride along for free and AC!!!! God willing!
I’ve been so blessed and was able to talk with both of my sisters and meet my niece plus talk to friends and my parents over these past few days in Bamako via skype. Wireless is kind of an anomaly in this country and has been a delightful treat. I’ve even started researching grad schools and possible career prospects seeing as how I’ll be home in less than a year and I’d like to have some idea of where I want to live when I get there. Pretty crazy how quickly the time goes.
Anyways, not too much to report; I hope all is well back home and I miss you all very much.
All my love,
Cait
