Jul 07 2007
Pre-Naadamness
Well, according to my friend Sarah this blog is on a directory of PC peoples’ blogs, so the cat is out of the bag if it wasn’t before. For those people I don’t know, welcome – and let that be a warning to you all!!
My host family was very happy to see me yesterday – I kind of snuck out the day we left because it was so early and I didn’t want to wake them up. My teacher (and my host mom) confirmed that they were all sorts of sad that they didn’t get to send me off. My mom said something about food – I couldn’t tell if it was they wanted to send me along with food, or if they wanted me to buy something in the big town – but I missed it, whatever it was.
They gave me slushy coke and yummy treats when I got back, and I brought back some photos I developed from the big city for them, so all was good. Today I’m sure I’ll be back in the daily grind when I get back home.
It was really nice to have fast computers in-town. I got to call Bonnie and even my dad for a bit on Skype with a reasonably decent sound quality. Leandra didn’t get a real call per se, but she got a voicemail…eh, well 
it was nice to be able to talk to people and send out emails!!
I’m also in town today to go to the bank. However, when we all went there, we weren’t allowed to go in, so I don’t know what will happen. During Naadam pretty much everything but small stores close down for the week, so it’s today or not at all for my living allowance. I have some saved, but I don’t know how much I’ll need during a special festival week.
I hope I get to see all the main events – the wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Naadam time varies from community to community, so some of the other (Peace Corps Trainees) PCTs have already had Naadam and said it was a blast. Some of the guys have also be already thoroughly schooled in wrestling. Heh…alrighty, likely little to no communication during Naadam, so expect a hiatus for now. As they say here (phonetically), Cayhan Naadamaarai…
July 8th, 2007 at 1:58 am
Hey! You look so skinny! Are you eating enough?! (This is me, pretending to be my mom…)
We’re planning a care package (hee hee, fun), is there anything you want? Dying for?
July 11th, 2007 at 2:13 am
Hey Sharer of My Name! NC Care package now under construction. What kind of nuts? How about a little mutton? Oh no…you get plenty of that!
Great to get email. Katie says hi and she loves you! Me too….
July 13th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Hey Charlene,
We all miss you lots already in Seattle. I’m gearing up for my departure to Ethiopia , and it’s been exciting to read about all of your adventures.
Glad to see you’re well.
Talk to you soon
July 14th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Hey all! woo comments!
Nicole – that was a pretty good impression – I almost had to log out and run away
– I’m not dying for much, but I *do* like surprises…so whatever inspires you works 
Sharlene! I tend to like almonds and pecans, but mostly not salty nuts if possible – and yeah, mutton is now being alternated with goat – miss you all – say hi to Katie!
Anna – keep me posted on Ethiopia – I’ve gotten Ann’s update on Ecuador and would love to hear how you’re doing – packing is more complicated than it seems after the fact and in-country for a month, promise