My Garden

About a month before we left for Thailand I began a garden behind the school. I wasn't very optimistic but decided to give it the old college try. I was fortunate because the boxes were already there. I just had to weed and mend the soil. I brought some some seeds back with me this summer (thanks mom!) and began them in trays in Gabbie's classroom. They germinated and in the beds they went. I have carrots, peas, lettuce, okra, kale, chard, broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers growing. So far I have harvested peas, carrots, a few cucumbers, and lettuce. I actually have enough lettuce to make a fresh salad for me and Gabbie everyday! Needless to say, it's nice to get my hands dirty. I find it very peaceful and from time to time, beautiful red birds land to feed on grass seeds nearby.

I have to give a big thanks to Yoshiko for the donkey manure and a ride to the seed store where I bought some eggplants seeds.

I also have a compost going and now have a place for my scraps. sometimes I even take lawn clippings from the school field. Yahooo!

Popenguine: Chez Omar

The girls minus Gina and Hillary.

Check out the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

That wood was heavy and carrying it sucked!

We made it back safely to Dakar. A few bags did not make it as soon as we did, but it all worked out in the end. We had a wonderful break but was soon back in the swing of things: ISD, grading, meetings, low morale, progress reports, stress, and a constant cough now that sandy winds have returned. After two weeks of our noses to the grindstone, we decided to head out of town for some R&R.

Gina, Shelby, Crystal, Bex, Hillary, Gabbie, Buddy, and I left for Popenguine Friday evening. A nice time was spent eating good food, swimming, relaxing, walking, chilling by a camp fire, and a whole lot of laughing. This was by far one of the best groups I have traveled with. Everyone had food to contribute, cleaned up after themselves, and were chill. Everyone was loving it!

A highlight happened last night. Late in the afternoon Crystal and I negotiated for some hard wood with a beach fire in mind. We got what we needed and the woman that sold us the wood even got a candy ring out of the deal (she was like what is this?). After a wonderful dinner of grilled chicken, beans, and stiff drinks, we built a nice fire on the beach. About an hour into it, some local "beachcombers" played some music for us. The started off their set with "I Will Survive" and finished off with "The Banana Boat Song" (by request).

Day light came and me not want to go home.

Sunset Snorkeling

Captain of the longboat.
The beach we were to dine on.
The snorkelers! I met people from Australia, Norway, South Africa, Holland, Ireland, and Canada.
The cool boat we got to board.
This snorkeler was sea sick. Cool booties though!
Chok Di (cheers in Thai)
Mr. Mek, one of our guides.
Gabbie doesn't like it when people comment on her excellent sun protection.
Above is the cave we snorkeled in.


Gabbie arranged for us to take a snorkeling trip yesterday. We first boarded a longboat and went to our first beach. It was awesome to be in water where the coral is still alive and the tropical fish plenty. We then hit another bay and that was nice too. Our third spot allowed us to swim into a cave, which was really cool. After that we switched boats and boarded a wooden ship. From there we went to a beach to have dinner. It was dark out by then and after dinner we went for a swimming in phosphorescence. That was a first for me and it was outstanding.

New Years Eve

It turned out that it was mandatory for Gabbie and I to be diners at the hotel new year's event. It only cost roughly a hundred dollars per person. Ha! It was an okay buffet accompanied with Thai performances (video). Drinks were extra so we took off early. Happy New Year!