Meridian Golf Course

Today I went golfing and had a blast. It was so nice to play on the ocean. For the first time, since I got here, I felt really good. The course was nice, it was clean, and quiet. I went with colleagues: Bruno, Dave, and Deanna.

At the end of the round I shot a 102 (don't laugh Hans) and decided to buy a set of used clubs and apply for a membership.

The Pro helped me out and what usually takes a month, took an hour. I filled out the form, was interviewed by a retired judge, and then accepted. I guess a committee has to agree but the judge decided that I was good enough.

I can't wait to play weekly!

First Few Days of School

Wow! ISD is awesome! I am going to have high job satisfaction this year. My students are respectful, nice, attentive, and they all write their names on their paper without being reminded.

Teaching Math is new and time consuming, but a lot of fun.

Attached is a map of where students at ISD come from. As you can tell it's very diverse. A lot of my kiddos already speak 2-3 languages and have lived in 3-4 countries. Can you imagine?

It might just be the "honeymoon" stage as my colleague Tod calls it so I'll tell you how it goes in a few months.

TGIF

Friday Wayne (ISD Director and Fly-fisherman) hosted a TGIF party at his home. It was on the roof top and catered. I have never in my life been so forced to eat hor'devours. All the soda, beer, and wine you could drink. Great food and a wonderful time to sit and chat with colleagues.

We had to leave early because Gabbie is sick as a dog. A protozoan has invaded her lungs and she is having a hard time breathing. Oh Africa. She got it from food. A doctor came to the bungalow today and put her on antibiotics and pain killers. She has to miss the first few days of school, poor girl! If she doesn't feel better by tomorrow, she will need to get a lung scan. Please send good thoughts, prayers, wishes...

Monday: Gabbie is still sick and went to get a chest X ray today. This new doctor told her that it was just the "Senegalese Flu" and that all she needs is vitamin C. when I got home from work, the original doctor came by and referred us to a chest x ray facility.

Tuesday: She's breathing and feeling better. I think that she'll be back in saddle again tomorrow. PHEW!

Wed.: She's up and already getting on me to not eat red meat. Gotta love her.

Fishing Trip #1

Today Gabbie and I went on a little fishing trip with Wayne, Dianna, Bruno, and a guide. The put in was close to the school and it cost about thirty bucks for the both of us. We didn't catch anything and one person got sea sick, but is was fun anyhow. Mostly surface fishing. Next year I am going to bring a down-rigger and a fish finder, then we'll slay 'em. I did see some flying fish which was very funny. At first I thought it was a bird then I looked closely and saw the body of a fish. I am excited to go out again sometime soon.

Saint Peter: Bungalow Tortoise

Peter is one of the tortoises that live in our bungalow community. He's either really friendly or wants to nibble my toes, I am still unsure. It's fun to feed him. He likes all kinds of fruit, except apples. Buddy doesn't know what to think about him at all.

Our Local Bakery/Pastry Shop

Five minutes from our home is an excellent patisserie. We can buy bread, cakes, quiche, cookies, and pastries. It's well priced too! About 50 cents for a baguette. I am waiting for a special occasion so that I can buy the chocolate mousse cake, yummy!

The Inside of our Home

I have shown you all the outside, but not the inner workings of our house. It's roomy enough for us and we like it. Some things need to be fixed and people are getting to them when they can. There is no central air conditioner so each room has its own machine. The floors are all tile. The kitchen counter is actually marble, which is super cool. We have a wonderful balcony in our bedroom and the guest bedroom has a view of the ocean. I hope you visit.

Senegalese Food

The food here is really good! I have had fish, chicken, beef, hummus, pasta, macaroon cake, Indian food, pizza, awesome fruit, and the regular vegetables. I haven't gotten sick (fingers crossed) yet, but Gabbie has. Check it out!

International School in Dakar (ISD)

It's 7:00 PM and I am already exhausted. The heat and humidity really takes it out of me. Luckily there is an opened bottle of French wine next to me and I can relax for a bit. Today's feature is ISD, where Gabbie and I work. It's a fine school with high expectations, which I appreciate. I look forward to meeting my students and working with the fine colleagues I have already met. The campus, as you can see, it very nice. I am feeling a bit frustrated because I am living in two worlds: ISD/structured get'r done and do it better than anyone has done it before vs. Dakar/whenever I get to it. I signed up for it so I can't complain too much. It's not so bad. I just can't find a dryer in a country of 12.5 million people. Ha! Things will come around. Enjoy the campus pic.s

Biking to School

Today we biked to our new school. We found some nice side/safe roads. It only took us about twenty -five minutes to get there and that was with stopping and taking pictures. It was warm as you can tell by the color of my face.

Our First Day Out in Town

Well, it's a new experience everyday. Day one we got to dine ocean side, go grocery shopping, and witness a riot. Yeah!

Our New Home: N'Gor Rue

We made it! It's like living in Mexico (Gabbie is so tired of me saying that). I have so much to share and it's hard to categorize it all. I'll start with our home. I love it! I take advantage of the pool daily. There's no pool side service, but hey, my house is the one right next to it, so I guess I can get my ass out of the pool for a drink. The compound is gated and guarded twenty-four hours a day. We live on a quiet street, it's less noisy than Portland, and are close to shops.