Rachel's African Escapades: Friday 20th January 2012

Hi all!

so Mali is amazing! Everyone is so friendly and it's so nice to wake up to sunshine every day.

The sense of humour here is very unusual! You can only joke with people that have certain surnames (and there is only about 40 surnames here!!!! so a lot of people have the same name!) and it is hugely funny to call someone your slave or call them a monkey. Its also funny to joke that someone loves to eat green beans.

Our accommodation is very spacious and has a huge breezy terrace area.

Yesterday we went to meet two of the three organisations we will be working with FEMAPH (Malian association for disabled people) and UMAV (school and centre for the blind and visually impared). Which is where Amadou and Miriam attended!

Our group (consisting of JJ, Fran, Bridie, Megan, Felicity, Hibak, Jemma and Myself) already have many ideas for possible projects to help.

I'm finding it hard to communicate with people as everyone speaks French and Bambara but we had some Bambara lessons, with a very enthusiastic teacher, which was great fun!

Good morning = I ni sogoma
How are you = I Ka Kane

We have also had a culture lesson. I was surprised to find out that polygamy is practised here. Greeting people is of high importance and can take a while as you must ask how all the family members are not just the person you are talking to! Also we learn the importance of Kola nuts which are used as a cure to everything and are offered as gifts.

We have had some traditional west African food (Ivorian and Senegalese) which consists of rice, spicy sauce and meat. It was very delicious. I have also found my new favourite drink ... Ya Banane! Which is a fizzy banana drink... nom nom nom.

I miss playing football at home but i cannot wait for Mali to play in the African cup of nations on Tuesday. woooo!

Muuch love to everyone at home! :D

Rachel xxxxxxxxxxx