Hey Everyone,
Well this fantastic trip has come to an end. We arrived safely in Toronto last Wednesday, and I can truly say it feels good to be home again. I had a wonderful time in The Gambia, but no matter how much you love a place, you love coming home more.
I want to thank everyone who followed my blog, and especially those who posted comments to it. They helped buoy my spirits during some of the low points of the trip.
Give me a call or an e-mail and I'd love to catch up over coffee, or beer, whatever your preference is. I should have pictures organized to show off by the end of this week.
Love
Justin
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
An Epic Day!
So we decided that we should ring out our last Saturday in The Gambia in style. We had looked a few weeks ago at doing a few different tourist trips, but after taking part in one and feeling like we were little more than sheep being herded around and given a dog and pony show about what 'true african life' is supposedly like, we decided to forgo the second 2-day trip that would have seen us leave from Banjul, drive to Ferrefenni, take an overnight boat to Georgetown, then drive back to Banjul. We were a little depressed that Megan and I especially, would not be able to see more of the country, so we hatched the idea for one last hurrah, and managed to break about 6 national laws in the process (most completely of ignorance, and by accident).
On Friday night we rented a 4x4 car and readied for a roadtrip to end all roadtrips. We decided we would drive ourselves to Georgetown, and if it could work, take a fishing boat to see hippos.
We left at 6 am to try to catch the first ferry across from Banjul to Barre, but when we arrived, were told the biggest of the 3 ferries was broken down, and, with a bribe of $20 we might be able to get on in 2-4 hrs. We decided, rather than wait around doing nothing for hours, we would all rather drive, and opted to take the south bank road... which pretty much meant we were no longer going to make it to Georgetown.
Now you need to know a few things about transportation in The Gambia. There are, in all honesty, 2 roads in The Gambia. One runs along the North Bank, the other along the South Bank.
At one point, nearly 35 years ago, the South Bank road was paved nearly 3/4 of the length of the country, and the North Bank road, paved about 15 years ago.
Another thing to know is that road construction is relatively impressive in The Gambia.... road maintenance on the other hand is functionally incompetent. Needless to say, after nearly 30 years of utter neglect, the South Bank highway is little more than a heavily pot-holed, frequently washed out, completely unmarked dirt pathway curving its way throughout the country. This is the road we choose to drive on.
It was absolutely a day about the journey, not the destination... so much so, that as we started off, I nearly passed right by the first police check point I came to. I wasn't able to stop until about 50 m past the line, and had to reverse back to the waiting police officer, who luckily, had a sense of humor about the whole thing.
We travelled along the south bank all the way to Soma, stopping along the way at about 10 police checks, as well as the village of Kolali; to try to see a game park that the president has on his personal grounds, as well as Brikama for some breakfast.
Once arriving in Soma, we took the ferry across the river to the North Bank, and the village of Ferrefenni. Anyone who earlier looked for where Njawara was, it's midway between Barre and Ferrefenni. We stopped in Ferrefenni for lunch, which consisted of a street side hut, with a large bowl of completely raw beef pieces (surely not one cut, I think i ate liver at some point, as well as some gristle, and i'd guess at least 3 different cuts of beef), that they pick up (bare handed of course), and throw into a waiting hot wok to fry it together with some seasoning and onions, then serve it to you to eat with your bare hands.
I think when we first got here, I would have politely (I hope) declined the offer, but time cures all fears, and I was hungry, so dove right on into one of the best meals I've had since arriving in the gambia, and surely one of the cheapest... at only $1 for the plate of food, I was a happy man.
We then loaded back up into the car, filled up on gas and kept heading East. We had set 4 pm as the 'turnaround time', the point at which, in order to catch the last ferry at Barre, and make it back the same day, we'd have to turn around. We figured we'd just drive from Ferrefenni Eastwards until 4, still in the direction of Georgetown, but without really expecting to make it there, then turnaround and head back.
Until this point, all of the police checkpoints were of no problem whatsoever. The worst we had was (aside from teh one i nearly ran), was one cop who suggested that I drive a little slower. I had driven the entire way to Farafenni, having rented the car on my licence, and being the only person on teh trip with an International Driving Permit (not absolutely necessary, but recommended). In Ferrefenni I was feeling tired, so Jordan offered to drive. At the first checkpoint he drove up to, he got stopped and asked for his drivers licence and insurance. We produced these, and the officer asked for his Gambian permit (essentially was asking for the IDP)
As 4 pm approached, we rounded the north bend of the river and came to Wasso. At the police checkpoint in Basse, I think the officer had either a chip on his shoulder or felt like giving us a hard time. He asked for Jordan's licence, which we provided, and insurance, again, no problem. Wanted to find out something else, then looked at Megan and said "Come with me."
At this point we all got our back up just a little, and adamently outright refused. We asked what he needed her for, then looked at her and said "What are you dressed like this for?" (she was dressed as any 21 year old female would at home, but i guess he was offended by it). We still refused to answer him directly. Megan was in the back and Jordan was now standing outside the drivers seat. He then asked to see our passports, and shortly afterwards told us to go. Needless to say it was a bit of a harrowing experience.
We then were getting ready to turn around, thinking we were still about 1 hour outside of Georgetown, when we looked at the map and had somehow, in about 5 minutes, closed 3/4 of the distance between Wasso and Georgetown. None of us is yet sure if this was a cartographic error or we found a wormhole in the middle of the country, but 2 minutes later we pulled up to the ferry terminal at Georgetown.
Just before reaching Georgetown there is a military checkpoint. Police checkpoints are often nothing more than a sign on the road, and a guy sitting under a tree who, if you honk your horn twice as you approach, waves you through without getting up. Military checkpoints on the other hand never give the option of driving through. they are always manned by two men, one with an AK 47 in his hands while he questions you, safety off, but finger over the trigger guard, the other is sitting in a bunker on the side of the road with a full machine gun at the ready, and pointing at you as you drive up. At no time, in either direction is there more than one person in the checkpoint at a time. Jordan hasn't driven through one of these, and nearly followed the car in front of him into the checkpoint, until Megaan and I both started yelling to stop immediately! Again, luckily, the guard was pretty easygoing and just warned Jordan to give TONS of space at teh military checkpoints and absolutely not drive into or through one.
We made it to our destination. We didnt' have enough time to go into a boat and see hippos, but we made it all the way to Georgetown. Because we took the South Bank Road, and detoured to President Jamme's zoo, among other things, the trip there took us 10 hours. We now had 5 to drive back to Barre, but the North Bank Road is more like a country road in Canada, on which you can mostly drive 80 km comfortably, sometimes 100 km/h.
So after taking a few pictures, we hopped back into the car and started our return journey. None of the police check points that gave us trouble on the way there, bothered us on the way back. They did however start asking us if we had anything for them..... if we might feel it in our hearts to help them, maybe buy attaya, since they've been working all day. We had been warned of this previously, that many of the check points would either find some minor flaw (broken light, something in your insurance or some other missing safety thing) and suggest it could all go away right now... for a small fee, but we hadn't seen any of it yet. I had heard many people have to drop as much as 500 ($20) Dalasis on the North Bank Road, so we started having ready 10 ($0.40) dalasis at each checkpoint and after giving out, i think 5 total, we got pretty good at passing the bill by handshake. Along the entire trip i think we had to give out about 100 Dalasis ($4).
We decided, having a standard vehicle to try out, that Adam and Megan, if they wanted, could try to learn standard while we were driving. Adam took up the offer, so we put him in the front seat, and surprisingly he didn't stall it his first two starts. He was doing ok until he put it in 5th gear and apparently the force he felt overcame his ability to steer straight and we swerved a little violently for a second before he regained control, 500 feet before a police checkpoint. Again we were asked for licence and insurance, as well as having our fire extinguisher, lights and indicators all checked.
Adam did manage his first stall, as he tried to pull away from the police checkpoint, but recovered on the second attempt.
We got to Barre and crossed on the ferry without incident and in record time. As we were getting off of the ferry, i suggested we drive through Banjul for the last time we are here, and see Arch 22 one last time.
Another thing for you to know, NO ONE except for the President himself is ever allowed to drive under Arch 22. There is a pretty impressive road leading up to it, with a turn off about 300 feet before the arch itself.... i missed said turn-off, and convinced that there was a ringroad, actually drove up to, and under the Arch, right to the point they have a chain spread across the road to stop you from going through.... Again, luckily for me, the solider standing there had a sense of humor, and told me to turn around to go back.
From that point out, we had an uneventful 30 minutes back to the hotel, but all in all, it was a 16 hour driving marathon, in which we saw 5 of the 6 'provinces' or districts of The Gambia and broke more laws than I care to mention.
While it was surely more about the journey than the destination, it was pretty awesome that we made our destination as well.
We got to see all the country we wanted to see, take our own pace, live, drive, eat and talk with real locals, and did it all without a guide, without a driver and without a clue sometimes what we were actually doing.
I can't think of a better way to see the country, or to spend our last weekend in The Gambia. It was a way to go out on a high note, as we now prepare to pack our bags and head home.
On Friday night we rented a 4x4 car and readied for a roadtrip to end all roadtrips. We decided we would drive ourselves to Georgetown, and if it could work, take a fishing boat to see hippos.
We left at 6 am to try to catch the first ferry across from Banjul to Barre, but when we arrived, were told the biggest of the 3 ferries was broken down, and, with a bribe of $20 we might be able to get on in 2-4 hrs. We decided, rather than wait around doing nothing for hours, we would all rather drive, and opted to take the south bank road... which pretty much meant we were no longer going to make it to Georgetown.
Now you need to know a few things about transportation in The Gambia. There are, in all honesty, 2 roads in The Gambia. One runs along the North Bank, the other along the South Bank.
At one point, nearly 35 years ago, the South Bank road was paved nearly 3/4 of the length of the country, and the North Bank road, paved about 15 years ago.
Another thing to know is that road construction is relatively impressive in The Gambia.... road maintenance on the other hand is functionally incompetent. Needless to say, after nearly 30 years of utter neglect, the South Bank highway is little more than a heavily pot-holed, frequently washed out, completely unmarked dirt pathway curving its way throughout the country. This is the road we choose to drive on.
It was absolutely a day about the journey, not the destination... so much so, that as we started off, I nearly passed right by the first police check point I came to. I wasn't able to stop until about 50 m past the line, and had to reverse back to the waiting police officer, who luckily, had a sense of humor about the whole thing.
We travelled along the south bank all the way to Soma, stopping along the way at about 10 police checks, as well as the village of Kolali; to try to see a game park that the president has on his personal grounds, as well as Brikama for some breakfast.
Once arriving in Soma, we took the ferry across the river to the North Bank, and the village of Ferrefenni. Anyone who earlier looked for where Njawara was, it's midway between Barre and Ferrefenni. We stopped in Ferrefenni for lunch, which consisted of a street side hut, with a large bowl of completely raw beef pieces (surely not one cut, I think i ate liver at some point, as well as some gristle, and i'd guess at least 3 different cuts of beef), that they pick up (bare handed of course), and throw into a waiting hot wok to fry it together with some seasoning and onions, then serve it to you to eat with your bare hands.
I think when we first got here, I would have politely (I hope) declined the offer, but time cures all fears, and I was hungry, so dove right on into one of the best meals I've had since arriving in the gambia, and surely one of the cheapest... at only $1 for the plate of food, I was a happy man.
We then loaded back up into the car, filled up on gas and kept heading East. We had set 4 pm as the 'turnaround time', the point at which, in order to catch the last ferry at Barre, and make it back the same day, we'd have to turn around. We figured we'd just drive from Ferrefenni Eastwards until 4, still in the direction of Georgetown, but without really expecting to make it there, then turnaround and head back.
Until this point, all of the police checkpoints were of no problem whatsoever. The worst we had was (aside from teh one i nearly ran), was one cop who suggested that I drive a little slower. I had driven the entire way to Farafenni, having rented the car on my licence, and being the only person on teh trip with an International Driving Permit (not absolutely necessary, but recommended). In Ferrefenni I was feeling tired, so Jordan offered to drive. At the first checkpoint he drove up to, he got stopped and asked for his drivers licence and insurance. We produced these, and the officer asked for his Gambian permit (essentially was asking for the IDP)
As 4 pm approached, we rounded the north bend of the river and came to Wasso. At the police checkpoint in Basse, I think the officer had either a chip on his shoulder or felt like giving us a hard time. He asked for Jordan's licence, which we provided, and insurance, again, no problem. Wanted to find out something else, then looked at Megan and said "Come with me."
At this point we all got our back up just a little, and adamently outright refused. We asked what he needed her for, then looked at her and said "What are you dressed like this for?" (she was dressed as any 21 year old female would at home, but i guess he was offended by it). We still refused to answer him directly. Megan was in the back and Jordan was now standing outside the drivers seat. He then asked to see our passports, and shortly afterwards told us to go. Needless to say it was a bit of a harrowing experience.
We then were getting ready to turn around, thinking we were still about 1 hour outside of Georgetown, when we looked at the map and had somehow, in about 5 minutes, closed 3/4 of the distance between Wasso and Georgetown. None of us is yet sure if this was a cartographic error or we found a wormhole in the middle of the country, but 2 minutes later we pulled up to the ferry terminal at Georgetown.
Just before reaching Georgetown there is a military checkpoint. Police checkpoints are often nothing more than a sign on the road, and a guy sitting under a tree who, if you honk your horn twice as you approach, waves you through without getting up. Military checkpoints on the other hand never give the option of driving through. they are always manned by two men, one with an AK 47 in his hands while he questions you, safety off, but finger over the trigger guard, the other is sitting in a bunker on the side of the road with a full machine gun at the ready, and pointing at you as you drive up. At no time, in either direction is there more than one person in the checkpoint at a time. Jordan hasn't driven through one of these, and nearly followed the car in front of him into the checkpoint, until Megaan and I both started yelling to stop immediately! Again, luckily, the guard was pretty easygoing and just warned Jordan to give TONS of space at teh military checkpoints and absolutely not drive into or through one.
We made it to our destination. We didnt' have enough time to go into a boat and see hippos, but we made it all the way to Georgetown. Because we took the South Bank Road, and detoured to President Jamme's zoo, among other things, the trip there took us 10 hours. We now had 5 to drive back to Barre, but the North Bank Road is more like a country road in Canada, on which you can mostly drive 80 km comfortably, sometimes 100 km/h.
So after taking a few pictures, we hopped back into the car and started our return journey. None of the police check points that gave us trouble on the way there, bothered us on the way back. They did however start asking us if we had anything for them..... if we might feel it in our hearts to help them, maybe buy attaya, since they've been working all day. We had been warned of this previously, that many of the check points would either find some minor flaw (broken light, something in your insurance or some other missing safety thing) and suggest it could all go away right now... for a small fee, but we hadn't seen any of it yet. I had heard many people have to drop as much as 500 ($20) Dalasis on the North Bank Road, so we started having ready 10 ($0.40) dalasis at each checkpoint and after giving out, i think 5 total, we got pretty good at passing the bill by handshake. Along the entire trip i think we had to give out about 100 Dalasis ($4).
We decided, having a standard vehicle to try out, that Adam and Megan, if they wanted, could try to learn standard while we were driving. Adam took up the offer, so we put him in the front seat, and surprisingly he didn't stall it his first two starts. He was doing ok until he put it in 5th gear and apparently the force he felt overcame his ability to steer straight and we swerved a little violently for a second before he regained control, 500 feet before a police checkpoint. Again we were asked for licence and insurance, as well as having our fire extinguisher, lights and indicators all checked.
Adam did manage his first stall, as he tried to pull away from the police checkpoint, but recovered on the second attempt.
We got to Barre and crossed on the ferry without incident and in record time. As we were getting off of the ferry, i suggested we drive through Banjul for the last time we are here, and see Arch 22 one last time.
Another thing for you to know, NO ONE except for the President himself is ever allowed to drive under Arch 22. There is a pretty impressive road leading up to it, with a turn off about 300 feet before the arch itself.... i missed said turn-off, and convinced that there was a ringroad, actually drove up to, and under the Arch, right to the point they have a chain spread across the road to stop you from going through.... Again, luckily for me, the solider standing there had a sense of humor, and told me to turn around to go back.
From that point out, we had an uneventful 30 minutes back to the hotel, but all in all, it was a 16 hour driving marathon, in which we saw 5 of the 6 'provinces' or districts of The Gambia and broke more laws than I care to mention.
While it was surely more about the journey than the destination, it was pretty awesome that we made our destination as well.
We got to see all the country we wanted to see, take our own pace, live, drive, eat and talk with real locals, and did it all without a guide, without a driver and without a clue sometimes what we were actually doing.
I can't think of a better way to see the country, or to spend our last weekend in The Gambia. It was a way to go out on a high note, as we now prepare to pack our bags and head home.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Holy Water Batman!
So yesterday we had a first hand experience of what the rains in The Gambia really are like.
The storm started innocuously enough, with a steady, but not incredibly heavy rain.
I really didn't even notice how heavily it was raining, or how much rain had fallen until the power went out.
I only really truly appreciated the quantity of water we were talking about when i got up to go to the bathroom and the path, through the outside garden of the restaurant, was ankle deep with water.
Soon afterwards we had finished our meal and went to leave (poncho ready), when we stepped out into the road and were mid--shin deep in water.
The entire road, from 'curb' to 'curb' was about 6" deep with water, covering the road like a lake. The next surprise came when we got to the nearest intersection, and found where the water was 'draining' to... we had to cross a literal river of water with a current that actually made you have to catch your balance. At times we stepped as deep as our knee into eddys that had been formed, and had to cross 3 main highways/roadways that were completely covered with water.
The true magnitude of the problem only dawns on you when you stop to think about the drainage system here... of which there is none... all the water that falls on the road, rather than entering a storm water system, flows along the top, and sides of the road... of all roads... following the natural depressions of the land, they have a bad habit of combining at the lowest point... which luckily or not for us, is only 400m from our hotel. In front of our hotel, and along the entire width of the road, was a river, flowing at least 6 inches, and in some places a full 12" deep, across the road, where 5 different 'tributary' roads had contributed their water load to ours. I was considering finding a canoe and going for a ride along the road. I would have floated with little trouble.
the true magnitude of the damage was seen this morning when we walked out to find many parts of the road dropped by 3 or even 6 inches in most places, and in some, as deep as 2-3 feet.
I have no idea how the country is able to deal with such an immense amount of water, but this morning, everything was pretty much dry, mind you much civil engineering work was destroyed as alot of the dirt road had washed away and the path is now somewhat treacherous to drive along, but to each their own.
It was incredible!
5 more days, I can't wait to be home again!
Love ya
JP
The storm started innocuously enough, with a steady, but not incredibly heavy rain.
I really didn't even notice how heavily it was raining, or how much rain had fallen until the power went out.
I only really truly appreciated the quantity of water we were talking about when i got up to go to the bathroom and the path, through the outside garden of the restaurant, was ankle deep with water.
Soon afterwards we had finished our meal and went to leave (poncho ready), when we stepped out into the road and were mid--shin deep in water.
The entire road, from 'curb' to 'curb' was about 6" deep with water, covering the road like a lake. The next surprise came when we got to the nearest intersection, and found where the water was 'draining' to... we had to cross a literal river of water with a current that actually made you have to catch your balance. At times we stepped as deep as our knee into eddys that had been formed, and had to cross 3 main highways/roadways that were completely covered with water.
The true magnitude of the problem only dawns on you when you stop to think about the drainage system here... of which there is none... all the water that falls on the road, rather than entering a storm water system, flows along the top, and sides of the road... of all roads... following the natural depressions of the land, they have a bad habit of combining at the lowest point... which luckily or not for us, is only 400m from our hotel. In front of our hotel, and along the entire width of the road, was a river, flowing at least 6 inches, and in some places a full 12" deep, across the road, where 5 different 'tributary' roads had contributed their water load to ours. I was considering finding a canoe and going for a ride along the road. I would have floated with little trouble.
the true magnitude of the damage was seen this morning when we walked out to find many parts of the road dropped by 3 or even 6 inches in most places, and in some, as deep as 2-3 feet.
I have no idea how the country is able to deal with such an immense amount of water, but this morning, everything was pretty much dry, mind you much civil engineering work was destroyed as alot of the dirt road had washed away and the path is now somewhat treacherous to drive along, but to each their own.
It was incredible!
5 more days, I can't wait to be home again!
Love ya
JP
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Our first goodbye
Hey Everyone,
So we had a bit of a hard day today. Today is Aminata's birthday (our 4 year-old host sister), so at the request of our host family, we traveled with Adam and Jordan, back to Sanyang for our last time today. The party was fun, and it was so nice to see the kids again (i think about 20 of them came out to dance and sing).
The hard part of course came when we had to leave, knowing that we'll be leaving for the last time, and it's completely unknown if we'll ever see them again.
As much as our time there was a bit trying, having to cope with many new things, and adapt to a way of life far from what we would call normal, I really grew fond of the kids, and have a great deal of respect for our host mother, and her sister Natoo who also lives in the house.
Today really hammered home the fact that we're coming down to the last few days of our trip, and we're going to have to start to say goodbye to all of the friends we have made here. That's not to say that i'm not looking forward to being home, I truly and honestly cannot wait for the next 9 days (as of Monday it's single digits) to go by and to be back with all of you, but it's surely going to be a bittersweet departure. While it could never replace Canada, and London and Cambridge, this place has been our home for the last 3 months, and I've grown somewhat fond of it (of course, ask me at the end of a bad day and i'll sing a different tune). I suppose it's just hard to accept this trip is nearing it's conclusion. Its been full of joys and frustrations, incredible memories, and days that just wouldn't end, laughing moments of joy and friendship, as well as low points of mild depression and lonliness. I think in spite of all the changes we had to make, the uncertaintly about our day to day activities or what we would actually accomplish at the end of the trip, I've had a successful trip if only that i've gained the knowledge that i can survive trips of this nature, without losing sight of the things at home that are most important to me.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again in what is really, a very soon time.
Love,
JP
So we had a bit of a hard day today. Today is Aminata's birthday (our 4 year-old host sister), so at the request of our host family, we traveled with Adam and Jordan, back to Sanyang for our last time today. The party was fun, and it was so nice to see the kids again (i think about 20 of them came out to dance and sing).
The hard part of course came when we had to leave, knowing that we'll be leaving for the last time, and it's completely unknown if we'll ever see them again.
As much as our time there was a bit trying, having to cope with many new things, and adapt to a way of life far from what we would call normal, I really grew fond of the kids, and have a great deal of respect for our host mother, and her sister Natoo who also lives in the house.
Today really hammered home the fact that we're coming down to the last few days of our trip, and we're going to have to start to say goodbye to all of the friends we have made here. That's not to say that i'm not looking forward to being home, I truly and honestly cannot wait for the next 9 days (as of Monday it's single digits) to go by and to be back with all of you, but it's surely going to be a bittersweet departure. While it could never replace Canada, and London and Cambridge, this place has been our home for the last 3 months, and I've grown somewhat fond of it (of course, ask me at the end of a bad day and i'll sing a different tune). I suppose it's just hard to accept this trip is nearing it's conclusion. Its been full of joys and frustrations, incredible memories, and days that just wouldn't end, laughing moments of joy and friendship, as well as low points of mild depression and lonliness. I think in spite of all the changes we had to make, the uncertaintly about our day to day activities or what we would actually accomplish at the end of the trip, I've had a successful trip if only that i've gained the knowledge that i can survive trips of this nature, without losing sight of the things at home that are most important to me.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again in what is really, a very soon time.
Love,
JP
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Video of our Pump Installation
Hey everyone,
So rather than providing just lame pictures that aren't exciting at all, i put together a movie of our pump build and install from the start to the end. I hope you enjoy.
JP
oh, p.s. there is only a very little bit of audio during the video clips, so don't worry if you hear nothing.
So rather than providing just lame pictures that aren't exciting at all, i put together a movie of our pump build and install from the start to the end. I hope you enjoy.
JP
oh, p.s. there is only a very little bit of audio during the video clips, so don't worry if you hear nothing.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Today was an awesome day!
We have been working the last few weeks with Paul at Concern Universal to re-design a rope pump so that it can be used for deep wells, beyond 24 m, where the weight of water, and the losses in the pump make drawing water a very difficult technical challenge.
After providing Paul with some ideas we had, he suggested we focus on one idea, building a flywheel that will attach to the pump and make drawing the water up easier.
Last Thursday we started at a local metal shop on the fabrication of our flywheel. Over the next four days it took shape and today we took the whole apparatus out to a site known to be difficult for pumps to successfully draw water up. After installing the pump and flywheel to the well, we started it up. Though it was still difficult, after priming the system for about 20 turns, we had a good steady flow of water coming up from the deep.
Our idea worked marvellously. There are still some minor modifications that we will be making over the next few days, but from the outset, we were able to achieve a flow rate of 24 litres per minute for a 21 metre deep well (or if you had the endurance, more than 1400 litres in an hour). It's not the best flowrate i've ever heard, but is up there on the scale of success, and places our design within the realm of feasible we were hoping for.
some traditional hand pumps can deliver 1000 l/hr, while a horse drawn pump (i don't even know what it would look like) has been measured to deliver closer to 3000 L/hr.
Needless to say both Megan and I are pretty proud of what we have accomplished, and in only 1 week of fabrication. One of the modifications we'll be making will allow the user to pull on a rope to spin the flywheel. It was a last minute idea by our manufacturing guru, Cham, but we tested it out on site and it worked very well... the modification we need to make is ot allow the rope to slip/twist, as when we tied it, it was wanting to twist on itself.
We have conquered one of the most difficult wells that Concern Universal has in their database.
Today was a very good day!
Pictures will be posted up soon.
After providing Paul with some ideas we had, he suggested we focus on one idea, building a flywheel that will attach to the pump and make drawing the water up easier.
Last Thursday we started at a local metal shop on the fabrication of our flywheel. Over the next four days it took shape and today we took the whole apparatus out to a site known to be difficult for pumps to successfully draw water up. After installing the pump and flywheel to the well, we started it up. Though it was still difficult, after priming the system for about 20 turns, we had a good steady flow of water coming up from the deep.
Our idea worked marvellously. There are still some minor modifications that we will be making over the next few days, but from the outset, we were able to achieve a flow rate of 24 litres per minute for a 21 metre deep well (or if you had the endurance, more than 1400 litres in an hour). It's not the best flowrate i've ever heard, but is up there on the scale of success, and places our design within the realm of feasible we were hoping for.
some traditional hand pumps can deliver 1000 l/hr, while a horse drawn pump (i don't even know what it would look like) has been measured to deliver closer to 3000 L/hr.
Needless to say both Megan and I are pretty proud of what we have accomplished, and in only 1 week of fabrication. One of the modifications we'll be making will allow the user to pull on a rope to spin the flywheel. It was a last minute idea by our manufacturing guru, Cham, but we tested it out on site and it worked very well... the modification we need to make is ot allow the rope to slip/twist, as when we tied it, it was wanting to twist on itself.
We have conquered one of the most difficult wells that Concern Universal has in their database.
Today was a very good day!
Pictures will be posted up soon.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Being a real tourist - boat trip up the Gambia River to Fort St. James
So we had an interesting experience on Sunday, as our trip is starting to wind down (only 15 days remaining as I write this), we thought it would be sillyy of us not to take a trip up the Gambia River, which is one of the main tourist things to do while here, aside from sit on the beach drinking beer.
We signed up with a 1 day trip to leave from the Banjul Seaport (where the ferry departs from), and travel upriver about 20 nautical miles to the village of Juffreh. It was nice to meet other Toubabs while we were on the boat, and struck up some lively conversation with several other people enroute. Being on the boat made me very homesick.... well maybe more appropriately, boat-sick... missing the lazy days spent on top of the boat, laughing, swimming, and relaxing.
We arrived in Juffreh for our tour around a 'traditional African village'. It was kinda heartbreaking, as the village was of normal construction, but the relationship to Njawara or Sanyang, where we have spent considerable time on this trip ends at that point. The village has focused itself on these boat trips for its income, and as a result, is anything but 'traditional' or 'authentic'. As we walked along the road, children were dancing in the street and banging on improvised containers trying to receive some money or candy from the Toubabs passing through. The whole culture of the village was different than what we have had the great luck of witnessing first hand. Everyone who came up to you spoke in English, and wasn't just wondering about who you were and where you were from, but was trying to get you to buy something from them, or give something to them. They even sold in large bags, the candies the kids were begging for. Talk about a supply and demand situation.
All in all it was more eye-opening than enjoyable. The vast majority of the tourists we were travelling with were respectful, however there were the handful who were completely ignorant and in some cases outright offensive to the locals. One man carried an open bottle of beer off the boat with him, into a Muslim village, was walking around without his shirt for nearly the whole time, until I told him he is about to meet the village Alkalo and should, out of respect, clothe himself. They had a replica of a slave boat in the museum we visited. We were asked outright not to climb onboard, that didn't stop them in anyway, and as we were leaving, we noticed a large contingent of children surrounding the two. It occurred to us immediatley that, again although being asked not to give the kids anything, but to place candies, books, pencils, whatever we had into a communal collection to be given out to the children at a later time... this both to ensure fairness, and to discourage children from skipping school everytime a Toubab boat pulls in, that these two people were handing out candies to each of the children. At one point, one of the guides took a handful from the woman and placed them in the collection. As they were at the edge of the village, a persistent girl who had stayed with them to this point was rewarded with a candy. She ran back towards us, and her two friends, showing it off. I'm reasonably certain she would have been beaten up by the other girls over this small candy. Glad we Toubabs are so generous!
It just made me really disappointed at this culture of 'gotta go to Africa, gotta see the poor black kids, gotta make them love me by giving trinkets and candy so I feel better inside. These people have now 'seen' the real African village, and can go back to their 4 and 5 star hotels completely satisfied they made the world a better place by spending 15 minutes with less advantaged people. It made me not want to ever be that 'tourist' again.
After spending about 1.5 hrs in Juffreh, they took us across the water to Fort James Island. This was the staging ground for the West African slave trade. Boats would arrive from England and Europe, unload cargo, load up with slaves, who had been led to Juffreh by captors, and sold by traders, then loaded onto the slave boat to go to the Americas. The island we saw was only about 1/6 of it's original size, it is being lost into the sea by tidal erosion. We were able to walk around the remaining ruins a bit, and get a sense of how cramped and unbelievably crowded the spaces these people were crammed into actually are. It gave me pause to think of some of the atrocities we have committed in our drive to success.
We then returned to the boat for our trip back to Banjul. Along the way we were treated to seeing some dolphins swimming in the river. A few came withing 150 feet of our boat. It was a nice ending to the day.
I think, above all else, what I gained from the trip today was a realization about how narrow minded we can be, and how incomplete our understanding of the world really is.
We signed up with a 1 day trip to leave from the Banjul Seaport (where the ferry departs from), and travel upriver about 20 nautical miles to the village of Juffreh. It was nice to meet other Toubabs while we were on the boat, and struck up some lively conversation with several other people enroute. Being on the boat made me very homesick.... well maybe more appropriately, boat-sick... missing the lazy days spent on top of the boat, laughing, swimming, and relaxing.
We arrived in Juffreh for our tour around a 'traditional African village'. It was kinda heartbreaking, as the village was of normal construction, but the relationship to Njawara or Sanyang, where we have spent considerable time on this trip ends at that point. The village has focused itself on these boat trips for its income, and as a result, is anything but 'traditional' or 'authentic'. As we walked along the road, children were dancing in the street and banging on improvised containers trying to receive some money or candy from the Toubabs passing through. The whole culture of the village was different than what we have had the great luck of witnessing first hand. Everyone who came up to you spoke in English, and wasn't just wondering about who you were and where you were from, but was trying to get you to buy something from them, or give something to them. They even sold in large bags, the candies the kids were begging for. Talk about a supply and demand situation.
All in all it was more eye-opening than enjoyable. The vast majority of the tourists we were travelling with were respectful, however there were the handful who were completely ignorant and in some cases outright offensive to the locals. One man carried an open bottle of beer off the boat with him, into a Muslim village, was walking around without his shirt for nearly the whole time, until I told him he is about to meet the village Alkalo and should, out of respect, clothe himself. They had a replica of a slave boat in the museum we visited. We were asked outright not to climb onboard, that didn't stop them in anyway, and as we were leaving, we noticed a large contingent of children surrounding the two. It occurred to us immediatley that, again although being asked not to give the kids anything, but to place candies, books, pencils, whatever we had into a communal collection to be given out to the children at a later time... this both to ensure fairness, and to discourage children from skipping school everytime a Toubab boat pulls in, that these two people were handing out candies to each of the children. At one point, one of the guides took a handful from the woman and placed them in the collection. As they were at the edge of the village, a persistent girl who had stayed with them to this point was rewarded with a candy. She ran back towards us, and her two friends, showing it off. I'm reasonably certain she would have been beaten up by the other girls over this small candy. Glad we Toubabs are so generous!
It just made me really disappointed at this culture of 'gotta go to Africa, gotta see the poor black kids, gotta make them love me by giving trinkets and candy so I feel better inside. These people have now 'seen' the real African village, and can go back to their 4 and 5 star hotels completely satisfied they made the world a better place by spending 15 minutes with less advantaged people. It made me not want to ever be that 'tourist' again.
After spending about 1.5 hrs in Juffreh, they took us across the water to Fort James Island. This was the staging ground for the West African slave trade. Boats would arrive from England and Europe, unload cargo, load up with slaves, who had been led to Juffreh by captors, and sold by traders, then loaded onto the slave boat to go to the Americas. The island we saw was only about 1/6 of it's original size, it is being lost into the sea by tidal erosion. We were able to walk around the remaining ruins a bit, and get a sense of how cramped and unbelievably crowded the spaces these people were crammed into actually are. It gave me pause to think of some of the atrocities we have committed in our drive to success.
We then returned to the boat for our trip back to Banjul. Along the way we were treated to seeing some dolphins swimming in the river. A few came withing 150 feet of our boat. It was a nice ending to the day.
I think, above all else, what I gained from the trip today was a realization about how narrow minded we can be, and how incomplete our understanding of the world really is.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Independence Day in The Gambia
Hi Everyone,
sorry for my delay in posting a new post for a while now. I wish i could say i was incredibly busy every day, but the truth is i was just negligent.
We finished up our work in Sanyang last Friday (Jul 17). It was a bittersweet farewell, although we will be returning on Aug 2nd for Aminata's (the middle child in our host family) birthday; it was at the same time the last time we would walk up and down the streets talking to people and being a part of the community. While at times it was frustrating to not be able to go anywhere without being questioned, at the same time, we felt we had been welcomed and incorporated into the community well.
Our last week of work in Sanyang was a little frustrating, because 2 of the 3 days there wasn't work for us to do... Gammol had received bad information on a pump and when we arrived it was working without a problem. The garden, we reached a point we could no longer be of service to the garden and ended our work there a day early.
Last week we returned to Fajarra, where we are gonig to spend the remainder of the trip working with Concern Universal to re-design the Rope Pump they use.
We came on Friday hoping to get a start Monday. As with most things in Gambia, it runs a little behind. On Monday we met the 'shop' where we are going to be doing our work... it's an outdoor yard, with tools holed up in a shipping container. But they can weld and they can cut, so we're in business. The manager/owner there had to go get materials for us to use, which was Tuesday, then today is Independence day, so everything shuts down, ergo, we shall begin our fabrication tomorrow.
Since it was Independence day today, Megan and I went into Banjul to see the festivities. Pictures are/will be posted to picassa soon. I think it qualifies as the worst parade i've seen in all my years.
We arrived about 40 minutes late from when it was supposed to start. It hadn't started yet. We soon after we arrived, saw them march the army, police force, navy, national guard and anyone else with a uniform up the main road all in formation, then take their places... where they stood for nearly 1.5 hrs waiting for the president to arrive. That was the whole 'parade'. It was pretty interesting watching the president arrive. He has, at all times, a contingent of about 30 cars, plus police on motorcycle. To 'welcome' him, he arranged to have a massive crowd, probably numbering between 200 to 300 people, who they call the 'green boys', to run, chanting, singing, screaming and clapping alongside his car while he makes a 200 m drive from his residence to the end of the red carpet leading to Arch 22.
Both Megan and I commented that it's incredibly strange to spend so much time in a country with such blatant propaganda. The president actually authorized the printing of a cloth with his face on it, and a message stating that he's sent by god to lead the Gambians. Everyone we saw today was wearing an outfit made from this cloth. It's incredible how readily they have all swallowed up this stuff. Just imagine if you saw people on Canada day wearing a dress with Stephen Harpers smiling face on it. The idea makes me laugh out loud, bu there it's commonplace. I'm honestly startled by it. Everyone here honestly and thruthfully believes that he's solely responsible for all the benefits that come to The Gambia. On the side of every schoolbus it actually reads - donated by the president, as if he paid for the buses out of his own pocket, instead of using tax revenue, or aid dollars to purchase them. I agree it's great to have them, but the name of the president should not be attributed to their purchase.
Regardless... it was good to go and see what was happening in the capital. Shortly after we saw Jammeh, we left Banjul and just headed back here for the rest of the afternoon.
it wasn't quite what i would call a standard day, but had it's enjoyable parts.
In 3 weeks from now i'll be back in Canada and sharing all my stories with you.
I'm looking very forward to being home again. This trip has been a marathon.
Love,
Justin
sorry for my delay in posting a new post for a while now. I wish i could say i was incredibly busy every day, but the truth is i was just negligent.
We finished up our work in Sanyang last Friday (Jul 17). It was a bittersweet farewell, although we will be returning on Aug 2nd for Aminata's (the middle child in our host family) birthday; it was at the same time the last time we would walk up and down the streets talking to people and being a part of the community. While at times it was frustrating to not be able to go anywhere without being questioned, at the same time, we felt we had been welcomed and incorporated into the community well.
Our last week of work in Sanyang was a little frustrating, because 2 of the 3 days there wasn't work for us to do... Gammol had received bad information on a pump and when we arrived it was working without a problem. The garden, we reached a point we could no longer be of service to the garden and ended our work there a day early.
Last week we returned to Fajarra, where we are gonig to spend the remainder of the trip working with Concern Universal to re-design the Rope Pump they use.
We came on Friday hoping to get a start Monday. As with most things in Gambia, it runs a little behind. On Monday we met the 'shop' where we are going to be doing our work... it's an outdoor yard, with tools holed up in a shipping container. But they can weld and they can cut, so we're in business. The manager/owner there had to go get materials for us to use, which was Tuesday, then today is Independence day, so everything shuts down, ergo, we shall begin our fabrication tomorrow.
Since it was Independence day today, Megan and I went into Banjul to see the festivities. Pictures are/will be posted to picassa soon. I think it qualifies as the worst parade i've seen in all my years.
We arrived about 40 minutes late from when it was supposed to start. It hadn't started yet. We soon after we arrived, saw them march the army, police force, navy, national guard and anyone else with a uniform up the main road all in formation, then take their places... where they stood for nearly 1.5 hrs waiting for the president to arrive. That was the whole 'parade'. It was pretty interesting watching the president arrive. He has, at all times, a contingent of about 30 cars, plus police on motorcycle. To 'welcome' him, he arranged to have a massive crowd, probably numbering between 200 to 300 people, who they call the 'green boys', to run, chanting, singing, screaming and clapping alongside his car while he makes a 200 m drive from his residence to the end of the red carpet leading to Arch 22.
Both Megan and I commented that it's incredibly strange to spend so much time in a country with such blatant propaganda. The president actually authorized the printing of a cloth with his face on it, and a message stating that he's sent by god to lead the Gambians. Everyone we saw today was wearing an outfit made from this cloth. It's incredible how readily they have all swallowed up this stuff. Just imagine if you saw people on Canada day wearing a dress with Stephen Harpers smiling face on it. The idea makes me laugh out loud, bu there it's commonplace. I'm honestly startled by it. Everyone here honestly and thruthfully believes that he's solely responsible for all the benefits that come to The Gambia. On the side of every schoolbus it actually reads - donated by the president, as if he paid for the buses out of his own pocket, instead of using tax revenue, or aid dollars to purchase them. I agree it's great to have them, but the name of the president should not be attributed to their purchase.
Regardless... it was good to go and see what was happening in the capital. Shortly after we saw Jammeh, we left Banjul and just headed back here for the rest of the afternoon.
it wasn't quite what i would call a standard day, but had it's enjoyable parts.
In 3 weeks from now i'll be back in Canada and sharing all my stories with you.
I'm looking very forward to being home again. This trip has been a marathon.
Love,
Justin
Monday, July 13, 2009
One more week in Sanyang, then redesigning a rope pump for 3 weeks
Hi All,
So we have spent the last week in Sanyang, working with our partners The Sanyang Community Garden, and Gammol. We spent a day mixing concrete for the garden to build an access area to their garden for large trucks to drive on, and helped to fix an India Mark II pump with Gammol as well. Very laborious for sure, but rewarding to be doing something.
We had a recouperating weekend back in Fajarra where we met with our partner at Concern Universal about re-desigining the rope pump. We're going to take one of the ideas we had for improvement and build a prototype while we are here.
There is now less than a month until we are back home. It's strange to think how fast it seems to be going by, but at the same time, to reflect on how long since I saw any of my friends or family, makes the trip seem as though it's just crawling by.
There are a few more pictures posted up of a lightning storm we got caught in last night, so I snapped some very sweet pictures wiht my camera by using an exposure time of 2, 5, or 15 seconds. Have a look and enjoy. I'll post more pictures and blog posts once we return from Sanyang this weekend.
Miss you all,
Justin
So we have spent the last week in Sanyang, working with our partners The Sanyang Community Garden, and Gammol. We spent a day mixing concrete for the garden to build an access area to their garden for large trucks to drive on, and helped to fix an India Mark II pump with Gammol as well. Very laborious for sure, but rewarding to be doing something.
We had a recouperating weekend back in Fajarra where we met with our partner at Concern Universal about re-desigining the rope pump. We're going to take one of the ideas we had for improvement and build a prototype while we are here.
There is now less than a month until we are back home. It's strange to think how fast it seems to be going by, but at the same time, to reflect on how long since I saw any of my friends or family, makes the trip seem as though it's just crawling by.
There are a few more pictures posted up of a lightning storm we got caught in last night, so I snapped some very sweet pictures wiht my camera by using an exposure time of 2, 5, or 15 seconds. Have a look and enjoy. I'll post more pictures and blog posts once we return from Sanyang this weekend.
Miss you all,
Justin
Saturday, July 11, 2009
What a wild week....
My apologies for the delay in posting. It's been a bit crazy, but the week has resulted in some amazing opportunities (are you hooked yet?).
So we finished our time up at the Njawara Agricultural Training Centre (NATC) on the North Bank. As i wrote previously, the facility is well run, well managed, staffed by highly qualified individuals and dedicated to fulfiling it's mission of reversing rural-urban migration by providing rural farmers the tools and skills necessary to move from subsistence farming to full productive farming.
Unfortunately, neither Megan nor I are keenly interested in agriculture, but did still manage to have an enjoyable time there, learn a few lessons, and meet some wonderful people.
While we were there we also became quite adept at surviving without electricity, cell phone service, occasional running water, or internet. I have never in my life been as hot as I was there. If you don't believe it can be that bad, I broke into a full body sweat while I was writing in my journal! Now holding and manouvering a pen is a strenuous activity.
The trip back from Njawara was pretty much as close to "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" I've ever been.
We had to wake up at 5 AM to catch a bush taxi at 6 am. The bush taxi was complete with a live goat tied to the top of the vehicle. We arrived at the ferry terminal just in time to get to wait nearly 2 hrs for a ferry to arrive, and managed to wrangle a truly great seat in the open air top of the boat just as the sky opened up and poured down on us a massive storm. I was actually dripping wet. It took us another nearly 2.5 hrs to make the crossing, disembarke teh boat, negotiate a cab to Serrekunda, and find my way to clean, dry clothes and a shower.
Needless to say, that by 11 AM,I was pretty well ready for a drink.
Monday mornning we met with a new contact we made, Paul at Concern Universal. Concern universal is a British NGO that works to alleviate poverty, promote equality, improve health and sanitation and deliver safe drinking water throughout Africa.
We met with paul to hear about a problem he has with a rope pump (google it for more information). Most rope pumps being used cannot be used past 25 m because the column of water is too heavy and the losses of water too great to make it useful.
He posed to us the problem and wants us to work ot extend the pump to 40 m deep. Its a completely appropriate and necessary project that both Megan and I are inspired to work on.
We have decided to cut short our time in Sanyang by 2 weeks so we have an opportunity to work with Concern. So we will work in sanyang this week and next, then return to Serrekunda around the 19th of July and remain there until we come home.
Needless to say I'm incredibly excited about the prospect of working on this project and we have already come up with 5-6 interesting modiifications we are excited to invesitgate further.
We've been in Sanyang for 2 days now adn are getting settled back in our Host families home. It's nice to have the kids around and we are generally enjoying our time and work here.
I'll post some more probably when we've moved back to Serrekunda (unless you're really lucky :)
That's all for me now. I hope all is well at home.
Love,
JP
So we finished our time up at the Njawara Agricultural Training Centre (NATC) on the North Bank. As i wrote previously, the facility is well run, well managed, staffed by highly qualified individuals and dedicated to fulfiling it's mission of reversing rural-urban migration by providing rural farmers the tools and skills necessary to move from subsistence farming to full productive farming.
Unfortunately, neither Megan nor I are keenly interested in agriculture, but did still manage to have an enjoyable time there, learn a few lessons, and meet some wonderful people.
While we were there we also became quite adept at surviving without electricity, cell phone service, occasional running water, or internet. I have never in my life been as hot as I was there. If you don't believe it can be that bad, I broke into a full body sweat while I was writing in my journal! Now holding and manouvering a pen is a strenuous activity.
The trip back from Njawara was pretty much as close to "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" I've ever been.
We had to wake up at 5 AM to catch a bush taxi at 6 am. The bush taxi was complete with a live goat tied to the top of the vehicle. We arrived at the ferry terminal just in time to get to wait nearly 2 hrs for a ferry to arrive, and managed to wrangle a truly great seat in the open air top of the boat just as the sky opened up and poured down on us a massive storm. I was actually dripping wet. It took us another nearly 2.5 hrs to make the crossing, disembarke teh boat, negotiate a cab to Serrekunda, and find my way to clean, dry clothes and a shower.
Needless to say, that by 11 AM,I was pretty well ready for a drink.
Monday mornning we met with a new contact we made, Paul at Concern Universal. Concern universal is a British NGO that works to alleviate poverty, promote equality, improve health and sanitation and deliver safe drinking water throughout Africa.
We met with paul to hear about a problem he has with a rope pump (google it for more information). Most rope pumps being used cannot be used past 25 m because the column of water is too heavy and the losses of water too great to make it useful.
He posed to us the problem and wants us to work ot extend the pump to 40 m deep. Its a completely appropriate and necessary project that both Megan and I are inspired to work on.
We have decided to cut short our time in Sanyang by 2 weeks so we have an opportunity to work with Concern. So we will work in sanyang this week and next, then return to Serrekunda around the 19th of July and remain there until we come home.
Needless to say I'm incredibly excited about the prospect of working on this project and we have already come up with 5-6 interesting modiifications we are excited to invesitgate further.
We've been in Sanyang for 2 days now adn are getting settled back in our Host families home. It's nice to have the kids around and we are generally enjoying our time and work here.
I'll post some more probably when we've moved back to Serrekunda (unless you're really lucky :)
That's all for me now. I hope all is well at home.
Love,
JP
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Living without a mirror
Ok, this is going to sound very conceited and self centered, but for the last week, while we were in Njawara, we have had no access to a mirror.
Just stop for a moment and think of how many times in a day you look at yourself in a mirror.
When you first get up
when you get out of the shower
when you put on makeup (some of you)
In the front hall before you leave
in the car
in windows as you pass
that's just getting out of the house. For the last week I have not seen myself at all. I didn't even know how badly I needed to shave until I got back to Fajarrah today and looked at myself. It's pretty scary.
I guess this is just one more of those realizations I've had on this trip that sometimes its very easy to let go of all that, without even really realizing it.
This hopefully will go down as the strangest blog post I've made yet. It seems that way writing it.
Just stop for a moment and think of how many times in a day you look at yourself in a mirror.
When you first get up
when you get out of the shower
when you put on makeup (some of you)
In the front hall before you leave
in the car
in windows as you pass
that's just getting out of the house. For the last week I have not seen myself at all. I didn't even know how badly I needed to shave until I got back to Fajarrah today and looked at myself. It's pretty scary.
I guess this is just one more of those realizations I've had on this trip that sometimes its very easy to let go of all that, without even really realizing it.
This hopefully will go down as the strangest blog post I've made yet. It seems that way writing it.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Njawara - It's hot, but we like it
We've gotten ourselves quite settled here at Njawara. The first two nights were somewhat unbearable because of the heat. We're in a hut with a thatched roof, so to keep out the mosquitos, you have to close the door/window, but that makes the room basically a closed oven. I woke up drenched in sweat the last two nights. Also, because of the solar power, the fans don't work at all. Last night I kept my window open and made sure to seal my mosquito net completely. It helped immensely with the heat. Still swated a bit, but it was manageable.
Tonight we're starting to get a very good storm roll in, so i think it'll be plenty cool enough. It came up in only about 30 minutes, from a clear sky to completely stormy. I'm a little worried about the thatched roof and being water-tight... I'm hearing drops coming through... I'm goign to close up my computer adn write more when I'm certain of being dry.
Miss you all...
OK... so the storm has now passed. it's Thursday morning here.
The Thatched roof wasn't exactly water tight lets say. I had a number of drips that
came through the thatch, but only a few that came through the second ceiling they put in (made of old rice canvas/woven plastic bags). All in all it was a pretty wild storm. Megan and I went out after I turned my computer off and took some pictures. It was good even for a storm in Canada (think the one or two really wild ones we'd have throughout the year). The storm really helped to cool the weather down here and I actually only woke up once last night. It feels wonderful to have a good night sleep. The current here even on for at least 4-5 hours (the two previous nights we had 45 mins and 13 minutes respectively). I think it's because only Megan and I are here now. The two nights prevously there was a permanent VSO volunteer and another guest staying here. Plus I think one might have been using a hair dryer.
But I've digressed... We're really enjoying our time here. It's unfortunate that the work here isn't more engineering related, because the facility is well equiped and even more well run, the people here are very nice, the local villagers have been incredibly welcoming and we've shared many laughs with them, even last night over attaya, long into the night.
We've mostly been working in the community garden here on every day tasks. We did get to repair a water hand pump they have here. It had broken a few days previously and I was inspired to take something apart, so we opened it up, fixed the belt that had fallen off it's track, replaced it and watched as the water started to flow (pictures will follow when the internet allows me to upload).
Today is supposed to be chicken day. The centre has a small chicken nursery they buy 1 day old chickens, nurse them for 1 week, then deliver them to the surrounding communities. Megan and I are really looking forward to it. Tomorrow we have normal work in the morning, then a chance to take a river tour up and down the river (not The Gambia River, there is a small tributary only 100 m behind the centre here. I'm not sure the name, but will try to look it up when I post pictures).
Saturday we're going to go on a community/farm tour to see the operations of some of the graduates of NATC (Njawara Agrictultrual Training Centre), and what they have done with their training to improve the agricultural practices of the local community. Then on Sunday we are heading back to South Bank.
We would like to spend more time here. I've actually gotten quite used to not having electricity. (Last night the power came on around 8, and both Megan and I barely touched it until we went to bed to charge her cell phone and I had my fan going while I slept). Unfortunately, it seems strange to look this far out and say we're running out of time, but we're running out of time. We want to get back to our projects in Sanyang, as well, the other guest who was here the night before last works with a group called Concern International. She has a contact there with some serious sounding engineering problems (how to draw water from a 30 m deep well with no electricity), and another potential contact at a government office in Brikama looking at and developing new appropriate technologies for use throughout the country.
We may be altering our schedule 3-4 more times before we actually leave here, but that's what we pretty much expected.
Ok, time to get started on my day. I'll post more when I can.
Justin
Tonight we're starting to get a very good storm roll in, so i think it'll be plenty cool enough. It came up in only about 30 minutes, from a clear sky to completely stormy. I'm a little worried about the thatched roof and being water-tight... I'm hearing drops coming through... I'm goign to close up my computer adn write more when I'm certain of being dry.
Miss you all...
OK... so the storm has now passed. it's Thursday morning here.
The Thatched roof wasn't exactly water tight lets say. I had a number of drips that
came through the thatch, but only a few that came through the second ceiling they put in (made of old rice canvas/woven plastic bags). All in all it was a pretty wild storm. Megan and I went out after I turned my computer off and took some pictures. It was good even for a storm in Canada (think the one or two really wild ones we'd have throughout the year). The storm really helped to cool the weather down here and I actually only woke up once last night. It feels wonderful to have a good night sleep. The current here even on for at least 4-5 hours (the two previous nights we had 45 mins and 13 minutes respectively). I think it's because only Megan and I are here now. The two nights prevously there was a permanent VSO volunteer and another guest staying here. Plus I think one might have been using a hair dryer.
But I've digressed... We're really enjoying our time here. It's unfortunate that the work here isn't more engineering related, because the facility is well equiped and even more well run, the people here are very nice, the local villagers have been incredibly welcoming and we've shared many laughs with them, even last night over attaya, long into the night.
We've mostly been working in the community garden here on every day tasks. We did get to repair a water hand pump they have here. It had broken a few days previously and I was inspired to take something apart, so we opened it up, fixed the belt that had fallen off it's track, replaced it and watched as the water started to flow (pictures will follow when the internet allows me to upload).
Today is supposed to be chicken day. The centre has a small chicken nursery they buy 1 day old chickens, nurse them for 1 week, then deliver them to the surrounding communities. Megan and I are really looking forward to it. Tomorrow we have normal work in the morning, then a chance to take a river tour up and down the river (not The Gambia River, there is a small tributary only 100 m behind the centre here. I'm not sure the name, but will try to look it up when I post pictures).
Saturday we're going to go on a community/farm tour to see the operations of some of the graduates of NATC (Njawara Agrictultrual Training Centre), and what they have done with their training to improve the agricultural practices of the local community. Then on Sunday we are heading back to South Bank.
We would like to spend more time here. I've actually gotten quite used to not having electricity. (Last night the power came on around 8, and both Megan and I barely touched it until we went to bed to charge her cell phone and I had my fan going while I slept). Unfortunately, it seems strange to look this far out and say we're running out of time, but we're running out of time. We want to get back to our projects in Sanyang, as well, the other guest who was here the night before last works with a group called Concern International. She has a contact there with some serious sounding engineering problems (how to draw water from a 30 m deep well with no electricity), and another potential contact at a government office in Brikama looking at and developing new appropriate technologies for use throughout the country.
We may be altering our schedule 3-4 more times before we actually leave here, but that's what we pretty much expected.
Ok, time to get started on my day. I'll post more when I can.
Justin
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
In Njawara
Hi everyone,
We have arrived in Njawara. the facility here is quite impressive, they have a large garden, several apprpriate technology water projects, a chicken nursery for income generation, and guest houses as well.
I'm seeing alot here that I think Sanyang could benefit from. We'll see how much we can take with us there.
We have a pretty good accomodation here. There is running water, and occasionaly electricity. It's a little rustic, but we're dealing well enough. We've decided to only stay here for 1 week, before we return to Serrekunda and onto Sanyang for the remainder of the trip.
I have no current now, so my battery is about to die. We also, from solar power, have some limited access to e-mail, so hopefully I can get this message sent out tomorrow.
If not... well good luck. You'll just have to wait to read how awesome it is.
P.S. Today is the half way mark of our trip.
Cheers,
Justin
We have arrived in Njawara. the facility here is quite impressive, they have a large garden, several apprpriate technology water projects, a chicken nursery for income generation, and guest houses as well.
I'm seeing alot here that I think Sanyang could benefit from. We'll see how much we can take with us there.
We have a pretty good accomodation here. There is running water, and occasionaly electricity. It's a little rustic, but we're dealing well enough. We've decided to only stay here for 1 week, before we return to Serrekunda and onto Sanyang for the remainder of the trip.
I have no current now, so my battery is about to die. We also, from solar power, have some limited access to e-mail, so hopefully I can get this message sent out tomorrow.
If not... well good luck. You'll just have to wait to read how awesome it is.
P.S. Today is the half way mark of our trip.
Cheers,
Justin
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Another Week gone, and Monday is the halfway point
Hi Everyone,
Well today is the second of three "Clean the nation" days that we get to experience here, so for the next 3 hours, i'm locked down with practically no where to go or anything to do.
We've had a pretty good week the last few days here. We were back at WACD-TC for another module on Gender and Development. There was a great deal of interesting conversations and discussions that arose from the group, and we were able to learn alot about each other.
Lindsay has now departed to Malawi and will be staying there for the remainder of the summer.
Last weekend we had our Sunday Audience with Alkalo Bojang of Tujering (the alkalo is the village chief, Tujering is a village near Sanyang). In this village they have a system of restorative community justice, where any problems or concerns that the villagers have regarding property or land. Rather than taking their problems to the police and going through the court system, which is both long and expensive, village members can summon the other party to arrive at this meeting, held every sunday, under a Mango tree in the centre of the village, and a panel of 14 village elders (10 men 4 women) will hear and come to a conclusion about what should be done. Each of the involved parties signs a contract, usually with a thumb print and ink, as some will invariably be illiterate, and the decision is binding on the parties.
While we were there, we took in two cases, one over a construction project that was left incomplete well after the agreed upon date for completion, and another property dispute about the boundary between two compounds.
Both the issues were resolved without lawyers or judges, none of the parties had to miss work to travel 2 hours to Banjul, or pay for a lawyer to represent them, and the problems are, in some cases, solved in an ingenuous way... for the incomplete building, the rains are now coming, so construction can't continue until October, but the contractor has already purchased timber for the roof beams that he's going to be out nearly 1500 Dalasis for (about 1/3 of a months pay). One of the committee members agreed to buy the timber, as a means of settling the dispute (both could stand to wait until October, but the contractor didn't want to be sitting on so much lumber without being able to use it or make back his money). As I said, truly interesting.
We also took in a little toursit-type of attraction this week.
Megan and I went to a local distillery, where they make 9 different kinds of their own liqueurs. We tried several, including Gonjo (the juice from a hibiscus plant), Cashew Apple (the fruit on which a cashew nut grows; see the pictures for a better idea), orange-ginger, citrus, banana-pineapple-coconut, and three chocolate ones they make, Bailies, chocolate-mint and chocolate-orange.
Needless to say they were VERY delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed most of them, and am considering buying a few to take home. The best part is the owners, when they bottle the drinks (in recycled wine and beer bottles, so they divert from landfill), don't put either the word distillery or the alcohol content on the bottle, so as far as customs believes, they're just juice :)
If only the glass didn't weigh so much...
This weekend we are just relaxing and getting packed. Tomorrow (Sunday) we head for the North Bank. All that i keep hearing about it is that it's very hot! Joy!
I expect us to be there for 1-2 weeks, depending how organized and relavant the work there is. Both Megan and I are excited to get back to work in Sanyang with GamMol and the garden.
The trip to Jawara will be somewhat interesting... we may have to ferry/bush-taxi with our backpacks. This could be fun! I'm sure i'll have stories to tell from the journey.
I have no idea what to expect while we are there, especially as far as the internet goes. If we have it, i'll post/e-mail as often as I can. If we don't, i'll just have to wait until we return to Serrekunda or Sanyang and will at that time, post all my e-mails that I wrote while away.
As I mentioned in the subject line, the half-way mark of the trip is on Monday. In some ways it has gone by very quickly, in others it seems to have crawled by one hour at a time. I'm excited for the coming 6 weeks, and expect them to fly by, or at least hope they fly by. I do miss home alot, wish there were some way to transport home just for a weekend right about now. Well I'll deal with that, and keep going. This is why you buy a non-transferrable plane ticket. So you're stuck!
Ok, that's all for me now, hope to hear from you soon,
Love all,
Justin
Well today is the second of three "Clean the nation" days that we get to experience here, so for the next 3 hours, i'm locked down with practically no where to go or anything to do.
We've had a pretty good week the last few days here. We were back at WACD-TC for another module on Gender and Development. There was a great deal of interesting conversations and discussions that arose from the group, and we were able to learn alot about each other.
Lindsay has now departed to Malawi and will be staying there for the remainder of the summer.
Last weekend we had our Sunday Audience with Alkalo Bojang of Tujering (the alkalo is the village chief, Tujering is a village near Sanyang). In this village they have a system of restorative community justice, where any problems or concerns that the villagers have regarding property or land. Rather than taking their problems to the police and going through the court system, which is both long and expensive, village members can summon the other party to arrive at this meeting, held every sunday, under a Mango tree in the centre of the village, and a panel of 14 village elders (10 men 4 women) will hear and come to a conclusion about what should be done. Each of the involved parties signs a contract, usually with a thumb print and ink, as some will invariably be illiterate, and the decision is binding on the parties.
While we were there, we took in two cases, one over a construction project that was left incomplete well after the agreed upon date for completion, and another property dispute about the boundary between two compounds.
Both the issues were resolved without lawyers or judges, none of the parties had to miss work to travel 2 hours to Banjul, or pay for a lawyer to represent them, and the problems are, in some cases, solved in an ingenuous way... for the incomplete building, the rains are now coming, so construction can't continue until October, but the contractor has already purchased timber for the roof beams that he's going to be out nearly 1500 Dalasis for (about 1/3 of a months pay). One of the committee members agreed to buy the timber, as a means of settling the dispute (both could stand to wait until October, but the contractor didn't want to be sitting on so much lumber without being able to use it or make back his money). As I said, truly interesting.
We also took in a little toursit-type of attraction this week.
Megan and I went to a local distillery, where they make 9 different kinds of their own liqueurs. We tried several, including Gonjo (the juice from a hibiscus plant), Cashew Apple (the fruit on which a cashew nut grows; see the pictures for a better idea), orange-ginger, citrus, banana-pineapple-coconut, and three chocolate ones they make, Bailies, chocolate-mint and chocolate-orange.
Needless to say they were VERY delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed most of them, and am considering buying a few to take home. The best part is the owners, when they bottle the drinks (in recycled wine and beer bottles, so they divert from landfill), don't put either the word distillery or the alcohol content on the bottle, so as far as customs believes, they're just juice :)
If only the glass didn't weigh so much...
This weekend we are just relaxing and getting packed. Tomorrow (Sunday) we head for the North Bank. All that i keep hearing about it is that it's very hot! Joy!
I expect us to be there for 1-2 weeks, depending how organized and relavant the work there is. Both Megan and I are excited to get back to work in Sanyang with GamMol and the garden.
The trip to Jawara will be somewhat interesting... we may have to ferry/bush-taxi with our backpacks. This could be fun! I'm sure i'll have stories to tell from the journey.
I have no idea what to expect while we are there, especially as far as the internet goes. If we have it, i'll post/e-mail as often as I can. If we don't, i'll just have to wait until we return to Serrekunda or Sanyang and will at that time, post all my e-mails that I wrote while away.
As I mentioned in the subject line, the half-way mark of the trip is on Monday. In some ways it has gone by very quickly, in others it seems to have crawled by one hour at a time. I'm excited for the coming 6 weeks, and expect them to fly by, or at least hope they fly by. I do miss home alot, wish there were some way to transport home just for a weekend right about now. Well I'll deal with that, and keep going. This is why you buy a non-transferrable plane ticket. So you're stuck!
Ok, that's all for me now, hope to hear from you soon,
Love all,
Justin
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Allure of Africa
Hi All,
Love and miss you all,
Justin
The allure of Africa
Ok, despite stereotyping all of Africa in the title, I thought I'd reflect a bit today on what calls development workers, individuals and explorers to this place, and try to capture even a fleeting glimpse of what it's like to be here....
Before departing, or shortly after arriving, you will realize that the vast majority of what you do will be utterly insignificant in the day to day lives of most of the people you encounter.
You have no idea what to expect, of the sights, sounds, tastes or smells that await you, and least of all, what your experience will do to change you inwardly and outwardly.
I have already been through a deep longing for home, and come full circle, in only 15 hours, to a strong love for this place. Part of what both drives us to love this place, and repels us in fear is the rawness of this place.... every emotion, every sensation, every interaction and every experience you have will happen without the filters we are so used to at home. In North America we are encouraged to suppress our emotions, to live in a permanent state of ok'ness; where nothing is fantastic or great, and nothing also is ever dismal or terrible. Everyone walks around stating they are "Not bad" rather than good, and any inquisition between anything but the best of friends often only scratch the surface of the human condition to understand the most superficial details about a person. In this place all sensations are raw…. The market in Banjul, where most food is purchased, emanates an odour strong enough to make your stomach turn as raw fresh fish bake in the sun, the kindness of strangers, all of whom will stop you on the street to find out your name, where you came from, and to ask if you are ok. If you happen to have the same namesake, you will be forever bound as brothers despite the obvious outward differences. The joy of people to lend you a helping hand; a culture where willingness to give is inversely proportional to material wealth, and the kindness of someone who has far less wealth than you to insist on feeding you a meal to welcome you to their home, village or country. This is a place where people every day will go out of their way to help a neighbor. After a dangerous fall, resulting in an injury that required medical attention, a flock of pedestrians and several motorists stopped what they were doing to insist on helping in anyway they could, including providing a free drive to the nearest tourist hospital. These same people, everyday we see them continue to ask how the recovery is coming, and remind us that there is far more that binds us to each other when you scratch beyond skin deep, than you will believe if you only accept outward appearances.
Africa is an assault on all of your senses and aspects of your being. It will drive you to curse aloud the lack of modern luxuries you have taken for granted your entire life, like running water or access to reliable communication, but upon searching deeper, you will soon find you are as happy, if not more happy than you were before to have to work to get an e-mail, or jump for joy when you figure out how to have a bucket shower, and manage to use only a few litres of water in the process. The moment you see in the eyes of a complete stranger an understanding that transcends language, that through non-verbal communication has bound you to be forever brethren.
I have found many of the Gambian's I have met do lack a technical knowledge due strictly to insufficient schooling and in no part a reflection of their ability to comprehend, but simply on a tragic lack of opportunity, who, though often seen by Westerners as little more than uneducated heathens, grasp not one or two languages, but 6 independent languages, and communicate fluently in each, in the duration of one evening. I have been amazed again and again that as soon as you underestimate an ability of theirs, they will prove your assumptions to be completely incorrect, and often fed by ignorance.
The indifference and ignorance to the plight here is appalling when seen firsthand. To see children with eyes yellowed by exposure to the Malaria virus, to know a significant portion of the population will be directly affected by the HIV/AIDS virus, and to look into the eyes of children longing for even 1/10 of the opportunities we have taken completely for granted. It sickens me now to think back to my grade school days and recall how indifferent I and many of my classmates were to our own education. Taking the opportunity entirely for granted without realizing that worldwide 1/3 of children will not receive secondary education. At the same time it empowers and re-invigorates each of us who have seen firsthand the tragedy to spread the message, and seek in all we do, small ways to reduce the tragedy.
The range of emotions experienced while here has already, in only two weeks spanned the full spectrum of the human condition. I have at a time grown to loathe that I cannot walk out of the house without being pointed at by a child shouting "Toubab", or walk down the road without someone walking up and talking to me… it took me a few days to comprehend and accept that each of these people are genuinely interested in learning about who I am, where I am from, and individually welcoming me to this beautiful country, on behalf of all of their fellow citizens. Each person feels this to be their own personal duty, and will not allow the opportunity to pass for fear that I should feel uncomfortable or unwelcome here.
I think back to the last time I heard someone exclaim to a recent immigrant or tourist "Learn the language or get out"… and I truly shudder, for today I am the stranger, I have still not mastered any of the 10 different local languages, and though I have given a valiant attempt to learn Mandinka, I am still embarrassingly inadequate in my ability to converse with the local citizens beyond basic greetings and pleasantries. Despite this, I have still found myself welcomed each and every day into this country.
I recall thinking after returning from Tanzania, and again find myself thinking that we in North America are a backwards and thoroughly messed up culture. That we no longer sell food; fruit, produce, bread, meat or cooked food on the street side, to our obsession with moderation, that we neither be too loud, nor too quiet for fear we offend anyone; my day today was punctuated by a singing, music playing and dancing crowd of 50 people who were dancing through the village to raise charity funds to celebrate a circumcision in the family (whether or not you personally agree with the practice, the excitement and passion shown by all these individuals makes you dance in your place.). They were neither quiet nor meek… I believe I heard them 4 compounds over, and they make no apology whatsoever for it. I was drawn out of the house when they arrived to see the spectacle and be part of the excitement and celebration. The fact we have individuals who believe that Canada should force all people to integrate to one of our two languages and abandon their cultural roots and traditions makes me afraid for the future. I have sat out on nights while here and partaken in conversation in 3 different languages (well ok, my English was good… my French … it was ok… my Mandinka, I probably shouldn't count as a language, but more akin to guttural moans only resembling language in the loosest sense of the word), and discuss with a people who have little or no formal education, and for whom opportunities for personal improvement of their social class are nearly non-existent, the problems facing the world, facing their country and facing their own people, to discuss critically what options exist for improving their own social or economic situation. Some of the ideas suggested have made me marvel at their ingenuity and, most importantly their simplicity.
This is a continent of absolute extremes that forces you to re-examine all you deem important and necessary in your life. A people living in abject poverty, who if asked, would give you the shirt off their back to ensure you feel welcome and warm. People who may not have enough food to feed themselves a dinner meal that night, but who spend their last Dalasi, Shilling or dollar to buy food for you, so that you will not be hungry when you leave their home. Individuals who, when asked a direction, will not point out the location, but close up their shop to personally walk you to your destination, so they can be certain you arrived safely. If the trip requires a taxi to arrive at, they will haggle with the driver on your behalf for a fair local price, then exclaim and insist that you pay not a penny more than what they themselves would pay to make the trip.
I will continue to waver between deep love and resentment for this place…though every new time I feel resentment or frustration at this place, I find it is shorter-lived than the last time, and every time I feel love for this place, it is as true and deep as the first time I felt it. There is nothing I wouldn't give to be back safe at home, surrounded by family and friends, a culture I fully understand, and all the modern luxuries, but while I miss my loved ones incredibly, I am having a wonderful time here, and every day feel lucky to be able to experience it.
This, to me, is the essence of Africa.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A good birthday far from home
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to quickly say thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. They made my day. My celebration here wasn't quite the same as I'm sure it would have been with everyone at home, but I made the best of it.
There are pictures, again, see the slideshow at the bottom of the page, and maybe change albums.
We finished off the week pretty quietly, they didn't have work for us on Thursday/Friday, so we had a short work week. Tomorrow (Sunday) we are travelling to Teujering (just before Sanyang) to meet with the Alcalo there (He's the village chief). They have a process here for community justice, and we will be witnessing the 'sentencing'. Unfortunatley, as increidble as it's going to be to share, we've been told we shouldn't take pictures during the process. I'll try to write to describe it instead.
Anyway, miss home alot. Trying to not think about it constantly.
Love,
Justin
I just wanted to quickly say thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. They made my day. My celebration here wasn't quite the same as I'm sure it would have been with everyone at home, but I made the best of it.
There are pictures, again, see the slideshow at the bottom of the page, and maybe change albums.
We finished off the week pretty quietly, they didn't have work for us on Thursday/Friday, so we had a short work week. Tomorrow (Sunday) we are travelling to Teujering (just before Sanyang) to meet with the Alcalo there (He's the village chief). They have a process here for community justice, and we will be witnessing the 'sentencing'. Unfortunatley, as increidble as it's going to be to share, we've been told we shouldn't take pictures during the process. I'll try to write to describe it instead.
Anyway, miss home alot. Trying to not think about it constantly.
Love,
Justin
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Good Week - and New Pictures!
Hey,
We've had a good couple of days this week. We started our work at GamMol back in Sanyang. Since it's only for this week, we decided to commute there. I thought it would be difficult, but we managed it very well. The whole trip took us on 4 different vehicles, two local taxis and two different bush taxis. It's still fun trying to get the drivers to give us a reasonable rate. As soon as they see the Toubab, they think all the local rules for fares go right out the window. The fare for teh first two trips should cost 5-6 Dalasi each. Every morning we get an offer to take the two of us there for the low cost of 50 Dalasi! It's actually mandated by some authority how much each of these trips should cost, and the unwitting Westerner will gladly get into a cab for 50 or 75 Dalasi (heck we did on the first few days too), but it's somewhat disconcerting that they try to screw us at every turn. It just makes you have to be on your toes at every turn, to make sure you are treated fair.
our work at GamMol has been really rewarding. We helped cut down desks at a school in Abuku, so the primary kids could reasonably sit at, write on, and generally see over the desk top. Today we were tasked with repairing a broken hand water pump in Sanyang. There is another new album of pictures posted at the bottom of this page, and online at my picasaweb site. It was hard work, but I really felt we were doing something productive at the end of the day, and had visible, tangible and measurable results to show for our sweat.
We've had a good couple of days this week. We started our work at GamMol back in Sanyang. Since it's only for this week, we decided to commute there. I thought it would be difficult, but we managed it very well. The whole trip took us on 4 different vehicles, two local taxis and two different bush taxis. It's still fun trying to get the drivers to give us a reasonable rate. As soon as they see the Toubab, they think all the local rules for fares go right out the window. The fare for teh first two trips should cost 5-6 Dalasi each. Every morning we get an offer to take the two of us there for the low cost of 50 Dalasi! It's actually mandated by some authority how much each of these trips should cost, and the unwitting Westerner will gladly get into a cab for 50 or 75 Dalasi (heck we did on the first few days too), but it's somewhat disconcerting that they try to screw us at every turn. It just makes you have to be on your toes at every turn, to make sure you are treated fair.
our work at GamMol has been really rewarding. We helped cut down desks at a school in Abuku, so the primary kids could reasonably sit at, write on, and generally see over the desk top. Today we were tasked with repairing a broken hand water pump in Sanyang. There is another new album of pictures posted at the bottom of this page, and online at my picasaweb site. It was hard work, but I really felt we were doing something productive at the end of the day, and had visible, tangible and measurable results to show for our sweat.
Monday, June 15, 2009
An update on the rains....
Ok, so maybe I should have waited until I stepped out of my room to comment on how the rains clean the entire country....
We ventured into the Serrekunda market today and ... well perhaps the proper term isn't ventured, but waded.... while the rains do help to clean the air and wash away the dust and dirt that has accumulated, they also turn the roads, especially the dirt ones into miniature, treacherous lakes.
While trying to navigate the market; avoiding stalls, wheelbarrows, livestock and other people, we also had to try to avoid stepping into these lakes that have sprung up overnight in the middle of the busy pathways throughout the market.
We managed fine, but it was just one more of the experiences to mark down as memorable.
We start work with GamMol in Sanyang tomorrow. If we can figure out how to get there (3 bush taxis later), it should be a great time!
JP
We ventured into the Serrekunda market today and ... well perhaps the proper term isn't ventured, but waded.... while the rains do help to clean the air and wash away the dust and dirt that has accumulated, they also turn the roads, especially the dirt ones into miniature, treacherous lakes.
While trying to navigate the market; avoiding stalls, wheelbarrows, livestock and other people, we also had to try to avoid stepping into these lakes that have sprung up overnight in the middle of the busy pathways throughout the market.
We managed fine, but it was just one more of the experiences to mark down as memorable.
We start work with GamMol in Sanyang tomorrow. If we can figure out how to get there (3 bush taxis later), it should be a great time!
JP
The First Rains
I'm writing this just as the first rains are falling here in Serrekunda. I was woken up earlier than I had intended by the racket of what seemed like 100 small children jumping around on the tin sheet roof of our lodge, only to realize it was the first fat drops of rain to fall on this roof in nearly 9 months.
The rain has been going on for about 1.5 hrs now and has steadied into something we would expect to have in Canada, a good steady shower, but not a torrential downpour. From what I've heard talking to locals around here, this is very tame compared to what it's going to be in the next few weeks and months.
The water running off the roof is already brown in colour as it washes away all the dust and dirt on that has accumulated on the roof in the last many months. I've been told that in a few weeks, as the rains become more regular the country will transform from a dusty brown to a clean, vibrant, lively green.
To make me feel completely at home, the power just went out, likely on account of the rain, which has probably knocked out a transformer somewhere.
Hopefully it won't be out too long, so I can post this.
Miss you all,
Justin
The rain has been going on for about 1.5 hrs now and has steadied into something we would expect to have in Canada, a good steady shower, but not a torrential downpour. From what I've heard talking to locals around here, this is very tame compared to what it's going to be in the next few weeks and months.
The water running off the roof is already brown in colour as it washes away all the dust and dirt on that has accumulated on the roof in the last many months. I've been told that in a few weeks, as the rains become more regular the country will transform from a dusty brown to a clean, vibrant, lively green.
To make me feel completely at home, the power just went out, likely on account of the rain, which has probably knocked out a transformer somewhere.
Hopefully it won't be out too long, so I can post this.
Miss you all,
Justin
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, i've forgotten what it's like
I've forgotten what it's like to live in a culture that actually recognizes a day of rest. (aside of course from clean the nation day).
We had a day with no major plans today so we thought we would head to a bookstore just around the corner from our lodge. We should have realized this by now, having been here for 4 weeks already, but silly us, with our Western perspectives, didn't think about it and ventured out anyway.
Most of the shops and stores still close here on Sundays, and often close daily around 2 pm for the Muslim prayer break. It's interesting being in a culture where that desire is so ingrained in the psyche of the population.
It's refreshing to be in a population that still holds outwardly their religious beliefs and faith. I haven't ever felt while here imposed upon by someone else's beliefs and have generally (within some levels of mutual respect) been free to go about as I normally would. In Canada, faith and religion is a very private matter that is often only expressed once a week by attending church.
It's like being forced to take a slow deep breath in the middle of a quick run. While for us, it's mildly inconvenient, at the same time, it's enjoyable to be forced to take a break at least once a week.
Sometimes I feel as though we are the backwards culture.
We had a day with no major plans today so we thought we would head to a bookstore just around the corner from our lodge. We should have realized this by now, having been here for 4 weeks already, but silly us, with our Western perspectives, didn't think about it and ventured out anyway.
Most of the shops and stores still close here on Sundays, and often close daily around 2 pm for the Muslim prayer break. It's interesting being in a culture where that desire is so ingrained in the psyche of the population.
It's refreshing to be in a population that still holds outwardly their religious beliefs and faith. I haven't ever felt while here imposed upon by someone else's beliefs and have generally (within some levels of mutual respect) been free to go about as I normally would. In Canada, faith and religion is a very private matter that is often only expressed once a week by attending church.
It's like being forced to take a slow deep breath in the middle of a quick run. While for us, it's mildly inconvenient, at the same time, it's enjoyable to be forced to take a break at least once a week.
Sometimes I feel as though we are the backwards culture.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Pictures from London
hey everyone,
there are some new pictures from our 1 day mega tour of London.
In the pictures slideshow at the very bottom of the page, there is a drop down menu that currently says "Pictures from Gambia", drop down and click "London Town" and you'll see all about our crazy day in London.
Hope you enjoy.
Justin
there are some new pictures from our 1 day mega tour of London.
In the pictures slideshow at the very bottom of the page, there is a drop down menu that currently says "Pictures from Gambia", drop down and click "London Town" and you'll see all about our crazy day in London.
Hope you enjoy.
Justin
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Pictures
Ok, not too many, but there are some new pictures in my picassa album.
See the preivew at the bottom of this page and click on the pictures to go there.
Miss you all,
Justin
See the preivew at the bottom of this page and click on the pictures to go there.
Miss you all,
Justin
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In Serrekunda - Back to School
Hey everyone,
Sorry I've not posted in a few days, despite having access for the next little while to wireless at our lodging, i've neglected my blog in the process.
I've added a few gadgets and fancy features to the blog, you probably noticed them at the side. There is a world clock, which if I've set it up correctly, should display the current time in both Toronto and Banjul, in case you're wondering how late in the day it is for me. There is also a countdown, currently to my birthday (sure i'm zealous, but I'm allowed to be every now and then. There is also a small slide show of pictures I've taken here. They're posted in a larger size on my picassa web album, which you can get to by clicking on any of the pictures.
We had a good last week in Sanyang, learning the language a bit more, trying to master my abilities at making Attaya (the green tea that is shared all over the place here, but requires a great deal of skill to make properly), and getting ourselves dirty with projects at the garden. If you look at the pictures linked on the right side of the blog, you can see me making attaya, and mixing concrete to form a new base around one of the water reservoirs. It was very arduous work, but one of the mornings Megan and I were both in a bad mood/missing home, and somehow, mixing concrete by hand in a wheelbarrow under the African noon sun lifted both our spirits. I also got to test out my driving skills.... Megan and I hired a taxi to take us to the beach one day after work. We happened to get a tourist taxi, which are generally more expenisive and somewhat nicer than the local taxi's. We were commenting how nice the taxi was, when the driver asked if we knew how to drive. I said "Sure, yea I do" at which point he put the car in netural, jumped out when it was still moving and told me to show him. So i jumped out of the back seat, into the drivers seat and off we went. When he returned to pick us up 2 hours later, he drove up, jumped out of the drivers seat and hopped into the passenger seat again. I paid 100 Dalasis to drive myself to the beach and back!
We also met with an organization called GamMol, which is an NGO out of Belgium that has a staff of local Gambians working on health, education and primarily water projects around Sanyang. The program works to dig boreholes, install handpumps and maintain the machinery for villages that are not on the municipal water supply and otherwise are relying on non-secured water sources (shallow dug holes, open wells, and open streams/rivers/trenches). We just met with the organization to determine some of the projects we can work on when we return to Sanyang again, and I'm incredibly excited about the opportunities.
We're back in Serrekunda now, and on Monday we started a course at WACD-TC; the West African Community Development Training Centre. the course is a certificate course issued by the Ministry of Education in The Gambia leading to a full diploma from the centre. We are being taught the second of four modules, ours on Human Behaviour and Development. It's an interesting opportunity to learn about the experiences and mode of problem solving used by our Gambian counterparts.
The course material is important and relevant to the Gambian classmates we have, although I feel I've been taught most of the material before. It is however interesting to see the decision making process and problem solving used by our classmates. It's a far cry from what I had expected, or how we would necessairly troubleshoot or solve a problem at home. I'm not enjoying the course material, but the interactions we are having are very beneficial for both us and the class.
I'll try to keep more posts coming, and thanks to everyone for following along and leaving comments. I smile every time I get one.
Sorry I've not posted in a few days, despite having access for the next little while to wireless at our lodging, i've neglected my blog in the process.
I've added a few gadgets and fancy features to the blog, you probably noticed them at the side. There is a world clock, which if I've set it up correctly, should display the current time in both Toronto and Banjul, in case you're wondering how late in the day it is for me. There is also a countdown, currently to my birthday (sure i'm zealous, but I'm allowed to be every now and then. There is also a small slide show of pictures I've taken here. They're posted in a larger size on my picassa web album, which you can get to by clicking on any of the pictures.
We had a good last week in Sanyang, learning the language a bit more, trying to master my abilities at making Attaya (the green tea that is shared all over the place here, but requires a great deal of skill to make properly), and getting ourselves dirty with projects at the garden. If you look at the pictures linked on the right side of the blog, you can see me making attaya, and mixing concrete to form a new base around one of the water reservoirs. It was very arduous work, but one of the mornings Megan and I were both in a bad mood/missing home, and somehow, mixing concrete by hand in a wheelbarrow under the African noon sun lifted both our spirits. I also got to test out my driving skills.... Megan and I hired a taxi to take us to the beach one day after work. We happened to get a tourist taxi, which are generally more expenisive and somewhat nicer than the local taxi's. We were commenting how nice the taxi was, when the driver asked if we knew how to drive. I said "Sure, yea I do" at which point he put the car in netural, jumped out when it was still moving and told me to show him. So i jumped out of the back seat, into the drivers seat and off we went. When he returned to pick us up 2 hours later, he drove up, jumped out of the drivers seat and hopped into the passenger seat again. I paid 100 Dalasis to drive myself to the beach and back!
We also met with an organization called GamMol, which is an NGO out of Belgium that has a staff of local Gambians working on health, education and primarily water projects around Sanyang. The program works to dig boreholes, install handpumps and maintain the machinery for villages that are not on the municipal water supply and otherwise are relying on non-secured water sources (shallow dug holes, open wells, and open streams/rivers/trenches). We just met with the organization to determine some of the projects we can work on when we return to Sanyang again, and I'm incredibly excited about the opportunities.
We're back in Serrekunda now, and on Monday we started a course at WACD-TC; the West African Community Development Training Centre. the course is a certificate course issued by the Ministry of Education in The Gambia leading to a full diploma from the centre. We are being taught the second of four modules, ours on Human Behaviour and Development. It's an interesting opportunity to learn about the experiences and mode of problem solving used by our Gambian counterparts.
The course material is important and relevant to the Gambian classmates we have, although I feel I've been taught most of the material before. It is however interesting to see the decision making process and problem solving used by our classmates. It's a far cry from what I had expected, or how we would necessairly troubleshoot or solve a problem at home. I'm not enjoying the course material, but the interactions we are having are very beneficial for both us and the class.
I'll try to keep more posts coming, and thanks to everyone for following along and leaving comments. I smile every time I get one.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Petting a Croc
hey everyone,
here is the much promised picture from 2 weeks ago of me petting the crocodile.
Monday, June 1, 2009
2009-05-31 - National Clean The Air Day?
2009-05-31
We have had a very relaxing weekend here in Sanyang. We wanted to
start our beach day relatively early after a good sleep in, so we set
off at around 11:30. We walked out to the taxi-stand and asked there
about going down to the beach. We were told since it's the last
Saturday of the month, it's "Clean the Nation Day", when all work
other than cleaning, including any driving is completely forbidden
from 9 am to 1 pm.
So.. we went back to our compound and waited for 1 pm to come.
While we were waiting for a cab, we ordered Baobab juice at a local
restaurant. We've had it served a few times already here in a sealed
plastic bag, which you bite off the end, and squeeze out. We instead
were served our baobab juice in an old ketchup bottle and a
squeez-able relish container. For only 5 dalasis (about 20 cents),
what do you really expect.
We finally got to the beach and had a great time, our host-father,
just as we were leaving, shoved a JulBrew into each of our hands. So
we sat down to have a drink. We ended up drinking on the beach until
past 10 pm, getting pretty well tipsy with my host father, and
laughing long into the night, Megan and I, my host father and a Peace
Corps volunteer from the US we met at the garden.
I have to say it's a pretty awesome way to spend an evening, at home or here.
I have also discovered the precise moment in time when man decided
that Chicken would be a suitable candidate for food... I think it was
about 6:18 AM, the morning after God created the rooster.. Man
thought.... Yea, that'd go well on my dinner plate....
2009-05-28 - French ... Que?
Well who would have thought that I'd actually be using the French i
learned while in school. The Gambia is an old British colony, hence
the English as the national language, but Senegal, completely
surrounding The Gambia is a former French colony, and there has been a
great deal of migration between the two over the decades. As a
result, in the compound we are staying in, there are a number of
French speaking Senegalese nationals here, so I've had a few really
good conversations in French during our stay. It's actually a
sufficient buffer language, as I don't speak Mandinka/Fula/Wolof/Jola
very well, and they don't speak English too well, we've found French
to be a happy medium. Who would have thought.
learned while in school. The Gambia is an old British colony, hence
the English as the national language, but Senegal, completely
surrounding The Gambia is a former French colony, and there has been a
great deal of migration between the two over the decades. As a
result, in the compound we are staying in, there are a number of
French speaking Senegalese nationals here, so I've had a few really
good conversations in French during our stay. It's actually a
sufficient buffer language, as I don't speak Mandinka/Fula/Wolof/Jola
very well, and they don't speak English too well, we've found French
to be a happy medium. Who would have thought.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Working in Sanyang
Started our work on Monday, not too strenuous compared to work at
home, but when you're doing it under the midday African sun, it takes
a toll. Had to have a nap this afternoon b/c we were so tired.
The work isn't very engineering related yet, but hope to have a more
defined project tomorrow (Wednesday).
home, but when you're doing it under the midday African sun, it takes
a toll. Had to have a nap this afternoon b/c we were so tired.
The work isn't very engineering related yet, but hope to have a more
defined project tomorrow (Wednesday).
Getting settled in our host's home, but very much missing running
water... I can deal with out a flushing toilet, but the shower is a
touch more difficult. I have now successfully had a bucket shower...
not the easiest thing to do, but i managed anyway.
Nothing exciting from the last several days like the crocodile, we'll
see what the rest of the week brings.
I miss you all,
Love,
JP
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pet a live crocodile
Today we had a busy day of running around the greater Banjul Area. We started by being dropped off at a street corner to pick up our own bush taxi to go into Banjul. Anyone from Tanzania will remember them fondly as the Daladala's. The same vans, the same number of people in them!
We then got to climb up the Arch 22, a monument of independence erected when the current president came to power. We toured two different markets, and went to a crocodile pond. At the pond you were actually able to pet the crocodiles!
I tried to post a picture, but it took too long to upload. I'll have to try again some other time.
Today we're off to Sanyang where we will start our project on Monday. No idea what is in store around the corner, but we'll deal with it as it comes.
Thanks to everyone for the posts. I have enjoyed reading them. Please keep it up!
Also if my posts seem like the dates are off, i'm writing them the night before i actually send them, or in some cases two days before i can post, so just bear with it. sorry for any confusion.
Love,
JP
We then got to climb up the Arch 22, a monument of independence erected when the current president came to power. We toured two different markets, and went to a crocodile pond. At the pond you were actually able to pet the crocodiles!
I tried to post a picture, but it took too long to upload. I'll have to try again some other time.
Today we're off to Sanyang where we will start our project on Monday. No idea what is in store around the corner, but we'll deal with it as it comes.
Thanks to everyone for the posts. I have enjoyed reading them. Please keep it up!
Also if my posts seem like the dates are off, i'm writing them the night before i actually send them, or in some cases two days before i can post, so just bear with it. sorry for any confusion.
Love,
JP
Learning the language and culture
For the last few days we have been busy around Serrekunda (just
outside the main city of Banjul), we have been getting cell phones,
currency exchanged, learning about the culture and local languages,
and taking in our surroundings in all their glory. If you want to try
to txt, or call me, my number is 783-9127; I believe with 011-220 in
front from Canada. I have no idea about the charges, so buyer beware.
Thanks to everyone who has posted comments. They made me smile, and
let me know that you guys care.
outside the main city of Banjul), we have been getting cell phones,
currency exchanged, learning about the culture and local languages,
and taking in our surroundings in all their glory. If you want to try
to txt, or call me, my number is 783-9127; I believe with 011-220 in
front from Canada. I have no idea about the charges, so buyer beware.
Thanks to everyone who has posted comments. They made me smile, and
let me know that you guys care.
I miss home immensely, but am doing my best to enjoy my time here.
We are moving this weekend from Serrakunda to Sanyang (just South of
here) and will be starting our work project on Monday. I'll post many
more details as soon as i Know about them.
Love,
JP
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Arrived Safely
Well after a 9 hour delay in London, while our plane engine was
refurbished on the tarmack (luckily they let us back into the terminal
at least), we finally departed for The Gambia. We have arrived
safely, met up with our contact here, and are just settling into the
hostel (YMCA) we are staying at.
Hopefully some pictures from our 1 day tour of London can be posted
soon, but i'm not sure at this point.
Miss all!,
Justin
refurbished on the tarmack (luckily they let us back into the terminal
at least), we finally departed for The Gambia. We have arrived
safely, met up with our contact here, and are just settling into the
hostel (YMCA) we are staying at.
Hopefully some pictures from our 1 day tour of London can be posted
soon, but i'm not sure at this point.
Miss all!,
Justin
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
En-route
I'm writing this post as we are flying over the North Atlantic ocean. We have just passed over Iceland and are about 1.5 hrs from landing in London.
The flight is going well, the plane is a 767, and is probably only 50% full, so i've got an empty seat beside me, and many of the middle 3 seat sets are occupied by only one person. It's a nice change to what we had for Tanzania, 10 seats wide, each one packed totally full; this flight is 7 wide and mostly empty.
The wakeup and drive to the airport this morning was not enjoyable, especially saying goodbye to everyone.
Last night my siblings, Jess and Marcy all came over to have a surprise goodbye party for me. It was such a nice surprise and we all had a good time. Especially since, from Australia, and without his knowledge, Dad provided the pork tenderloins we all thoroughly enjoyed for dinner.
We are heading to land in London, where we have a 36 hour layover. We're going to try to see London in 24 hrs, PowerTourist style. i'm not sure how much of the city we are going to get to see, since it's Victoria Day in England (as you'd expect), as well as in Canada. Oh well, just another adventure to get involved in. I'm sure i'll have stories, and possibly pictures from the day, i'll try to share them as soon as i can.
Already missing Canada, but starting to feel excited about the adventure before me.
All my best wishes
Justin
The flight is going well, the plane is a 767, and is probably only 50% full, so i've got an empty seat beside me, and many of the middle 3 seat sets are occupied by only one person. It's a nice change to what we had for Tanzania, 10 seats wide, each one packed totally full; this flight is 7 wide and mostly empty.
The wakeup and drive to the airport this morning was not enjoyable, especially saying goodbye to everyone.
Last night my siblings, Jess and Marcy all came over to have a surprise goodbye party for me. It was such a nice surprise and we all had a good time. Especially since, from Australia, and without his knowledge, Dad provided the pork tenderloins we all thoroughly enjoyed for dinner.
We are heading to land in London, where we have a 36 hour layover. We're going to try to see London in 24 hrs, PowerTourist style. i'm not sure how much of the city we are going to get to see, since it's Victoria Day in England (as you'd expect), as well as in Canada. Oh well, just another adventure to get involved in. I'm sure i'll have stories, and possibly pictures from the day, i'll try to share them as soon as i can.
Already missing Canada, but starting to feel excited about the adventure before me.
All my best wishes
Justin
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Getting Ready
I spent the majority of today getting myself ready, packing my bag, getting money exchanged and such. It hasn't fully hit me yet that i'm about to leave for the next three months... i'm starting to realize what that means... no boat, missing out on the long weekends, and really just a totally different experience; though that's what i signed up for when i decided this was what i wanted to do. I am a little worried that i've forogtten something important, but i have the next 2 days to figure out what that is, hopefully i remember everything; if not, i'll try to buy it or make due without.
Trying to fit in as many visits with friends before i go, though the time is limited... somewhat severely. I hope i can do it all, if I can't, here is my public apology if I don't have time to see you before i depart.
Time to clean up the mess i've made of my room and get everything strewn about into the bag i'll be living out of for the next 3 months!
Trying to fit in as many visits with friends before i go, though the time is limited... somewhat severely. I hope i can do it all, if I can't, here is my public apology if I don't have time to see you before i depart.
Time to clean up the mess i've made of my room and get everything strewn about into the bag i'll be living out of for the next 3 months!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Welcome
Hi Everyone,
This is a blog I will keep up while I'm traveling on my summer internship to The Gambia.
I'll try to post messages as often as I get to an internet connection, and post pictures as often as the connection is stable enough for me to do so.
Please reply to my posts as frequently as you can as I will be homesick and surly will enjoy reading what you have to say.
If you'd rather not make your post public, e-mail me at justinflippy[at]gmail[dot]com.
This is a blog I will keep up while I'm traveling on my summer internship to The Gambia.
I'll try to post messages as often as I get to an internet connection, and post pictures as often as the connection is stable enough for me to do so.
Please reply to my posts as frequently as you can as I will be homesick and surly will enjoy reading what you have to say.
If you'd rather not make your post public, e-mail me at justinflippy[at]gmail[dot]com.
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