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).

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.