Vicarious Examinations
December 3, 2005
WooHoo we’re done! Five weeks of holiday!
We were supposed to have a pool party yesterday for the kids, but when we learned that there would only be five in school, we changed our minds. We had a half day instead. This was good as it gave us some time to button up our classrooms and relax before jetting off to the airport to pick up the parents.
The plane schedule was all messed up because of this huge West African conference that’s happening in Bamako right now. We got to the airport before I figured out that I forgot my camera. Oh well, there will be other photographic opportunities I’m sure.
Mohammed insisted on going. He was dressed in his finest and was, of course, the perfect gentleman. It was really obvious to us while at the airport how much he cares for the little man. He is ever attentive to him, following him without interfering, but always right there to help. The man is phenomenal.
The plane arrived, the Niebancks disembarked, and we gathered up their luggage. We collected all eight bags, or so we thought, loaded into In Sha Allah and headed home with Mohammed at the wheel (I love to drive, but he gets upset when I don’t let him). It is almost surreal that they are here. As we approached the guard gate, I joked that they should be prepared to be searched. It’s a joke because the guards here are so lax; we wonder what good they do. Well, not this time partner; that guard had never seen these two white folks before and he wasn’t about to let them inside. God only knew what they were carrying in their bags, they could be terrorists! Mohammed was mad. He told the guard again and again, “these are the teachers and their parents; it is very hot, let us go!” That guard was not to be convinced. We sat and sweated and wondered what to do, then finally called a friend in a high place. She couldn’t believe that we were being detained. She had a quick conversation with the guard and we were finally allowed through.
Carrie made a great cucumber soup which would have been enjoyed more had Linda not discovered that the bag with her toiletries was missing. Needless to say there was a little consternation and much frustration over the fact that the thing had been hauled twelve thousand miles so it could be left on the airstrip at Sadiola. A search of the car proved fruitless. We could only hope that the bag had been brought to the mine office. Since we had to go there the next morning, we would have a look and see. Grandma and Grandpa took our bed while we shared Zachary’s room with him.
This morning we had pancakes for breakfast and then loaded up in the car to go to the office. Linda’s bag was right there in the receptionist’s area. The gentleman in charge of badges was waiting for us. Everything went smooth as silk and we were rolling to Sadiola Village in no time. It wasn’t until we arrived there that I realized I forgot my friggin camera…AGAIN! Dammit that pisses me off! It’s going to be really hard to take a bunch of pictures if I keep leaving the damn thing at home…
We cruised the mall, toured the pharmacy, checked out fabric, bought some produce, and ogled the meat and fish. Next we headed over to Collie’s Bar. We idled away an hour or so over cold drinks, chatting about this and that. Back in the car for a tour of the back roads of the village and off to the picnic overlook, with a quick detour to give some kids a ride. So far a lekker day. It is most odd to have the Niebancks here; two worlds colliding in a good way. It’s fun to be able to see everything fresh once more, if only vicariously. I look forward to everything this week shall bring.
After naps we headed for a tour of the mine pit; always an awesome sight and particularly so with like minded people. It is remarkable the amount of earth turned aside for such miniscule amounts of gold. We are tired, but happy. Now it’s cocktails, baths, dinner, and reflection.
MJR
WooHoo we’re done! Five weeks of holiday!
We were supposed to have a pool party yesterday for the kids, but when we learned that there would only be five in school, we changed our minds. We had a half day instead. This was good as it gave us some time to button up our classrooms and relax before jetting off to the airport to pick up the parents.
The plane schedule was all messed up because of this huge West African conference that’s happening in Bamako right now. We got to the airport before I figured out that I forgot my camera. Oh well, there will be other photographic opportunities I’m sure.
Mohammed insisted on going. He was dressed in his finest and was, of course, the perfect gentleman. It was really obvious to us while at the airport how much he cares for the little man. He is ever attentive to him, following him without interfering, but always right there to help. The man is phenomenal.
The plane arrived, the Niebancks disembarked, and we gathered up their luggage. We collected all eight bags, or so we thought, loaded into In Sha Allah and headed home with Mohammed at the wheel (I love to drive, but he gets upset when I don’t let him). It is almost surreal that they are here. As we approached the guard gate, I joked that they should be prepared to be searched. It’s a joke because the guards here are so lax; we wonder what good they do. Well, not this time partner; that guard had never seen these two white folks before and he wasn’t about to let them inside. God only knew what they were carrying in their bags, they could be terrorists! Mohammed was mad. He told the guard again and again, “these are the teachers and their parents; it is very hot, let us go!” That guard was not to be convinced. We sat and sweated and wondered what to do, then finally called a friend in a high place. She couldn’t believe that we were being detained. She had a quick conversation with the guard and we were finally allowed through.
Carrie made a great cucumber soup which would have been enjoyed more had Linda not discovered that the bag with her toiletries was missing. Needless to say there was a little consternation and much frustration over the fact that the thing had been hauled twelve thousand miles so it could be left on the airstrip at Sadiola. A search of the car proved fruitless. We could only hope that the bag had been brought to the mine office. Since we had to go there the next morning, we would have a look and see. Grandma and Grandpa took our bed while we shared Zachary’s room with him.
This morning we had pancakes for breakfast and then loaded up in the car to go to the office. Linda’s bag was right there in the receptionist’s area. The gentleman in charge of badges was waiting for us. Everything went smooth as silk and we were rolling to Sadiola Village in no time. It wasn’t until we arrived there that I realized I forgot my friggin camera…AGAIN! Dammit that pisses me off! It’s going to be really hard to take a bunch of pictures if I keep leaving the damn thing at home…
We cruised the mall, toured the pharmacy, checked out fabric, bought some produce, and ogled the meat and fish. Next we headed over to Collie’s Bar. We idled away an hour or so over cold drinks, chatting about this and that. Back in the car for a tour of the back roads of the village and off to the picnic overlook, with a quick detour to give some kids a ride. So far a lekker day. It is most odd to have the Niebancks here; two worlds colliding in a good way. It’s fun to be able to see everything fresh once more, if only vicariously. I look forward to everything this week shall bring.
After naps we headed for a tour of the mine pit; always an awesome sight and particularly so with like minded people. It is remarkable the amount of earth turned aside for such miniscule amounts of gold. We are tired, but happy. Now it’s cocktails, baths, dinner, and reflection.
MJR
posted by Bronx to Timbuktu at 2:12 PM
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