A Little Glimpse into my Life

I love Niger. My favorite parts of the day can never be predicted. There are some days when I loathe the idea of having to find a cab or a bush taxi ... dun dun daa. But then there are days when you find a driver who doesn't try to get more money out of you. Or you find someone willing to take you where you need to go on the first try. I also like walking around Niamey and having vendors remember you. I ran into Ousmane who I had negotiated cell phones with for some other stagieres. He saw me as I was heading into the bank and yelled my Nigerien name out.

Last night, in search for food, we stopped FINALLY at a little stand not far from the hostel. I started chatting with a Nigerien named Jamilou. He invited me to eat with him since I hadn't gotten my food yet but I declined since I was with my friends. I told him he could come over to our table. He came over and chatted with us in Zarma and French. I'm hoping my brain will learn through slow absorption.

Today, Maria and I walked around the Petit Marche. I didn't have anything specific in mind since my post is pretty much completely furnished. I was still looking for the Niger soccer jersey for my brother. The beautiful thing here is that you can ask a shopkeeper where to look and they will actually find it, buy it, and then resell it to you. They usually get better prices too. I found a nice tapestry of the mosque in Agadez and I'm debating between sending it home and keeping it in my house. I can't wait to go to the artisan's district. I've seen some beautiful sculptures and carvings that I can't wait to invest in.

With the good things also come the unnerving things. Kids and old women will follow you begging for money. It's so hard to just say "May God bring it to you" and keep walking. The young boys will often ask for cadeaux. They are easier to deal with. You just ask for a gift in return and when they say they dont have one tell them you don't either and they usually go away.

Thursday I move to my village. I'm sure this first month will be the longest but I am excited to play games and hang out with my villagers. I love talking to people. It comes so much easier to me. Maybe it's because I have to be more creative with communication.