Ex-Pats and Pay it Forward

What a wonderful concept "pay it forward" is. Especially in the world of traveling. I met the only other Americans here on Tuesday and was relieved to find that they were willing to take me under their wing. I've found that other travelers are more than happy to show you the ropes when you first arrive because it wasn't so long ago when they showed up lost and helpless and someone did the same for them.

After "work" on Wednesday I moved into Nahya's house. She's a pediatrition here at BDH and is also involved in the research institute. I'll be staying in Karisa's room (her 5 year old daughter) until furniture can be moved to my apartment. I have since come to learn that there is a bed and such available but we are awaiting permission from the owner. It's proving to be difficult because the owner was (wrongly?) imprisoned and the only visiting hours are on Saturdays.

By Thursday I was starting to get settled, Brandt (my new best friend for the next 3 months) showed me the market place. I don't have much need for it just yet because so far I eat lunch out and all my other meals are provided for at the house. I have to admit I was somewhat relieved to not really need to buy anything yet. The markets give me a bit of anxiety. But then again, when I go to a grocery store at home I get anxious too. I think it has more to do with using the food than buying it, let's face it... me cook...?

Friday and Saturday I did NOTHING! I did "work" for a couple of hours each day but I'm still in the planning stages so there's not a whole lot I can do in between waiting for approval on various parts. I'll provide a more detailed description once the whole project is approved. If nothing else Africa is providing me with plenty of free time to read, catch up on sleep and thoroughly examine every thought or idea I've ever possessed. In other words. I am bored out of my mind. I'm hoping I get busier as I get more familiar with the area but I don't have any grand delusions. From everything I've witnessed so far it seems to be an extremely segregated culture. Its not that people are unfriendly they just aren't friends with anyone outside of their immediate circle. So far I have only seen Muzungos befriend other Muzungos. Initially it was a little disappointing to hear that others felt the same way but now it actually makes me feel a little better. It is less likely to be, as I had feared some deficiency in my own character but just a fact of life.