Back in Bamako and Off to Dogon

So I have been back at Tubaniso the past two weeks for in-service training. It was hard at first to get used to full days of technical training sessions, especially after having so much free time at site. Overall though, the sessions have been interesting and I hope to try out some of the things I learned here during my service.

It has been neat to hear about my friends' experiences at site and their living situations. Some volunteers are working in rural villages that don't have electricity or a water pump, or even cell phone coverage (imagine that!). Once the sun goes down, you just have a lantern to cook your dinner or do anything else. On the other hand, most volunteers have much easier access to their regional capitals and can meet up with other PCVs. I've mentioned here before how Kenieba is so isolated... it's tough to leave more than once a month because the trip is so long. But I think that's a good thing, as I will be more integrated and hopefully more productive since I'll be at site more often.

We had a big Christmas party last night, and it was great to celebrate with everyone and get in the holiday spirit. Most of the Malian work counterparts are here for training too, so they got to witness an American Christmas celebration. We made some great decorations... paper snowflakes, candy canes, Santa and a Christmas tree. The kitchen staff made a great meal for us. We had popcorn and hot chocolate afterwards, thanks to a generous PCV who got a ginormous can of Swiss Miss in a care package. After a huge Secret Santa gift exchange (I got a Snickers bar!), we watched Home Alone on the projector screen. Some of the Malian counterparts stuck around for the movie, and it was interesting to see how they reacted. They got a kick out of how slippery ice is, and how you can see your footprints in the snow!

In general, Malians learn a lot about other cultures from the TV shows and movies that end up on TV here. Some people, especially those who didn't finish school, think that everything they see on TV is reality. I've watched episodes of 24, CSI, even Knight Rider (that 80's show with David Hasselhof and the talking car). Unfortunately, pro wrestling even made it across the ocean. It's interesting to see how glued they are to the TV. I speak up when there's something that obviously isn't real.

I will be celebrating Christmas with a bunch of friends in Dogon country, a region in central Mali that is home to the Dogon people. After Christmas, we are going on a three day hike on the cliffs to tour some of the villages. Should be a great trip!

I hope everybody has a safe and merry Christmas! Miss you!