As I type, Peace Corps is trying to figure out when someone can drive me back to the training center. I hope it's today, as I am currently missing our CPW (counter-part workshop). All of our in-country counterparts are at the training center in Thies getting to know us as well as what it is that we will actually be trying to accomplish in the next 2 years. As I did not have a chance to meet either one of my counterparts while I was visiting my site, I am doubly anxious to get back into the swing of things. Keep your fingers crossed that my transportation will be figured out quickly.
In the meantime, I will take advantage of the air-conditioning and (relatively) fast internet connection. Currently, I have season 1 of Bones downloading on itunes. I'm very excited about that. I have also been able to get my shopping fix, I'm pretty sure I was going through withdrawal. What can I say, everyone has vices and it appears that mine is shopping. Could be worse. Don't worry Mom, I didn't order anything (at least today. That being said, you might want to expect some packages in the mail. All practical items for Africa, if I do say so myself). I was more "window shopping" on the internet. Really, this little sojourn couldn't have come at a better time, as I have also been able to update myself on all things related to the royal wedding. People.com is currently promoting an article entitled, "Kate Middleton: Sneak Peak at Possible Wedding Hairstyle." I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hanging on every word. Tomorrow I will do everything in my power to get online and find a picture of the wedding dress, as I have been waiting for the dramatic reveal for months now. Everyone is saying that there is way less hype surrounding this wedding than there was for Prince Charles and Diana. I can't really comment on that as it is outside of my realm of memory.
Back to my current situation, if today has taught me anything, it is that I must learn French ASAP. I barely understand anything that the radiology technicians were saying to me. I don't like being in the dark, especially when it comes to personal injury. I was lucky that everyone at the facility was so nice, otherwise I might still be sitting there, trying to figure out if I was done or not. Any suggestions as to how I might speed up the learning process? I feel a little overwhelmed trying to learn French and Pulaar at the same time, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is necessary. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress, whether you like it or not.
Asalaa maalekum,
Rachel
Well, you could start listening to podcasts in French? Or to download French or Francophone TV shows besides the American ones? If you're mostly immersed in Pulaar, it might be useful to take advantage of the fact that there's plenty of media to absorb in French, which might not be the case for Pulaar.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your ankle isn't broken and that you are now stylishly outfitted in toubab couture.