Blogs from Burkina Faso, Africa - page 2

The first thing that struck us when we entered the Mali immigration control was just how professional everything looked. Uniforms were clean and crisp, offices were neat and tidy and the officers were polite and friendly. Within 20 minutes we had been processed and were on our way with not a bribe in sight. We were slightly anxious with the prospect of heading to Bamako but we were soon distracted with beautiful rolling countryside that was punctuated with the occasional huge rocky outcrops. It only took three hours to get the capital and we were surprised to find it a pretty modern city that straddled the mighty Niger river. We had actually already passed over the Niger back in Guinea but it was a trickle of a stream compared with the huge expanse of water that ... read more

So it' been way too long since I have written here. Let's catch up quick: I am three weeks into being a volunteer at site. Right now is kind of difficult because most people are still in the fields for the end of rainy season and school doesn't start until October 1st. I have been spending the past few weeks getting to know my neighbors, other teachers, and boutique owners, as well as anyone else I can find that will listen to me and ask questions. Stage is over, and as crazy busy as it was sometimes, I really do miss being with all my friends all the time. Site is a little lonely when you're the only Nasara and people just stare at you. But I have been spending a lot of time with my ... read more

We're in Ouagadougou for the next couple days. Then we leave on Saturday with our host families to Sapone. Right now, we're just sitting in a conference room using the free internet (Wahoo!!). We had a bunch of interviews today to place us for French, to update our medical records, and to give more information for our job descriptions. The ground is really red here, very dusty. It's more like a bunch of red sand that's been ground super fine. And hot, man, is it hot. But the current volunteers that met us here say that you adjust quickly, thankfully. There are a bunch of lizard runny the compound. I saw a huge one today that had an orange head and blue body, but it was too quick to take a picture. Flying over the Sahara ... read more

At the close of twilight a busload of passengers were preying towards Mecca. Meanwhile a white man was walking out of the border office of Burkina Faso raising his passport in the air. That white man was me and I was acknowledging the Ladies and Members stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). I had just notched up my maiden century! But I wasn’t raising my passport like a cricket bat (typically done when a cricket player reaches 100 runs) in a joyous triumphant way like it was a game changing or career saving innings. It was more like a 50 celebration when the player has got his eye in and is thirsty for more – A slight raise of the bat about, shoulder height and towards the two packed buses parked on the road. 100 ... read more

As part of my Engineers Without Borders placement in Burkina Faso this summer, I'm officially starting my very first blog. I have to admit, it's pretty scary to think that for the next four months I will be broadcasting my thoughts, learnings and feelings for anyone and everyone to read, and this is only one of the SMALL changes I'm going to have to make to prepare for the trip. If my last stint in Burkina is any indication, there are several other changes I can look forward to upon my arrival this May. If you're the adventurous type, you can try to live a more Burkinabè lifestyle this summer by implementing some of these elements into your life in Canada (or wherever you are!): Bucket showers (fab for saving water! Even better with cold water) ... read more