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Published: September 5th 2006
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The Bikes of Amsterdam
Nicole and I rented bikes 1 day...great way to see the city. Hello from Amsterdam! Yes, both Nicole and I decided that we needed to take a few days of vacation (now that our project has wrapped up), prior to heading back to the states. I have had some definite highs and lows over the past few weeks since my last blog, definitely a lot of mixed emotions about my return to the states….but this short trip to Amsterdam I think is a nice place to wind down. It is the best of both worlds; ultra laid-back like Senegal…but a VERY developed country (I don’t remember it being so nice, on my first visit!). We almost did not make it here though. We were told of the horrors of Heathrow airport with the new security measures, but it took us almost 24 hours just to get to the security part. After lots of traffic getting out of London, we arrived at our terminal to mass chaos. Hundreds, actually thousands, of people were lost in a big mess. It went something like this…stand in the check-in line for hours upon hours as they only check in about 5 people per hour because the ‘baggage belt’ broke and they could not process any passengers. Then
Le Mosque
"Dama booga dem Mosque Point E" -- this is where I always told the taxi drivers to take me (the Mosque right by my house/work) wait for them to come out and say “If you are on flight number XXX, you need to go wait in the 6 hour long ticket line to re-issue your ticket only to go through the whole circle again.” Needless to say, Nicole and I gave up after about 6/7 hours and seriously considered just heading home early…but instead we had them put us up at the hotel and delayed our trip by a day.
Being back in the developed world (especially back in the UK) did make me a bit more excited for my trip back home, which is good…as my last week in Senegal was quite hard. As I think we all have had some apprehensions of returning home (or lack there of for me, as I still need to find one!), I tried my best to enjoy and soak in as much as possible. It was hard to not be depressed about leaving. I know, I know…I never painted the prettiest of pictures of the city, but I really loved it and already miss it lots. What do I miss, you ask? The top things that come to mind (in no particular order) are:
1.Constant confusion
Mamina and Bouba
Our guards..oh how we will miss them! - Everyday we would be completely perplexed by a trip to the market, taxi rides, or just so-called simple conversations with co-workers. I know, it doesn’t sound like something to miss…but I learned to love the challenge of it!
2.Bargaining - What do you mean I have to pay $35 for a taxi from DCA? I should be able to spend a fun 20 minutes going back and forth with the taxi driver to finally get it for the “Senegalese” price of 2500 CFA!!
3.The beach - I never considered myself that much of a beach person, but I will miss being able to go get a hut on Yoff, read a good book, and people watch. Or better yet, visiting the Isle de Madeliene (that Agnes and I discovered the day before I left)…it was an absolutely gorgeous island that you reach by a little (yet a bit crazy) 20 minute boat ride. You are taken to this haven of crystal clear and aquamarine water, surrounded by beautiful rock formations.
4.Bouba, Mamina, and Louise - although I was often irritated with Mamina talking to me through the windows…I am going to miss the friendly greetings of our 2 guards
Louise
Louise demonstrating for my mom how to wrap the babies to your back (using some dolls that were in our house!) everyday upon our departure and return home. Of course no need to say that I will miss having Louise's smiling face wash the dishes, do our laundry, and clean up every single day.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are lots of things I am looking forward to upon my return as well:
1.The reassurance that when I get into a car, I am (more than likely) going to be able to roll down the windows, open the door, not see through the bottom of it…and know that my driver is sober and not going to be dodging goats on the street.
2.Although we thoroughly entertained ourselves, I am looking forward to US television (English!), movie theaters, and an array of food options (OTB here I come. …although, I may have to visit the couple of Senegalese restaurants in DC here and there!)
3.Last but not least…getting to see you all. Although I have met many wonderful people, nothing can beat my family and friends!
After approx. 45,000 miles travelled (calculated via travelblogs map!) and almost 6 months…I can finally say…
SEE you all SOON!
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Maria Lincoln
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Coming home
I'm so glad you shared all of the wonderful things from your trip. I'd love to get together for drinks sometime when you're settled back in.