3 months left...

I just returned from my Close of Service Conference in Bamako which was a 3 day conference to prepare us to for going home. We also found out the specific dates of our departures which was very exciting. I am officially an RPCV (returned Peace Corps volunteer) August 22nd! But I might go on a little trip to Senegal and Gambia before heading home at the end of the month. Either way, COS conference was a great time to reflect on the last two years, so I thought I'd highlight a few things I do differently after living in Africa and few things that are probably exactly the same:

Different:
1. I wash my laundry with my hands (I'm too cheap to pay my guard to do it so I do it myself)
2. I spend a lot of time sitting on little stools.
3. Eat with my hands. I'll tell you this is a very difficult task to accomplish and I still spill a great deal of my food on the ground.
4. Eat out of a communal bowl (Susie and I insist that when we're in DC once a week we eat Malian style, whether it's Malian food, sitting on the floor or out of the same bowl - saves on doing dishes)
5. I yell at people when they stand directly out in the sun.
6. When I hand something to someone I say "hooon!"
7. I shower 4-5 times per day (depending on the season, year round at least 2 times per day)
8. I eat beans regularly.
9. I sleep under a mosquito net.
10. I can sleep anywhere, obviously I have places I prefer to sleep but you never know where you'll end up needing a nap here in Mali.
11. I can go days without sleep.
12. I can ride on a bus for days at a time and not complain...as long as I have my own seat (i do not, however, appreciate station wagons and will complain the whole way if I have to ride in one).
13. I have no problem using a latrine.
14. I carry sunscreen, heat rash powder, and a knife with me everywhere.
15. I always want to buy a new bucket.

Same:
1. Still impatient. I know you all think I might be able to shed this frustrating quality but it will not happen. I'm just as impatient with Americans as I am with Malians, if not more so, so get ready for the old Emily.
2. Toilet paper. I don't know who uses the Selidaga (plastic teapot filled with water for rinses your behind after you use the bathroom) but I DO NOT. I think toilet paper is necessary at all times.
3. I still spend too much money on clothes.
4. I'm still lazy, if I can get someone else to do my errands for me I will.
5. I still talk a lot and now that I can talk a lot in Bambara I think I annoy my Malian friends.
6. I still love cheese, in fact, I eat Laughing Cow cheese plain, regularly.


One of the things we talked about a lot at our conference was how to relate to people when we get home. How, for a month or so, it's not that bad, then after a month it stops feeling like a vacation and all the things we could handle abroad start to overwhelm us here. Most of the people I am here with went back to the states but I didn't and being gone for two years is going to make it even harder for me to transition. Heather asked me yesterday if I was nervous and I am, not to see each of you, I can't wait for that, but I know I'm going to have trouble relating to you. I've had a pretty exciting life for the last two years and switching back to America mode will not be easy. Be patient with me and I'll try to be patient with you! 3 1/2 months to go!