Really? It's been nearly a month?

Well, since going to Philly, it's been a month. In a couple of days, I will have been in Mali for a month. As such, I thought I'd talk on a couple of topics relevant to me here as an outsider looking in, or as a Peace Corps Trainee.

Toilets.
I've alluded to this topic before, and now, I offer you the nitty-gritty
Here, we have what are called "Nyegans." A Nyegan is the common type of "toilet" located throughout Mali. It's a hole in the ground (usually with walls for privacy, but usually not with doors--which can be quite awkward at times, and usually without a ceiling) that you squat over. This seems to be good for leg strength, but to be honest, still somewhat awkward. Similar things exist in other countries (like throughout Asia). Another "toilet" difference is hygiene. Here, they don't use toilet paper. Instead, they have a plastic tea kettle thing filled with water that they call a "Salidaga." The salidaga is used in conjunction with the left hand. As a Peace Corps Trainee, I have access to toilet paper and still fear the day that I'll become exceptionally sick (as many have) and prematurely run out of toilet paper...

In Bamako, however, some actual toilets do exist. I don't yet know if I'll live in a house/apartment with one of these allusive, non-existent "toilets," but time will tell.

Mosquitoes.
Are bad and frequent. I have a series of mosquito bites on my right, inner wrist that resemble the first Stigmata strike. So far, I've resisted scratching, but that isn't exactly easy.

Animals as pets.
are not pets as we know them in the USA. In my family, the animals are treated rather well, but I also know that this is the exception and not the rule. Animals here are never, ever a part of the family. They are animals. If they're in your way, you get them out of your way.

Age and guests.
This is a big one, especially when it comes to seats. If I walk toward where other people are sitting in my concession, at least 3 people will quickly stand and offer me their seat. It is impolite to say no. Even if someone is a single day older, they are older. As such, you give up your seat to that person (or other such deed to show respect). This changes only with the rule of "guest." Guests are highly honored, expected to eat, and do not give up their seats.

Nakedness.
Naked babies are the norm. In fact, it's not uncommon to see children under 12 without clothes (or at least with parts that should not be exposed quite exposed). This is very awkward and hard to adjust to, but it's a fact of everyday life here, too (hopefully not in Bamako). Along with that, women do not usually wear tops after dark. In some concessions, this toplessness occurs much sooner (like my host mom walking around at lunch time today without a shirt on. She beckoned me over to talk to me. It was very weird.).

BUT, one should never, ever, ever show their knees (if they've reached adolescence). This is less true for men--if they're playing sports, but it's always true for women (again, Bamako is apparently different, but I don't know this first hand yet).

I could write more, but it's time for dinner, and dinner at Tubani-So is absolutely amazing (after eating bread, spaghetti and potatoes day in and day out anything becomes pretty much amazing). I'll post more either later tonight or perhaps tomorrow.