On Turning 32

So, I turned 32 while in Mali. Which is just a little over the average age of a Peace Corps volunteer. Without looking up the information, I feel as if I remember hearing the average age for a PCV was 24/25. I can say, however, that I've really learned that the difference between 32 and 24 is pretty much non-existent. Had someone told me that a few years ago, I probably wouldn't have believed it...

The fact that this birthday was in Africa didn't really negatively impact my birthday celebrations. In fact, I somewhat wonder if it enhanced the birthday. First of all, I have a St. Patrick's Day birthday, which means I'm used to actually going out and celebrating my birthday. Second, because I'm in Mali, I absolutely knew that I wouldn't have access to simple US customs like green beer.

What I could do, however, is what I'm quite good at. Entertain (then dance. because, let's be honest, I'm a huge fan of dancing).

I had a few friends over at my house to start the birthday festivities with an Irish lunch prepared by me.

B-Day Lunch 1: My Sous-Chefs

B-Day Lunch 2: My Sous-Chefs, part 2

The Lunch Menu:

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie
--A classic Irish dish topped with mashed potatoes. Like regular shepherds pie, except using beans and additional veggies to substitute for meat (it was vegetarian because I had been stupid and given up meat for Lent).

B-Day Lunch 3: The Shepherds Pie

Champ
--It's a classic Irish recipe: green onion mash potatoes

Boxty
--Again, super Irish. Grate raw potatoes, mix with mashed potatoes (not the same ones I used for champ) and other ingredients, turn into a dough and cook.

B-Day Lunch 4: Boxty and champ on the stove

After we were all completely stuffed, it was time to go for drinks!

The Party 1: At the 1st bar before going to the Marine House

The original plan was to do a pub crawl through Bamako. And honestly, we would have done exactly that, except that we learned there was a St. Patrick's Day party at the Marine House, so we altered our plans and made our way to the Marine House!

The Party 2: Marine House, with my friend,
Shelby and the ever important mosquito repellent!

The Party 3: Marine House, several of my PCV friends just outside

All things considered, the Marine House was a lot of fun. There was a lot of food I really wanted to eat, but couldn't (they had buffalo wings!!!!!!! which is the main reason I say I was stupid to give up meat for Lent), there was Guinness. And, of course, there were a lot of people!

After the Marine House, we made our way to Appaloosa, a karaoke bar in Bamako, where we were able to belt out our worst renditions of several songs.

The Party 4: Appaloosa, where the magical karaoke happened

Overall, it was a great birthday. I was surrounded by a lot of really good friends. I ate some amazing food. And I quite honestly had a whole lot of fun.