A couple of weeks ago, I went to Koulikoro-ville (Koulikoro is also a region of Mali) with several other volunteers. We were having a regional get-together that included the new Koulikoro trainees. It was nice. Also nice, was getting out of Bamako for a moment. Koulikoro-ville is only about an hour and a half (more or less) by sotrama (a big, green van that they'll literally stuff 20+ people in the back of for transport. Seating consists of a wooden bench that runs along all 4 sides inside of the van behind the driver). What I saw of the town was nice. A lot smaller and much more relaxed than Bamako, but then, that's not difficult.
Koulikoro 1: Flat Tire
We had to wait for another bus to stop by for help, because we didn't have a jack.Koulikoro 2: Waiting for the tire to be fixed
The bus/van pictured above had 21 people sitting in the back (20 volunteers and one Malian) and 3 or 4 sitting up front (including the driver).
Koulikoro 3: Dance Party
After the get-together, I came back and set my 4th hash (luckily, I'm not setting this weekend's--which will be a nice change of pace). We also hosted the on-after at my house, which seems to have gone well.
Road to Siby: Deciding Where to set the Hash
This picture was on the top of a pretty tall hill. Sam and John (pictured) were to of the Peace Corps Volunteers who helped to set that particular hash.
More than anything else, I've been saying goodbye to friends who've been finishing their service. This week, we threw a going away party for several COSers. Sam left Tuesday night after the party. Ben left last night. Holly leaves on Friday night.
Going Away Party 1: Theme: Redneck/Beach Bum
Going Away Party 2: Sam leaving for the airport
Unlike when you arrive as a trainee--all at once--leaving is more like a slow bleed. 1 or 2 this day. Another that day. For those who don't extend their service, there's roughly a 3 or 4 month period in which they could be leaving. They learned roughly when they'd be leaving during their COS conference (which was in May). Generally speaking, you should assume that you'll be here in Mali for 26 months--though some will be here for less and others a bit more.
My LSAT study has diminished as of late. That's not to say that my actual studying has become much less, but that my results are dropping. With just over 3 weeks before I write the exam, I really need to crack down and get my performance back up.
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