Kailou in Africa?

Well, here we are in Africa. We made it through the 4 planes, even with Jade grumpy and 2 cats mewing in our ears all the way, although I admit it was pretty cool sitting in a cafe in Paris France eating a sprite and drinking a croissant (as you can see I’m still a victim of jetlag). But now that we’re here, I love it. We got our new house, toured our new school, drove around our new city and saw the sites. But there’s always a poison dart hidden in the cherry tart and in this case it’s the people and how they live. Today I learned that every little thing I’ve heard about poverty in Africa is true and let me tell u that not one of the facts has been on how well the people lived. If someone said Malians did live even remotely nicely, they would be absolutely wrong in every way possible. The beggars and street people are everywhere. They are teaming; it’s almost like India all over again but we all play our part and mine is just living here in luxury and I feel bad about it too. Tonight I gotta go on the fancy pirogue ride down the Niger River and after that we’re having a barbeque with the Amer. International Sch. Bamako Director.

                                                                                                                              Signed, Kailou

p.s. I miss b.l.t’s and fries so much but there is good food, just not the same).

p.p.s. I wasn’t kidding about the boat ride!