With Niger being on the UN Development Index as the poorest country in the world, known by Peace Corps Washington as the "shittiest" country because of the frequency of intestinal distress experienced by volunteers, and normal daily temperatures in the 120s, sometimes volunteers just want a cold beer!
Many of us came here expecting to explore our Puritan roots and try our hand at born again virginity only to find out that even the poorest countries in the world serve up a Jack Daniels, brew their own beer and offer a classy disco once in a while. Several times a year volunteers will descend upon the capital city Niamey or the regional hostels for a training session, a swearing in ceremony or any superfluous holiday like Summer Solstice, giving friends from all parts of the country a chance to catch up and toast to surviving the bush. Its a nice break to be able to strip down to a bikini or dress up in heels and revive that party girl, lets-dance-til-dawn person I didn't completely leave behind!
(photo index:Natalie, Brooke and I at the after party for our Gender & Development Fundraiser; me and the girls dancing at Club Krystal; my staging mates enjoying their first Biere Nigers)
No comments:
Post a Comment