Alright, so I've been pulled from my site (temporarily) due to some safety/security issues (don't worry, Mom; I'm fine) so I'm back on the coast with AC and internet until further notice. Be prepared: you are about to be inundated with all of the posts I've been unable to do, because as a Region Nine volunteer, I am determined to enjoy every moment of this internet until the lack of sleep literally kills me.
So let the flood begin!
Speaking of floods, that's also happening out in Region Nine. The whole savanna has become a swamp. The road out of my site is a mess. Either the road is completely under water, or the "dry" portions are so muddy and torn up, you can't get through. I've got a few pictures taken by a Peace Corps staff member, Flavio, but have none of my own. Why, you ask? Because the last few times I went, the buses couldn't even get through.
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| One of the "dry" sections |
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| Yes, this is still the "road" |
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| Most of that is water |
At one point, the bus got stuck and nearly went over sideways, so we all clambered out like rats abandoning a sinking ship, and tried to push the bus out. I was knee deep in mud, hip deep in water, just hoping the bus wouldn't fall over on me. The next time, the bus didn't even attempt to cross: all the passengers just got out and waded through the worst of the flood until a bus on the other side could come get us. I know I
should have taken pictures, but... I kind of had my hands full. Next time, maybe. If the photos aren't enough, here's a news link:
http://demerarawaves.com/2017/07/02/rupununi-flood-hit-residents-to-be-evacuated-thousands-others-affected/
But no, the flooding wasn't enough to take the volunteers out of the region. We were left wherever we happened to be when the worst of the flooding happened, which generally was either in our sites or Lethem. Things have kind of eased up a bit, although the road is still a disaster. I was lucky enough that when I checked in at the airport for my flight to the coast, they asked if I'd like to take the earlier flight. Of course I said yes, and then it turned out I was THE ONLY PASSENGER ON THAT FLIGHT. I literally had the plane to myself. I am rocking this flying thing. Maybe I should go to flight school while I'm here...
At any rate, let me take this (rare) opportunity to post a million pictures, and show you what my house looks like. First of all, it's amazing. It may be only one room, but I love it. It turns out I don't really need much more than a bedroom/kitchen, porch, shower, and bathroom. For one person, it's the perfect size. Especially with how dirty everything gets here, if I had much more space, I'd never have time to do anything but clean. Every single night there is some sort of insect apocalypse, and I wake up to a house that looks like it has not been swept, or even inhabited, in a hundred years.
Let's start the tour!
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| My front door, featuring Archimedes |
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| Bedroom, kitchen, livingroom |
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| Dresser and bed (with two nets, because I'm not messing around) |
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| Running water! And a water filter |
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| My chronically messy desk |
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| The shower, which is outside just off the porch |
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| Back porch, hammock, and laundry |
Posts coming in the next few days: Bina Hill graduation, the BHI first year students, the garden project in Kumu, the President's visit, the bus crash, my host family, the Paiwomak Warriors football team, and of course all the stunning Region Nine Volunteers without whom I would surely already have died. Stay tuned!
