wanna take a little trip??

howdy everyone.
i hope the first day of spring is providing you with colder weather than i am experiencing. the cool season has definately passed and the unrelenting heat has taken its place. the best part about the hot season is that it is too hot at mid-day to do much, so i get to relax in the afternoons. i hang out with my family and friends, read a book, or just take a nap in the hammock (if i'm not bothered too much by the heat, sweat, and flies). i am now sleeping outside at night b/c it is significantly cooler that the inside of my house. it is still getting quite chilly in the early morning. i woke yesterday at 4am b/c i was so cold. the thermometer on my clock told me it was 60 degrees F. i had to go inside and get my fleese blanket; and then i got snuggly and warm.
my friends and i had a st patricks day party at my house. it was really fun. we decorated the house in green clovers and a "happy st pats" sign sent from home. we cooked chicken on the grill, had powdered mashed potatoes with butter, and canned green beans and we cooked some cakes in a dutch oven... it was some of the best food i've had in a while. we listened to irish and american music on our ipods and enjoyed good conversation. we also bought ice blocks (which i rarely ever buy) and enjoyed chilled beer. the only thing that was missing was the green food coloring! over all it was a great time.


some folks have expressed interest in visiting me in the gambia. i welcome anyone who wants to come. this summer would probably be the best option, but i am very flexible. i would recomend a stay of 10-14 days. the plane ticket is kind of expensive ($1000-$1750 roundtrip), but staying in gambia is really cheap... especially if you are hanging out with me :-) it will be less than $20/day - this includes transport, food, lodging, souveneirs, etc. check out buying a plane ticket online, several airlines (delta, south african air, brussels air, royal air moroc) regularly fly into dakar, senegal and i could meet you there. so if you are interested just send me an email and i can give you more details.