Kribi is my Jam

Well, I must say that I'm living the good life. ISP (independent study project) is turning out to be really amazing, which I never doubted, but I'm more in love than I thought I might be. I wake up early in the mornings under my mosquito net with a whole list of things to accomplish. In the United States, this might cause some stress but here I feel absolutely no weight of anxiety. I walk down to the beach which is a mere 2 minutes from my homestay, take my journal, book, and watch the local fisherman bring in the mornings catch in these wooden canoes that litterally look like hollowed out trees misplaced in the ocean. I come back after an hour and eat some bread, eggs, jam, coffee etc. and gear up for a day of research. At the internet cafe I wait frustrating hours as the connection is often slow or non-existent and the power is always touch and go. But I've learned to be more patient then I thought possible, I now often transcribe interviews by hand, and get in quality reading time during these times of waiting. When I'm not doing secondary research, I'm walking around the small city finding the delegations/ delegates, NGOs, and randoms who I can interview for their perspectives on why young girls leave school to become prostitues in Kribi. My evenings are spent relaxing with Laura, another SIT-er who is sharing the same homestay with me (she's studying fisherman) talking about wide varieties of things that could range from religion to delevopment to our love for coffee; last night we indulged with chocolate and wine and candles as the power was out, again. Veronique, our host mom and my project advisor, is often there at night too and so we'll end up talking in French the whole night- last night it was marriage, her woes on gaining weight, and pygmy kids in school. She's an unbelievable woman who has such a passion for helping others, I feel so lucky to be learning from her. Before bed I normally take a shower, always cold (have still only taken one hot shower in my 11 weeks) but that is for the best because the cold water helps bring my core temp down so I can sleep- the heat here is unlike any other place I've been. I am always drifting off a little too hot for comfort but also always undeniably happy.

More updates to come. Hope all is well with everyoneeee!