to be continued....

So, safari is coming up pretty soon. Less than a week! We are going to spend about 75,000cfa-80,000cfa plus transportation to Nati which is about…well I will have to get back to you on that because gas is super high because of Nigeria and their problems. We get our gas from Nigeria. Sylvain and I are going to ride his motorcycle to Bohicon and leave it with a friend and then we are going to take a bus to Nati because busses leave at 10-10:30am in the morning for Nati. We will not be able to make it on time if we take two-three taxis to Bohicon. Plus, it is cheaper, but my bum will be a little sore from the motorcycle. But, it is okay-I do not mind suffering a little for the sake of seeing lions and elephants and maybe a giraffe! Priceless. Anyways, I am getting super excited. Sylvain and I are going together with Jenny, Lissa, Claire and Sam, our PCVL in Cotonou. It should be so much fun! Hopefully, we can see the lions, some elephants, monkeys, etc! I am not going to see hippos-I think I might pass. You know they can eat our little boat that has little holes in it—we will have people pouring the water out with plates….I have heard stories. I think I will just take pictures of the “brave” ones as they leave on their journey of hippo hunting. I did it once and almost peed in my pants and didn’t see a single one but if I actually see one or three I might lure them in to bite my boat in half and have a good meal. You know animals can sense fear! So, no hard feelings, I am going to live another day hippo free. Anyways, I am super pumped. This is the one thing I have wanted to do since day one. I went to Cotonou last weekend to see if I had any packages with goodies in them and do some paperwork for Peace Corps. I got the paperwork done, watched the “Poop in a Hole” YouTube video with slow internet in the bureau (it was a funny, yet sadly true video), and ate out at an Indian restaurant. I also spent probably too much on a couple shirts and some things made out of fabric (2 purses, 2 oven mitts, a wallet, and 2 bracelets). We call it the “pink store” because it is a small store on a side road that was painted PINK! There is also another little boutique where artwork is sold. It is called “Hakuna Matata!” Go figure! I didn’t get any packages; actually hardly anyone did! The mail system is not working so well here again. I mean it is never good, but now it is terrible. I hope it shapes up because I have books coming from the states to give to the orphanage. You see I signed up for the “Books On Board” thing for PCV’s who have a need for books during their service. I was one of the lucky ones who were sent books. They should come within 2 weeks until 2 months! Cross your fingers for me pretty please. I know the kids will love the books! I am sitting in bed because I have been sick for a day or so. Hopefully, it is just a 24 hour bug. More like a million bugs in 24 hours, but hey who is counting? The dogs, Kea and Timone, are playing and being goofy. They get so riled up sometimes, they run through the house like crazy dogs. I have a single bed in the living room and a big bed in the bedroom. They run from bed to bed! The floors are slippery, so it is quite the show! Let’s just say it keeps my spirits up on days like today. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, but I do not think anything major is going to happen. Here in Lokossa, there are not any flower stores, heart candy boxes, etc. But, we shall see. Maybe I will get rid of this bug. That would be a great relief! Ok, hold on I will be right back, thank God for a toilet…..:S ugh. Okay, I am back. I just don’t understand, I ate nothing last night from about 3pm-this morning at 8:30 am. I had porridge (Bouille-bwee) and some bread. You think there would be nothing else inside of me?! I guess I just start pooping out my brains. Sorry, I said pooping-it is normal word around here and I use it quite often. Well, I have nothing else to say at the moment…I will write some more this week to let you know how I am feeling/how the strike is going (too long) and my packing list for safari! You know I bought some cool shades and going to get LOTS and LOTS of batteries because I don’t want to miss a beat! Okay byes going to play family feud and some yahtzee on the computer! My life consists of Skip-Bo, UNO, computer games and KINDLE reading in my spare time. RIP Whitney Houston! <3
Well, one more full day at post and then I am off to travel to safari! I am super excited and am getting my packing done now! I will write after the trip…..xoxo