internet, oh internet

I knew I wouldn’t have much access to internet, but I was hopeful I would be able to use it more than what actually exists currently.  The internet is an expensive commodity here, and in the midst of everything else going on, it’s kind of a chore to walk downtown to the internet café (a forty minute walk), try to talk to the people there (in a mixture of French, Maninkekan, and gestures) to tell them I need access to the internet for an hour, and then wait as the internet loads, which I thought took a long time at home (sorry, mom), but it’s nothing in comparison to here.  Which, is really great.  I didn’t come to Guinea to live as I would back in the states, and getting used to the internet here is one of those things that is just different here.  All of this being said, I am going to try to update my blog weekly, but the update will (hopefully) contain thoughts from multiple days and multiple times, as I have electricity to write them on my computer.  I apologize in advance for the lack of consistent communication, but alas, when in Guinea, do as the Guineans!  But if that were the case, I would never go to the internet café (and I also wouldn’t wear pants ever).  So I guess what I’m trying to say is that my life here is a weird mixture of luxuries from the states (like electricity and running water), and things from here in Kankan, like fresh bread every morning and delicious food, and unexpected kindness from so many people.  Life is always a surprise, always finding ways to show me new things, and to teach me more about myself and the world around me than I ever could have imagined.