T-Minus

First let me say, many thanks to everyone who shared some thoughts on the death of Ataa. I'm doing fine, really. As I mentioned to some of you, I didn't really know here that well. She was a friend, but also someone who I had consciously decided not to pursue because (as the books says) I just wasn't that into her. Still.

As my father said: Death makes things permanent that should not be.

So.

I'm leaving Manso Nkwanta--probably forever--tomorrow.

To be honest, I'm pretty damned excited. I'm excited for vegetarian options. Excited for other than an endless-summer. But mostly I'm excited for people.

Before coming to Africa, most concerned conversations centered on the creature comforts, and their lack. And sure: headlamps and bucket showers get tired on the second or third consecutive day, and peanuts become decreasingly appealing as the primary source of protein. But mefloquine works, and the denuded skin over hand-washed knuckles becomes thicker with time. Good friends, however, don't just appear.

My time here, and the accompanying dose of social isolation, haven't made me think twice about my desire to continue to wander the world, or do development related work, but is has made me realize that you need to take a piece of home with you, and not a piece that you can pack. You need company.

Now I just need to find someone as foolhardy as I. Tanzania? Anyone? Anyone?

See you soon.