I have not been very diligent in the upkeep of this blog, so first my apologies if anyone has been checking back so often looking to see a new post. I do not have a specific trip or anything in mind to blog about, this post is just going to be a random amalgamation of stories and thoughts that I remember as I type.
I have been very well of late, I've discovered the delightful French fried dough known beignet. They are delightful. Now, wherever I am, if I see or smell beignets, you can bet I'm most likely going to purchase some. One of the things I like about beignet is that no two purveyors of beignet make their beignet in quite the same way. There seem to be many variations on the theme. Here at ENSA, where I reside, the beignet have some sort of filling which I suspect is a cream cheese type substance. I say suspect because I've only seen it uncooked, outside a beignet once, and that was from a distance. Whatever it is, it is good.
Today has been rather enjoyable from a culinary standpoint, not only because I was able to enjoy to variations of beignet, but also because I was able to have two fresh mangoes (saving two for tomorrow). These mangoes are truly dessert. They're like candy, as close as you can come to candy whilst having just been pulled from the tree.
Speaking of mangoes (ok, I had an idea of some things for this blogpost, and that is a totally telegraphed segway), I was visiting the Benedictine Abbey at Keur Moussa again a couple weekends ago, and meal time again provided some comedy. It was time for dessert and a tray of mangoes was placed on the table, I grabbed what I thought looked like a good one and cut into it. The inside however, didn't look right. A part of the interior seemed to be covered in small black spots. I held it out and looked quizzically at the Brother seated across from me (remember meals are taken in silence as one of the Brothers reads aloud), he took several moments to look up but when he did, we made eye contact, then he looked at the mango. His faced changed in an instant to one of horror as he anxiously grabbed the mango from my hands, as if concerned that at any minute I may ravenously begin devouring the thing. He looked very much relieved that the crisis was averted. Suffice to say that I now know, if the mango has suspicious spots on the interior, don't eat it.
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| Roger found a friendly little chameleon at Nioro. |
Recently we were back at Nioro for more field work, I was able to collect the second round of samples for the site there. Before we headed there, a scientist here at CERAAS asked where we were going (we had all our gear packed and ready to leave). We told her we were going to Nioro and she seemed surprised. She proceeded to mention the two Frenchman who had gone this time of year in the past, and how they had returned all burnt and puffed up from the sun. They didn't leave there rooms for a couple of weeks she said. When Roger (the post-doc who we are working with) came in she said, "This is not a nice man making you go to Nioro." Rogers response? "Ah! These guys are guuyyss!!!" I must say it's one of the best compliments I've ever received. The field work itself went well, with the proper application of sunscreen I came home no worse for the wear. One of the days we were on site from 5am to 8pm, it was pretty sweet. From a bright moon and stars to sunset, with several breaks for coffee in between!
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| From the rising of the sun to its setting. |
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| Coffee! |
I have been able to do a lot of exploring in Thies. I've visited the Cathedral a few times, as well as the market, picking up a tea kettle and some glasses for tea. As well as a spoon and a knife, I thought getting a fork would be superfluous.
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| At the Cathedral, St. Anne's |
My hair is getting pretty long, sometimes I wear a bandanna to keep it out of my face. On two separate occasions two different people have commented that it reminded them of the lead singer of Dire Straits. Who knew Dire Straits was so popular in West Africa?
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| Sans bandanna. |
I think that's enough blogging for now!
