We are Volunteers!!!

As of Thursday, August 23rd Tristan and moi are now Peace Corps Volunteers. Things aren't too different yet, but I'm sure that will change soon.

Ah French!
I had the privilege of staying an extra week in Lome for intensive language training. Tristan is already at post and I'll join him next Monday. They all wondered how he was going to eat. "With a fork and spoon I presume." :)

Thou shall not steal
We had our first encounter with a pick-pocket in Lome (this city is notorious for that). Tristan, a fellow volunteer and I were walking to the grocery store past the market. [The market, or "marche" in french, is congested almost everyday. It's ideal to shop at the "marche" because all items can be bargained for. I hate the practice but if I want to save enough money for future travels I must perfect it.] At any rate, our friend took the lead and a young man stood a bit too close to her. At first I thought he was moving to prevent being hit by a car. Then I noticed him reaching for her pockets. She turned around and yelled. I, of course, yelled as well. Tristan grabbed the man, through him to the ground, and pinned him until the authorities came. Okay, so the latter didn't happen but that would have been interesting to see. Actually, Tristan just pushed the man away and continued walking with our friend. The man lashed out at Tristan in French so I stood back because I didn't know whether his anger would go on further. Everyone else around us also got involved, but they just yelled in Ewe (the local language). I stared at the man in disdain and was about to reply to his dumb comments, but a passerby gently said "Let it go, it's over." So, I kept walking. I knew that he would get his share of harrassment because stealing isn't acceptable here either. In fact, if I were to have called him a thief the people would take care of the situation themselves. But, their form of punishment is harsh so it's best to avoid the situation altogether.

Life in the big city can be dangerous. But being in Lome does have it's perks - great food, fast-speed internet, the beach.