Beginnings

Friday morning we went to RUDEC for our first day of work. We worked with them to figure out a plan of what we will be doing all summer. There are a couple of villages around Kumba that we are going to do hydraulic analyses and design pipelines to get them pipe-borne water. Additionally, we came up with some other topics that we can help them research such as rocket stoves, latrines, solar dryers, and biosand filters. The people at RUDEC are very friendly. Friday night Mark and I went to a place with live music and met with his friends and relaxed. We came in early before the group went to the nightclubs. Have to start things slow.

Saturday morning we were woken at 7 AM by our good friend Karine. She visited with us for a while and then went to the market to get food for our dinner. During the day we went to the RUDEC office to pick up a drawing and then relaxed at a restaurant with Mark's good friend Teke from the village where the water project was last year. We all went back home and I helped Karine cook dinner. I am learning a lot about cooking in Africa and have asked Karine to teach me as much as she can. I have loved helping her in the kitchen. The food has been amazing.

After dinner we went into town and got dessert until the sun went down. On the way there we took a very scenic walk where I took some pictures. They are posted alongside pictures of the main roads and some food.

Tomorrow I am going to church with Karine. I am very excited. I will not understand much because it will all be in pigeon but the music and the atmosphere should be very enjoyable.

More random things to note:

Today was hot. The sun was out more than usual and we felt it. All three of us during our walk at midday had sweat through our shirts and pants. At nights tho it cools down some.

Beers are all 23 ounces for $1. Once again, this is awesome.

All prices are negotiable. For everything.

There are tons of churches in Kumba and of all types. Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Gospel, Catholic, Etc. They are everywhere. People are very vocal and active with their faith.

A lot of people speak of climate change and how much it is negatively impacting farming.

Anticipation for World Cup is very high.

To Kill a Mocking Bird is a very good book.