Last full day in Douentza

Today is officially my last day at the Douentza internet. After hundreds of times of coming here, it’s now over. I will miss it nostalgically, but not technologically. I am certainly ready to move onto the greener pastures of Sevare, then Bamako, then the US.

We slaughtered my goat this morning. I was awoken at 7:30am, first by the sounds of “toobob, ca va?” out in the street, announcing the arrival of one of my friends, then by pounding on my door. When I opened it blearily, I was met first thing by the sight of goat carcass. Always a good way to start the day.

Fatimata came over to get the hide (she’s going to make a pillow out of it), and her mother was there too. I’m confused, however, because this was a different old lady than the one I met in Petaka. Perhaps it’s her mother-in-law? She was a wrinkly old woman with light skin and twinkling eyes. She gave me a bowl of eggs and a ring.

I gave Fatimata her presents: my bottle of ibuprofen, a necklace of mine, and 2000 CFA. I think she was quite pleased with all of it. They stayed until the liver was done being grilled, ate a few pieces, then went on their way.

Afterwards, Phil (the mystery toobob from earlier) and I packed the kitties into a basket, covered it with a sheet, and set out through the market to deliver them to Ashley. Poor things, they were so scared, trying to break out through the sheet. It was a stressful walk. When we got to Ashley’s, we let them out, and they looked around themselves in confusion. “Wait, this isn’t our house.” Well, soon enough it will be. I hope they’ll be okay.

Down to the final things to do—clear out the files on this computer so I can leave it for Jeff, give the rest of my presents, have a party. I think that’s about it. Oh, and clandestinely film the streets of Douentza. That’s also on the agenda. It’s off to Sevare tomorrow!