So these people...
...travelled far across the ocean (not showering, not sleeping, and sitting in a purgatory-like place called the Yoff International Airport in Dakar) to meet these people...
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Despite a few, minor hiccups (bag lost, but recovered; sweating profusely, but not melted; ate rice, but acquired early resistance to all things with rice (sorry, Dad)), the family's visit to The Gambia was definitely 'enjoying only'. (Note: Family, if you disagree, please state so NOW, NOW).
And now for some highlights:
*Family, if you feel any of the following accounts are inaccurately depicted...too bad, send me an email with 'your' account or better yet, write your own blog.*
1. When Susan's luggage did not arrive, Susan had to wear my clothes for 32 hours. Thankfully, after one year of being away from each other, the theory that Susan is still TOO tall to wear my pants. Even after one year, it's unanimous...I'm still short. DARN IT. (Side note: She still can wear my shirts, despite the increase of the size of my belly...thanks rice!)
2. I didn't realize how much I missed TV until I was able to watch day old Good Morning America in the hotel. Electricity = awesome; Electricity AND televisions = awesomer
3. My inability to properly turn on the hot water in the hotel shower after day 3 proved that one's capability to use modern-day technology diminishes after when one lives without amenities for 14 months. (Who wants to show me how to use a microwave when I get home?)
4. As if crossing the Barra Ferry wasn't stressful enough, it's even freakin' harder when there are no cars in the car park going to where you want to go and you have 3 very pale people watching your every move to negotiate with a driver while they try not to burn in the near-equatorial sun.
5. You know it's going to be a good trip when the family embraces the idea of a bean sandwich for lunch or their third day in the country.
6. Dad did not manage to acquire a huge bruise on his forehead, despite all the times he hit his head getting in and out of the taxis. (See all that extra padding on your fat head is good.)
7. Susan managed to thwart who wanted attention and thankfully, did not accept any marriage proposals from bumsters.
8. The parents are as equally cool in America and The Gambia, as voted by friends from home and in The Gambia.
9. Family successfully entertained 30 children while I made fishcakes and baobab juice.
10. After 3 days of being at my site, Paabi and Mero didn't run the opposite way screaming when seeing the 'toubabs'.
11. I can now refer to Dad as Demba, Mom as Hawa, and Susan as Mariama---all Fattys, of course! That's what you get for laughing at Jalika Fatty's surname for the past 12 months.
12. Who ever would have ever thought 300 plus people in my village of 1200 would wait by the side of the road for an hour to greet my family. AMAZING.
13. Realized that my ability to cope with things by use of humor is inherited from Mom and Dad. Thank goodness I got the humor genes and the youthful looking ones...:P
14. Despite my abhorrence for keeping pet monkeys as pets, they really are the crowd pleaser, especially when your Mom comes to visit and her name is Lois, and the monkey's name is Louis, which is not only confusing for Americans to decipher, but also Gambians.
15. Dreams and meditations of my sister joining me on my runs through the African bush were actually NOT nearly as good as actually having her run with me. Sweet!
16. Managed to save 5 whole delasis (ie. ONE quarter) while buying a Gambian soccer jersey in a packed Serrekunda market, while keeping hot tempers at bay.
17. Swimming pools are FANTASTIC, especially when paired with an ocean view.
18. Family vacations really can be fun, despite what most people say.
19. Oddly enough, my two worlds collided and everyone survived and maybe became a bit wiser, bolder, and crazier because of it.
20. My family never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks.
%5B1%5D)
