Don't misunderstand me, I've had a great time here, and hope to return, but I've grown weary of being the sideshow, the mendele, the osuku. I haven't eaten a meal, not one single meal, where some one (usually kids) doesn't park in front of the house and gawk. After I try to ignore them for a few minutes, they usually proceed to taunt me until I look up. Once they have my attention, they call for their friends, and the ritual repeats. I've taken to learning a few....stern...phrases in about 4 different languages. This guarantees that when I yell them consecutively, at least one is understood. If that doesn't work, our 'security' guy (he lives in the hut behind me) will chase them with a stick. I don't know that he has ever caught one, or could. I just need a break.
I've been busy tying up loose ends, working out as many problems as possible, and compiling what amounts to "The Idiot's Guide to Running A Remote Clinical Site". I'm attempting to mitigate the torrent of emails which will follow my departure so I can enjoy my leave in quiet. I think I'm reaching.....
I have done almost everything there is to do here, twice, with the exception of going on a hunt. I had arranged one, then found out it was on less than level terms and would have to be clandestine. Usually I'm all for that, but seeing as we could only get 2 bullets for the gun and would be going 80km into the jungle (away from everything), and if intercepted would need large amounts of cash to buy off the locals, officials, and other hunter, I opted out. I think everyone was relieved.
I did go about 90km (one way) to remote villages to look for patients. We were in a dry spell at the project. After finding a few, we reached the last village. For our troubles (we also delivered a tribal emissary), the chief gave us a chicken. He rode back strapped to the back of my bike (WHAT? Was I supposed to carry him?) and did NOT have a good time. I think it may have had a tenderizing effect because he was scrumptious!
Bored, I spent a day looking for the tallest structure in Kole so I could climb it. To my amazement, there was a 8-10 story (best guess) water tower by the catholic mission. So, I climbed it. My translator declined the offer to join me. True to form, someone noticed me, and a riot ensued. The crowd thinned out after I refused to descend and only a few onlookers were left. They decided to do a dance for me(see below)....strange.
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