My dear faithful readers-
Ten months ago I landed on the warm lap of my dear Mother America. At that exact moment, she crapped herself. At first glance, NYC in September 2008 looked something like an overanxious mother hen, begging the question will the economy collape? Will Sarah Palin rule over us with her winking gaze when John McCain bites it? Will I ever retire? The worry was palpable, thus not the best time to be poking around for some casual employment, respectable employment seemed to be out of the question.
I only got 10 days of work as a temp before that well dried up. So I took up a job as a flyer girl. I passed out ads for a gym down by NYU and watched the college kids walk by dressed like Kanye West. When the snow started to fall and my ego couldn't take anymore rants from random street crazies I took my reprieve to California for the holidays, still underemployed but hoping something would come up.
At the New Year I returned to the city and I almost got a job with the New York City Department of Law. That was until the budget was not passed and I was left on the backside of two months worth of applications and tests with no position. Sweet.
The New Year also brought school, The New School to be exact. I began my first graduate level classes at The New School studying Nonprofit Management hoping that I would not hate my classes, other students, future prospects. All the while I was living with family friends who had an endless supply of hospitality and encouragement as I wallowed and wailed.
How ever could I blog about that?
And then in April EVERYTHING CHANGED. Within a month I got a job, I found a sweet apartment in Nolita, and I kicked my first sememster's behind like it drank my last beer. All of the sudden I was a freaking vision of success in America, back and ready to rumble.
But I am not finished. Not by any stretch of the imagination am I done challenging myself and changing. So I would like to reignite my blog as it just so happens that the stuff I see on a daily basis is as weird as anything I saw travelling. The greatest lesson I have learned to date is truth is much stranger than fiction.
With this in invite you to return to my little opus frequently as I describe absurdities and entertain you with my tales.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Connected
Today I woke up speaking Pulaar. The phone rang at 9am on the night stand next to the bed. I read 221- as the country code and knew the number was from Senegal.
“Hello?”
“Jenaba!”
“Allo? Neene?”
”Jenaba, Tana allaa ton?”
My host mother from my village in Senegal seems to be psychically connected to me. The night before, I remarked that Jenaba Sidibe, who I was named after, was probably the only person I knew in those two years who saw me. She saw who I was, what drove me to find her village, and why I must continue my work in America. Her love for me was real, because when the time came she cried but let me go. Now, six months later she is calling me on the European cell phone I left to her. The exchange was brief and I think she said she wanted me to call her back later, but I am unsure. It is too late to call tonight but I must find a calling card tomorrow and find out what my dear friend needs.
“Hello?”
“Jenaba!”
“Allo? Neene?”
”Jenaba, Tana allaa ton?”
My host mother from my village in Senegal seems to be psychically connected to me. The night before, I remarked that Jenaba Sidibe, who I was named after, was probably the only person I knew in those two years who saw me. She saw who I was, what drove me to find her village, and why I must continue my work in America. Her love for me was real, because when the time came she cried but let me go. Now, six months later she is calling me on the European cell phone I left to her. The exchange was brief and I think she said she wanted me to call her back later, but I am unsure. It is too late to call tonight but I must find a calling card tomorrow and find out what my dear friend needs.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The Movie!!
Finally I present to you the movie I helped edit and produce in Senegal titled "Elle Travaile, Elle Vit!" (She Works, She Lives). Enjoy!!
Elle Travaille, Elle Vit! (She Works, She Lives!) from Barry Pousman on Vimeo.
Elle Travaille, Elle Vit! (She Works, She Lives!) from Barry Pousman on Vimeo.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Where were you when Obama won?
November 4, 2008 11pm- In my NYC Apartment
I stared at the TV screen and blinked a couple of times. Tears welled up and blurred the beautiful image.
PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
History had been made. I jumped to my feet and started doing my Pulaar happy dance. Outside you could hear crowds erupt with cheers. Yes we can!
The whole family poured out of the apartment and down the stairs. Out in the streets in front of the Obama headquarters on Broadway and 105th there were hundreds of people dancing in the streets. Slowly cars would inch through the crowd with honking horns and jubilant cries. A bus pulled up, a large black bus driver was weeping, his fist raised in the air, Yes we can. The crowd enveloped the bus, cheering and dancing, everyone raising their fist in a salute to our Joe the Bus Driver, as more tears streamed down his face and we screamed, Yes we can. Traffic stopped, hundreds of people started singing the national anthem, cops scrambled to get the people on the side walk, but more people poured into the streets from all directions. Parties began to erupt all over Manhattan, an explosion of pride for our country and pure joy.
Well into the night I ran the streets of New York City, screaming and hollering OBAMA, to which inevitably there would be a distant cry of joy from some other drunken reveler who couldn't believe that today the world changed for the better.
I stared at the TV screen and blinked a couple of times. Tears welled up and blurred the beautiful image.
PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
History had been made. I jumped to my feet and started doing my Pulaar happy dance. Outside you could hear crowds erupt with cheers. Yes we can!
The whole family poured out of the apartment and down the stairs. Out in the streets in front of the Obama headquarters on Broadway and 105th there were hundreds of people dancing in the streets. Slowly cars would inch through the crowd with honking horns and jubilant cries. A bus pulled up, a large black bus driver was weeping, his fist raised in the air, Yes we can. The crowd enveloped the bus, cheering and dancing, everyone raising their fist in a salute to our Joe the Bus Driver, as more tears streamed down his face and we screamed, Yes we can. Traffic stopped, hundreds of people started singing the national anthem, cops scrambled to get the people on the side walk, but more people poured into the streets from all directions. Parties began to erupt all over Manhattan, an explosion of pride for our country and pure joy.
Well into the night I ran the streets of New York City, screaming and hollering OBAMA, to which inevitably there would be a distant cry of joy from some other drunken reveler who couldn't believe that today the world changed for the better.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
To The New Great Generation
It is a momentous time in our history as a country. The national conscience is focused on the demise of our corporate empire and we, the youth, are left to meditate on our future. "Not since the Great Depression..." is a phrase I have heard often in the last two weeks. It describes the burden and challenge the present generation faces as we are still tallying the bill, projecting our future lifestyles and choices.
I arrived to Wall Street on September 2, 2008, hardly aware of the economic crisis about to unfold before me. After living in a mud hut for two years, financial Armageddon was the last thing I expected to come home to. It is becoming more apparent to our generation, the ones who enjoyed our childhoods in the peaceful and prosperous 90’s, that we will need to reorder our society to maintain our quality of life, and possibly advance it.
There are rumblings of a New Great Generation. We could invent our way into a new age. We have been given the best preparation possible for this moment, from our culture of innovation, and comfort with technology, to our access to higher learning institutions. Why can't we take that sexy approach Mac takes to all their products and make environmentally sound gadgets the things we are falling all over ourselves to own? Why can't we, the New Great Generation, take the bull by the horns, learn the numbers and the facts, and rework a system that is based on the values for the new age? It is time we shook off the malaise of consumer culture and took responsibility for ourselves. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Leviathan has stumbled. Are we ready to stand up and lead the future?
Get a higher education.
Vote.
I arrived to Wall Street on September 2, 2008, hardly aware of the economic crisis about to unfold before me. After living in a mud hut for two years, financial Armageddon was the last thing I expected to come home to. It is becoming more apparent to our generation, the ones who enjoyed our childhoods in the peaceful and prosperous 90’s, that we will need to reorder our society to maintain our quality of life, and possibly advance it.
There are rumblings of a New Great Generation. We could invent our way into a new age. We have been given the best preparation possible for this moment, from our culture of innovation, and comfort with technology, to our access to higher learning institutions. Why can't we take that sexy approach Mac takes to all their products and make environmentally sound gadgets the things we are falling all over ourselves to own? Why can't we, the New Great Generation, take the bull by the horns, learn the numbers and the facts, and rework a system that is based on the values for the new age? It is time we shook off the malaise of consumer culture and took responsibility for ourselves. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Leviathan has stumbled. Are we ready to stand up and lead the future?
Get a higher education.
Vote.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Today is the first day of the rest of your life
I have been back in the US for one week. My version of culture shock has involved spending money I don't have and not making much of an effort to replace it. Today I turned it all around and applied for a bunch of jobs, some of which could be considered my dream jobs.
All and all NYC is everything I hoped it would be. I live with an awesome family on the Upper West Side and spend my time discovering the city, when I am not obsessing over my lack of employment.
And now for some visual aids...
My last night in Dakar was surprisingly mellow. I didn't freak, but I did almost miss my flight.
Downtown Dakar
My first sight of NYC from the plane window.
I really didn't understand what this meant until I asked.
This is the life I hope to lead in the near future.
I feel like I am constantly seeing things I have seen before, such as the Chrysler Building. It was the first thing I recognized.
My dear friend James from the Peace Corps now lives in Brooklyn. Our favorite past time is eating food and laughing at the volunteers still stuck in Senegal. This cone is for you Gou Crew!!
This past week I went to many art shows.
This is the first "car park" I saw. I nearly died at the thought of all those cars in one little space.
My first taxi ride was spent staring at the TV they have in every cab. Holy cow, I am not in Dakar anymore.
I mean even the trash bags are art for crying out loud!
Here is a nice raunchy piece I thought was funny.
Don't you wish? just kidding I love LA.
Scary
What does this say about our society?
Another wonderful breakfast James and I enjoyed. I would like to dedicate this one to Ramadan.
Look familiar?
All and all NYC is everything I hoped it would be. I live with an awesome family on the Upper West Side and spend my time discovering the city, when I am not obsessing over my lack of employment.
And now for some visual aids...
My last night in Dakar was surprisingly mellow. I didn't freak, but I did almost miss my flight.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Downtown Dakar
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| From Africa for blog |
My first sight of NYC from the plane window.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
I really didn't understand what this meant until I asked.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
This is the life I hope to lead in the near future.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
I feel like I am constantly seeing things I have seen before, such as the Chrysler Building. It was the first thing I recognized.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
My dear friend James from the Peace Corps now lives in Brooklyn. Our favorite past time is eating food and laughing at the volunteers still stuck in Senegal. This cone is for you Gou Crew!!
 |
| From Africa for blog |
This past week I went to many art shows.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
This is the first "car park" I saw. I nearly died at the thought of all those cars in one little space.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
My first taxi ride was spent staring at the TV they have in every cab. Holy cow, I am not in Dakar anymore.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
I mean even the trash bags are art for crying out loud!
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Here is a nice raunchy piece I thought was funny.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Don't you wish? just kidding I love LA.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Scary
 |
| From Africa for blog |
What does this say about our society?
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Another wonderful breakfast James and I enjoyed. I would like to dedicate this one to Ramadan.
 |
| From Africa for blog |
Look familiar?
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| From Africa for blog |
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The end of my Peace Corps life
Scared to death… no that is too strong
Caught in the rip tide of my future… no that is too dramatic
Totally overwhelmed by my life changes…. Yes that is just right.
I am leaving Senegal tomorrow for New York City after two years of Peace Corps service. When I first came here I was scared to death of the future, horrified by the present, and running from the past. Who knew the torrent of emotions could culminate into a life changing experience, one that carried me from a girl to a woman. I am now afraid of nothing but myself, only limited by my own fear of failure. What a beautiful way to start a new chapter in my life. I am cavalier by nature and let my acute senses carry my through the darkness.
Yet for the acuteness of my senses I am totally numb. The same scenes of Dakar and Senegalese life pass before my eyes and I make no effort to hold them close, to memorize them, to immortalize them. Instead I go to bed when I am tired, eat when I am hungry, and do what I feel like doing. No last good byes, only life as normal.
So au revoir Peace Corps life, you mix of college and career. Adieu poverty, may we never meet again. Ciao parasites, may you enjoy your lives in someone else’s gut. Happy trails to all and to all a good life.
A note on my blog, expect to see major changes in the next week. I will be changing the look and the title to fit my new life in the big city. I hope you all still find the time to check in with me and sit shot gun on my crazy ride.
Caught in the rip tide of my future… no that is too dramatic
Totally overwhelmed by my life changes…. Yes that is just right.
I am leaving Senegal tomorrow for New York City after two years of Peace Corps service. When I first came here I was scared to death of the future, horrified by the present, and running from the past. Who knew the torrent of emotions could culminate into a life changing experience, one that carried me from a girl to a woman. I am now afraid of nothing but myself, only limited by my own fear of failure. What a beautiful way to start a new chapter in my life. I am cavalier by nature and let my acute senses carry my through the darkness.
Yet for the acuteness of my senses I am totally numb. The same scenes of Dakar and Senegalese life pass before my eyes and I make no effort to hold them close, to memorize them, to immortalize them. Instead I go to bed when I am tired, eat when I am hungry, and do what I feel like doing. No last good byes, only life as normal.
So au revoir Peace Corps life, you mix of college and career. Adieu poverty, may we never meet again. Ciao parasites, may you enjoy your lives in someone else’s gut. Happy trails to all and to all a good life.
A note on my blog, expect to see major changes in the next week. I will be changing the look and the title to fit my new life in the big city. I hope you all still find the time to check in with me and sit shot gun on my crazy ride.
Bandia Nature Reserve
I have had the great fortune in my life to be close to many exotic and endangered animals. In Thailand I petted tigers, in Belize I swam with sharks, and in Senegal I have seen more animals than would be couth to print. Last week I had the privilege of visiting the Bandia Nature Reserve just outside of Dakar. I was thrilled by the close encounters with giraffes, hippos, gazelles, and all sorts of other four legged creatures.
A giraffe drinks water, it's most vulnerable position.
Zebra butts, the stripes are not slimming.
Notice the great interest the giraffes have in the one's poop/pee. I can only hope the excrement is sending an important message from beyond, otherwise that is just gross.
Up close and personal
Giraffes lovers
Yes that is a rhino in the background
The rhinos were pretty sleepy this time of day
Many gazelles ran away from our car
All I can say as a lasting message is go out and see the world while there is still world to see.
A giraffe drinks water, it's most vulnerable position.
Zebra butts, the stripes are not slimming.
Notice the great interest the giraffes have in the one's poop/pee. I can only hope the excrement is sending an important message from beyond, otherwise that is just gross.
Up close and personal
Giraffes lovers
Yes that is a rhino in the background
The rhinos were pretty sleepy this time of day
Many gazelles ran away from our car
All I can say as a lasting message is go out and see the world while there is still world to see.
Get your hair did
I was in the market in Kedougou with my best friend Fanta when she dragged me to the salon to get her hair done. I had no idea what she was getting done, but it turns out I watched her get her hair relaxed. This is a method of straightening the hair by combing lye through it. It burns, it stinks, and it costs less than a dollar. I was reminded of a passage I read by Malcolm X where he rails against the practice as cruel and racist, among other things.
Before
The lye being combed thru the hair, all being careful not to touch it
A little boy getting his head shaved
Take your pick of styles off the wall, ou bien, off the wall styles
And after, I think Fanta looks gorgeous either way.
Before
The lye being combed thru the hair, all being careful not to touch it
A little boy getting his head shaved
Take your pick of styles off the wall, ou bien, off the wall styles
And after, I think Fanta looks gorgeous either way.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Can't Idealize it Quite Yet
I'm photo happy and at a loss for words. I am in the midst of my Close of Service conference lost in the possibilities of my future. Visuals must suffice.
The massive bug that was in the shower with me was as big as a pair of scissors. I just threw a cup over him till I was done bathing, all the while he was bumping up against the side and trying to get out. In America I think I would have killed it. For some reason here it just doesn't seem worth it.
This gargantuan moth was decapitated by a Praying Mantis. Pretty intense.
Good bye Warthog sandwiches!! Pumba, you taste so good.
My last radio was my best. As soon as I signed off I felt my heart sink a little. Will I ever DJ again?
The passion fruit in my backyard is kicking! It has overtaken my shade structure and will give a lot of fruit this year. I hope the next volunteer enjoys it.
The last view of my village. The mysterious beauty of walking on.
These little boys begged me to take their pic. Of course I obliged because they were so cute.
Oh birds, how do I love thee? A red bishop and some other bird chill on a branch. Ahhh........
Flower and Bug
The night sky as seen from my backyard in my village, Sinthiouroudji.
The massive bug that was in the shower with me was as big as a pair of scissors. I just threw a cup over him till I was done bathing, all the while he was bumping up against the side and trying to get out. In America I think I would have killed it. For some reason here it just doesn't seem worth it.
This gargantuan moth was decapitated by a Praying Mantis. Pretty intense.
Good bye Warthog sandwiches!! Pumba, you taste so good.
My last radio was my best. As soon as I signed off I felt my heart sink a little. Will I ever DJ again?
The passion fruit in my backyard is kicking! It has overtaken my shade structure and will give a lot of fruit this year. I hope the next volunteer enjoys it.
The last view of my village. The mysterious beauty of walking on.
These little boys begged me to take their pic. Of course I obliged because they were so cute.
Oh birds, how do I love thee? A red bishop and some other bird chill on a branch. Ahhh........
Flower and Bug
The night sky as seen from my backyard in my village, Sinthiouroudji.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mosquito Net Distributions in Fongolimbi
I am really proud of my fellow volunteers right now. This last week the volunteers in the Kedougou region pulled together and made some pretty incredible things happen. One of those things was the distribution of over 4000 mosquito bed nets, the first line of defense against Malaria.
We biked from village to village with huge compressed bails of nets in tow. Going out in pairs, we covered 16 villages in nets, sometimes working all day long without food or drink. There were so many people who had never owned a bed net because it was prohibitively expensive. Free bed net distribution has been shown to have the greatest effect on decreasing malaria contraction. In my village I see the Malaria ravage all members of society, seriously affecting their ability to generate income and lift them selves out of poverty. It felt so good to do something for the people of Kedougou that was tangible and necessary.
A pile of nets await their new homes.
Kay writes names on nets with a beautiful village scene in the background.
This village, Thioune, was stunning!
Walking home we saw a huge rainbow.
The next day, an old man and a young boy wait for their nets.
A sweet angel of a little girl goes home with her new mosquito net.
An old woman and young man rest in the shade of a tree.
The chief of the village in Lombel was so happy he gave us a chicken.
And I intended to ride it home on the handlebars like Kevin and Winnie from Wonder Years.
But it broke free and we had to chase it down in the bush. Not taking any chances we tied it to my baggage carrier.
Yummy…
Can you believe I was a vegetarian for 10 years.
And the best part, we found even more waterfalls. This one in Thioune was stunning, and gave a great northern view of unblemished forest.
As we retired to Fongolimbi after a day in the bush a scary tree says good night to the sky.
And the sun sets on a day spent well.
We biked from village to village with huge compressed bails of nets in tow. Going out in pairs, we covered 16 villages in nets, sometimes working all day long without food or drink. There were so many people who had never owned a bed net because it was prohibitively expensive. Free bed net distribution has been shown to have the greatest effect on decreasing malaria contraction. In my village I see the Malaria ravage all members of society, seriously affecting their ability to generate income and lift them selves out of poverty. It felt so good to do something for the people of Kedougou that was tangible and necessary.
A pile of nets await their new homes.
Kay writes names on nets with a beautiful village scene in the background.
This village, Thioune, was stunning!
Walking home we saw a huge rainbow.
The next day, an old man and a young boy wait for their nets.
A sweet angel of a little girl goes home with her new mosquito net.
An old woman and young man rest in the shade of a tree.
The chief of the village in Lombel was so happy he gave us a chicken.
And I intended to ride it home on the handlebars like Kevin and Winnie from Wonder Years.
But it broke free and we had to chase it down in the bush. Not taking any chances we tied it to my baggage carrier.
Yummy…
Can you believe I was a vegetarian for 10 years.
And the best part, we found even more waterfalls. This one in Thioune was stunning, and gave a great northern view of unblemished forest.
As we retired to Fongolimbi after a day in the bush a scary tree says good night to the sky.
And the sun sets on a day spent well.
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