Updates

First, I would like to apologize to my readership for the lack of posts but in my defense, you were warned!

Vancouver was an interesting return to the urban jungle filled with the cackling of traffic and the blinding lights at night. Having only been in Smithers since early July, I wasn't expecting this much of a shock during my return to a big city. I found myself craving for the deaf calm of downtown Smithers and the accessibility of all that is essential.

I also realized that living in such an over-stimulating environment like Vancouver doesn't allow one much time to truly reflect either introspectively or on small curiosities like how a blind person knows when they should stop wiping (never quite figured that one out yet).

Being back in Smithers has been full of signs that I am leaving in a short period of time. I have been popping pills and experiencing their side effects but they have definitely ceased. I will only have to take mefloquine once a week instead of doxycycline every day (and it's also an antibiotic, which I'm told can be very hard on your system if taken for prolonged durations).

As for details on the next few weeks, this might be useful to know (subject to change of course):
October 12: I'm arriving in Ottawa at 11:30 pm
October 12-14: In Ottawa
October 14-17: Running around in Cornwall
October 17-19: Back in Ottawa for the Matthew Good show (17th) and to see my Habitants kick some butt at Scotiabank Place on the 18th.
October 19-21: Back in Cornwall for some last minute, panick-ridden to-do's.
October 21: Leave from Montreal for Bamako.
October 22: Arrive in Bamako in the evening.

I was given details today about my accomodations and it looks like the Mali Folkecentre rents out a 2-bedroom apartment for international workers. The apartment is in a compound that shares a courtyard with local families, which will be a great way for me to meet new, non-expatriated people. I intend to take djembe drum lessons while I'm there and learn some Bambara.

Although posts have been few and far between, I will make a better effort in writing because it's also my chance to reflect on what is going on inside of and around me.