We’ve been in Niamey for a little while now, and I’m well aware that I’ve been slacking off with regards to this blog. There’s a lot to adjust to right now and in that respect Ma is doing a lot better than I am.
Pretty soon after arriving, Ma hired a highly recommended housekeeper who does everything for us… she cleans, she does laundry, she goes to market, she cooks, and she teaches Ma about life here for expats, since she’s from Ghana. And she is ALL up in my business. If that wasn’t bad enough, Friday afternoon — during my siesta, I might add — she went and hired a gardener, too! And apparently we’re getting chickens!! Seriously. No one asked me about any of this stuff.
Bored home gnomes can be destructive. Just saying.
Now that THAT is out of my system, I will say that our house is pretty cool. For real. The thermostat cannot be adjusted, so sometimes Ma is wearing her sweatshirt and gym pants even when it’s 105°F outside. But I digress. Every bedroom has a full ensuite bath, and we have a pool!!! The house (who is currently nameless; drop your suggestions below) comes furnished with once-fancy Drexel furniture. I’m lucky because it’s all matching in style, wood tone, and fabric color.
We’re very much looking forward to getting our household shipments so we can personalize the space. We need a riot of color here, I think. And some serious rearranging.
Ma isn’t driving here, yet, but has access to embassy drivers for up to 90 days, which is great, because driving the 5 to 15 minutes on a combination of the paved and red sand roads between the embassy and the (unnamed) house is a real adventure!
Socially, it’s been a whirlwind week for Ma. Wednesday there was a welcome dinner hosted by Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon at the amazing CMR (Chief of Mission’s Residence); Friday night she went to see a Tuareg blues band (Bombino Junior) play at an open air bar on the rooftop of a hotel; and Saturday night she went to a Halloween party, again at the CMR.
Considering the embassy is on ordered departure (which is to say that the only personnel here are considered “essential personnel” as a result of the recent coup d’état and the evacuation of families and non-essential personnel), turnout was pretty good! Everyone brought snacks, treats, or desserts including such crowd favorites as brownies (brought by Jack Skelington), Nigerien samosas (SO good!!!), and spiced apple muffins. And there was even some homemade dunkel beer brought by a man dressed in lederhosen (not pictured).
At any rate, with a whole bedroom suite, daily housekeeping, and a pool, we’re open for company! Once you’re actually allowed in the country, and assuming you’re up for the 21+ hour journey from the US, that is.
I’m so happy to see you’re getting settled in and have so much support! What a fantastic adventure!