The first Milestone

I am of the firm belief that only wusses count down their time here by days. Eager much? That said I’ve officially been in Liberia for 1/3 of my allotted time. The first of three Milestones. 2 months. 8 weeks. 56 days (hypocrite). So, in the spirit of this accomplishment, because it is an accomplishment, I’m going to throw out some tips and favorites (from my all of two months of experience).

Shared taxis:

Seating: Since the back seat of these golden chariots are nice and snuggly (i.e. your head is in someone’s armpit), slow, shallow breathing is the best way to go. 2 reasons: 1. There’s a less likely chance you’ll notice the odor spreading across the back seat. 2. Someone’s hand, arm, shoulder, donut bucket or toddler (they’re the worst, squirmy little suckers) is jammed up against you in a way that restricts any normal, deep breaths.

Singing: There will be singing in the golden chariot. Sometimes to music and sometimes not. If it’s just one person, let them do their thing. They will serenade the entire cab all on their own. “I can be your hero baaaaaabyyyyyy” (gotta love Enrique). Be warned: if it’s Akon, Justin Bieber (yes, Liberia has a bit of Bieber fever) or P squared, it’s going to be a full cab affair. Know the lyrics people. You don’t want to stick out more than you already do. As a side note: I was shocked to find myself singing to Nelly and Kelly. Not on the list of songs to know, but luckily on my list. Close call.

Food:

“Are those ants in my oatmeal?....the hot war will kill them. I’m good.” Learn to embrace eating small creatures such as these. It’s happening whether you're consciously aware of it or not, so get over it, or don’t eat. The fridge is your friend. Stick something with little bugs in it, in the fridge and it’s edible in 15 minutes. Problem solved. You need the protein anyway (seriously, you do).

Health:

Think you got something? Google it. You and a friend checking off symptoms and figuring out what meds to buy at the pharmacy is the way to go (I am not advocating this, only suggesting). Go to a clinic and you’ll come out with more holes in your arm than a heroin addict and a malaria diagnosis (no, I’m sorry. Every fever is not malaria). And, every infection is not a mango fly! (had to get that out). Google it. Mental Health—when you stop asking yourself what the heck you’re doing in Liberia, worry. I’m convinced that so long as I think I’m nuts for being here, I’m ok. Even while typing that, I must admit I thought: that sounds nuts!

Responses:

“White woman!” Response: “Black boy!” (It’s only fair).

Favorite quote so far:

I’m war affected. If they didn’t have 2 wars, you think I’d be here? They should give me aid.
–Ben, during a “Make Fire” meal.

Most interesting name acquired:

Brehaung (on my Liberian Driver’s License documentation). That’s a keeper.

56 days down, 120 days (and change) to go.