Home ~ Pittsburgh

Well, I am settling back into the home life. It was def. a bit strange at first but its amazing how quickly one can jump right back into things.

Thanks for reading about my trip! I will probably continue to randomly tell stories here. Hope all is well.

Paris ~deux

After a rainy drive to the airport in Prague and a bit of a delay, Jackie and I landed in Paris. Stepping out of the metro into Montmartre, we were greeted by literally thousands of people. It seems that we had stumbled into a giant music festival! Woo hoo! It was even more comical to us because we had expected to sit at a small café and enjoy an uneventful bottle of wine.

We skipped up to our hotel where the concierge (with a wink) gave us a corner room that faced a park where one of the dj’s was set up within feet. As we walked down the hall, the music got louder and the walls started shaking. It sounded like the party was literally in our hotel room…well, close enough. We had two balconies that opened up to the party that we could walk out onto and dance. It was amazing!

We jumped right into the mix; light shows, a steel drum band, a rock band, dj’s on balconies, dj’s in parks, drum and bass on the sidewalk. !!!!! It was a perfect way to celebrate the summer solstice. It was also impossible not to feel like Paris had thrown the party just for us. The local friends we made at the party that night assured us that we were indeed very lucky. It ends up that this party changes counties every year. We had just happened to book a hotel exactly in the middle of it.

The night ended climbing up to Sacré Cœur to enjoy one last look over the city...with mixed (entertaining) company.

Good Show Paris…Merci beaucoup

An enchanting city

We just spent the weekend strolling through the streets of Prague stopping into pubs and libraries. The language here is quite intense, probably the most difficult I have heard or tried. The sun was setting on the Vltava, the main river that runs through the city, as we walked home. I find this place absolutely breathtaking. Around each avenue and building is another treasure.

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies I know.

Damien sends his love to you all.

Prague

Unbelievable. This city lives up to its reputation. We are staying on top of a hill with views of everything in the city with Damien whom many of you know.

We just had enough time from the airport last night to drop in a local pub. The beer here is amazing!

I am safe and sound and enjoying every second. I miss you all!

Paris

Paris was wonderful. Got into town and strolled around Montmarte, the neighborhood where we stayed. It was a sweet little place with steep stone streets and outrageous views of the city. There is a giant cathedral there Sacre Coure...amazing!

Before we left we visited downtown...the Eiffel Tower and the Arc etc. Everything was beautiful.

About to Leave The Continent

Well it has been a fabulous few days. Went to a small village yesterday in Bassouri.

We just arrived back in Dakar after a long bumpy ride. I will be getting on a plane in a couple hours to Paris. Looking forward to ice and sidewalks.

To say leaving is bittersweet would be a grand understatement. I could stay another few months for sure. Talk to you all from Paris!

Wow

Things just keep getting better and better. So busy but having a blast! Miss you all. Kisses!
A

Tendaba

The weekend was spent at a remote camp 100 miles down the Gambia river, which is actually a salt water estuary. It was so beautiful. It was a bumpy ride on some crazy rural roads witha breakdown on the way (standard) We delivered supplies to a school there and took a boat down the river. It was a great experience.

Back in Banjul now, just attended the opening session of the National Assembly. We get to meet the Speaker of the Parliment and the Vice President tomorrow. wow. Both women btw. Also visited with the African Comission for Human and People's Rights. This morning we visited a sacred crocidile pond. I got to pet a crocodile! I didn't even get eaten!

miss you all!
A