January 7th 2009 – Into the oven

I awoke at 7 after a reasonable night’s sleep, apart from the solitary mosquito flying around, and headed for our usual hearty breakfast. Unfortunately I was to be disappointed by the exotic fruit and milky porridge which just not my liking. Never mind at least we were prepared for class.
We took our bicycles and headed off to school in what was to be another very hot day. Unlike the previous day we were sent straight to work with class 2 and our preparation of simple alphabet phonics seemed to work quite well, as well as having name tags for all the children. I was of course again suffering from the tremendous heat and figured I lost at least another litre of fluids but unlike the first day took it more or less in my stride.
We also got to know some of the children better, those with ability and those that would need a lot of extra help, especially the lovely Sara who for all her charm and big smile really was in need of a lot of personal attention. I think we did ok, but more importantly felt that we had a lesson plan that was at least working. More of the same tomorrow with a few additions.
In the afternoon a couple of us went back to the school to help build the garden beds, simple work but hugely enjoyable. Most important however was that it was in an area of the play yard that was shaded, which was a godsend for my burnt neck, arms and legs.
The hotel, now to be referred to as the hostel (this seems far more appropriate given the level of facilities), still had no water until 5.00pm. At the first available opportunity I headed straight for the cold shower and felt for a short time that I had gone to heaven.
Dinner provided the usual fair, a meal of substance if not haute cuisine but good enough to satisfy my hunger after the long day of excursions both in and out of the classroom.
The evening was as always very quiet with the exception being that the local Massi are becoming far more friendly and communicative.
It would be fair to say that a lot of the good feelings of the day, outside the school environment, are probably due to my reduced expectations of the facilities and general stomach health which I suppose is not a bad thing.
All in all another good day.