1. I was picked up at 9 pm for a not to "early" arrival. Most guests arrived by 9:30 or 10. Dinner was at midnight. I think I finally made it home by 3:30 am.
2. I am not quite sure how many pictures and how much of the video tape will be of the bride and groom. It was either the fact that I was the token "non-Congolese" (=can you pick which one doesn't fit) or the fact that I had a minor wardrobe malfunction which I only just discovered having seen some recent photos or a combination. Whatever it was, it was a bit uncomfortable if I focused on the fact that I had hundreds of eyes on me watching my every step or misstep. And yes, every time I looked up a camera or video camera was on me. Ahhh!
3. It is a good thing that Andre taught me a few more of the local dances. I am pretty sure I danced the night away once the dancing started that is. I am "getting better" (his words not mine) because I think I only stepped on his foot a couple times this time and with appropriate pre-arranged signals I was able to bust the right moves out.
4. It is interesting how people I talk to are just as interested in knowing about our cultural as I am to learn theirs. The wedding program is quite similar but there are interesting differences. The wedding party enters the reception hall doing a full choreographed dance. The groom is not to smile. You stand in a line to give your best wishes to the bride and groom and hand them your gift. Gifts are not necessarily wrapped and are an interesting array of appliances or lamps or whatever. The usual but there is no "registry" per se.
So I did okay on my first outing and I am hoping to make my next appearance some time soon!
Let us see, what else to share. I am progressing slowly in my boxing. I am sure that if muscles of steal coach had his way I would be in the gym for 30 hours each day. But, I am lazy and weak! Such is life. I do give all the guys a good laugh when I attempt to do pull ups which are more like large, gangly chic falling with no pulling up action.
Everyone has now taken to calling me Michelle. Heather has been agreed to be too difficult of a name in French. So, I am now responding to both my first or my middle name. I am hoping to not have multiple personalities to go with each name :) !
I have restarted French lessons. The Embassy offers language instruction so I now meet twice a week with Jerry to practice and refine my French. I am starting to feel like the forever student.
I am off to Nairobi next week for another visit. We are heading to a nice location a few hours outside of Nairobi for part of the week. Should be a great week of meetings, hanging out with my friend Lisa, and yes COACH exercising!
I wore today the 2nd of the two skirts I bought in Nairobi during my last trip. It is amazing how happy everyone is to see me in traditional African fabric. Today's ensemble was a wrap around skirt in bright blues and greens and I wore my most bright green shirt to match. My skirt has the entertaining pattern of umbrellas all over. A lively get up, yes indeed. It is almost like the wearing of their clothes is like a compliment, or at least that is how I perceive their smiles and warm comments.
So, I must now sign off. Anyone with computer ideas...my computer has gone AWOL. There is some kind of block occurring with my internet. Good thing I have my Droid to save the day.
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