Heat

Dear Friends,
Greetings! Well, I think that the coolest weather of the "winter" here in Northern Sudan may have come and passed now. Today and yesterday that fan in the apartment has not quite been enough to keep me cool. I am going to hold off as long as I can on using the swamp cooler as the cost of electricity will double and I also want to try and acclimate as much as I am able.

I went to the suq with a friend today and afterward we talked for a few minutes in my apartment. I told her that even more than sweating is the fact that the heat makes me tired. Yes, it does make people tired and it is really hard to do much in the afternoons here.

We went into a stationary store and lo and behold I found a man who was more tired than me. I was utterly amazed. I felt for him though. The store has no air conditioner -- nothing here does -- and it had probably been a long day on his feet. It helps my compassion when I remember how easily I get fatigued here.

A mouse just ran into the apartment from the porch area and into my bedroom disappearing behind the chest of doors. I am not happy about this. I was getting used to the lizards. Now mice.

I did get some traditional Sudanese things purchased today to begin decorating the apartment. This includes the little "stove" where one puts coals and on top of the burner goes the little Sudanese coffee container. I'll have to get a picture of it on here because I don't have the words to describe it. I also got another scarf...green nail polish (woohoo!) and some odds and ends. My balancing act is this: now that I have the resident permit I want to make the apartment more of a home. In China I went a little bit overboard and ended up giving a ton of stuff away when I left. While there is nothing wrong with giving things away here in Sudan I would prefer to be somewhat more prudent with my resources and purchase what I will take home or send home. So I try and keep that in mind at the market.
Blessings,
Debbie