Sunday Jan 17th - continuation of Saturday the 16th

January 16th – Le Jardin de l’Amitié – welcome diner After our visit to Bazoulè we came back to hotel to freshen up, rest and do whatever we do best which is sit around, do some internet activities and drink beer or soft drinks. We then got prepared for our Welcome Diner which took place at the Jardin de l’Amitié (centre-ville Ouaga). But a few mishaps prior to even getting there – One of our volunteers (Simon) tore a tendon playing soccer and spent the evening at the hospital for X-rays and crutches – never got the crutches and today is limping along... Also on our way to the event we crossed an accident which involved another one of our Volunteers (Jolianne) which was hurt driving her motorcycle on her way to meet us – she broke a finger and a few bruises but luckily managed only to get a cast and although shaken up seems to be OK. Just a few metres from there we nearly got side swiped by a car that ran a red light. I think I will wait before I decide to buy a bike or motorcycle and will walk as much as possible or take the green taxis. Finally got to our destination and had a wonderful evening with African entertainment – live music, dancing, professional acrobats and men on stilts dressed as clowns ... very entertaining and fun. During the day I had a good discussion with my Program Manager (Daouda) and it is quite evident that VSO Burkina Faso is operating with a much reduced budget since the merger CUSO – VSO. Burkina Faso was a CUSO Canada managed country and now they need to adapt to the VSO UK way of doing things which came with a drop in financial means for the volunteers as well as the office itself. They cannot afford a photocopier, which they badly need, but are forced by the UK to have an internet connexion that costs them 500 000 CFA a month (the cost of 2 volunteers). I would like to start a fundraising activity to help VSO Burkina Faso buy a photocopier and would appreciate all of those who read this blog – and your family & friends - to contribute in some financial way to meet this goal. PLEASE let me know if this is something that can be achieved and how much you would like to pledge - I will then get it organized through “Paypal”. I hope you will send me your comments with hopefully some pledges to make it happen. Thanks. I do not yet know the cost of a photocopier/printer/scanner but have asked the office to find out. Also when you leave me a comment on my blog please leave your name so I know who is who. Today not much will happen - a day of rest and relaxation by the pool - get photos organized and read a bit besides drink and eat. We eat very very well at this hotel/resort - the cook is excellent and might as well enjoy it while we have access to it.