One month until departure

I'm only a month away from heading overseas to Gambia, the smallest country on the African continent that I have talked about visiting in some form or another since the spring of 2005. My original intention at that time was to go to Zimbabwe, a country in the southern region that is home to the mbira- a musical instrument that I have been playing for four years now. Often referred to as a thumb piano, it contains approximately 22-26 metal keys that are attached to an 8x5 piece of hardwood. It's usually fastened into a calabash gourd which enables significant sound amplification. Due to the fact that the U.S. Department of State had a travel warning issued for Zimbabwe during September '05, I was unsuccessful in an attempt to have my individual learning contract proposal sponsored by The Evergreen State College for the fall quarter. Looking back, I'm glad that it happened this way, because what would come to me over the next couple of years would be very rewarding.

Rather than joining another academic program as an alternative, I dropped out of school and worked for the Washington Conservation Corps from October '05 through September '07. Work consisted of many different activities. I started off by spending two months in Mississippi and Texas doing debris removal in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (quite a shock to the system on all levels, considering that I had expected be in Zim at that time). Back home, we did lots of planting and restoration work for various sponsors in the western part of the state, and trail maintenance during the summers in Olympic National Park. In fact, during my second year with the WCC, I was fortunate enough to work with a crew based out of Port Angeles. We would travel all around the peninsula doing various forms of maintenance work along the roads, in the campgrounds, and down the gargantuan network of park trails. I lived in a small bunkhouse close to the Elwha River from Oct '06-April '07 surrounded by towering maples and a small creek that ran through the back yard, literally. From May through the end of September, I lived in a tent. During this yearlong period, I developed a strong spiritual connection with nature. Meditation was a regular for me everywhere I went. You didn't have to look very hard to find a comfortable log to sit on down by the river, on the ocean, or in the thick of the woods where pure silence reigned (and rained). During my off time, I could walk to three different trailheads within 5 minutes of the bunkhouse, two of which lead to incredible panoramic views of the Olympic Mountain range, Elwha River, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. If you like hiking, I would highly recommend coming to Olympic National Park. It feels relatively untouched when compared to places like Mt. Rainier N.P. and North Cascades. There aren't any major roads. The trails are the main highway. You do have to hike quite a ways to get into the alpine forests and meadows, but if you like long hikes and overnight backpacking, and can tolerate mosquitos, you shall be rewarded....

Which leads to now! Actually, I will back up a little bit and say that I first heard the kora (21 stringed harp native to the Mandinka peoples of western Africa) performed by Kane Mathis in May of 2006 at the World Sacred Music Festival in my hometown of Olympia. At the time, I didn't imagine that I would take on another instrument into my repertoire, considering that I was a member of two marimba (large wooden xylophones, featuring music from Zimbabwe) bands, in addition to taking mbira lessons. Well, let's just say that after hearing Kane, I knew that I was going to learn how to play the kora. A short summary- I obtained a traditional kora shortly thereafter that was recently constructed in it's homeland- Gambia, and had my first lesson with Kane in August '06. Although, it wasn't until very recently that I began taking regular lessons with him. The lessons themselves have usually lasted an hour, followed by travel talk- Kane has been kind in providing me wisdom and knowledge as I prepare to study the kora in it's native land. More on Gambia and the kora later....

In addition to studying in the Gambia, I will be returning to the realm of academia after a two year absence. This time, I will have an independent learning contract sponsored by The Evergreen State College. I have about a year left of school that I need in order to obtain my B.A, so this is a wonderful opportunity. I will be taking kora lessons with Moriba Kuyateh and Malamini Jobarteh, who have also taught my teacher, Kane Mathis

I will have regular internet access while abroad, and I welcome you to post comments if you feel so inclined. I plan to give frequent updates.

Overall, preparations have been going very well and have felt very relaxed. After I turn my contract in to registration next week, it should be smooth sailing from there on out.

Until next time....



Warmest Regards,
Sean