Safe in Brikama

Greetings from Brikama! I arrived with a much larger crowd, than I expected. Coming from London, I figured that the plane might've been a small turbo prop of some sort- not the case. It was pretty packed. Although I was fortunate enough to have a window seat, with the seat next to me unoccupied. This was quite nice, because the seat in front of me had about a six inch advantage over my long legs!

Getting through customs was pretty easy, and I was able to spot out Moriba in a crowd near the entrance to the airport. We waved arms at each other while smiling to a degree that made my face never want to assume another position. It is probably 85 degrees or so here, and hazy. Quite comfortable though- definitely a dry heat with no humidity. Shortly after meeting Moriba, I asked who would be taking us back to the compound. To my surprise, it was Peter Borshik doing the honors. Peter is the man from England who operates the annual Kartong Music Festival. I met him during my first visit in '08. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be reunited with such a wonderful man. After doing a quick transfer at the airport's Western Union branch. We headed into the vehicle and set for Brikama. The experience of the drive immediately brought me back to much that I remember of my previous experience in '08. Goats frolicking about the streets, people standing at roadside looking for a ride with their hand out, people walking right along the street, occupying a space that you'd otherwise figure a car might.
The smell of something (anything) burning permeated the membranes of my nostrils and lungs. Not necessarily cigarette smoke, probably open fires for the most part. Most people here still cook over open fires.

Upon arriving at Jobarteh Kunda, home of my teachers Moriba Kuyateh, Malamini Jobarteh and family, we bid Peter adieu, and I tipped him a couple hundred dalasi, to which he politely accepted after trying to shrug off my offer. Very wonderful man this Peter is....I was then greeted by a few familiar faces whom I recognized immediately, and we exchanged some basic Mandinka greetings, having to do with the well being of each other and our families. One young man named Ishmael ran up to me like his day had been made. "SEAN! YOU'RE BACK! I'M SO HAPPY!!!! Welcome welcome welcome!" Kind of choked me up a bit, honestly.....

I have a different room in the compound than I had the last time. This one is smaller and doesn't have as much light, and is nearer to the mango tree, which sits next to Moriba's room on the end of the compound nearest the street. There's a bit of traffic going by the room, but it still feels somewhat private. The room that I had in '08 has been occupied by David Gilden- a toubab (white man) from Fort Worth, TX whom I have exchanged several conversations and emails with, but never met in person until today. He arrived yesterday and will be in the area for most of the time that I am. He will also be doing various journeys around, while I'll be mainly staying in Gambia and Casamance (Southern Senegal).

In fact, tomorrow, Moriba, Peter, and I are heading to Abene, in the Casamance region of Senegal to get ready for the Dombondir Festival this upcoming weekend. I believe it's a one or two day event, I can't remember. I found out that this was the plan for us after having talked to Moriba for about three minutes. Of course, I like to roll with the flow. Quite different from the last experience though in that we're already going to be doing some significant activity right off the bat.

I'm quite thrilled to be here right now. I'll leave it at that for now, as David is looking to use a few of my last internet minutes before we head back to the compound. You might not see another post for about a week, as I will be in Dombondir, where I don't believe there is any access.

Until next time!!!!!