Neil

Well, hello everyone, from The Gambia! A lot has been happening, and as most everyone knows I have taken a contract position for a few months in The Gambia, on the west coast of Africa. I had intended to write before now, but it's literally taken 17 days to get to a place where I have unrestricted internet access. Bandwidth is limited, so the MRC blocks most interesting, personal, or useful websites. My quest to get internet access at home has been frustrated - things here happen on GMT ("Gambia Maybe Time"). Having said that, people here are mostly pleasant and helpful.

I've settled in these first couple of weeks with no small amount of help from my boss David, and my friends Kevin and Bouke, who have invited me into their homes, shared their vehicles, and included me in their social lives. So I've been swimming at the beach, played zylophone and guitar in impromptu jam sessions, and hung out at the "Banta Bar" on MRC campus while discussing their studies on infectious disease.

My work here has been challenging but equally rewarding. I've been trying to broaden my experience for some time, and so far I've been working on studies of HIV (3), TB, Trachoma, and even one measuring the effect of multiple diseases on people with HIV (some have Hepatitis, HTLV, Syphillis, etc. etc. etc. - up to six diseases!).

(I can't help but laugh at my present circumstances. A little (Lebanese?) boy is trying to moonwalk in front of me in a "French Patisserie" across the street from the American Embassy. He pretty much has it made, as his parents serve fanta and coacoa and have a huge ice cream refrigerator. This is the only place resembling an internet cafe one might find in the US (they hardly existed in Spain, so I assume it's an American phenomenon). )

Well, there's so much more to tell, but the light is fading and I have a bumpy road to bike back down on the way home. If/when I get internet access at home, I'll try to update again. I miss everyone at home (and even my blog friends, whom I can't keep up with from MRC - but I can see your replies via my email account!). Take care, happy holidays, see y'all in a few months!

PS Photos from Marrakech, Barcelona, and Gambia available at Flickr: