We all live in a yellow submarine..

(Actually typed this last week but forgot to post.. oops :), read all the 'today''s as 'then''s )

No slow start this time, I'm straight in there: everybody in the Netherlands: I've been praying for you all! (or all y'all depending on your region of heritage).

Its starting to dawn on me (if it hadn't already) that this is not just a ship of people working in Africa but, as we always call it, ' a community' in the most real sense of the word. Life here is intense, everything is as it would be in the real world except from the fact that it happens in a box 200 x 50 x 50 m. Think of sharing your garage with 10 people and that would probably translate scale wise (any mathematicians feel free to correct me).

You spend a lot of time with everybody and it is never quiet. This may sound negative but that is not the intent at all! Communityliving is as amazing as it is exhausting!! I love the way friendships are made and built quickly and with commitment. A little r&r would be nice sometimes though :P

I managed to get away with some friends this weekend and spent the night at a resort just up the coast. The batteries have not felt this recharged in a while. It was just what the doctor/nurse/pharmacist ordered, feeling relaxed!

As a side note, the realisation I had today is that I miss my motorbike :P

I borrowed the Vespa of a friend on the ship for the day and it was wonderful!

The main transportation vehicle in West Africa is the Zemi Jaine (which means: 'get me there fast'), these are small motorbikes that also function as taxi's. Everything and anyone (or amount of people) can be transported on a Zemi jaine.

I decided after riding today I need to start saving to buy one. It will make not only a good hobby in the upkeep and driving but give me cheap transport (not that the land rovers are too expensive to use) and, as I'm sure my Mother is worrying enough about me, another thing to add to her list ;)

Bit of a strange blog now I read it, seems almost 'dear Diary'-ish, even a bit rant'n'rave-ish, but it is what it is and that it shall be.

God bless!

Ben

Few example's from the 'Zemi Jaine hall of fame':