7.17.08

So here I sit. On the eve of the release of The Dark Night. Technically I could go get a pirated copy off the street for 50 Liberty (Liberian Dollar) or just under $1 USD. But I cant do that. I have to experience it on the big screen.
Oh man, Ive already been here 11 days! Time flies. I get home exactly 3 weeks from today. I'm excited but there is still so much for me to do. I forgot to mention in the Indiana Jones entry that I saw quite a handful of malnourished children and babies. Not a sight for the weak minded. It was tough for me to handle let me tell you. Made me think about just how important getting fed everyday as an infant is and having the right nutrition around to grow strong. Saturday, I head to an orphanage called Grand Bassa. Its going to be one heck of an experience.
Not much has happened since I got back from the whole jungle fiasco. The other night when the All-Star Game was on I stayed up until just after 4:30am to watch it. It started about 12:45am Liberia time. I went to bed just after the 12th inning was finished when Nate McLouth threw out Dioner Navarro to save the game (at least until the AL took it in the 15th). Pretty boring game but it was the only Live baseball Ive had in weeks. Gosh I take baseball for granted. Everyday I realize something little I take for granted. Tiny stuff you wouldnt even think about. Like soap or butter or cinabons. Haha.
Ok so since Im being made fun of because about the whole fabric thing (*cough* Mrs. Norton) let me explain that. On Monday I was taken to the market by my older sisters (they treat me like their little bro, just a tad annoying but its ususally fun) and we all bought African fabric. The fabric is made by Liberians in their villages and then sold at Water Street Market for $2.50 per lapa. A lapa is an amount of cloth. I took the cloth I bought to a tailor across the street from the port and Im having 2 nice dress shirts made from it for $10 a piece or 620 Liberty. There you go, now no more laughing at me.
Ok so now thats explained, Im going to give you a little history lesson. After the American Civil War was over. The US government deported alot of African slaves to Liberia. I cant remember the number but it was like half a million former slaves I believe. The US dropped them off here on the coast of Liberia. As a result there is alot of American influence here. The capitol of Liberi, Monrovia, is named after James Monroe a US president. You can also see the influence in the countries name itself. There is a town called New Georgia after the state of Georgia. Its not just the name of the cities. The only music they know comes from the US .There favorites are Akon, T-Pain, Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Chris Brown. My partner I work with sings songs I never wouldve guessed he knew. Since I know he does I blast my iPod so we both can hear it. Its funny cause people will walk by and we're rockin out to like Chris Brown or Alicia Keys. Its hilarious. So thats just a little taste of the culture here. Im not done, I just wanted to give you a taste.