Market Day with Sema

We woke up early, had cocoa soup for breakfast after our invigorating bucket showers, and headed to the roadside to wait for a ride to Ho. The bus and market were relatively less crowded than before, putting me slightly at ease as we had less people to weave around and deal with. It was easier to follow Sema through the market too. She knew exactly where to go within the maze, and she also indulged our girly wishes for jewelry and fabric very well. Things were also a little quieter and there was less garbage on the path and street. We stopped first to pick up some jewelry and then fabric. We then had to go to the bank since we’d spent more than we’d expected on fabric. After we exchanged some more money, we went to the internet café to look at emails. I had two relevant emails in the sea of spam mail that had accumulated: one from my mom saying she loves the way I write, and she expressed how excited she was to read what happens; and one from my dad asking about bills in the mail that had been forwarded from my apartment—I guess the post office is back on track somewhat. After uploading my blog, we headed back to the market to purchase hip beads, which decorate a woman’s hips under her clothes. Samantha and I treated Sema to lunch at White House, where we shared jollaf rice, French fries, and a small vegetable pizza. I had my weekly caffeine intake with a bottle of coke, and savored every drop. The tro-tro ride back was also much better than the ride last time. Samuel, the tro-tro helper, smiled at us and was friendlier than before. He had also run into us earlier that day in the market and said hello. We sat in the back, where curious eyes couldn’t linger on our skin, and the gaping window at my side forced the fresh air into my lungs much faster. The window is one that I remember from last time I was here—if I sit, slouching, the top of the window comes to my temple, and the base of the window hits one inch above the seat. It feels like you might fall out, but I knew from my previous experience that I wouldn’t. I did however hit my leg pretty hard as I exited the tro-tro, which has since left a giant deep purple bruise for me to look at. I was pleased with the shopping from the day. I got a couple really cool necklaces, and a few bracelets for friends. I’d spent way to much on fabric, considering I have a pile of fabric from last time sitting in my apartment, waiting for me to have the time and expertise to weave them into an African quilt. But the most expensive piece (4 yards worth) has three large designs in the middle, and would look nice hanging over my bed. The other three pieces were 2 yards each and I plan to ask Believe back in the village to make a couple skirts and a dress for me. I hope they turn out ok.