March 22, 2013
Yesterday, I have to be honest, I was pretty down. I missed my family, I missed my friends in America, I missed celebrating my birthday in a country where people actually celebrate birthdays (or even know when they are for that matter).
I am so happy to say that this has been the best birthday! And I have absolutely amazing friends to thank for it. I was just totally blown away by how great this birthday was.
There were multiple stages (by design. I know, my friends the best):
Stage 1 began when we finished sessions for the day and my friends took me to the bar (at 6pm- fantastic start). We ordered the usual, but then they broke out a bottle of champagne! Now, alcohol in a Muslim country isn't impossible to find, but its not terribly easy and it usually costs a lot, especially when you are living on a Peace Corps volunteer stipend. The champagne was a big treat and I was so happy to begin my night with a real toast with great friends. Then they broke out homemade birthday cards! I have no idea when they were able to do these without me noticing, but they were awesome cards.
Stage 2 was a huge surprise. We got back from the bar and two of my other friends had decorated my room with a real English/American birthday set! I have no idea how they found this, but it was fantastic. We had colored balloons, party hats, noise makers, a happy birthday banner and even a pin the tail on the donkey game! So we all donned hats and played the game and blew noise makers like little kids.
Stage 3 commenced after dinner when we went out on the town for the first time! Typically we frequent a little bar near the Peace Corps Training Center, but tonight we actually left the area and went to downtown Thies. So special! About 12 of us went to a chill outdoor bar with live music and some cool drinks.
Stage 4 was food! My friends snuck across the street without me noticing to Croissant Magique (truly a magical place, as the name implies) and bought every type of cake they had for us all to share at the bar. Ending the night with cakes and pastries? Doesn't get much better than that.
Oh wait, yes it does! Stage 5 was when we got back to the center and cuddled up with blankets and pillows and talked and laughed while looking up at the incredibly bright stars in the African sky.
No, this is not a dream, this was really my birthday. Yep, I've got some pretty fantastic friends. I can't wait to spend the next two years and beyond with these guys.
I am so happy to say that this has been the best birthday! And I have absolutely amazing friends to thank for it. I was just totally blown away by how great this birthday was.
There were multiple stages (by design. I know, my friends the best):
Stage 1 began when we finished sessions for the day and my friends took me to the bar (at 6pm- fantastic start). We ordered the usual, but then they broke out a bottle of champagne! Now, alcohol in a Muslim country isn't impossible to find, but its not terribly easy and it usually costs a lot, especially when you are living on a Peace Corps volunteer stipend. The champagne was a big treat and I was so happy to begin my night with a real toast with great friends. Then they broke out homemade birthday cards! I have no idea when they were able to do these without me noticing, but they were awesome cards.
Stage 2 was a huge surprise. We got back from the bar and two of my other friends had decorated my room with a real English/American birthday set! I have no idea how they found this, but it was fantastic. We had colored balloons, party hats, noise makers, a happy birthday banner and even a pin the tail on the donkey game! So we all donned hats and played the game and blew noise makers like little kids.
Stage 3 commenced after dinner when we went out on the town for the first time! Typically we frequent a little bar near the Peace Corps Training Center, but tonight we actually left the area and went to downtown Thies. So special! About 12 of us went to a chill outdoor bar with live music and some cool drinks.
Stage 4 was food! My friends snuck across the street without me noticing to Croissant Magique (truly a magical place, as the name implies) and bought every type of cake they had for us all to share at the bar. Ending the night with cakes and pastries? Doesn't get much better than that.
Oh wait, yes it does! Stage 5 was when we got back to the center and cuddled up with blankets and pillows and talked and laughed while looking up at the incredibly bright stars in the African sky.
No, this is not a dream, this was really my birthday. Yep, I've got some pretty fantastic friends. I can't wait to spend the next two years and beyond with these guys.
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