DC'in It

I have made it all the way to the nation's capital. It's been about 6 weeks since my arrival.

I am working at a Congressman's office where I basically take phone calls and organize constituent letters. That part has it's perks. Probably the most thrilling thing is actually coming to the Capitol Building for work. It is something else. I see Congressman and Senators made famous by CNN all the time in person. But who wants to be bored with my work?

Yesterday I played basketball with some folks at a park behind my place. Turns out I am usually the only white person out of about 30 who does that. The thing is, here, it is so diverse that people genuinly look through the color barrier for the most part because they are so used to it. And I have to add that my team didn't lose once even though we were playing against guys 6'6 and 6'7 who should have easily cleaned us up. Buuuut, they didn't. Solid teamwork and hustle, that's what it's all about.

Enough bragging. Something that completely caught me off-guard the other day is definitly worth noting here. I was on my way to CVS during the day through a part of town that could be better kept. And as in any large city, there are a good amount of homeless people. Well, on the corner of a main street there was this little area on the ground shining from the Sun in different places. I looked down and saw about 10 wrapped candies, an apple, and some other goodies. Just sitting there, untouched, intentially put there. I could only guess that this was an anonymous gift (no one else was around) from someone very thoughtful to those less fortunate. It was seriously like a banquet on the street. No doubt, if I were homeless I would have been all over it. Thankfully I'm not, since 2 of my pledge brothers, Mark and Joel, (also my boss) let me take over their living room at night as my bedroom. A pair of lads worthy of the highest regard.

The National Zoo is a 10 minute walk and I run through there on my days off. It's free and incredibly nice. My gorilla family is cool. The orangutans swing overhead from building to building above walkways. It is fascinating. All free. All because you paid for it. Thanks.

I have noticed that since most people walk from place to place here - as opposed to Indy where everyone drives - I run into all types of characters that I would miss if I were in a car. Living in the city makes (pretty much) everyday something new: The guys at the bball court all have their own personalities, along with the Asian lady at the Cleaners who is extra nice. Or the palm reader's protege asking if I want my fortune told to me (Even if she could, the answer is NO). Or the 22 people playing soccer on a dirt field, with 21 of them speaking Spanish as their first language; me being the Americano trying to figure out if they're saying I'm good enough or just making fun of me. The 10 year olds cussing more words then I've heard in a long time, and me trying to divert that by teaching them how to properly play basketball - which worked for a short time. Or talking to the 13 year old black kid who doesn't know what the Capitol Building or the whitehouse (not capitalizing until someone is out of office) is, but only lives 2 miles from it. Staring a buck in the eye for a few seconds over a steep hill, and almost getting charged by the deer (about 20 feet away) while hiking around Rock Creek Park (Luckily I bolted from the scene before I made him too mad). These types of run-ins I would miss cruising around in my Bronco.

Last week I got a wave from Al Gore as he boarded an elevator - surounded by security - across the hall from where he testified for 3 hours in front of Congress about Global Warming. I was lucky to find him, very sneaky man. After a minute I looked around and noticed only 1 or 2 other folks were around me. I gave him a thumbs up while the man next to me yelled "Run for President!"

What a rush.

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie. Then I realize I need to get a new job that pays a lot more. Slowly this will happen. And if it doesn't there are other things elsewhere.

Right now I am loving DC. The area I live in is a perfect mix of folks. The Metro is clean. The people I work with are great. No complaints so far.

Rounding the Turn

I must say, I feel a bit disappointed in myself for taking 3 weeks to contribute to this blog. However, it is consolation to know that I only write here when I feel strongly moved to do so. Tonight would be one of those times where my beliefs and events around me combined in such a way where I feel almost obliged to empty out my thoughts.

ABC just aired a 2-hour special on the Top 10 most probable ways in which most-if not all-life on Earth, including humans, would be wiped out. I didn't catch them all, but here a few examples: Cosmic /Gamma Rays, Solar Storms, Black Holes, Asteroids, Engineered Bioweaponry, Nuclear War, and of course everyone's favorite, Global Warming (aka GW. Weird, something else by those initials is causing destruction too...).

Turns out, we can measure with remarkable accuracy, that an asteroid in 2029 will pass close enough to us that it will be less distant from Earth than our communication satellites. Not only is the fact that we can predict such things astonishing (and true), but that 7 years later that same asteroid has a rather high probability of striking Earth! Not to fear too much though, it will not end all life on Earth, as it is too small. But the threat is very real. No one can doubt that. This is just one example of what can happen, almost within an instant, where life simply no longer exists on Earth's surface. Skipping ahead, my thoughts on Global Warming have been posted here for some time, so I won't dive too deep into that one. It must be repeated though that GW (or Climate Change) is the only one occuring to our knowledge at this time.

The purpose of my post is not to strike fear into the hearts of readers (and myself!), but it is to look into how these plausible scenarios affect our behavior here on Earth knowing that one day in the next 10 - 10,000 years, it is utterly impossible to avoid at least one of these Doomsday plots (credit Stephen Hawking for this mathematical certainty).

So, now that I know one day everything dear to me - Family, friends, life in general in all its awe and glory - will come to a halt, how does my day to day life change? At first I was intrigued by all of these Apocalypses. Then, after thinking for a few months now about them (I read an identical list in a magazine), I had become somewhat gloom. I mean really, if we can be wiped out like an ant hill with a hose, is there any Earth-transcendent significance to our being here at all? Maybe or maybe not, I really don't know enough to answer such a demanding question.

While it is a bit depressing to think of our seemingly unjustified annilhilation, I have surprisingly found myself comfortable with my long-thought conclusion: If we are merely here to live one life, with the possibility of something after death, then I find this one chance more precious than it was ever before. Realizing that I could be gone, with 6 billion other people in a matter of months due to some random (or intentionally malicious event) then does this not make life on the whole more exhilerating? A long time it was before I turned the corner from being down about mortality to looking it straight in the face and realizing it for what it was; which in my mind is a dare to live on like there is no tomorrow. Because there might not be one.

Now this doesn't mean I am going to change my behavior in any drastic way. I will continue my normal routine, but in the back of my mind always have the thought of taking everything in while I am still able to. You should still catch me with a smile, or non-frown, most of the time. I am still a happy person even though I think I will be void of consciousness after my brain gives out. I still love to do many things in this world and with my newly-embraced realizations, they mean even more.

The Glass is Half-Full

Now that most people know why I have returned so soon, I want to share with you my GOOD experiences in Africa.

The first thing I noticed was the immense poverty. Driving from the capital's airport, in Niamey, to our host village I was completely speechless. There were hundreds of people sleeping right next to the side of the road, while controlled chaos ensued on the actual street. The median of this main road was filled with people, goats, donkeys, dogs and most amazingly little babies. These people (children included) would stand no more than 1 foot from our van whizzing by, completely disregarding what we would call "safety" here in the states. Imagine seeing a 2 year old looking at cars and motorcycles fly by at 40 m.p.h. within arms reach. It was most shocking, but then I got used to it. The thing is, even with meager living conditions (The United Nations rated Niger the 175th most poor out of 175 nations they studied) the people continue to work hard daily as if they have to. Of course, they do.

There are a few "Celltel" shops here and there and some sparse "Nescafe" billboards, but other than that a complete absence of any corporations. No doubt, a contributing factor to the extreme poverty. Watching children play soccer and people huddling around tiny televisions is what I remember most from those drives through the city. After about 90 minutes of silent traveling on my behalf, we finally ended up where the Peace Corps training facility is.

It lay on a hill looking over a busy village. Fenced in for protection mostly against animals, it is well lit, has various huts, buildings, and even a volleyball court - as sand is everywhere there. One of my favorite memories is from playing soccer at night with a bunch of folks and having the Nigerien guard watching us and yelling things like "C'est Bon!" as we played. Which brings me to the people of Niger: Those who work the training facility are all African born and are some of the most gentle souls I have ever come across. Tondi was our supervisor. He stood 6 foot 5, with a mustache, looking like he should be commanding an Army, not volunteers. However, he was probably the nicest man in Niger with nothing but our good health in mind (he drove me to the infirmary at midnight when I had my episode). My buddy Abdou handled everything with security and finances and was always smiling. He was surprised when I started speaking a little Hausa with him the first day - I studied a little bit before leaving - and from that point on he and I were good friends. These 2 men are just a small sample of the great inhabitants of Niger. I feel very fortunate to have come across them at all.

One day all 43 of us trainees drove down to the village and met with the "Chef de Canton". He is essentially the man who runs the village. As 99% of the country is Muslim, he wore a white robe wrapped around his body and head. I introduced myself in a Hausa translated "May Allah grant you Great Victory in Life," while shaking his hand with my right with my left palm gripping my wrist as I bowed. We all sat on mats over the sand and listened to him talk for about an hour of how the village hierarchy functions. Fascinating as it was, I found myself constantly sidetracked by the little children running around and just staring at us. I stared right back with mutual, non-aggressive amazement. It was just a moment of awe, whereas if I stared at someone here like that, they would usually get offended. Interactions like this took place often. A 3 year-old ran up next to me about 4 feet from me and just stared at me right in the eyes for a good minute. He had a fly buzzing on his lip and didn't even acknowledge it. I can only imagine what he was thinking about a white man being next to him - something he has probably never even seen pictures of - nevertheless 42 others huddled in like anchovies next to me!

My favorite memory of the trip was our first (and for me, last) night with our host families. I met with Salamatu, a 12 year-old daughter of the father, Sumana Ali. She was so happy, as we all were, and even spoke some French, which helped a lot since the extent of my Zarma lay on the flashcards I was given 20 minutes before. We walked through the village and through some farmland and finally arrived at the "house". It was more of an enclosure with 3 huts and a "door" at the front. One hut was for storage of animals, the other for the family to sleep and the last for my and Luis's (my roommate) belongings. As the sun sets over the Sahel, the mother begins making dinner over an open fire. Children from next door and everywhere came in the enclosure to see the funny looking Peace Corps volunteers. For about an hour there, in the midst of kicking the soccer ball around with the locals and conversing in a language brand new to me, it really struck me that this is what I want my life to be about. I was essentially an ambassador of America in a foreign land. That awe stuck with me all through the night. Even when a Chariot Spider was in my bed with me. That is another story in itself, but back to earlier. Dinner was a bowl of white rice with a sauce to dip in. We all ate with our right hands off the same plate and basically sat in silence absorbing all that had just happened. It was an incredible night I will never forget.

While I still remain bummed about only being there 5 days, I feel a lasting impression left on me. Attributes such as kindness, listening, and understanding seem to be very prevelent in a society where anything at all of material value is difficult to come by. It is paradoxical to me that a people who constantly struggle for their next meal posed no real threat to my safety and if anything I felt more safe over there than here. I am still trying to solve this conundrum, because it flies in the face of what I have observed my entire life. Anyway I slice it, it is a beautiful thing. There is something in the air above that country more pure and simple than anything I have ever experienced. Hey, I can love two countries at once, right? Why not. I truly feel that I learned as much in those 5 days as I had in the last 23 years. Time is a funny thing; it seems to not be a factor when doing what we love.

Chewed Up and Spit Out

Wow. I was not expecting to write on this blog so soon after leaving Philadelphia. About 3 days into Africa, I find myself unable to continue there. So here I sit in my room, in Indianapolis, IN, thinking about how I returned so quickly.

Turns out I had a really rare and violent reaction to my anti-Malaria medicine, Larium. This drug is very effective in fighting off Malaria in developing parts of the world. As with all drugs, it has it's side-effects. Some users only get bad dreams where they or others are harmed or killed in a violent manner in nightmares. No doubt, I have had my fair share of these since ingesting this drug. But my problem became very serious the night of June 30. In my case, the side-effects of Larium are Paranoia, Despression, severe Anxiety and others. Trying to explain what happened is difficult to do via computer, but I will attempt to introduce you to it:

Turns out Larium is a very controversial anti-malarial. And in very rare-cases (about 1 in 15,000) an experience like mine occurs. Here are some links to help you understand what this drug can do - CBS News Story, Links to various articles. I will just say that my 2 hour "bad trip" if you will, was one I cannot forget soon enough, and was clinically diagnosed as a traumatic event capable of being triggered again. Honestly, I do not know what I would do to myself if a reoccurence were to take place. And this is the reason I now write to from the good ol' United States.

I have no qualm of sharing this information for 2 reasons: First, I was expecting 27 months, not 1 week in the "Bush," and people will probably wonder why they are seeing the ghost of Patrick Foley haunting them around Indianapolis when he should be in Niger, Africa (my experience follows in a future blog). Second, the doctors there have seen similar cases and I have read articles claiming that open dialogue about traumatic experiences helps the healing process.

The worst part of being in that Niamey (the capital city) infirmary for 3 days was the feeling of helplesness. When I get nausea, I vomit. When I catch a cold, I get rest and take cough drops and problem solved. These terrible effects of larium were unique in that they exit the body at their own discretion. I don't know how many times I told myself "it's not you, it's the medicine." Over and over and over again. Depression was completely foreign to me until about 4 days ago. I have an infinitely new respect for those suffering from it, severe anxiety, paranoia, and also chlostrophobia. The journal I kept really illuminates how different a person I was under the influence of Larium.

So the person for which there was a going away party, who is eternally thankful for all of your good wishes, and also the countless time spent in preparation for this dream experience has returned far too soon for reasons unforeseen. I honestly miss Niger very much. And I will soon contribute to this blog my short-lived but long-winded enlightenment of the beautiful continent and people of Africa. Also my plans for work and such. But as for now though, I need to take everything one step at a time. And if you are interested in more info on the drug whose side-effects I wish upon not even my greatest enemy, do check out the links above. I guess I'll be knocking on your door sooner than expected.

Halfway There

Hey Hey folks. I am in Philly getting ready to board our bus to JFK. The orientation here went really well and was very organized. The people are extremely driven, smart and entertaining. There is so short-supply of unique personalities. I have decided to remove my "Cashin' Out" blog so as not to offend anyone reading this webpage, since from this point on it will be mostly informative and less opinionated - which was the original plan. I will be out of touch for at least 6 weeks and maybe more. So good luck to you all in whatever it is you are doing. Signing out. Peace.

Gone, Going

Well, it is 3 days until I take off for Philadelphia and then to Niger. I will be attending orientation meetings from Tuesday until Thursday and then it is "wheels up" to Niger. After we get settled in at our training ground, I have been told not to contact anyone for 5 weeks. So I will be lucky to have gotten to a computer in that time. So please be patient when checking this site, because I don't know how often I'll be able to get to it.

A list of most things I am taking:
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of synthetic pants
some synthetic and cotton t-shirts
Pocket knives - compliments of John A. Foley
GPS device
Digital camera
iPod
Solar charger for all of my elec. equip.
Frisbees
Soccer Ball
Guitar
Really good books
Rugged sandals
A solar-charged bug repeller
Batteries
Journal
Pictures
Anti-bacterial wipes
Protein bars
Crayons and other gifts for my host family (including a Pacers shirt)
Hats and sunglasses
Sleeping bag
Flashlights
and most importantly: Duct tape

Supposedly many people overpack for the Peace Corps, and I don't think I am one of them. This should all fit in one big bag. They dress conservatively where I'll be, so I can mostly expect to be wearing pants and button up shirts (and to be doing a lot of laundry). The temperature averages about 90 degrees during the year; getting up to 120 in April and May and then as low as 40 at night during the winter. So basically I am going to lose 20 pounds in water weight, and then some. French is the national language of Niger. I hope to be fluent in a few months time. We also have to learn a local language - Hausa or Zarma- while training in our first 3 months. After 3 months of training and living with a host family, I then set sail for my own village where I will live on my own - most likely in a hut.

Although nervous at times, overall I am very excited to embark on this adventure. The hardest thing I am leaving behind are most definately friends and FAMILY. I love you all dearly. And remember (as I try to do) that I'll be gone 2 years, not forever! So this is my last blog from the States.

A bientot

Worth worrying about

Just finished watching Larry King live where he had 3 different experts in the field of meteorology and related fields. They included a Harvard professor, and 2 weathermen. All 3 were commenting about the recent flooding on the East coast.

The subject of global warming undoubtedly came up during their discussion. All three men agreed that we humans are behind most of the problem of ocean temp's rising, causing more water to evaporate from the ocean and then being dumped down in blankets on land once the clouds burst. It is funny to me that some folks still contend that gw is a natural process occuring without the "help" of humans. If Earth were to ever show that her climate was changing, signs of massive flooding more intense hurricanes, waterfalls of freshwater flowing off glaciers etc. would seem sufficient warnings to our race that drastic changes must be made, and made soon.

I won't sit here and tell what these solutions are because I think they are pretty well known to those who worry enough to research. But I think it is worth saying that if all CO2 production from humans were to completely stop at this moment in time, it would take about 120 years for us to begin seeing "positive" effects on our environment; mainly, levels of CO2 levels to begin dropping at all (due to the way O2 molecules attach to C molecules and their life-cycles in our lower atmosphere). I'll leave the serious science to the scientists, because what I honestly think is that it may be too late. It is sad that those people who make it their life's work to warn us of the vehement danger on the horizon(no pun meant, but I'll take it) are not seriously heard by those in power. I am not predicting the "End of the World" by any means, but I think we should all be prepared to face an earth drastically different than what we are used to (rising coastlines, millions of displaced people, storms getting worse...the list goes on). It seems human nature to solve a problem only after it shows itself to be serious. I'm afraid gw isn't seen as a serious enough threat. Maybe some these scenarios will get some attention, but unrightfully so, as our Doomsday scenarios rooting from movies and science fiction books are all very unlikely to happen compared to Reality.

My environmental physics professor, Ben Brabson, is one of the smartest men I know. He currently researches the climate of the North Atlantic near Scotland and I keep in touch with him pretty regularly, wanting to know his thoughts on my thoughts. Ben made it a point to show our class just what could happen if gw were to hit a critical point of no return. It is not pretty in any way. Professor Brabson, and many others see doubters of human-induced Global Warming comparable to those in the 15th century believing Earth to be flat even when told different. I will take the word of science over skeptics any day, especially after seeing evidence first-hand in our class.

The point of this message is to clear my conscience more than anything: I cannot sit by silent when I know what might be coming. I'm not saying to go buy out Floaties.com anytime soon, but be weary of (seemingly) improbable possibilties. Because even though WaterWorld might now have won any oscars, it may have been on to something. So let's enjoy it while we can!