saw a cow today...

im in bassila right now at post beginning my two year service in benin: fun times: life here is much much more relaxed than porto novo ever thought of being and im happier because of it: im also happy that the internet cafe is only a 5minute walk from my house: so whats my day normally like i wake up at about 6;30 because my cat become absolutely obnoxious at this time: then i make breakfast this can consist of either tapioca which is the real stuff not the fake stuff you guys get back home much better the difference is like having fake maple syrup or the real stuff: or i eat bananas and peanut butter: i then feed my cat some bread its his favorite right next to mice: i then go for an hour long bike ride: i initally did this to explore my area but now its a great way to see a lot of different people and start my day: i really enjoy my bike rides in the morning and as an added benefit im getting some great legs: ha ha: i usually do about 12 to 16 kilometers per day in these morning rides: sometimes i visit another small village and other times i just go for half an hour then come back: after that i take a bucket shower and check food supplies: i then go to work at about 10: work is still being figuered out sometimes i talk to people other times i discuss potential opportunities for work: things like an environmental club in the local schools and working with womens groups on waste management have been kicking around: i then leave work at about noon and either go to the market or make lunch: depending on the food in my house: in the market i can find tomatos onions; soy bean products like soy cheese and soy flour; greens; oil and spices; eggs; rice; beans; more rice and more beans; and its very often i find beans and rice: get the hint? i eat lots of beans and rice: not bad but its my diet: i then go home and make lunch which i generally like to make enough for dinner at this time and then i do daily chores; sweep the house; haul water; study french; and before i know its dinner time and usually after dinner i write a letter and write in my journal: and then i read: i just finished reading east of eden good book and if you need a good book this one is it: but thats my day: thought youd all like to know: i have to go and feed my cat hes probably hungry: