Shocking I know...
I'm really not sure if it's the Microsoft Word circa 1985, the viruses or my USB but I can't seem to get my blogs to open...since I write them on my laptop and then use my precious (and expensive!) internet time for uploading, I have to doanload them and do a simple copy and paste. But we all know "simple" in Togo is un autre chose.
And believe me I have tried...yesterday I waited for the cyber café to open "in the afternoon," which finally happened at 4pm (it is amazing how patient I am here, as I've said before, no one who knows me and my work ethic would believe it) but to no avail. I have however written 3 blogs and will post them as soon as possible, as I am sure you're all chomping at the bit :)
All is well in Togo, I am eating fufu almost 3 times per day, my solar panels have finally arrived and I am trés contente.
Stay tuned...merry merry to everyone from Kpalimé.
Smoky, sweet air, 95 degrees, raw onions, humming motos and giggling toddlers, fingers snapping and tongues hissing...bliss...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snowed in NY...New Travel Dates Dec 22 - Jan 6
I suppose it could be worse...well it always could...but...
35 mile backup on the NJ Turnpike due to mass panic over a Northeaster, then over a foot of snow = Kira is not nearly as close to the equator as she should be right now...instead of Casablanca I am sitting in my sister's Brooklyn apartment trying to remain prepared (mentally and otherwise) for my trip. This entails not unpacking my jammed backpack because I want that t-shirt that is rolled up and stuffed in the bottom left corner, attempting not to overanalyze the reason I missed that plane and simply containing my dissapointment and frustration...I had this trip planned perfectly!!
Next flight to Lome is on Tuesday. And I will be on it. Better late than never. And I guess it WILL be kind of cool to show everyone in Togo photos of a foot of snow, the Dyker Heights Christmas light show and other winter wonderland-ness as the reason I was delayed a few days.
My next post will most likely be from a sweaty cyber cafe. I can't wait to get there. But I must admit, I did enjoy the snow.
35 mile backup on the NJ Turnpike due to mass panic over a Northeaster, then over a foot of snow = Kira is not nearly as close to the equator as she should be right now...instead of Casablanca I am sitting in my sister's Brooklyn apartment trying to remain prepared (mentally and otherwise) for my trip. This entails not unpacking my jammed backpack because I want that t-shirt that is rolled up and stuffed in the bottom left corner, attempting not to overanalyze the reason I missed that plane and simply containing my dissapointment and frustration...I had this trip planned perfectly!!
Next flight to Lome is on Tuesday. And I will be on it. Better late than never. And I guess it WILL be kind of cool to show everyone in Togo photos of a foot of snow, the Dyker Heights Christmas light show and other winter wonderland-ness as the reason I was delayed a few days.
My next post will most likely be from a sweaty cyber cafe. I can't wait to get there. But I must admit, I did enjoy the snow.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thank You...and one week to the beautiful return...
I am in between.
One week ago I was running around frantically finalizing logistics for SunPower Afrique's benefit event. One week from now I will be on my way back to West Africa, greeting l'Harmattan, my FECECAV family and a so-close-to-the-pilot-project-we-can-taste-it excitement in Kpalime.
As I have noted before, it is strange to coexist in these two worlds, both working towards the same goal and equally critical spaces of influence, productivity and resources. Today, on December 11th, 2009, I am directly in the middle :)
I'm so lucky.
While I am taking this trip over the holidays to relax, take some deep breaths and revel in the African pace of life and work (18Dec - 3Jan) I will of course be busy while on the ground...everything is easier to accomplish face-to-face, without exorbitantly expensive phone calls and crackling connections, without language barriers and borders...
I will update kirawithoutborders while I am away, as per tradition. Thank you so much to everyone who attended our benefit last week, it was special to be surrounded and supported by such a wonderful group of people helping to make this all happen. Special thanks to my volunteers - without you the Celebration would not have been possible.
We are moving closer to the first Solar Loans and FECECAV's solar system...the word is OUT! SunPower Afrique is making moves. 2010 will be a big year.
One week ago I was running around frantically finalizing logistics for SunPower Afrique's benefit event. One week from now I will be on my way back to West Africa, greeting l'Harmattan, my FECECAV family and a so-close-to-the-pilot-project-we-can-taste-it excitement in Kpalime.
As I have noted before, it is strange to coexist in these two worlds, both working towards the same goal and equally critical spaces of influence, productivity and resources. Today, on December 11th, 2009, I am directly in the middle :)
I'm so lucky.
While I am taking this trip over the holidays to relax, take some deep breaths and revel in the African pace of life and work (18Dec - 3Jan) I will of course be busy while on the ground...everything is easier to accomplish face-to-face, without exorbitantly expensive phone calls and crackling connections, without language barriers and borders...
I will update kirawithoutborders while I am away, as per tradition. Thank you so much to everyone who attended our benefit last week, it was special to be surrounded and supported by such a wonderful group of people helping to make this all happen. Special thanks to my volunteers - without you the Celebration would not have been possible.
We are moving closer to the first Solar Loans and FECECAV's solar system...the word is OUT! SunPower Afrique is making moves. 2010 will be a big year.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Celebration of Solar Energy & Microfinance Changing Lives - TOMORROW NIGHT!
Read the write-up from today's Main Line Times:
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2009/12/04/main_line_times/life/doc4b1753dd7f40a131277600.txt
Hope to see you there!
Kira
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2009/12/04/main_line_times/life/doc4b1753dd7f40a131277600.txt
Hope to see you there!
Kira
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
You're Invited! To SunPower Afrique's First Annual Celebration of Solar Energy and Microfinance Changing Lives - Dec. 4, 2009 7-10PM
Click here to view the full invite!
Tickets $25 ($10 with student ID) - raffle ticket included
To purchase tickets: events@sunpowerafrique.org. Walk-ins welcome
SunPower Afrique is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to reduce poverty in West Africa by connecting microfinance institutions and small businesses to solar energy. www.sunpowerafrique.org
MICROFINANCE CHANGING LIVES 7-10 PM 814 Yarrow Street - Bryn Mawr, PA Click here for directions
|
To purchase tickets: events@sunpowerafrique.org. Walk-ins welcome
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
First Annual SunPower Afrique Benefit Event: December 4th, 7-10PM
To raise funds for our pilot project, still slated for March 2010 (after Togolese elections in January), we are organizing a benefit event in the Philadelphia area on December 4th from 7-10PM.
We will be putting on a silent auction, featuring the work of local, established artists, including several works by Mary and John Costanza.
The event will also be a celebration of West African culture, with a drumming and dance troupe, food and drink, and raffle giveaways.
Save the date and stay tuned for details!
If you have ideas or would like to help out with planning, please contact kira.costanza@sunpowerafrique.org
We will be putting on a silent auction, featuring the work of local, established artists, including several works by Mary and John Costanza.
The event will also be a celebration of West African culture, with a drumming and dance troupe, food and drink, and raffle giveaways.
Save the date and stay tuned for details!
If you have ideas or would like to help out with planning, please contact kira.costanza@sunpowerafrique.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
