and the sand is red!!

I have finally arrived in Niger - and have been here for just over 24 hours.

I left Calgary at -7 degrees (thankfully during a chinook) and arrived in Niamey at 37.8 degrees!! phew, it is hot here!

As I am heading to bed soon (it is 10 pm) here is a flashback of a few quick memories and new experiences:

• I was in the country about 5 minutes and saw my first bribe - someone did not have the necessary health documentation, coloured paper changed hands and the man walked in! I was hoping my papers were all in order, as I was not flashing money across the counter!
• as mentioned, the sand is red
• there appears to be no traffic rules or respect of lanes (defensive driving is taken to a whole new level over here!)
• garbage burning on the street
• goats, chickens, dogs and donkeys all over the road (the donkey actually stops for the cars when it gets close - eg: 1 foot away)
• vendors on the side of the road and walking up and down the road . . . beggars on the side of the road
• bright colourful african dresses
• small grass huts beside huge houses

Currency exchange!!!

I was lent money for the day, until I exchange my euros. My colleague gave me $10,000 - figured that would be enough for one day! Today I spent $5000 - to buy shampoo, conditioner, box of kleenex and a pack of gum. This would be about $12 CDN. 675 francs will buy a can of corn.

Well, this is all for tonight -pictures to follow - this tired girl is heading to bed!

Bon Nuit!