A wet Gambia turns out to be very much like a dry Gambia. The red dust has turned to red mud and the lesser streets have turned to deltas. The storm clouds have retreated, the sun has returned, and the wind has died down to the usual breeze. The puddles are quickly drying.

The big difference seems to be the smell, which has gotten worse. The mosquitoes will be out in full force in a few days, especially if more rains come. Luckily, I have had no trouble with my bed net. A few of my peers haven't been able to get through the night without either throwing it off of them or cuddling it, both of which drastically reduce its effectiveness. I have no intention of catching malaria. Then again, I suppose few people do.

I ventured to the market today to buy more fabric. I need to get better at bargaining, but it's coming. Today was better than yesterday. I hear you get better deals if you bargain in a native language, but most of the people in this area speak Wolof. I am finally getting comfortable with market Mandinka, and I can't even use it! While I was hanging around outside a fabric stall, I had a very short talk with a fruit seller, but I tripped up and said everything incorrectly. I tried to tell her, "I am learning Mandinka," but I messed up. Luckily, she said, "diyata bake" anyway, which means "very sweet." I think that people here are so used to white tourists that even the smallest effort on my part is appreciated.

Awa is taking my fabric to the tailor at her compound. I will have a shirt for me and pants for a friend by Monday. I have a short list of things I want to acquire before I leave, and it is satisfying to be able to check things off.

1. Lots of fabric. In progress.
2. A small/medium drum. Not yet.
3. Pants for Paul. In progress.
4. Some clothes for me. In progress.
5. Skirt(s) for friends. Not yet.
6. A juju. Not yet; probably will get upcountry.
7. A ring for Elizabeth, as per her request. Not yet; hope to get in Basse.

I am a little stumped about what to get for my family members. (Hey Mom, do you want anything other than my safe return and undying affection? Is there anything you think Dad would want, or KT? I could get Dad a sweet shirt, but I don't know if he'd wear it. KT wouldn't want any of these clothes. Would she want a wood carving or something? I have no idea.) I'm hoping to be inspired, but inspiration is notoriously elusive. Oh well. I don't intend to buy anything else before we leave for upcountry on Monday, so I don't have to think about it for a while yet.