Thursday, December 4, 2008

Fote

There are accents on that word. I believe a chateau (hat) on the 'o' and possibly an accent on the é (comme ca (like this) if you can see it). It means white person. The children are particularly fond of yelling this at us white people. They consistently shout it at us until we're out of range. We experienced it for the first time on the way from the airport to the PC office. It reminds me of the Banana or Range Rover game, Matilda and Theresa. So as soon as their eyes focus on us, they scream Fote! but not just once (which is what I think you guys do with Banana) but nonstop. Makes you feel special, in a way.

7 comments:

Nancy said...

Kate,
I'm glad you arrived safely. The blog really was a great idea. I'll look forward to your updates.

Stay safe,
Nancy

Theresa said...

Kate, its so beautiful! I had no idea it was going to be so lush and green, and was that a beach?!

Yay! The banana game! Did you hear we saw a banana range rover once? So exciting! (we called banana then range rover, btw)

Thanks for the birthday wishes, I'll miss you at 5 o'clock cake tomorrow :(

Matilda said...

KATEEEEEEE!
I have a really great shot of everyone at your going away party. I sent you an e-mail because I don't know how to post pictures on here (or if I can). Just thought you might enjoy looking at us.

Too bad about the no hut thing. It must me rough.
Love you

Anonymous said...

Kate,
I am glad you arrived safely (I know I sound like mom when I say that). Funny that you say they yell that at you, I was just talking to my friend Dan about visiting South Africa and he said that I would probably receive that kind of attention there. It's nice to hear updates and have fun! (that watch thing is kind of weird, maybe you should hide yours so you fit in more)
Love,
Kelly

Kate said...

Guinea is apparently a beautiful country, nature wise. There is a beach, but we're not allowed to even touch the water because the sewage flows right into it. What a tease. It's hot there too, so I don't know if I can handle the tease. There is word of a waterfall we can frolic in somewhere around here. So there will be water fun. I'll miss you guys too at 5 o'clock cake. Thanks for the picture Matilda. It rocks! Right, what will I do with a whole house to myself? Sheesh. Well, it remains to be seen. There is hope that I'll have a hut. They're trying to get more business people in smaller villages. Thanks, Kelly. I just can't give up the watch quite yet. Maybe when I move into my village. I love you all!

Bonnie said...

Kate! I know what you should do with your hut... you should adopt animals!

Kate said...

I can't wait for the animals. It's so easy. I asked someone how she got a kitten and she said she knew of a pregnant cat. Another current volunteer said if you want a puppy or kitten, tell a little kid and they'll return in 10 minutes with it. So I better be careful how many people I tell that I love animals.