MONKEY Tales

Email Updates

(My Outrageously Newsy Kaleidoscope of Enjoyable Yarns)

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Welcome to Leah's email updates from the heart of equatorial Gabon. Here you'll find the latest installment of my adventures, as well as past MONKEY Tales for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy these ramblings, so dive in! The sun's hot, the rain's fierce, and the monkeys wanna play.

MONKEY TALES #15
(11/13/03)

MONKEY TALES #25
(3/13/04)

MONKEY TALES #24
(3/8/04)

MONKEY TALES #23
(2/12/04)

MONKEY TALES #22
(2/5/04)

MONKEY TALES #21
(1/31/04)

MONKEY TALES #20
(12/22/03)

MONKEY TALES #19
(12/13/03)

MONKEY TALES #18
(12/6/03)

MONKEY TALES #17
(12/1/03)

MONKEY TALES #16
(11/22/03)

MONKEY TALES #14
(10/24/03)

MONKEY TALES #13
(10/16/03)

MONKEY TALES #12
(10/11/03)

MONKEY TALES #11
(10/4/03)

MONKEY TALES #10
(9/27/03)

MONKEY TALES #9
(9/19/03)

MONKEY TALES #8.5
(9/14/03)

MONKEY TALES #8
(9/13/03)

MONKEY TALES #7
(8/21/03)

MONKEY TALES #6
(8/14/03)

MONKEY TALES #5
(8/8/03)

MONKEY TALES #4
(7/29/03)

MONKEY TALES #3
(7/24/03)

MONKEY TALES #2
(6/29/03)

MONKEY TALES #1
(7/17/03)

"YO!"
(6/27/03)

It's been forever, I know, but last week when we were in Franceville I typed a long and lovely update and literally, right as I was signing my name, all the computers malfunctioned/restarted. I was not a happy camper and didn't have the time nor energy to type it all over again. Thus, here we again, hopefully with more luck this time.

1. Thank you to all who made my 22nd absolutely amazing by calling on my birthday. The phone was glued to my ear all day and I loved being able to touch base with people who I haven't talked to in over 4 months. I honestly can't convey how much those calls from home kept my spirits high---it made all the difference. And as luck would have it; we had some big-wigs come in from Libreville and they even brought all the packages with them. Talk about birthday/Christmas rolled into one! Just to inform, I received packages from Sarah (2), my parents (2), Joe, Aunt Lou and Uncle Dave, and Martin. If you sent something and your name wasn't there, don't worry---they're en route I'm sure, and just remember that all mail makes at least 4 stops before it reavhes my hot little hands. THANK YOU for making this birthday so memorable.

2. As for the celebration here, all our friends came in for the weekend and we partied like rock stars in Ngouoni, which mostly consisted of listening to music, reading, complaining about the heat, cooking, sitting, sleeping, waiting for the sun to go down, eating, reading...you get the picture. However, they surprised me with a pineapple upside-down cake (to die for!), insence, and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream (one of the boutiques in town sells it, but I don't want to know for how much!) For dinner we had our friend whip up a veritable feast--a rice and fish/veggie dish from her native Senegal with plenty of black pepper and piment. Rave reviews all around, and honestly, what more could I ask for? Friends, Bailey's, and Senegalese "take-out". Yes, please!

3. Now we're gearing up for Turkey Day in the Haut, and due to some issues in Bongoville, where we were supposed to hold the festivities, it looks like Ngouoni will once again be the hot spot, though we'll be hosting 15 people this time, as opposed to 7...haven't so much figured out the sleeping arrangements yet, and if my water goes off for the entire weekend (again) that could be interesting as well. Throw 5 growing dogs into the mix and I'm sure we're in for some fun. However, everyone's in charge of bringing a dish and we've "booked" the local restaurant so we can use their dishes and not ours. Plus, they have a dance room with red vinyl couches, a disco ball, black light, and wall-to-wall mirrors. Remind me again as to where I live...

4. What updates would be complete without dog stories? We had to bring the munchkins in to Franceville today for their second round of de-worming pills and vaccinations. They're always quite sedate in the car (a welcome respite from Minger's usual antics) and things progressed fine this time as well, until we were within 5 minutes of the city. In slow-mo Minger lurched up from lap, seemed to dislocate her jaw, and retched up her breakfast of sardines and rice all over Bousco's back, my shirt, and Leigh Ann's jeans. I had to scoop the offensive mixture off poor Bousco's back and throw it out the window, while Leigh and I alternated between puking ourselves and laughing so hard the tears rolled down our cheeks. Wads of kleenex later we're in slighty better shape, tho the not-so-faint smell of sardines lingers in the air. Scrumptious, I assure you. Exhibit #53 as to why we're true, dedicated, adoring mothers...or just insane.

5. More importantly, after MONTHS of running around, frustration, and Leigh's benevolence, I have FINALLY secured my own phone (number). Took bloody forever, but please believe me when I say that I did everythign I could to hurry the process along; that word doesn't exist here. Anyway, my number is (241) 04.90.40, so feel free to call whenever, though I still value my sleep, so weekends and early evening my time is still the best. However, I will answer no matter what. Keep Leigh's number handy (61.39.00) just in case, but mine should work out well.

Alright, minions, off to find a bean sandwich for lunch before paying my electricity/water bill (over a month late with no penalty!), going to the bank, and getting the holy terrors vaccinated. Also, if you could keep my family in your thoughts, as we've had a particularly rough week and would appreciate your prayers. I hope your holiday season is jumping off well!

Love and smelly hugs (haven't had water for 3 days)-
Leah Ann(e)