Just a picture

My mother and I, a little less than a year ago.

Ishtar

From one world to another

Thanks guys for all your support! It means a lot.

The journey went well. I am tired, but have landed in Sweden this morning.

A lot of things (and feelings) have been going through my mind lately, but through it all, I feel joy, peace and happiness. Someone promised me nearly two years ago that if I came to him, he would carry me, day by day. And he has. Day by day.

I am spending the day with my dad and I feel blessed.
Will write more later.

Ishtar

In heaven

My dad called me at 5 am this morning to tell me that my mother had left us. I don't know what to say right now, more than that my intellect and my soul are not in unison.

I will be leaving for Sweden on Monday.

Ishtar

Aichatu

I have a special little friend named Aichatu. She's young and she always has a twinkle in her eyes. She's a big rascal who always gets into trouble with the boys. I don't know how many times I haven't saved her from getting whacked, but it's been a number of times now. Wouldn't want her without that twinkle though!

Ishtar

Taking another visitor for a ride

Horseback riding in the never ending outback of Zinder is something all horse people need to experience at some point in their lives. Although there are loads of things you can do better elsewhere, this is one of the things where Niger takes a lead over most other places in the world.

Now our good friend Ahmed had seen me ride to the race track and had heard me talk about the bush, and so I had to show him. And I was happy to find out that he was not afraid to venture outside! We hooked him up with Sahara, who's such a stable sensible ride, and because Arwen was limping, I borrowed a young stallion named Rio from the Snowman.

Nettus followed us out, but just a little while later we were on our own. We had a fabulous time, covering a large extended space for almost two hours. The horses were good tempered and so happy, just the way you want them! And we were happy to. Niger is such a beautiful country, and even Nigerians, it's a treat to see so much space!

Ishtar

Visitors from Nigeria

In November, Nettus & I got to know some people from Nigeria at the race track, introduced by our mutual friend, the Snowman. They were really nice people whom we really enjoyed talking to.

This weekend, they were back in town and came to visit, which was a lot of fun! We talked about everything from horses to politics. It was a fun and relaxing time and what a treat to be able to speak in English for a while.

And here's a picture just to make sure that our hard-working photographer is not forgotten... :-)

Ishtar

Souna part II

In the afternoon, we went back the souna, which was then in full swing.

Hampsatu and her baby daughter Sherifa

Some of the other women in the room

Some of the people outside

Nettus and Ishtar eating à la Nigerienne - although I must admit, I totally lack the skill of eating with my hands! My colleague finds this hilarious, since he knows I can eat with "sticks" (he has seen me at a Chinese restaurant) and logically, eating with your hand should be a lot easier. But it all comes down to habit, and I am untrained in the art of getting food correctly in my mouth using only my hands - without looking like a slob! The good news is that we were commended for our efforts and did not offend anyone!

Ishtar

Souna - part I

Today was the souna of our colleague's newborn daughter. It is custom to have the naming ceremony up to seven days after birth, when the child and mother are presented to all friends and (extended) family. It is the day when everyone gets to know the name of the child, which in this case was Sherifa.

Nettus and I on the bed together with one of Sherifa's brothers and her mother.

Outside in the courtyard, friends and family (only the women, of course!) where helping out with the upcoming dinner - a meal of meat that everyone was looking forward to!

Photos of the women

We stayed for an hour and then went home for a "break", promising to be back later on... On our way home, we stopped at Ladi's and took some pictures with her and her younger brother Abdul-something (sorry, I keep forgetting!) and sister Aïchatu. Aïchatu is the funniest little rascal you can find (worldwide) - both Nettus and I adore her. She always always makes us laugh!

Ishtar

Beautiful baby!

Our colleague got another daughter today: a beautiful baby girl! The naming ceremony will be later this week.

Ishtar

Playing ping-pong a Friday night

So my dad is here right now (for a short period of time), and the two of us challenged him in a game of pingpong. I hate to admit it but we both lost! And worst of all, I lost to both of them... But then again, life is about trying, not about winning. So no, you won't find me crying over my loss, hehe! Maybe next time, I'll get it right!

Ishtar

Mechouï with friends

Tonight, my father (who's been around for about ten days with two visitors from Norway) invited us all over to a Mechouï - which is what we in Niger call a whole lamb grilled with vegetables and couscous.

Here I am posing with the chef!

Nettus tried this exclusive delicacy for the first time and was not disappointed!

Once we are done (a few hours later!) the second feast begins. This has always been the highlight of the evening for my mother and I. Tonight, the three guard dogs assembled before the guests and surprised us all with the well behaved manners! Well, Kinza the Polish Alsacian (bought in Nigeria) did bite my hand but it was unintentional. She's just not always concentrated on what she does (except when guarding).

This picture depicts Bagheera walking away with half the spine...

...but there was enough for all of them, and we were all very satisfied!

Ishtar