Living On A Dollar A Day: Part Two

When I last left you, it was the day before the NCAA Championship game. I went to my friend’s place at the Medical Research Council, where he’s doing research, and exploited the community television/cable from 1:30 until 4:30 in the morning to watch this (disappointing) matchup.

In order to convince this dude that it was a good idea to stay up until 5am to watch this game AND to let me sleep in his air conditioned apartment , I had to offer something. So I said, “Hey, why don’t we make dinner, bake some cookies, and play bananagrams until game time?”

So that’s what happened. Thus, what I feared last time – a big expenditure over 25D – occurred. Here’s the latest look into my finances.

Monday, April 4 : Day 18
I brought lots of stuff that I had hoarded to prepare for this dollar a day expedition, but still had to buy rice, limes, onions, and tomatoes to make this mango, corn, bean, concoction. Then cookie materials. It was delicious, but costly.
Item: Foodstuffs Cost: 50D Remaining: 54D

Tuesday, April 5: Day 19
Crossed the river to get home after lots of good food, but too little sleep.
Item: River crossing Cost: 10D Remaining: 44D

Sunday, April 10: Day 24
Again, my phone will not last longer than a week without charging.
Item: Charge Cost: 5D Remaining: 39D

Tuesday, April 12: Day 26
My good friend Mariama came to visit finally, after I hadn’t seen her since her wedding in January. I was at school, and a man came around, selling blocks of ice. This man carried blocks of ice from Basse in a big sack, on a bicycle, the 10K to my village. I thought, “What better gift on a 115 degree day than a block of ice! I have only one week left, I can afford it.” I brought it home, eager to hear them all exclaim what a great toubab I was, but they didn’t seem nearly excited enough…
Item: Ice block Cost: 15D Remaining: 24 D

Saturday, April 16: Day 30
It’s spring break, so I’m taking a trek around the URR on my bike. However, to get to Basse, from whence all treks start, OF COURSE, I have to cross that expensive river.
Item: River Crossing Cost: 10D Remaining: 14D

So, I am in Basse. The land with two restaurants, and at least four places that sell cold coke… it’s the land of temptation. And I have to make my fourteen dalasis last until Tuesday.

Will I make it? Find out on Wednesday.