It is amazing to me how after only being in Port-Gentil for 4 days now how much the little things mean! By little things, I mean things that I totally take for granted back in the states. Like being able to hang my clothes up, having a small trashcan in the bathroom, papertowels?!? All of these things are available at the local grocery store (super CK2) however I am not driving, and because its closed from 12PM-2PM daily, we have not been to the grocery store yet. Needless to say, we’ve been eating out and eating ramen noodles that I smuggled in my suitcase a lot. Anyways, one of the wives I have been hanging out with in the compound suggested we take a walk down to some of the local stores and boy did I jump at the chance!! I have never been SO excited to find coffee mugs or a pair of scissors in my life! We went to two stores, but mostly everything I bought was from a store called “Centre Fair”. One of my friends jokes that this is the Bed Bath and Beyond of PoG. While I was SO excited to find all these “necessities”, I was not so excited to see the receipt at the end. Things are so expensive here!! For example, during this trip I bought:
-1 large wooden bowl
-toilet bowl cleaner
-windex
-8 plastic cups
-40 solo cups -in case we find some beer pong players
-tin foil
-plastic wrap
-2 pot holders
-8 sponges
-package of napkins
-4 small plastic bowls
-2 small metal shelves
-1 flexible cutting board
-24 hangers
-scissors
All of these items (which I know I could find at Dollar General back home!!) came out to 68,000 CFA. This translates to roughly $136.00!!! I was absolutely blown away. My friends have said eventually you just stop looking at prices because that is just how things are here. The other tricky thing is the only place that takes credit cards is Super CK2… everywhere else is cash only.
My husband and I had discussed, prior to moving over here, how we had hoped this experience would give us a new appreciation for how truly blessed we are and recognize how accessible everything is back at home…. I think its safe to say that process has already begun.
August 13, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Kate, I absolutely love this! Your writing is so descriptive and fun! I love learning about new cultures and of course have been concerned regarding how things were going for both of you. I think we need to find a new time for phone calls home as I can tell Seth is very tired for the Sunday night call and can’t get any stories from him…Keep it up! It looks great and I so appreciate your writing!!!
August 15, 2013 at 12:28 am
Thanks for the blog, Kate – it sounds like you and Seth have begun your “Kate and Seth’s Big Adventure” in style – what with having an upgrade for one of your flights and now getting down to the nitty-gritty of living in a far-away place. Uncle Don and I will look forward to your future postings. Enjoy all of it – even the frustrations!
After we were married for a couple of years we headed to Atlanta, GA – at that time it seemed to be the end of the earth (at least our parents thought it was). No one had ever lived THAT FAR from the northeast US. It was the best thing we ever did and are still reaping the benefits, through life-long friends we made when we lived “so far away”.
Think of you often, so it’s nice to hear that all is well.
Love,
Aunt Joan
August 16, 2013 at 12:36 am
Well done Kate. Look forward to vicariously enjoying your adventure. More photos please!
August 19, 2013 at 12:54 am
Katie! I so enjoy this! Keep it comin! Does this move mean you aren’t working in a hospital now? Love hearing about Africa and your travels. Love and miss u
Xoxomeg
August 20, 2013 at 7:34 pm
No more hospital for me right now 🙂
August 19, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Kate!! Absolutely love this! Love reading about you and Seth’s big journey! Cannot wait to hear more stories of your big adventure!! Love you!!
August 19, 2013 at 4:24 pm
I’m finally at my computer and able to see and read your blog like you intended…….fantastic!!!! It’s like you are sitting next to me telling
me the same stories. Warms my heart. xoxoxo to you and Seth
August 20, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Thank you everyone for your comments and excitement about the blog!! It means SO much to have everyone interested in our trip!