196 Books: Burundi

Baho! by Roland Rugero


Burundi is a small country in Africa:

And here's the description:

Baho! is a novel by Roland Rugero published in France in 2012, and translated into English by Christopher Schaefer in 2015. It is the first Burundian novel to be translated into English. The story is set in the fictional village of Hariho, following a young mute boy named Nyamuragi. When his attempts to find a bathroom are misunderstood as sexual advances, Nyamuragi finds himself voiceless due both to his disability and the hasty persecution of his wrongful convictions.

Taking place after the events of the Burundian genocides, Baho! grapples with many sociocultural themes and arguments that deal with Burundi's recent problems with cultural identity. As a result, the novel employs many Burundian cultural elements including Kirundi proverbs. Despite its heavy involvement in Burundian culture and history, the novel does not discuss ethnical differences between characters. Baho! serves to instruct Burundi on how it can successfully grow as a culture and nation.

I know that's a bit more than I usually include for the description, but it said (a lot more eloquently) the things I was thinking as I was reading. This was a really short book, less than 100 pages. It also made me think of the Me Too environment that's happening right now. As much as I hate to admit, it made me sympathize a little bit with the accused...which was probably the point. I mean things were made much more extreme by the boy being mute and not having the means to explain anything. Then it's exacerbated by nobody trying to get his side of the story. 

It was kind of great: this rather short story was told in a way to make me look at myself and my thoughts in today's current climate. Though it's not as extreme as beating and trying to hang the accused, there's a bit of a mob mentality with accusations of sexual impropriety and not wanting to let the accused say anything, or not believing what they do say. Do these people deserve the benefit of the doubt, or compassion? Well, I don't know. All I know is this one made me think.  

196 Books: Bulgaria

Street without a Name by Kapka Kassabova

Bulgaria is on the Eastern side of the EU:

And here's the description of the book:
Kassabova was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and grew up under the drab, muddy, grey mantle of one of communism’s most mindlessly authoritarian regimes. Escaping with her family as soon as possible after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, she lived in Britain, New Zealand, and Argentina, and several other places. But when Bulgaria was formally inducted to the European Union she decided it was time to return to the home she had spent most of her life trying to escape. What she found was a country languishing under the strain of transition. This two-part memoir of Kapka’s childhood and return explains life on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

With the getting ready to move, moving, and settling in the new place, it took me way too long to read this one; especially considering how much I enjoyed it. 
Things seem to be getting crazier and crazier here in the US, but it's still devastating to read about the tragic history in the older parts of the world (you know...basically everywhere else). 

The whole big communist era in Europe makes me so sad; that people living there were kept in the dark and told that the rest of the world was so awful. And why? I mean, I know why, but WHY? These poor people had next to nothing and had no way of bettering themselves. So this family lives in various places throughout the world just to get a better life. It was so interesting and heartbreaking to read as the author travels back to her home country and just feels like an outsider everywhere she goes, home or foreign. 

Also, people in Europe have done some real awful shit to each other. And, sorry, but Turkey's been the jerk in more than one of the books I've read so far. GET IT TOGETHER TURKEY. AND EVERYONE ELSE. STOP BEING JERKS. 

On the other hand, it was interesting to hear about all the different places she went, things she saw, and people she met. On top of it, Kassabova has such an incredibly inviting writing style. It honestly felt a lot like a friend just telling you stories. So definitely check this one out, it's a great read. 

On another note, I've been considering putting ads back on here. Not because I want to annoy you guys, but because I have no job and I feel useless. Sooo...I guess that might be coming. 

Back in the Midwest

Growing pains.

I looked up a few quotes about transition for the subtitle for this one; there were a few I liked but they didn't really cover it. I knew this change would be a little difficult, but it's getting the better of me.
I cannot say enough how wonderful Soldier has been with this. He's encouraged me with all the newness but he doesn't really push. He has a lot more confidence in me than I do. He bought me a fancy car, has no problem with any money I spend, and thinks I'm worth a lot of money as an employee.

So...begin. The place we're living isn't really conducive to spirit and motivation. I'm pretty sure it hasn't been updated since the 70s or 80s and has a slight lingering smell of old cigarettes. It's technically furnished but we keep having to buy stuff: a mixer, a vacuum, dish towels, hangers. Maybe those things aren't supposed to be included, but I kind of thought they would.
I've also been letting the anxiety get to me...a couple of days ago I tried a different grocery store and almost thought I was going to have a panic attack in the middle of the place. Also most of my professional work clothes don't fit, which also doesn't help. Everyone still thinks I'm "small," but I'm not at a weight I'm comfortable with.

Transition! YAY!

Soldier and I were trying to figure out when we would be able to head up and visit our families, and all of a sudden he said, "Just go." And I realized that I could. So I did. I wanted to go for a chance to recharge, and to connect with a friend to brainstorm about job searching. I forgot what it was like to look for a job in a bigger city. (Is there a word for nepotism that isn't actual family? Just that "it's not what you know, it's who you know" thing? Anyway, that.) Anyway I had a nice time with some of my family and got a lot of good ideas for my search. But then I got back and kind of deflated.
This week I've tried to force myself to do things. I found a few jobs that I'm really interested in and tomorrow I'm going to go to the job center and get a nice new interview outfit. Hopefully that'll help. Yesterday I made myself finish up my resume and today I really figured out which jobs I want to apply for...it's a start I guess.

So...send me confident thoughts, I guess. As exciting as it is to be back in a place that has all sorts of stores, restaurants, and entertainment...it's also real scary for an introvert. It's hard to start completely from scratch, even if you know what you're getting into.

I've also pushed Soldier into going back to Mass. I enjoy it, and a woman we sat next encouraged me to join the choir and said she was going to tell the choir director about me. It is something I would like to get back into...if I can have the guts to ask for it. Ugh. Anxiety is such a bitch.

And I guess that's it for the highlights. It'll feel a lot better when we have our own house and I have a job, but this is definitely a start. I do miss the beauty and familiarity of Juneau though. And absolutely some of the people. I know that once I get used to it and feel *slightly* less pressure I'll really be able to enjoy this new adventure.

The Journey

Moving across two countries

I'm so excited to tell you guys all about our move! I was freaking out in the days leading up to it, so sure that we wouldn't be ready. The night before we got on the ferry we were having dinner with our best friends and staying at their house. Just before Soldier was supposed to get off work I was finishing up mopping, stopped, and went "God dammit we're going to be ready." I was completely shocked. Anyway we spent our drive listening to a dramatic telling of Lord of the Rings and the audio books of Harry Potter so I'm going to try and tell you our trip dramatically. Here goes. 

Day the First: Friday
We began our journey before daybreak, stepping onto the ferry at about 6 in the morning. The sky was dark and it rained for much of the 6 hour trip. Soldier watched some porpoises jumping, but I was not fortunate enough. I was nervous, apprehensive of what we were taking on, but Soldier was exhilarated.  Our chariot (her name's Sabrina) was laden down heavy, but Soldier was unconcerned. The ferry docked at Skagway and we began. The town was quaint but somewhat deserted; we spied few other cars on the road. Fog covered everything, making the mountainside road even scarier. A black bear tried to cross, became spooked, and ran alongside us for a moment. Getting through Customs to Canada was quite easy, only taking a few moments. Most of the day was spent driving on the edges of mountains, next to lakes, me looking for wildlife. We ended the day with what soldier called Wilderness Snow Camping. Night had already fallen when we reached the government campground. I was sick with worry; I felt too exposed. Two inches of snow sat on the ground, and we only had a thin tent. Inside, we first laid down a moving blanket, then our sleeping mats. We each got inside a regular sleeping bag then slithered into a double sleeping bag. I was so cold I had to wear my Uggs all night, and we both wore rabbit fur hats (the kind with the ear flaps; I had mine hooked firmly under my chin). I slept somewhat fitfully; I woke up continually having to hide my face to keep it warm.

Day the Second: Saturday
Our second day began earlier than the first. We had broken camp and were on the road at 4:30. The first part of the day went slowly as we drove through the mountains on snowy, slushy roads. Miles and miles went by between "towns," though each of the towns would be a single gas station and restaurant with nothing else around. It perplexed me; where did these people live? How did they get food? How could they stand being so far from civilization?
Travelling along, we saw some cars ahead of us slow down. Then we came upon a herd of bison.

Soldier stopped the chariot for me to take a picture of one just beside the road. The flash went off and a giant eye started to turn toward me. I urged him to drive; I didn't want Sabrina to be rammed by a giant bison. We continued our drive through mountains and snow. There were many areas that had been burned and all that was left was a swath of blackened tree stalks. Where the trees were healthy, they were green and yellow, dusted with snow. It looked like Christmas. Continuing along, drivers ahead of us slowed down again and a moose ran across the road. A MOOSE! The entire time of living in Alaska and for this trip, my biggest wish was to see a moose. It stopped at the side of the road to eat, but we were driving too quickly for me to get a picture. But I saw a moose. After over 13 hours of travel, we ended the day in Grande Prairie. If you ever stop in the area, stay at the Podollan Inn and Suites. The room was lovely and the customer service was fantastic. (I cannot say the same for the other places we stayed). 

Day the Third: Sunday

This day began later, after a refreshing breakfast. We thought we were coming closer to more cities more often, but we were mistaken. Not far out of town I saw a brown bear eating along the side of the highway. I kept watch out for more moose, but saw none. Eventually we entered into Jasper National Park. Though we saw no additional wildlife, it was still fascinating. The mountains in Juneau were no small things, but the Northern Rockies were HUGE. There were glaciers all along the mountains, in the middle of them. 

Eventually we came to Banff, though we agreed that Jasper was the more exciting of the two. We stopped in town and found our way to the Banff Avenue Brewing Co. The beer was good, the only downside was that they did not have stocked the shirts we wanted. Leaving town, we saw an elk on the side of the road eating.

The rest of the night was spent in the hotel, drinking and enjoying our time together.

Day the Fourth: Monday

This day was meant for a break from travel. We began with a short drive to Lake Louise. We intended to also visit Lake Moraine, but it was closed for the season. Lake Louise was beautiful though. I love the colors of water depending on the depth, composition, weather, and any number of other factors. The weather was foggy but it may have worked in our favor. Soldier and I don't let the weather stop us from our adventures, but we're sure it stops other people. We make the most of what we can. After Lake Louise we ventured back to the town of Banff. Though we didn't see more wildlife, we enjoyed the mountains and town. 

Day the Fifth: Tuesday

Another day began at 4 in the morning. It was already snowing. Soldier drove on despite the inclement weather. I kept watch at each animal crossing sign, but saw no more moose. Eventually, however, we passed by an alpaca farm. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, Soldier noticed a trembling in the chariot. He stopped to check and tighten the tires, and broke a stud. After consulting with a mechanic friend, we decided we needed to find a dealership to get it fixed. Enter Regina. It should have been a quick stop, but the mechanics kept telling us about new problems that needed to be addressed. Soldier acquiesced to all of them, and we were now very behind schedule. (A very large THANK YOU to the Subaru dealership in Regina; they knew we were travelling through and worked as quickly as they could). Finally we made it back to the US border; I won't deny that I was slightly sorry to leave the niceties of Canada. Thankfully it was another easy crossing and we were suddenly in North Dakota. We had intended to spend the night in Fargo, but we only made it as far as Minot. It was another long day of driving, and we were very tired upon getting to bed. 

Day the Sixth: Wednesday

We stayed long enough for breakfast, and got back on the road. More snow. I had wanted to spend some time in Fargo to see some college friends. The farther along we traveled, the worse it became. Between Jamestown and Fargo it was near whiteout. We lost track of how many semi trucks had veered off the road; but once again Soldier was the best. He navigated around cars, through uncleared roads, and somehow making his way without really being able to see. We were only able to stay in Fargo long enough to attain gas, which made me very sad later on. And that was mostly the end of the excitement. It was just prairie and city, traveling much too long for my taste. We finally arrived at Soldier's brother's house at around 1:30 in the morning. Soldier was concerned about making me a drink but I just wanted sleep. We were so close to our journey's end. 

Day the Seventh: Thursday

Finally, the last day had arrived. Four short hours in the car stood between us and our destination. Along the way, we saw at least 7 police cars on the highway. Thankfully, however, the last of the trip was uneventful. We arrived at our apartment and unpacked the car, then sat down with a beer. Now comes the real work: car shopping, job searching, house hunting. Thinking about it all makes me tired. 

I don't really have many initial thoughts on Cleveland so far (though, to be fair, we're actually outside of the city so we haven't seen it yet). I hope we'll find a nice house and enjoy our time here; I still worry whether this was the right decision or not. Whatever the case, though, here we are and we'll have to make the best of it.  

The Last Summer

The Last Frontier

When we got our date to leave, we had six months left. I knew it would go fast. I knew that when it finally came, I would feel like it was a whirlwind. I was right. It's just about a week until we get on the ferry. 

This summer I've tried to really appreciate Alaska and all it's given us. Soldier and I got married here and have spent the last 3 years in an apartment that looks out on ocean and mountains; where I can sit and watch cruise ships dock and seaplanes land. We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny summer. We had a couple of visitors and took advantage of some last ditch adventures. As much as I've gotten down on Juneau, I know I'm going to miss it. It's a surreal life up here. 

I may have already mentioned some of these things but in getting emotional I have to tell you again. Our best friends were planning on getting married and wanted Soldier to perform the ceremony...so they booked a helicopter out to a lighthouse on 4th of July. We took a helicopter to a lighthouse for our best friends to get married. We saw whales as we were flying over the ocean. The next day, Soldier and I took the skiff out to pull the crab pots. It was a gorgeous day and I was out in a bikini top and shorts pulling up pots. But as we were out Soldier had to dodge all the commercial fishing boats and their nets. We stopped for him to throw a line out and I remember looking around and thinking, "This isn't normal. This is amazing." Do you have any idea what it's like to see a whale come up while you're sitting there in a 14 foot skiff? It's terrifying and amazing at the same time. You realize how incredibly small you are and how incredibly awesome nature is. 
When Soldier's cousin came up to visit we took a seaplane to Admiralty Island. Admiralty's claim to fame is that there are more brown bears than people there. We went to see the Coastal Brown Bears (fun fact: they don't call them grizzly bears because they're not as aggressive). I would have liked to have seen them a little closer but I was also kind of okay with it. You're basically just out in nature, in the territory of this massive deadly animal; you're at the mercy of basically whatever they want to do. It's crazy. 

With the amazing weather, Soldier has had many opportunities for great fishing. That's not to say bad weather keeps him from fishing, but good weather means less worry for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm real freaking sick of his fishing obsession. And as we got along in the summer I kept asking what he was planning on doing with all the fish he was catching. Guys, I do know that it's a good problem to have. But I will be glad when every week doesn't include an all day fishing trip.  
The good weather also meant we had lots of time to stroll around downtown, which I love. Lots of watching seaplanes land and just general sunshine, not as much hiking as we should have done.

We've had both of our work going away parties, the movers have taken most of our stuff away, and I've started cleaning out the apartment. This time next week we'll have taken our ferry trip, crossed over into Canada (hopefully without any issues), and should be on the tail end of getting to our first campsite. The journey should take about a week and we're spending 2 days at Banff National Park, which I'm really excited about. 

I think we've had as good of a last summer as we could have. I'm excited for the adventure of our multi country road trip, and  getting back to the lower 48. Hopefully I'll have lots of animal pictures to post from the drive!  

196 Books: Brazil

An Invincible Memory by Joao Ubaldo Ribeiro

I'm assuming most of you know where Brazil is, but in keeping with tradition: 

Here's a review, not from the book cover, but from Publishers Weekly: 

A family saga spanning nearly 400 years, this absorbing epic novel lays bare the soul of the Brazilian nation. Whaling, war, macumba, slavery, murder, cannibalism and Brazil's struggle for independence add momentum to Ribeiro's lyrical, effusive, sonorous, serpentine prose laced with a touch of magic realismsomething of a cross between Melville and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (The author himself has rendered the fluent translation.) At the center is Amleto Ferreira, a 19th century paterfamilias and conniving bookkeeper who defrauds a baron of his wealth; Amleto's ladylike, long-suffering wife Teolina; and their children, among them a priest, a romantic poet and a soldier. A bestseller in Brazil, the novel graphically portrays the terrible cruelty inflicted by whites on blacks, mulattos and Indians; the lives of these native peoples unfold in dozens of intertwined stories. The relationship between Merinha, patient, Penelope-like servant girl, and runaway slave Budiao is moving. Also memorable are 100-year-old Great Mother Dadinha and Maria da Fe, a bandit warrior who converses with birds and seeks special power from a sorcerer's charms. Catapulting his tale into the 1970s, journalist Ribeiro ( Sergeant Getulio ) creates a stunning portrait of a people who, though outwardly mirthful, are still not free. 

Uuuuugh this book. When I was first looking at it I thought it sounded great. When it arrived I was like Okay, that's pretty substantial but not a big thing. And then I had the moment of realization. This guy is a wannabe Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I started trying to flounder through it and then read some reviews that of course liked the similarities between the authors. Me? Not so much. That's kind of why I put in the Publishers Weekly review. Cuz guess which authors I did not like at all? You guessed it: Melville and Marquez. So I did finally finish this one, but it felt like it took 5 years. 

I felt like the first third of the book could have been scrapped, and the last 20 or so pages where it skips ahead to the 70s was out of place. The majority of the story took place in the really 19th century (I think) so the other timelines seemed odd and it wasn't entirely clear where we were in time. Also, the descriptions of the racism and rapes and shit were just awful. They made me sick. And I know that stuff really did happen and maybe it's good for me to recognize that and be uncomfortable but...shit. People are the worst.

But there were definitely things that I liked. Maria da Fe is the hero that everyone needs. She was such a badass. And the main part of the story was pretty good. SO. If you like Marquez, this is a good read for you. 

Great Days

Budget night is the new date night

It's been a while since I just wrote about life, so here we go. 

I can't remember if I've reported it here, but a while back, Soldier got a reassignment. Basically we had a last resort of putting in a hardship of me having to go to Seattle for my RA treatment. While we were waiting for our paperwork to go up the ranks I was afraid to be optimistic...I honestly didn't know if I'd be able to handle it if we got turned down. But we were approved and we'll be moving to Cleveland, Ohio this fall! Any haters can keep their mouths shut; if you have any good places to visit/eat/things to do I'm all ears. 

With the impending move, I've decided I'm really going to try to appreciate Juneau for our last few months. Fortunately, we've had a beautiful summer so far so it's been a little easier. I've been trying to take in the magnitude of the mountains, the strangeness of looking out my office window to see a fleet of helicopters landing, watching the cruise ships dock and seaplanes land and take off from my living room, eagles and bears just doing their thing, and all the amazing salmon Soldier has been catching. I've even been having a little flare up with my knees, but my attempt at positivity and insistence on walking most days seems to help a lot. 

But something happened today I never would have expected. In the 2 and a half years we've been married, Soldier would broach the subject of a budget and I immediately shut down. To me a budget means you're telling me I can't spend my own money on what I want. But with the move coming up and having a real summer, I'm more open. So he had me listen to a podcast he thought I'd enjoy and we came up with a plan: weekly budget nights. Today was our first one and we had a great time! We had great conversations and came up with a good starter plan, had steak, and went walking/playing Pokemon go. (I like to call it Poke-hunting and yeah we're kinda nerds, what of it?!) Then we came home and just hung out for a bit. 
There are some days that I truly, truly appreciate my Soldier and the life we have, and this was one of those days. It's easy to get down on all the negativity, so it makes me appreciate those days even more. 

Anyway, let's see...we have a trip home in August and we booked a cruise for next year. Exciting stuff! I'm still working on the Brazil book, it's taking a while as expected. Well, until next time dears!