Routine

Some people have asked me about my routine- what does a normal day look like for me in Burundi? When I got home last night and was reflecting for a moment, I realized I had had a most wonderful day; and although it hadn't been anything out of the ordinary, perhaps it could have been called a day of ideal routine. 

0730- Wake up. Strong, dark coffee from a press. Whole wheat toast with cheese. Fresh pineapple.  

0830- Watch Le Téléjournal de Radio Canada, news from Québec on TV5 (France morning television).

0910- Arrive at work. Email. Put almost-finishing touches on 2006 Annual Report in French.

1200- Home for a special lunch, to which I've invited Emmanuel and his wife. Eat like royalty. 

1400- Back to work. Email. Skype with Mr. James Perreaux. He asks me if I shower; respond in the affirmative. Even use soap. Feel somewhat homesick. Chat with Antonio on MSN. Should be working. Coffee.

1700- 2 hours to finalize French translation of the annual report with good friend Jean-de-Dieu. Completion brings grand sense of accomplishment and relief. 

1900- Skype with Duncan, says there's a power cut at the gym. 

1930- Duncan's proven correct, I'm alone at the gym, exercising by candlelight. Quite enjoyable, actually; nobody is around to see my profuse sweating. A choir practices next door and makes me very glad to be in Africa.  

2030- Leave the gym when the candles burn out. 

2100- Home. Shower. Warm up dinner of pasta with fresh fish. Paul Desmond on the stereo (thank aloud Mr. Daryl Alford for the iPod and Benedikte for the stereo). 

2200- Read a chapter of Sa Majesté des Mouches (The Lord of the Flies).

2300- Not entirely abstemious nightcap while catching TV5 Africa news.  

2330 or so- Collapse in bed. Reflect on enjoyable day.