Anita and Didi go shopping..without Valerie

A 3-D model of the human body costs how much?..

Then I think we need to put some

of this stuff back! this stuff back!

A school to support in Ghana

In additional to exploring the markets, historic sites, national parks and nightlife of Ghana, a school in Cape Coast has been identified for support. Ayensudo Akoma International Academy of Arts and Sciences (http://planetafrica.org/aaiaas/) has been in operation since 1994 and serves approximately 100 students from ages 3 to about 17 annually. Simunye will provide both monetary support and materials as requested by the school’s Co-Director. I hope to post great pictures from the school and make some student to student connections!

Anti-malaria makes me sick

So, the prescribing physician is still in South Africa tooting his vuvuzela, I'm still trying to get this med changed. Can't stomach a month of nausea. Mañana, the clerk promises, is when a solution will be revealed.

About Simunye

Simunye, is a group of philanthropists - not of the multimil ilk- just selfless 'ordinary' folk who work to make a difference in the lives of children. Founded by the late Dr. Morris Johnson, Professor of History at Miami Dade College, Simunye (Zulu for “we are one”) is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Florida. On this journey we will continue to implement Dr. Johnson’s goal of connecting people by providing aid to schools in impoverished areas throughout the world. For more than 15 years the group has given instructional and material support to schools in various countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, Costa Rico, Haiti, and Mexico as well as schools in our own community.

In honor of the late Dr. Morris Johnson, Founder, Heart and Mulette Driver of Simunye

Get Back Mosquitoes!!!

Two days ago I was scheduled to begin my malaria prevention regimen. Even though the reminder flashed on my phone, I didn't take my first capsule until yesterday morning. Under the subtitle "How to use", the information sheet clearly states.."(This medication) is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water..." After about 20 minutes the nausea that gripped me made it clear that I would have to find another way to get this med into my system, every day for the next 28 days...hmm applesauce, no chewing followed by water today. Yuck! Tomorrow, I'll try another approach.

33d 15h 53m 15 s

Preparations for my first trip to Africa, of course included wading through a list of required and recommended innoculations as well as determining where to get these shots and malaria pills. Yellow fever at the Health Dept for the most competitive rate. Then at the UM clinic, I was handed a 21 page Travelers Health Report. Never having a fear of needles or shots, I took the other (4) recommended vaccines without a problem and had the prescription for malaria tablets filled. The UM doctor, a travel physician ( didn't know this specialty existed), patiently answered my many questions and chatted about his upcoming trip to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup. Three hours in the clinic seemed to fly by.

The next day, of course, I walked around like Frankenstein, arms held out from my sides too stiff and sore to imagine!