The Inauguration of the 6th Grade Guest Speaker Series, and Poulet On The Grill

It is a privilege to teach at an international school with access to such rich resources.

The 6th grade has begun a Friday afternoon Guest Speaker Series, inviting members of the ISD community -- parents and staff -- to come in and share a personal interest, skill or experience, whether connected to their profession, or more an advocation.

Ali's pop was the first to visit with us. Mr. Ka shared his experience of making the Haj to Mecca earlier in the year. I think we all found it very interesting, from the history and significance of the Kaaba, to the challenge of locating a bathroom when you're surrounded by several million pilgrims!

Upcoming presentations will include the arts and music, sports, culture and the nature of relief work. All fascinating.

* * *

BBQ.

I'm still trying to figure it out, and through my small successes it's coming together, sort of.

I've got the coals figured out: Place a small pile of briquettes on the grill, and use the gas stove to get them lit up.

(I'm glad that there isn't a smoke alarm in the flat. Insert image of toubab Tod -- toubab here used not in it's most flattering connotation -- scurrying across the living room with a grate of red hot smoking coals, sparks popping -- an excellent segment for the movie Jackass 3.)

I then use the official Senegalese coal-fanning tool (there is one) to up the flame, and the coals roar. Excellent. So far, so good.

Well, let's stop there. The rest is embarrassing.