Crossroads.

Its Wednesday, April 8th. I have spent the entire day in Bamako anxious and nervous for the fate of one of the most important sporting events in the history of all sporting events. As of last evening, the baseball season started for the Sox. A win, something I'm happy to hear, but envious not to have seen. But really, the season still has 161 games left - without of course, our run to the championship (again!), I've got plenty of time. But no, this isn't the event of speak of. Nor was it the Husky (WOMEN) winning the championship. Its much bigger, and better than that.

Tomorrow night - Thursday - the Catamounts will hit the ice against the famed Terriers of Boston, the nations numero kelen (one) team in college hockey. This battle of heroics will pit the Hockey East champions against the Davids of the East, my beloved Cats. And with such a momentous occasion, one would expect me sitting in front of a tv with a Harpoon in hand, but no. By the time the game starts, I'll most likely be asleep, only left to dream of the future glory of the Green and Gold. Or begging the Lebanese hotel owners to "just let me check ESPN International one more time... I swear its on"....

But really though. Its such a big event (for the say, 100.000 of us who bear the cold every year in Gutterson or who remember the heartbreaking defeat of 1996) and I do wish I could watch it, but Mali has its own pleasures that its not necessarily an equal trade. I hope to get the replay tape and maybe a championship shirt when we go all the way.

Fingers crossed.

That's about all for now. Just finished building a school. More on that later. And I got a new roof on my huts - photos pending. So, yeah.

110 degree heat and mangoes.
gocats.