I'm living in a fairly closed community, only due to its remoteness and because it's difficult to get to (I haven't taken orders... it isn't that life changing!). I think, strangely, it's what I like best and least about my time here.
Fortunately I get to share it with some lovely, fun people. I'm one of two volunteers, the other being a 19 year old American lad, who's also half Burkina. Obviously we're culturally and generationally poles apart but he's proving to be a great companion.
We live with our guide Rene who is also, most importantly, our interpreter. He's super cool and spends his spare time playing and writing music. He occasionally gets a break from us and Ludovic replaces him.
There are also 2 guardians and they swap out every fortnight which shakes it up a bit. Their main responsibilities are security, keeping the forest paths clear, chopping firewood, watering the veg patch and collecting water for the camp. Here are Nambini and Dodo after their rounds in the forest...
Each day a couple come in from the local village which is about an hour by foot and canoe, in all weather. Sana cooks and Solo is responsible for the canoes and is also the oracle on all things in the Reserve, being the longest serving member of staff... and occasional camp barber.
On Sundays the guardians, Rene, Malick and I are left to fend for ourselves. Sunday lunch, which is always a bit of a treat.. spaghetti rather than rice, is usually prepared by me and Malick and accompanied by a tasty courgette and tomato sauce!
Occasionally we need extra labour to canoe in supplies or when felling and chopping the non endemic trees. These guys are supernaturally strong, carrying tree trunks on their shoulders through the forest paths; amazing.
The work squad:
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