Interesting Culture

1) Yesterday I went out to do my galago research, as I have for the past 4 nights, from 8pm-1am. I always go out with Felipe, my UNGE student partner. We walked on the main road, which is lined on both sides with small trees and elephant grass, and few cars travel on at night. We walked for 4,000 meters, took a 30 minute break, then walked 4,000 meters back to the center. With galago research we walk at a slow pace and shine our headlights at the trees and elephant grass, and if the galago is looking at us its eyes will shine very brightly, just like that of dog’s at night when light shines on them. There are 4 types of galagos found here, two dwarf sized ones: Demidoff and Thomasi, and two squirrel sized ones: Allen’s and Euoticus. We’ve seen a lot of Allen’s and Demidoff. We can distinguish between the different types depending on how high off the ground they are seen, in what kind of vegetation, and whether they call or not. It’s interesting to learn this material, even if I probably won’t use it in my career. While Felipe and I were walking the road last night we talked a lot about the difference between our cultures. We talked about how, in Equatorial Guinea, polygamy is accepted and quite normal, how many men have a machismo attitude (aka men make the decisions in relationships and families), the difference between the two main tribes, Bubi’s and Fang, the importance of a name, the government style and political history, and much more. He speaks a little English, and is trying to learn more but it is difficult for him, so we have most of our conversation in Spanish, which is great practice for me. Felipe said I could consider myself to have fluency in Spanish, I’m not quite sure I’m comfortable saying that yet, but I’m getting there. Here, in EG, polygamy is acceptable and quite common because it is much easier for a man to provide for his wife, or many, than a woman for a man, at least now. Also, the more children someone has, the wealthier they are seen, as there are more children to make money for the family. And, biologically, men can have more children than women in a lifetime. It was an interesting conversation. On the topic of Bubi’s and Fang, Fang are the majority in EG, and they also hold almost every position of power in the country, with them ruling the political atmosphere. The last two Presidents of EG have been Fang from the same town. Well, that’s it for now, hopefully I’ll talk to you all soon, never know when I’ll have internet access again!

: ) Isys