Some BF PCVs put together some practical how-to videos about learning language and using latrines. Now you know.
Be sure to at least skip ahead to 1:35 for some awesome demonstrations of non-language communication.
Posts Tagged ‘Video
20
Oct
11
Educating Through Song
Check out PCV Halley Brus’ educational songs on hand-washing and on vaccinations.
I’ve already shown you some photos and an introductory video from our Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Fair last week in Ouagadougou, but check out these two new videos for a closer look into the fair (including a lot of individual PCV projects) plus a live performance by Floby of his new Peace Corps song.
Photo Credit: Hayley Droppert
The bike tour arrival and new volunteer swear-in were the kick-off events to a three day anniversary fair held in downtown Ouagadougou. The fair had a lot of booths (many of which were PCV partners), information sessions, music/dancing, a fashion show, and even American carnival games (including a dunk tank). Speeches by the Burkinabe First Lady, US Ambassador, and PC Country Director were followed by a concert by Floby, one of Burkina’s biggest music acts to close out the festivities.
Check out this video and some of my photos from the fair.
21
Jul
11
Fashion Shows – Video Montage
It’s graduation season, and I had the opportunity to attend two end of the year fashion shows for some local tailoring schools. Sadly I don’t have a zoom lens, so am without quality photos to show you. Instead I haphazardly put together a couple of the video clips I shot to try to give you a taste of the events.
You’ll see a couple of walks down the runway, a poetry reading (I think, but couldn’t understand her very well), and some traditional singing and dancing. Be on the lookout for playback (lip-syncing) towards the end (and will likely be the subject of a future more detailed post).
Added bonus: listen for the Celine Dion at the end, and realize that the same song was on repeat for the whole 2 hour runway segment of the show, I kid you not.
Fellow PCV John is out with a new video to commemorate his one year mark in Burkina (I’m at 9 months myself). Check it out, and see out how green it has become during rainy season.
12
Jun
11
New Skills: Dicing Mangos
I’ve already told you about the wonders of mango jam, but mangos are pretty darn good the natural way too. The key is preparing it the right way to avoid getting the sticky sweet fruit all over you. And when you do it well you come off like quite the chef. To help you learn the technique and impress your friends, I’ve made a handy stop motion instructional video. Though I really just made it because I wanted to have an excuse to try out my newly downloaded copy of Windows Movie Maker. It’s no iMovie (I miss my Mac) but works. Hopefully this means more movies from me in the future.
03
Jun
11
Friday Photo: The Mountain
Each Friday I’ll serve up a photo and give you the story behind it. This week, Joey hanging out with the kids. Plus a bonus video.
Remember the Bah Bah Bah Song? It was surprisingly easy to a large group of kids together in Pama. Just walk towards the “mountain” and a whole crew of kids will follow to explain the layout of the town as seen from above, the history of the rock (human and animal “footprints”), and literally play the rock as an instrument from where the local quarrying company has taken samples. The long hallow shafts makes some cool sound effects. Check out the video to see John playing the “rock instrument”:
29
May
11
Champions League Final
If you didn’t know already, FC Barcelona took home the 2011 UEFA Champions League title last night with a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. And though perhaps surprisingly easily for for a PCV in Burkina Faso, it was quite simple for me to watch the match. An always available option in most cities (though not villages) are Canal+ boutiques that are generally covered outdoor structures with a satellite dish and a TV. Most evenings some European match is on, and other times they play movies, music videos or television programs. The typical admission charge is 100-200 CFA (20-40 cents).
But last night, their was a new option, as the local youth center opened up it’s doors for the final. It was great atmosphere to watch the game, as the Burkinabe are great soccer fans and the center has the biggest TV I’ve seen in Burkina. The first 60 minutes of the game were incredibly tight, though once Barca had a two goal advantage the viewing was a bit less intense. Check out this short video I took as the match was ending to get a sense for the experience. Makes me wish I was here for the world cup last summer.
04
May
11
The Bah Bah Bah Song
John, one of my neighbors in the east, and youtube famous as The Singing Nerd, let us in on helping him put together his latest video. I did the camera work, and even had my first ever dance recorded on video. Check it out!
