It's nice to be wanted

The friendly hotel staff is always in good humor. Photo: Matthew De Galan/Mercy Corps

Everyone at the hotel wants to work for us, sell us something, get something from us. They approach the matter politely, with deference. Feliciane wants to work in admistration. She also raises chickens and submitted a proposal to us, asking for $70,000 to launch a larger enterprise.

The tall young man with the Good Humor Ice Cream shirt that says "Robin" on the nameplate wants to be a driver. The cook here, who also waits tables, has offered his services as our cook, should we rent a house. A short young man whose name I do not know asked me, three days, running, if I had an extra flash drive. He kept explaining that this was his last day at the hotel, but that I could give it to his brother before I leave. But he's still here, every day.

Finally, another tall young man with the Good Humor Ice Cream shirt that has Tasha on the nameplate asked if we would be interested in purchasing "un petite animal du foret." As a pet, a curiosity. It turned out to be a turtle.