Expectations
August 15, 2008
The rain continues to fall; the rainy season persists. Next week this time, I will officially be a volunteer for the Peace Corps and celebrating the last night with fellow trainees and then off to my village. Time has flown by quickly, and despite annoyances relating to training, I’ve enjoyed getting to know many wonderful people. I am especially proud…
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Sans Electricity? Sans Problem!
June 29, 2008
I cannot lament enough on how wonderful technology is! This past week was long, and there were moments when I thought, “what in the world am I doing here?” “Why did I give up hot shower/microwave/all forms of modern conveniences to learn a 4th language and to live in this outrageous place?” This is a wild place and despite my…
Read MoreGrilled Fish & Cold Shower
June 13, 2008
The ridiculous yet absolutely amazing-ness continues. Right now, I am writing from my bed, underneath my lovely mosquito net (I see why people get addicted and can’t sleep without it). The room is dark and lit only by my hand-cranked lamp and pre-charged mackbook because the electricity keeps cutting out since it’s raining/thundering. It’s raining season here in Banganté and…
Read MoreLa Japonaise!
June 11, 2008
Today, I had those favorite moments of mine where I felt like I was in a movie, and everything was absolutely surreal. Visit to the Market After training, the two hosting PCVs took a few of us to the market. We walked approximately 10 minutes down the busy main street to get there. The market was amazingly exotic yet familiar…
Read MoreSteep Learning Curve
June 11, 2008
I wanted to write a bit about the training and how impressed I am with the Peace Corps, so far. This morning we received our language interview result. I was placed in Intermediate Low. The system is based on the ACTFL guidelines, splitting into four major groups: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Within Novice, Intermediate and Advance, the levels are…
Read MoreNew Ideas!
June 10, 2008
I feel energized by the conversations that took place this evening among other PCTs. This is one of last free evenings together; starting Thursday, we will be disbursed among host families after training hours. The great conversation began at dinner when the young married couple, Thryn & Gavin discussed a great business idea to me pertaining to non-profits. I told…
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Welcome to Africa!
June 9, 2008
This morning, I woke up in the middle of the night at 3:30am and could not fall asleep for the life of me. Usually, I am not the type to lose sleep or have insomnia. Perhaps it’s the malaria meds, but I felt horribly uncomfortable and craved a shower. The malaria meds haven’t given me wildly weird dreams or make…
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