Monday, July 24, 2006

In Afrika

I am writing you from the lovely county of Benin in West Africa. I met up with the other Benin Peace Corps volunteers (PCV acronyms are very Peace Corp (PC) in Philadelphia. We spent 2 days in meetings going over expectations, policies, and methods of integration. Overall it was very academic and abstract. We were given $180 for our meals and incidentals over those 2 days, This involved getting to know the other peace corps volunteers over lunch, dinner and drinks. In total there are 59 PVC's. They are mostly very nice and interesting people coming from all over the country. We traveled out of Philadelphia airport via Paris to Cotonou, this took about 24 hours. Once we arrived (delayed of course) we were greeted with a humid climate in a place that felt very far away from the western world. The people wearing local tissue fabrics speaking in either French or a indecipherable language. The dress can be made locally for about 8000 CFA. We made it to the compound in Cotonou where we are staying and they had some of the current PCVs waiting cheering us on and help us with our bags to our rooms. We has a quick bite to eat and were left to sleep (under mosquito netting). In the morning I was woken up by a small boy peering into the room, I realized that I was defiantly in Africa. This feeling was enforced by seeing the country in daylight. We spent the day getting to know some of the leaders, administration, policies, medical details, and even the American ambassador showed up for a few minutes and spoke. He was leaving the next day, finishing his posting in Benin. The rest of the day we were bussed into the city again on one of the 5 paved roads to the Peace Corps building. Driving down the road was amazing, stands all down the road, people selling things everywhere. Although it appeared that no one was buying anything, all wearing colorful local fabrics. The road filled with mopeds and French cars. I keep thinking of infernetto as we were driving in the city. At the office we were tested in French, had our next round of shots, and were fitted for a brand new bicycle, bicycle helmet, and motorcycle helmet. It really is amazing to be here, a couple times a day something really grips you and reminds you that you are in a very different place from where you grew up. The next couple days will be spent here in Cotonou, soon I will be leaving with the other EA (environment) people to Parma located about 15km north of Nititengou. Where we will spend the next 9 months training and living with a host family. Internet access might be difficult and speratic. I will be able to receive packages, padded envelopes are the best. Hint hint. I hope everything is going well with all of you and I will try to keep you updated with my adventure here in Africa.

Much Love,

Michael.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Nervous

nerv·ous Pronunciation (nûrvs)adj.
anxious: causing or fraught with or showing anxiety
aflutter: excited in anticipation

Leaving Harrisonburg today for a night in Haymarket, Va only to catch a train at Union Station at 9am the next day Philly bound. Three days in Philly for pre stage then the trip via Paris to Cotonou, Benin. Too many goodbyes too many things to pack. I will miss you all and will try to keep you updated via Blog, email or snail mail.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

First Post Ever!

First Post.

I have set up an email list to keep friends and family posted on my peace corps adventure. This was the email i sent out May 22nd. If you would like to be on this list please let me know. I will however try and update this blog with the emails. It will be a uncoordinated effort between my email, blog and handwritten journal, im not really sure who will win but i am taking bets. (You can comment with your predictions)

Hi Everyone,
As the title suggests I finally received my Peace Corps invitation. I was nominated to Francophone West Africa more specifically the country of Benin.
My job title would be Community Natural resource Advisor and i could be "focusing on projects related to agroforestry, wildlife protection, or a more general assessment involving environmental education."
The orientation training starts July 18-20th, then off for in-country training. The last day of service would be Sept 21st 2008. Looks like this thing is really happening. Depending on my post I might have more or less access to Internet (not to mention electricity and or running water). I will send out my mailing address as soon as I get it.

If you would like to read more about the country of Benin these are two good sites to check out:
CIA Factbook: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/bn.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin

Take Care,
Michael.