It is hot as balls in Forecariah. Outside it wasn’t so bad, but in my room I am just dripping sweat not even moving. It is way hotter than Conakry and not just because we had air conditioning some places there. Guess I will have to take a second bucket bath in the morning before heading to training at 8.
My host family is really awesome. There is mama, grandma, aunt Oumou and my sisters Fatim, Yari and Mamadaba (I think). Fatim also has a 1 year and 5 month old son, Mohammed. Fatim is 19, Yari is 16 and Mamadaba can’t be more than 10. EDIT: As it turns out, Mamadaba is mama (Fatou’s) cousin.
Both Fatim and Yari are educated and speak English, in addition to French and Susu. I think mama and Oumou also speak French, but I am not sure. For dinner, mama made me French fries with a fried egg and onions. It was tasty but greasy.
I had my first experience with the pit latrine and can I just say that it splashes everywhere. Also, the whole family got a kick out of my electric toothbrush. I’m not sure if it was a bad idea or not to use it during homestay, as they do say not to let people know what you have, but I mean, it’s a toothbrush. Even if it got jacked, I wouldn’t be heartbroken, I’d have my mom send another. I have an analog backup just in case.
Fatim and Yari were the ones who came to the adoption ceremony. I guess because they speak English. Also, I live like practically next to the Bureau, which is our base of operations for training.
Today Yari took me around and we visited some of her friends and walked to the market. We also played cards: Huit Americain and Monnie. Oumou played a few rounds of Huit Americain with us.
I am so tired, but so hot and I don’t know if I’ll get a good night’s sleep tonight or not. There is a lot more to say but I am beat.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Homestay Tomorrow
Well, this will probably be my last post until Christmas. Tomorrow we head to Forecariah to be adopted by our host families and move into the homes that we will stay in for the next 2 months during training. I am looking forward to having my own room, as living in this "Peace Corps frat house" (as one of us put it) is starting to be a bit draining! We will come back to Conakry for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so I will have internet then. That is also when I will get my cell phone and email out the number. Incoming calls are free so call as much as you want as long as I have service! The volunteers said about 85% of them have rezzo (service) at their site.
Today our CD Dan opened up his pool to all of us and we went swimming. We kept spinning around in the water saying, "Peace Corps is so hard!" When everyone at home sees pics they will think all we do here is party. But just know that is not the case! The next two months we will train from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with additional assignments and activities after 5 and on Saturday mornings.
AgFo is a small group, just six of us: me, Jessica, Danyelle, Jason, Chris-Heijn and Ian. You can find blogs for Jessica, Ian and Chris-Heijn on the right sidebar (as of right now). Some of our training activities include planting and maintaining a 30 meter x 30 meter garden, tree and leaf identification, Moringa tree education and working with high school kids in a local school in Forecariah (among many other things!). Engaging the youth in the environmental future of this country is going to be very important. According to two of our volunteer trainers (Ciara and Teale), the older generation in Guinea sees the problems but are just too old to do anything about it. It will be up to us to help get the youth to see it, too.
This morning we went to the marche (market, pronounced mar-chay). I was in Sidiki's group (each volunteer only took 4-5 trainees as it would be WAY too hard for us all to go there together) and Paul, Ben and Ian all bought some traditional African clothes to wear to the adoption tomorrow. Clothes for women are a bit trickier. You really need to go to a tailor to have something made. I really wanted to wear something Guinean to the ceremony but the girls told me women do NOT wear bubus (like a mumu, kinda) unless they are very old and that was really the only thing I felt comfortable buying without trying on or being tailored.
The market was crazy and it was a slow day!! Since today is Tabaski, not many were at the marche, but it is like this crowded "indoor" area with these tiny little walkways that you just have to push your way through. There are all kinds of weird sights and smells and if I ate meat I probably would have been horrified by the meat section. The others were. It was what I was expecting: cuts of meat just sitting out, flies all over them. Stinky!
However it was nice to see that there were plenty of things for me to buy...pasta in packages, tomato paste, peanuts, rice, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, lemons, avocado (YUM AVOCADO!), mustard, ketchup, french bread, eggs, oranges, pineapples, bananas, melons, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, onions, garlic, peanut butter (fresh, not jarred), spices in little bags (have to ask what they are), flour, peanut oil and lots of stuff we could not identify! However, I did not see beans though Jess told me there are beans there and I must have missed them. She also said my local market will not have as much stuff. I figure I will grow a lot of things in my garden and keep rice, beans, pasta and tomato paste around as a staple food. I hope my local market is also a little more spread out! It was a little bit overwhelming to be in that crush of people in those tiny walkways, dodging unidentifiable puddles on the ground. Sidiki stepped in a puddle and had to wash his feet when we got back. And again, it was a slow day since it is Tabaski!!
Apparently there are also mango and corn seasons. But the mangoes will be free as long as you can shake one off a tree! Oh and the other night at the restaurant I tried some baobob fruit which is chalky but tasty!
Jess taught me how to eat an orange the way a Guinean does, which entails using a paring knife to cut off the outer layer of skin (which took us like 5 min per orange and would take a Guinean woman 10 seconds), then biting off one end, spitting it out and sucking the juice out as you squeeze the orange. Make sure you spit out the seeds! Very fresh.
Oh AND there is popcorn here!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! Julia (CD Dan's wife who he met when they were serving in Peace Corps) made us some at the pool and the few precious fluffy white crunchies I had were amazing. Oh, popcorn, how I love you.
Well, tonight we are making pizza, pasta salad, upside down pineapple cake and whatever else for dinner. The pizza will be made of bread, homemade sauce and vache (Laughing Cow cheese). I'm excited.
Paul is sitting next to me working on his speech for the adoption ceremony tomorrow with the help of Katya (our retired volunteer from Russia originally). I think he will be really good. All of us are really excited to move into homestay.
SEND ME LETTERS AND PICTURES!! I have none to show my host family and they will think I am an orphan. :)
Well, au revoir! Talk to you again at Christmas!
Today our CD Dan opened up his pool to all of us and we went swimming. We kept spinning around in the water saying, "Peace Corps is so hard!" When everyone at home sees pics they will think all we do here is party. But just know that is not the case! The next two months we will train from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with additional assignments and activities after 5 and on Saturday mornings.
AgFo is a small group, just six of us: me, Jessica, Danyelle, Jason, Chris-Heijn and Ian. You can find blogs for Jessica, Ian and Chris-Heijn on the right sidebar (as of right now). Some of our training activities include planting and maintaining a 30 meter x 30 meter garden, tree and leaf identification, Moringa tree education and working with high school kids in a local school in Forecariah (among many other things!). Engaging the youth in the environmental future of this country is going to be very important. According to two of our volunteer trainers (Ciara and Teale), the older generation in Guinea sees the problems but are just too old to do anything about it. It will be up to us to help get the youth to see it, too.
This morning we went to the marche (market, pronounced mar-chay). I was in Sidiki's group (each volunteer only took 4-5 trainees as it would be WAY too hard for us all to go there together) and Paul, Ben and Ian all bought some traditional African clothes to wear to the adoption tomorrow. Clothes for women are a bit trickier. You really need to go to a tailor to have something made. I really wanted to wear something Guinean to the ceremony but the girls told me women do NOT wear bubus (like a mumu, kinda) unless they are very old and that was really the only thing I felt comfortable buying without trying on or being tailored.
The market was crazy and it was a slow day!! Since today is Tabaski, not many were at the marche, but it is like this crowded "indoor" area with these tiny little walkways that you just have to push your way through. There are all kinds of weird sights and smells and if I ate meat I probably would have been horrified by the meat section. The others were. It was what I was expecting: cuts of meat just sitting out, flies all over them. Stinky!
However it was nice to see that there were plenty of things for me to buy...pasta in packages, tomato paste, peanuts, rice, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, lemons, avocado (YUM AVOCADO!), mustard, ketchup, french bread, eggs, oranges, pineapples, bananas, melons, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, onions, garlic, peanut butter (fresh, not jarred), spices in little bags (have to ask what they are), flour, peanut oil and lots of stuff we could not identify! However, I did not see beans though Jess told me there are beans there and I must have missed them. She also said my local market will not have as much stuff. I figure I will grow a lot of things in my garden and keep rice, beans, pasta and tomato paste around as a staple food. I hope my local market is also a little more spread out! It was a little bit overwhelming to be in that crush of people in those tiny walkways, dodging unidentifiable puddles on the ground. Sidiki stepped in a puddle and had to wash his feet when we got back. And again, it was a slow day since it is Tabaski!!
Apparently there are also mango and corn seasons. But the mangoes will be free as long as you can shake one off a tree! Oh and the other night at the restaurant I tried some baobob fruit which is chalky but tasty!
Jess taught me how to eat an orange the way a Guinean does, which entails using a paring knife to cut off the outer layer of skin (which took us like 5 min per orange and would take a Guinean woman 10 seconds), then biting off one end, spitting it out and sucking the juice out as you squeeze the orange. Make sure you spit out the seeds! Very fresh.
Oh AND there is popcorn here!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! Julia (CD Dan's wife who he met when they were serving in Peace Corps) made us some at the pool and the few precious fluffy white crunchies I had were amazing. Oh, popcorn, how I love you.
Well, tonight we are making pizza, pasta salad, upside down pineapple cake and whatever else for dinner. The pizza will be made of bread, homemade sauce and vache (Laughing Cow cheese). I'm excited.
Paul is sitting next to me working on his speech for the adoption ceremony tomorrow with the help of Katya (our retired volunteer from Russia originally). I think he will be really good. All of us are really excited to move into homestay.
SEND ME LETTERS AND PICTURES!! I have none to show my host family and they will think I am an orphan. :)
Well, au revoir! Talk to you again at Christmas!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
End of Orientation
Today was our last day of orientation. Tomorrow the staff will be off because it is Tabaski, so we have a free day to spend with the volunteers. We are on our own tomorrow and Sadiki (Adam) said we were going to make pizza with Laughing Cow cheese, which is the only affordable cheese you can readily find here. Also the country director (Dan) invited us all to go swimming in his pool tomorrow, which will be great fun!! We are also going to dip all our mosquito nets in bug poison.
Every day we have had hard boiled eggs and fresh french bread for breakfast which has been nice. We have also had a lot of spaghetti and french fries! Last night we went out to a restaurant called Africana in downtown Conakry. The food was similar to what we have been eating - meats, spaghetti, french fries, salad, bread, etc... We had baobob juice which reminded me and Sadiki of Jamba Juice because it kind of had that chalky taste and is thick. Ciara (AgFo Hoe!) said there must have been condensed milk in it.
The ride there and back was CRAZY! There are NO traffic rules here at all. No stop signs or traffic lights (well, a couple). People play soccer in the middle of the street in traffic. There are people EVERYWHERE and a lot of them want to wave and smile at the fotes (white people). People hang out outside in the streets. Everyone honks to try and get their way. Fender benders are a regular occurrence. There's traffic jams on all the major roads. The drive made it clear that Guinea is a very poor country. No one keeps up buildings and some neighborhoods look like war zones. I think I will be happy to be living in a small village in the bush where it is nice and green, calm and clean.
Today I had my first experience washing my clothes. You basically just do it in this big bucket with a wash board (or without) and this chunky soap you can buy everywhere. Dude, it's hard work. Respect your washing machine. I don't even know if I really even got it clean, but we'll see once it's dry. The nice thing is that we have a dryer here at the house so when it is working (Inshallah) you don't have to hang your clothes out to dry. Today it was working so hopefully my clothes will be dry soon. They are practically soaking wet when you put them in, though, so it takes awhile.
The water goes on and off here, as does the electricity. When the electricity goes off, it comes back on a few minutes later, but the water can be out all day. It has made some of us wish we just had pit latrines here because the toilets get WAY more foul than a pit latrine when there is no water. Although yesterday they put out big water buckets so when there isn't water you pour some into the back of the toilet and flush normally.
I have had a shower every day. A COLD shower. We have hot water, but at the end of a hot, long day a cold shower is very welcome.
Last night we had a dance party. Everyone got out their iPods and played all the new dance songs for the volunteers and put a headlamp on "flash" so it was like a strobe light. Too funny.
Tonight I ate a few small pieces of fish at dinner. It was pretty good (L'pouisson est bonne), but weird to eat meat. I know that I have to start building up my resistance for homestay though because my family will probably make me meat, though Ousmane and Cice (in charge of training and homestay) said they would tell my family that I don't eat meat. I think I might be able to eat fish regularly but goat, pork and beef are not going to work out. Maybe some chicken.
I am so excited to go to homestay on Tuesday because it will be an authentic Guinean experience. We are insulated here at the compound, even though Dan (country director) said that they were sorry that due to budget cuts this stage did not get to have orientation at a more "comfortable" location. Pretty much the whole group said we would rather be here. The only really foul thing has been the toilets when there wasn't water.
I still feel bad/ill sometimes but I have found that when I start to feel that way I just need to have some rehydration salt in my water and I feel much better. I have actually started to like the taste of it, which is bizarre because the first time I tasted it, it was really bad. I actually think putting flavoring in it makes it worse!
All our stage does is laugh. We are a group of people with great humor, though Katie (fellow trainee) said, "Well if we didn't laugh, we'd cry!!"
And my final thought: as we were driving back through Conakry on the way back from the restaurant, I remarked, "Ï'm still not having that 'holy shit I'm in Africa' moment." And Sadiki said, "Just wait until you're taking a shit next to a rhino."
P.S. there are no rhinos in Guinea, but we do have hippos :).
Every day we have had hard boiled eggs and fresh french bread for breakfast which has been nice. We have also had a lot of spaghetti and french fries! Last night we went out to a restaurant called Africana in downtown Conakry. The food was similar to what we have been eating - meats, spaghetti, french fries, salad, bread, etc... We had baobob juice which reminded me and Sadiki of Jamba Juice because it kind of had that chalky taste and is thick. Ciara (AgFo Hoe!) said there must have been condensed milk in it.
The ride there and back was CRAZY! There are NO traffic rules here at all. No stop signs or traffic lights (well, a couple). People play soccer in the middle of the street in traffic. There are people EVERYWHERE and a lot of them want to wave and smile at the fotes (white people). People hang out outside in the streets. Everyone honks to try and get their way. Fender benders are a regular occurrence. There's traffic jams on all the major roads. The drive made it clear that Guinea is a very poor country. No one keeps up buildings and some neighborhoods look like war zones. I think I will be happy to be living in a small village in the bush where it is nice and green, calm and clean.
Today I had my first experience washing my clothes. You basically just do it in this big bucket with a wash board (or without) and this chunky soap you can buy everywhere. Dude, it's hard work. Respect your washing machine. I don't even know if I really even got it clean, but we'll see once it's dry. The nice thing is that we have a dryer here at the house so when it is working (Inshallah) you don't have to hang your clothes out to dry. Today it was working so hopefully my clothes will be dry soon. They are practically soaking wet when you put them in, though, so it takes awhile.
The water goes on and off here, as does the electricity. When the electricity goes off, it comes back on a few minutes later, but the water can be out all day. It has made some of us wish we just had pit latrines here because the toilets get WAY more foul than a pit latrine when there is no water. Although yesterday they put out big water buckets so when there isn't water you pour some into the back of the toilet and flush normally.
I have had a shower every day. A COLD shower. We have hot water, but at the end of a hot, long day a cold shower is very welcome.
Last night we had a dance party. Everyone got out their iPods and played all the new dance songs for the volunteers and put a headlamp on "flash" so it was like a strobe light. Too funny.
Tonight I ate a few small pieces of fish at dinner. It was pretty good (L'pouisson est bonne), but weird to eat meat. I know that I have to start building up my resistance for homestay though because my family will probably make me meat, though Ousmane and Cice (in charge of training and homestay) said they would tell my family that I don't eat meat. I think I might be able to eat fish regularly but goat, pork and beef are not going to work out. Maybe some chicken.
I am so excited to go to homestay on Tuesday because it will be an authentic Guinean experience. We are insulated here at the compound, even though Dan (country director) said that they were sorry that due to budget cuts this stage did not get to have orientation at a more "comfortable" location. Pretty much the whole group said we would rather be here. The only really foul thing has been the toilets when there wasn't water.
I still feel bad/ill sometimes but I have found that when I start to feel that way I just need to have some rehydration salt in my water and I feel much better. I have actually started to like the taste of it, which is bizarre because the first time I tasted it, it was really bad. I actually think putting flavoring in it makes it worse!
All our stage does is laugh. We are a group of people with great humor, though Katie (fellow trainee) said, "Well if we didn't laugh, we'd cry!!"
And my final thought: as we were driving back through Conakry on the way back from the restaurant, I remarked, "Ï'm still not having that 'holy shit I'm in Africa' moment." And Sadiki said, "Just wait until you're taking a shit next to a rhino."
P.S. there are no rhinos in Guinea, but we do have hippos :).
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Moonlight
This evening we ventured to the beach bar, which is located right behind our compound. It was fun and loud (we were making all the noise). Toward the end, a few of us ran out toward the water (but were sure not to touch it as sewage in Guinea dumps directly into the ocean completely untreated). We yelled into the wind and looked at the stars. I stood for awhile, just gazing out on the moonlit water and felt a real sense of peace.
I think I will like it here.
I think I will like it here.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Day Two in Guinea
This is a photograph of my "stage" (the group of trainees I arrived with). Everyone is really awesome and we all have so much in common and the same goals and aspirations and I couldn't have hoped to be placed with a better group of people.
Today was our second full day (it's 7:30 here). As I said before, yesterday I was ill and vomited several times. The only vaccination we have had so far was Yellow Fever. Today we had our medical interviews and the doctor looked at it and said he thought I might have had an allergic reaction to the vaccination, so I have an ice pack and ibuprofen and am to see him in the morning. But today I felt fine, so that's good.
Guinea is beautiful, green and surreal! Our transit house compound is right near the beach and when you go to the roof there is a beautiful view of the ocean and some islands.
Monday is an Islamic holiday called Tabaski (sheep holiday), so our "adoption" ceremony has been moved to Tuesday (when we meet our host families and move into their house). Until then I will be here at the transit house with access to internet so feel free to send emails!
They feed us a combination of Guinean food and American food. Last night we had spaghetti and salad and tonight we had french fries and salad (well, the others had some goat, too, but I abstained). Lunch is the Guinean meal and consists of rice, vegetables, sauce and some meat. I just eat around the meat. I am the only vegetarian in my stage. Today for breakfast we had hard boiled eggs, plantains and
fresh baked french bread. Breakfast is my favorite. I could definitely eat that every day!!
Tonight I am going to go to the beach bar with a bunch of the other PCTs and PCVs to have a beer and be on the beach.
Anyway, there are others waiting to use the computer so I am going to sign off, but just know I am safe and feeling good and excited to start PST (pre-service training) on Tuesday.
I love you all!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
We Made It!
Well, I am sitting in the transit house in Conakry and I can hardly believe it! We made it all in one piece and with everyone's luggage! Unbelievable!
I was worried because when we changed planes in Dakar it was INSANE. I ended up taking control of getting everyone checked in and all their bags loaded even though I felt like I was going to pass out. I am the one with the loudest voice, so...that worked out :).
Jessica, Scott and I were the only ones who had to rearrange our stuff at JFK in order to conform to the airline rules, which I thought was kind of shocking. I was the first one to be told to step aside and figure it out - so I win! But we all got all of our stuff here, even though Jessica's brewer's yeast exploded in poor Scott's bag and got ALL OVER all of his stuff. We tried to clean his bag in the bathroom and did an ok job but it needs a true wash before we go to homestay. He had to wash all of his clothes today to get the yeast out. I felt sooooooo bad. I was going to help him but I was sick all day. In fact, I was the first one to puke in Africa (in the Dakar airport, no less)! I win again!
Actually it was awful. It wasn't until we got off the plane in Dakar that I started to feel ill and then it just progressed and progressed and all told I puked probably 5x today and was told to put the rehydration salt in my water and it is FOUL! So I was also the first one to have to drink the rehydration drink in Guinea! I win AGAIN!
I wasn't able to eat lunch at all today, which was a traditional rice and sauce type meal (I managed to get down a plantain but that was it). However, I did eat dinner, which for me was plain pasta (the others had a meat sauce they said was really good) and salad. I asked Liz, one of the PCVs currently serving, if it was ok for us to eat lettuce because I heard it wasn't. She said as long as you wash it in bleach it's fine. YUM...
Everyone is really awesome and we are all becoming great friends. The drive from the airport to the transit house was surreal (and HOT! - it is really humid here) and we had our first little kid yell "Fote, fote, fote, bye bye!" We all laughed but I know being called fote (white person or foreigner) will get old fast.
The transit house pretty much insulates us from the real Guinea. It's like being at a hostel and it's a compound with guards and tall walls and barbed wire to keep us safe. I don't know how I ended up being the only girl in a room with 7 dudes. But it's cool. We did venture off the compound with a couple of the PCVs to go to a store right across the street to buy laundry detergent. It cost 600 Guinean francs which is like 5 cents. But you use the whole packet for one "load". The store had cold sodas, laughing cow cheese and candy among other things.
We had an orientation today but for the most part we had time to ourselves to rest, deal with our bags and talk to the PCVs here to train us for the first couple of weeks. Tomorrow breakfast is at 8 (in the future it will be 7) and then we have a full day of sessions with plans for an early dinner (5ish) so we can go to the beach bar to watch the sunset over the ocean.
So, aside from being really ill, dizzy and exhausted all day, things went just fine! I am confident that when I wake up in the morning I will feel fine, as I am already feeling pretty good. As far as I know, we stay at the transit house until Monday morning, when we go to Forecariah to be adopted by our host families for homestay.
Right now I think my biggest apprehensions are language and figuring out my way around. All in due time.
I love you all and want to once again say thanks for all the support. Send me letters!!
I was worried because when we changed planes in Dakar it was INSANE. I ended up taking control of getting everyone checked in and all their bags loaded even though I felt like I was going to pass out. I am the one with the loudest voice, so...that worked out :).
Jessica, Scott and I were the only ones who had to rearrange our stuff at JFK in order to conform to the airline rules, which I thought was kind of shocking. I was the first one to be told to step aside and figure it out - so I win! But we all got all of our stuff here, even though Jessica's brewer's yeast exploded in poor Scott's bag and got ALL OVER all of his stuff. We tried to clean his bag in the bathroom and did an ok job but it needs a true wash before we go to homestay. He had to wash all of his clothes today to get the yeast out. I felt sooooooo bad. I was going to help him but I was sick all day. In fact, I was the first one to puke in Africa (in the Dakar airport, no less)! I win again!
Actually it was awful. It wasn't until we got off the plane in Dakar that I started to feel ill and then it just progressed and progressed and all told I puked probably 5x today and was told to put the rehydration salt in my water and it is FOUL! So I was also the first one to have to drink the rehydration drink in Guinea! I win AGAIN!
I wasn't able to eat lunch at all today, which was a traditional rice and sauce type meal (I managed to get down a plantain but that was it). However, I did eat dinner, which for me was plain pasta (the others had a meat sauce they said was really good) and salad. I asked Liz, one of the PCVs currently serving, if it was ok for us to eat lettuce because I heard it wasn't. She said as long as you wash it in bleach it's fine. YUM...
Everyone is really awesome and we are all becoming great friends. The drive from the airport to the transit house was surreal (and HOT! - it is really humid here) and we had our first little kid yell "Fote, fote, fote, bye bye!" We all laughed but I know being called fote (white person or foreigner) will get old fast.
The transit house pretty much insulates us from the real Guinea. It's like being at a hostel and it's a compound with guards and tall walls and barbed wire to keep us safe. I don't know how I ended up being the only girl in a room with 7 dudes. But it's cool. We did venture off the compound with a couple of the PCVs to go to a store right across the street to buy laundry detergent. It cost 600 Guinean francs which is like 5 cents. But you use the whole packet for one "load". The store had cold sodas, laughing cow cheese and candy among other things.
We had an orientation today but for the most part we had time to ourselves to rest, deal with our bags and talk to the PCVs here to train us for the first couple of weeks. Tomorrow breakfast is at 8 (in the future it will be 7) and then we have a full day of sessions with plans for an early dinner (5ish) so we can go to the beach bar to watch the sunset over the ocean.
So, aside from being really ill, dizzy and exhausted all day, things went just fine! I am confident that when I wake up in the morning I will feel fine, as I am already feeling pretty good. As far as I know, we stay at the transit house until Monday morning, when we go to Forecariah to be adopted by our host families for homestay.
Right now I think my biggest apprehensions are language and figuring out my way around. All in due time.
I love you all and want to once again say thanks for all the support. Send me letters!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Off to Stage in the Morning...
Well, it still doesn't seem quite real. I remarked today that I am at the point I should have been at a week ago. Yeah.
I am definitely going to be the one hauling around the most junk. I mean, it's pretty epic. I ended up with a large internal frame camping pack and a large rolling duffel bag (both just slightly under 50 lbs. each), and then my pilot-case type carry-on and backpack. I guess the only thing "extra" is the pilot case, but yeah.
Too much stuff. If I had another week I probably could have pared it down a lot but...let's just hope the Universe is on my side and gets all my stuff to Guinea safely. I definitely stressed too much about packing.
Anyway, I have to be up in about 4 hours to catch my flight to Philly, but wanted to have one last post from CA before I left. It doesn't seem real to be saying goodbye to my friends and family. I have been under such stress the last few weeks, so much so that I haven't really been able to feel apprehension, excitement, sadness, etc... Really all I have felt is stress and a sense of urgency. And am leaving my mom with more stress (as I did not do a very good job of getting rid of all my junk). I definitely think I needed another week.
But, c'est la vie!
See you in Guinea!
I am definitely going to be the one hauling around the most junk. I mean, it's pretty epic. I ended up with a large internal frame camping pack and a large rolling duffel bag (both just slightly under 50 lbs. each), and then my pilot-case type carry-on and backpack. I guess the only thing "extra" is the pilot case, but yeah.
Too much stuff. If I had another week I probably could have pared it down a lot but...let's just hope the Universe is on my side and gets all my stuff to Guinea safely. I definitely stressed too much about packing.
Anyway, I have to be up in about 4 hours to catch my flight to Philly, but wanted to have one last post from CA before I left. It doesn't seem real to be saying goodbye to my friends and family. I have been under such stress the last few weeks, so much so that I haven't really been able to feel apprehension, excitement, sadness, etc... Really all I have felt is stress and a sense of urgency. And am leaving my mom with more stress (as I did not do a very good job of getting rid of all my junk). I definitely think I needed another week.
But, c'est la vie!
See you in Guinea!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
2 Days til Stage
I got up at 7:15 this morning because my stomach was churning and I couldn't sleep. This is odd for me, as I have been accustomed to a 9:45 rising for the last few weeks.
Last night I called my mom and asked if she could come up to help me today. My friend is coming around 10 or 11 to help me with my bed and take it to my mom's place. Then she is going to follow me back because I need help. Mostly I just want her to clean my room/bathroom for the girl moving in. And maybe help me run some stuff over to Goodwill. And decide to bring or leave a few more things.
My bags are really pushing the limits. They recommend carrying 35 lbs. in my camping pack and it's definitely getting up to 50 lbs. I will probably try to leave it in the duffel until we get to Africa. I am going to be just under the airline limits on both bags, and way over PC's limits on both size and weight. I don't care! I've done my best to narrow it down and I just can't narrow down any more!
I am carrying on my usual pilot case type carry-on and it will have my stuff for staging (clothes, toiletries) and whatever food I can stuff in it. Then my backpack, which has all my books and paperwork, my laptop and my Alphasmart. It really may be too much stuff. But I just can't deal with trying to narrow it down more. I will just have to suffer through dragging it everywhere. Once I am at site I bet I will be glad to have everything.
So I have an insane amount of things to do today and I'm glad my mom is going to come help me. I'm supposed to have a little get-together tonight but I don't know if it will happen. I might feel better if I just got everything out of my apartment and finished that out, spent some time in Long Beach with Ricardo and Evangeline and slept at my mom's place. That way in the morning I can just deal with taking things to Goodwill and moving the keeper stuff into the guest room closet and have a leisurely last evening on the couch.
Ugh. I can't stop over-thinking. Any prospective volunteers reading this, don't underestimate how much time you need to prepare. Go hard, go early.
Last night I called my mom and asked if she could come up to help me today. My friend is coming around 10 or 11 to help me with my bed and take it to my mom's place. Then she is going to follow me back because I need help. Mostly I just want her to clean my room/bathroom for the girl moving in. And maybe help me run some stuff over to Goodwill. And decide to bring or leave a few more things.
My bags are really pushing the limits. They recommend carrying 35 lbs. in my camping pack and it's definitely getting up to 50 lbs. I will probably try to leave it in the duffel until we get to Africa. I am going to be just under the airline limits on both bags, and way over PC's limits on both size and weight. I don't care! I've done my best to narrow it down and I just can't narrow down any more!
I am carrying on my usual pilot case type carry-on and it will have my stuff for staging (clothes, toiletries) and whatever food I can stuff in it. Then my backpack, which has all my books and paperwork, my laptop and my Alphasmart. It really may be too much stuff. But I just can't deal with trying to narrow it down more. I will just have to suffer through dragging it everywhere. Once I am at site I bet I will be glad to have everything.
So I have an insane amount of things to do today and I'm glad my mom is going to come help me. I'm supposed to have a little get-together tonight but I don't know if it will happen. I might feel better if I just got everything out of my apartment and finished that out, spent some time in Long Beach with Ricardo and Evangeline and slept at my mom's place. That way in the morning I can just deal with taking things to Goodwill and moving the keeper stuff into the guest room closet and have a leisurely last evening on the couch.
Ugh. I can't stop over-thinking. Any prospective volunteers reading this, don't underestimate how much time you need to prepare. Go hard, go early.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
6 Days To Go
So, I am not ready. 6 days to go. Not ready. I ALMOST have my iMac ready to give to the guy buying it from me, but I have had major computer crises in the last couple of days. Trying to figure out how to merge all my iTunes and iPhoto files is a nightmare. And there is like NO space to work with on this laptop. It has an 80 GB hard drive which is 85% filled with applications.
Also, I can't get my big files off my iMac. That's really all I have left to get off of it but my stupid hard drives are doing that stupid thing where they won't copy any files over 5 GB. And I can't remember how to reformat it so that it will! ARGH!!! On top of that my optical (CD/DVD) drive broke and will take a week to repair (but thanking my lucky stars I invested in AppleCare so it will be free). So basically I have to give it to the guy I am selling it to without reformatting and giving a clean install (so who knows how much of my info is still on there, though I did try to manually clean it out) and then HE has to take it to the Apple Store and have it repaired. But the good news for him is that the machine is covered under AppleCare until August 2010.
Stress. Seriously.
Also, I am pretty much out of money. Which is the other reason why I need to get these last stupid files off this stupid computer so I can get paid for it and have some freakin' money again.
Dude, I am really feeling the pressure right now. It's like nothing is going right. I have to have lunch with my old boss at 1, and then I'm going to Best Buy to get ANOTHER hard drive (I have, like, 10, no exaggeration) and try to get a Geek Squad guy to tell me how to make it copy huge files. And pray that I can finally be done with the computer fiasco tonight.
I checked the U-Haul website and they want to charge me like $150 for the smallest truck! All I need it for is to move my bed to my mom's place. The freakin' bed only cost like $200!! So I asked a friend with a truck if he could help me out this weekend so we'll see what happens. He has already helped me move like 3 times and I feel bad asking him again but I just DON'T have that much money to spend moving a bed.
My packing is also a disaster.
I have no idea how I am going to finish everything in 6 days. I might have to make my mom come up here and help me finish closing this place out. Time is running out.
Also, I can't get my big files off my iMac. That's really all I have left to get off of it but my stupid hard drives are doing that stupid thing where they won't copy any files over 5 GB. And I can't remember how to reformat it so that it will! ARGH!!! On top of that my optical (CD/DVD) drive broke and will take a week to repair (but thanking my lucky stars I invested in AppleCare so it will be free). So basically I have to give it to the guy I am selling it to without reformatting and giving a clean install (so who knows how much of my info is still on there, though I did try to manually clean it out) and then HE has to take it to the Apple Store and have it repaired. But the good news for him is that the machine is covered under AppleCare until August 2010.
Stress. Seriously.
Also, I am pretty much out of money. Which is the other reason why I need to get these last stupid files off this stupid computer so I can get paid for it and have some freakin' money again.
Dude, I am really feeling the pressure right now. It's like nothing is going right. I have to have lunch with my old boss at 1, and then I'm going to Best Buy to get ANOTHER hard drive (I have, like, 10, no exaggeration) and try to get a Geek Squad guy to tell me how to make it copy huge files. And pray that I can finally be done with the computer fiasco tonight.
I checked the U-Haul website and they want to charge me like $150 for the smallest truck! All I need it for is to move my bed to my mom's place. The freakin' bed only cost like $200!! So I asked a friend with a truck if he could help me out this weekend so we'll see what happens. He has already helped me move like 3 times and I feel bad asking him again but I just DON'T have that much money to spend moving a bed.
My packing is also a disaster.
I have no idea how I am going to finish everything in 6 days. I might have to make my mom come up here and help me finish closing this place out. Time is running out.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Packing Wars Wage On
Packing is super stressful. I would say the weight thing isn't really a problem, it's the size of the bags. One of my bags, my main bag, is 59". We are allowed 107" which puts my second bag allowed at 48". The backpack I bought yesterday is way over 48" fully loaded.
So. Stressful.
When I put 50 lb. of stuff in the big bag, I'm left with hardly anything else. Well, except food. There is really not going to be space for food. Hmmm...
I guess I should stuff my O'Gio backpack totally full (my under-seat carry-on) and see how much stuff that alleviates.
With only 9 days left until I depart for Philly, packing snags are unwelcome. Really unwelcome.
EDIT: Well, after checking the airline's website, I should be fine on size. They allow two 62" bags of 50 lbs each. My bags are about 59" and 55", so I am well within the airline limits. Also, should be fine on weight. So, a little sigh of relief. Considering I still have a list of stuff I still need to procure!! I think I'm going to be ok, though...still not much space for food, but...oh well!
So. Stressful.
When I put 50 lb. of stuff in the big bag, I'm left with hardly anything else. Well, except food. There is really not going to be space for food. Hmmm...
I guess I should stuff my O'Gio backpack totally full (my under-seat carry-on) and see how much stuff that alleviates.
With only 9 days left until I depart for Philly, packing snags are unwelcome. Really unwelcome.
EDIT: Well, after checking the airline's website, I should be fine on size. They allow two 62" bags of 50 lbs each. My bags are about 59" and 55", so I am well within the airline limits. Also, should be fine on weight. So, a little sigh of relief. Considering I still have a list of stuff I still need to procure!! I think I'm going to be ok, though...still not much space for food, but...oh well!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Epic Mailing Guidelines Post
Guidelines for Mail
I am told that receiving mail and care packages is key to keeping up morale in a successful volunteer. Please write often and send packages as often as is practical. In a place with few comforts, a box of things from home will seem like Christmas any time of year (and no matter how hot it is!).
MY ADDRESS:
Dorian [you know my last name], PCT (PCV after February 6, 2009)
Corps de la Paix Americain
BP 1927
Conakry, Guinea
WEST AFRICA
The way mail works in Guinea is that the only place that actually has a mail system is the capital, Conakry. This is where our PC headquarters is located. All mail should be delivered to PC HQ, and then they do a monthly mail run out to my site to give me everything I have received. During training (12/4/08 – 2/6/09), I may receive mail more frequently.
Something you send could take up to six weeks to actually get to me, and outgoing mail is no better. But PLEASE send letters and packages as often as possible. They will keep up my morale!
Anything that will arrive after February 6, 2009 should say “PCV” (Peace Corps Volunteer) rather than “PCT” (Peace Corps Trainee) after my name.
LETTERS:
When you send letters, number them clearly at the top and put the date. Also, make a photocopy of the letter before you send it in case any get lost in the mail, so we will still have it if it never gets here.
Good things to send with letters are photos (especially of you and your kids, and my cat [Susan!]), comics, and news clippings. NEWS ITEMS will be especially important, as I will have almost no access to news from the US (I will need to know how Barack is doing!!). Due to budget cuts, Peace Corps recently canceled the Newsweek subscriptions they have provided to volunteers since the beginning of the Corps. Do not send money or anything valuable as oftentimes the edges of letters will be clipped to see if there is anything of value inside.
If you’re sending a postcard, put it in an envelope. The pretty pictures are likely to end up posted on some Guinean’s wall instead of mine.
Be sure to write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the envelope.
PACKAGES:
1. Print the address label from a computer if possible to make it official-looking. I have read that packages with labels printed by hand have not made it to their destination.
2. Insure the package, even if it’s just granola bars. One volunteer kept track of his packages and received 100% of those that were insured and only 56% of uninsured packages. Write “INSURED” and “ASSURANCE” (French) on the outside. Also write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the box.
3. Number and date your packages so I know I am receiving them.
4. If there is something super-important you really want me to get, put it inside an empty tampon box – apparently no one will touch it.
5. Mail is less likely to be tampered with if it’s addressed in red ink.
6. It’s also less likely to be tampered with if you draw crosses and write religious phrases on it (in French) such as “Dieu regardez-vous” or “Dieu merci”.
7. Please tape the box up really, really well after you seal it so no one can easily reach in and steal stuff.
8. If sending food, please wrap and double wrap in plastic bags (ziplocs preferably, since I can reuse them) to avoid rats and other wonderful creatures from sharing in on my treats.
9. You will also be required to fill out customs declaration form PS Form 2976-A. You can complete this form at the post office or online before you ship at https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/. Indicate all contents as “Used” on the customs form to reduce the risk of theft.
10. On the Customs form, when listing the contents make them lame. For example, tell them you are sending me pencils or education materials and not expensive chocolate or soccer balls. Just downplay everything. If you’re sending books, magazines, DVDs, things like that, you can mark it as “educational materials” (I would say you could even mark that for stuff like soccer balls and stuff for kids), as it is less likely to be tampered with.
11. If what you’re sending is relatively heavy, I suggest sending with the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate international box (same as the domestic box), as the weight restriction is 20 pounds as long as the stuff fits in the box. The rate is $38.95 for the regular box (11" x 8.5" x 5.5") and $49.95 for the larger box (12” x 12” x 6”). This rate is only good for parcels, so DO NOT include a letter inside as you may be charged the letter rate, not package rate, for the whole package. If you want to include a letter, it is suggested that you tape it underneath the address label or to the inside page of a magazine so it is unlikely to be detected. If what you are sending is light, you may be able to pay less than the flat rate. Ask your local post office.
12. If you wish to send money, the larger the bill, the better the exchange rate I will get. To send it most safely, I would put it inside something boring in the empty tampon box or tape it to the inside of a magazine page. But please note that this is risky. A better way to send money is to send to my mom (68 Pomona Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803) to deposit into my bank account, which I will have limited access to. You can make the check out to me, as she will have Power of Attorney to deal with my financial matters.
13. There is no method of disposing of trash or recyclables where I will be going (other than burning or throwing on the ground), so please minimize packaging or put things in containers I can reuse, like Ziploc bags, jars or airtight plastic containers/Tupperware.
Be aware that you can do all of this stuff online at www.usps.com, including ordering free flat rate boxes, printing postage, and scheduling a pickup. In fact, you get a 5% discount on the shipping fee if you do it online.
WHAT TO SEND:
I compiled this list based on things I might enjoy and the advice of current and past volunteers.
-AA & AAA batteries (LOTS! – Consumer Reports lists even Costco’s Kirkland Alkaline
batteries as good ones!)
-Photos (of you with your kids, you with pets, places/vacations, etc…)
-Magazines/Newspapers (People, Time, National Geographic, Newsweek, etc…)
-Secret or Degree Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
-Skin Trip body lotion (Susan knows where to get this!)
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Wash & Moisturizer
-Phos-Flur Fluoride Mouthwash
-Listerine
-Q-tips
-Crossword puzzles
-Duct tape
-A jump drive with music and podcasts (even TV shows and movies!) on it (if from iTunes,
include your username and password so I can authorize use)
-Movies/TV Shows on DVD (when new LOST seasons come out, it should be your first
purchase!!)
-Music on CD
-Jigsaw Puzzles! (Linda I think I am ready to tackle The Seventies puzzle!)
-Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Trader Joe’s sells this cheap) or other, fancy soap
-Hair shampoo/conditioner (weak shampoo is available in-country, but conditioner is elusive –
try to make it something natural/herbal, as scents can attract more mosquitoes!)
-Shaving cream (Barbasol is fine)
-Foot care items (my feet will get trashed!)
-Cotton underwear (NOT WHITE, size 7 – hand washing with harsh soap wears them out quick)
-Hair clips/claws/ties
-Stuff kids would like: SOCCER BALLS (I will have a bike pump to inflate it), stickers,
glue, tape, kids safety scissors, colored pencils/pencil sharpener, paper, picture
books, inflatable beach ball world globe, etc…
-Pictures drawn by your kids for me to hang on my hut wall
-Books (good novels will be appreciated)
-Hand sanitizer
-Vegetable/tree/flower seeds (make sure it’s something that does well in Guinea’s climate)
-Indian pouch meals, especially with paneer cheese (International Foods aisle)
-Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s Mix (comes in a red box near the Pasta-Roni, but I feel
like you might only be able to find this someplace like Whole Foods – MOM!)
-Macaroni & cheese (EZ Mac, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, etc…)
-Dried fruit/fruit leather
-Dried veggies (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Dehydrated-Vegetables_c_1.html)
-Dried faux-meat (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/TVP-Meat-Substitute_c_6.html)
-Dehydrated vegetable soup (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Vegan-Soup-Blends_c_7.html)
-In fact, just check out www.harmonyhousefoods.com in general!
-Soy protein powder
-BeneFiber or other fiber supplement
-Supplements: Acidophilus, iron, Echinacea, etc…
-Peanut M&M’s and other candies and chocolate
-Sugar-free gum (Orbit Spearmint is my fave)
-Hot cocoa mix
-Nuts/Trail Mix (no peanuts please! there will be lots there)
-Edible Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc…)
-Emergen-C (vitamin section), Crystal Light, or other drink mix (preferably sugar-free)
-Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa (BOB!!!)
-Jiffy Pop popcorn (you know the kind you put on your stove and it pops into this big bubble)
-Granola bars
-Energy/protein bars
-Nutella
-Non-refrigerated cheese (Velveeta, parmesan, Hickory Farms, www.barryfarm.com sells
powdered cheese to make sauces)
-Non-perishable condiment packets (Taco Bell sauces, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, crushed
red pepper, etc..)
-Spices (garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, taco seasoning, pesto sauce, Ranch powder, etc…)
-Graham cracker and Oreo pie crusts
-'Just add water' cookie mixes
-Green tea (decaf please!)
-Any kind of food that will keep and is easy to prepare (i.e. add water, milk, eggs, oil)
Please think of this list as guidelines and suggestions and send anything you think will make it up to 6 weeks en route, as I’m sure whatever you send will be MUCH APPRECIATED! Also, check my blog for any special requests!
EMAIL/INTERNET:
Please send ALL email messages to dorianconnelley@gmail.com. I will probably only have enough internet access to check one box, so make sure whatever you send goes here. You can also read my blog at http://dorianinafrica.blogspot.com.
Please know that I will do my best to answer personal emails, but my internet access will be spotty and limited (most likely, I will only have access to internet when I make it into the capital, Conakry), so my replies will likely be few and far between. Please feel free to share the blog with any other family or friends as well. I will post stories, pictures, package requests, times I will be in phone service, etc…
PHONE:
Sometime in December, I will be getting a cell phone. I believe it will be free for me to receive calls, but expensive to call out. In all likelihood, I will not have service all the time. Watch the blog for dates and times that I will be in a service area.
You can buy phone cards to call or use Skype on your computer, which will allow you to call international cell phones. Go to www.Skype.com and sign up for a free account. You will be using your computer/internet connection to make the call (so you will need a microphone and speakers). It will cost about $.20/min. You put a certain amount of money on there and it will debit from that each time you call.
I look forward to hearing from all of you happily and often! Thanks so much for being such a supportive family!
I am told that receiving mail and care packages is key to keeping up morale in a successful volunteer. Please write often and send packages as often as is practical. In a place with few comforts, a box of things from home will seem like Christmas any time of year (and no matter how hot it is!).
MY ADDRESS:
Dorian [you know my last name], PCT (PCV after February 6, 2009)
Corps de la Paix Americain
BP 1927
Conakry, Guinea
WEST AFRICA
The way mail works in Guinea is that the only place that actually has a mail system is the capital, Conakry. This is where our PC headquarters is located. All mail should be delivered to PC HQ, and then they do a monthly mail run out to my site to give me everything I have received. During training (12/4/08 – 2/6/09), I may receive mail more frequently.
Something you send could take up to six weeks to actually get to me, and outgoing mail is no better. But PLEASE send letters and packages as often as possible. They will keep up my morale!
Anything that will arrive after February 6, 2009 should say “PCV” (Peace Corps Volunteer) rather than “PCT” (Peace Corps Trainee) after my name.
LETTERS:
When you send letters, number them clearly at the top and put the date. Also, make a photocopy of the letter before you send it in case any get lost in the mail, so we will still have it if it never gets here.
Good things to send with letters are photos (especially of you and your kids, and my cat [Susan!]), comics, and news clippings. NEWS ITEMS will be especially important, as I will have almost no access to news from the US (I will need to know how Barack is doing!!). Due to budget cuts, Peace Corps recently canceled the Newsweek subscriptions they have provided to volunteers since the beginning of the Corps. Do not send money or anything valuable as oftentimes the edges of letters will be clipped to see if there is anything of value inside.
If you’re sending a postcard, put it in an envelope. The pretty pictures are likely to end up posted on some Guinean’s wall instead of mine.
Be sure to write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the envelope.
PACKAGES:
1. Print the address label from a computer if possible to make it official-looking. I have read that packages with labels printed by hand have not made it to their destination.
2. Insure the package, even if it’s just granola bars. One volunteer kept track of his packages and received 100% of those that were insured and only 56% of uninsured packages. Write “INSURED” and “ASSURANCE” (French) on the outside. Also write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the box.
3. Number and date your packages so I know I am receiving them.
4. If there is something super-important you really want me to get, put it inside an empty tampon box – apparently no one will touch it.
5. Mail is less likely to be tampered with if it’s addressed in red ink.
6. It’s also less likely to be tampered with if you draw crosses and write religious phrases on it (in French) such as “Dieu regardez-vous” or “Dieu merci”.
7. Please tape the box up really, really well after you seal it so no one can easily reach in and steal stuff.
8. If sending food, please wrap and double wrap in plastic bags (ziplocs preferably, since I can reuse them) to avoid rats and other wonderful creatures from sharing in on my treats.
9. You will also be required to fill out customs declaration form PS Form 2976-A. You can complete this form at the post office or online before you ship at https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/. Indicate all contents as “Used” on the customs form to reduce the risk of theft.
10. On the Customs form, when listing the contents make them lame. For example, tell them you are sending me pencils or education materials and not expensive chocolate or soccer balls. Just downplay everything. If you’re sending books, magazines, DVDs, things like that, you can mark it as “educational materials” (I would say you could even mark that for stuff like soccer balls and stuff for kids), as it is less likely to be tampered with.
11. If what you’re sending is relatively heavy, I suggest sending with the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate international box (same as the domestic box), as the weight restriction is 20 pounds as long as the stuff fits in the box. The rate is $38.95 for the regular box (11" x 8.5" x 5.5") and $49.95 for the larger box (12” x 12” x 6”). This rate is only good for parcels, so DO NOT include a letter inside as you may be charged the letter rate, not package rate, for the whole package. If you want to include a letter, it is suggested that you tape it underneath the address label or to the inside page of a magazine so it is unlikely to be detected. If what you are sending is light, you may be able to pay less than the flat rate. Ask your local post office.
12. If you wish to send money, the larger the bill, the better the exchange rate I will get. To send it most safely, I would put it inside something boring in the empty tampon box or tape it to the inside of a magazine page. But please note that this is risky. A better way to send money is to send to my mom (68 Pomona Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803) to deposit into my bank account, which I will have limited access to. You can make the check out to me, as she will have Power of Attorney to deal with my financial matters.
13. There is no method of disposing of trash or recyclables where I will be going (other than burning or throwing on the ground), so please minimize packaging or put things in containers I can reuse, like Ziploc bags, jars or airtight plastic containers/Tupperware.
Be aware that you can do all of this stuff online at www.usps.com, including ordering free flat rate boxes, printing postage, and scheduling a pickup. In fact, you get a 5% discount on the shipping fee if you do it online.
WHAT TO SEND:
I compiled this list based on things I might enjoy and the advice of current and past volunteers.
-AA & AAA batteries (LOTS! – Consumer Reports lists even Costco’s Kirkland Alkaline
batteries as good ones!)
-Photos (of you with your kids, you with pets, places/vacations, etc…)
-Magazines/Newspapers (People, Time, National Geographic, Newsweek, etc…)
-Secret or Degree Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
-Skin Trip body lotion (Susan knows where to get this!)
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Wash & Moisturizer
-Phos-Flur Fluoride Mouthwash
-Listerine
-Q-tips
-Crossword puzzles
-Duct tape
-A jump drive with music and podcasts (even TV shows and movies!) on it (if from iTunes,
include your username and password so I can authorize use)
-Movies/TV Shows on DVD (when new LOST seasons come out, it should be your first
purchase!!)
-Music on CD
-Jigsaw Puzzles! (Linda I think I am ready to tackle The Seventies puzzle!)
-Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Trader Joe’s sells this cheap) or other, fancy soap
-Hair shampoo/conditioner (weak shampoo is available in-country, but conditioner is elusive –
try to make it something natural/herbal, as scents can attract more mosquitoes!)
-Shaving cream (Barbasol is fine)
-Foot care items (my feet will get trashed!)
-Cotton underwear (NOT WHITE, size 7 – hand washing with harsh soap wears them out quick)
-Hair clips/claws/ties
-Stuff kids would like: SOCCER BALLS (I will have a bike pump to inflate it), stickers,
glue, tape, kids safety scissors, colored pencils/pencil sharpener, paper, picture
books, inflatable beach ball world globe, etc…
-Pictures drawn by your kids for me to hang on my hut wall
-Books (good novels will be appreciated)
-Hand sanitizer
-Vegetable/tree/flower seeds (make sure it’s something that does well in Guinea’s climate)
-Indian pouch meals, especially with paneer cheese (International Foods aisle)
-Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s Mix (comes in a red box near the Pasta-Roni, but I feel
like you might only be able to find this someplace like Whole Foods – MOM!)
-Macaroni & cheese (EZ Mac, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, etc…)
-Dried fruit/fruit leather
-Dried veggies (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Dehydrated-Vegetables_c_1.html)
-Dried faux-meat (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/TVP-Meat-Substitute_c_6.html)
-Dehydrated vegetable soup (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Vegan-Soup-Blends_c_7.html)
-In fact, just check out www.harmonyhousefoods.com in general!
-Soy protein powder
-BeneFiber or other fiber supplement
-Supplements: Acidophilus, iron, Echinacea, etc…
-Peanut M&M’s and other candies and chocolate
-Sugar-free gum (Orbit Spearmint is my fave)
-Hot cocoa mix
-Nuts/Trail Mix (no peanuts please! there will be lots there)
-Edible Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc…)
-Emergen-C (vitamin section), Crystal Light, or other drink mix (preferably sugar-free)
-Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa (BOB!!!)
-Jiffy Pop popcorn (you know the kind you put on your stove and it pops into this big bubble)
-Granola bars
-Energy/protein bars
-Nutella
-Non-refrigerated cheese (Velveeta, parmesan, Hickory Farms, www.barryfarm.com sells
powdered cheese to make sauces)
-Non-perishable condiment packets (Taco Bell sauces, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, crushed
red pepper, etc..)
-Spices (garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, taco seasoning, pesto sauce, Ranch powder, etc…)
-Graham cracker and Oreo pie crusts
-'Just add water' cookie mixes
-Green tea (decaf please!)
-Any kind of food that will keep and is easy to prepare (i.e. add water, milk, eggs, oil)
Please think of this list as guidelines and suggestions and send anything you think will make it up to 6 weeks en route, as I’m sure whatever you send will be MUCH APPRECIATED! Also, check my blog for any special requests!
EMAIL/INTERNET:
Please send ALL email messages to dorianconnelley@gmail.com. I will probably only have enough internet access to check one box, so make sure whatever you send goes here. You can also read my blog at http://dorianinafrica.blogspot.com.
Please know that I will do my best to answer personal emails, but my internet access will be spotty and limited (most likely, I will only have access to internet when I make it into the capital, Conakry), so my replies will likely be few and far between. Please feel free to share the blog with any other family or friends as well. I will post stories, pictures, package requests, times I will be in phone service, etc…
PHONE:
Sometime in December, I will be getting a cell phone. I believe it will be free for me to receive calls, but expensive to call out. In all likelihood, I will not have service all the time. Watch the blog for dates and times that I will be in a service area.
You can buy phone cards to call or use Skype on your computer, which will allow you to call international cell phones. Go to www.Skype.com and sign up for a free account. You will be using your computer/internet connection to make the call (so you will need a microphone and speakers). It will cost about $.20/min. You put a certain amount of money on there and it will debit from that each time you call.
I look forward to hearing from all of you happily and often! Thanks so much for being such a supportive family!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
2 weeks til Guinea...oh god!
I am aware that this makes me a complete loser, but I keep thinking my cat is still in my apartment. Every time I walk in the door I expect her to come running up to greet me. It's almost like I just want to GO already so I can stop thinking I see her out of the corner of my eye! I know she is doing well at my aunt's and will like it there, but I just can't help missing the hell out of her!!!
I have managed to purchase the bulk of the gear I am planning to buy. I still have to purchase my backpack, the Bug Hut, a digital camera and some toiletries. And some clothes. But that's it. My family has been really great about pitching in on the cost of all of it, which takes a load off of me.
I did a casual test pack/weighing and I think I am going to be fine on weight. I thought it would weigh way more than it did, and it let me breathe the first sigh of relief I have had since being invited 4 weeks ago.
Which brings me to another point: Monday marks exactly 2 weeks until I board the plane for Philly. I want to throw up every time I think about it. I really know no French. Or very, very little. I don't think I could answer a question in a complete sentence. I am not sure if this should be a cause for concern or not.
I have planned an African dinner at the African place in LA, and am waffling about scheduling a going-away party.
Writing my will was also super fun :(.
Still have a million things to take care of, but everything major has worked itself out, so I think god is saying to just shut up and stop worrying. But...that's not going to happen! I think until I have gotten all checked in and boarded the plane for Philly, I will still be in a state of complete disarray.
I have managed to purchase the bulk of the gear I am planning to buy. I still have to purchase my backpack, the Bug Hut, a digital camera and some toiletries. And some clothes. But that's it. My family has been really great about pitching in on the cost of all of it, which takes a load off of me.
I did a casual test pack/weighing and I think I am going to be fine on weight. I thought it would weigh way more than it did, and it let me breathe the first sigh of relief I have had since being invited 4 weeks ago.
Which brings me to another point: Monday marks exactly 2 weeks until I board the plane for Philly. I want to throw up every time I think about it. I really know no French. Or very, very little. I don't think I could answer a question in a complete sentence. I am not sure if this should be a cause for concern or not.
I have planned an African dinner at the African place in LA, and am waffling about scheduling a going-away party.
Writing my will was also super fun :(.
Still have a million things to take care of, but everything major has worked itself out, so I think god is saying to just shut up and stop worrying. But...that's not going to happen! I think until I have gotten all checked in and boarded the plane for Philly, I will still be in a state of complete disarray.
Monday, November 3, 2008
4 Weeks Til Guinea
The morning marks exactly 4 weeks until Day 1 of stage. I am going to be in IL for a week starting Thursday. I am starting to realize how little time I have to get everything squared away. Last night I finally started buying stuff online.
Major stores I need to hit:
-Target
-REI
-Bed, Bath & Beyond
-Petsmart/Petco
I made my final Barry Farm and Harmony House orders, got my Alpasmart, Leatherman, iPod speaker and Macabi Skirts. Now awaiting delivery.
I am waffling over the Bug Hut, but I do really feel like I should bring one. I'm just anticipating all the uses for it and while it seems bulky, I feel like there would be a lot of occasions for use.
I still have to pick out a digital camera and am leaning towards the new Canon PowerShot ELPHs.
Really have to make a decision on a backpack and luggage.
Other things weighing on me are selling both of my computers and purchasing a small iBook. Maybe I'll do some iBook searching tonight...
Tomorrow I am going to go to the African restaurant and make plans for my going-away dinner and have lunch. Also have to drive to Long Beach for a dentist appointment in the morning. And bring all my yard sale stuff.
My last night at home with my cat will be Election Night. Weds we will spend the night at mom's, Thurs we fly to IL and I will spend the night with her at Aunt Sue's and then she will have to start acclimating to that environment. I will miss her so much.
UNDER PRESSURE! Being distracted this last week did not help, either.
C'est la vie.
Major stores I need to hit:
-Target
-REI
-Bed, Bath & Beyond
-Petsmart/Petco
I made my final Barry Farm and Harmony House orders, got my Alpasmart, Leatherman, iPod speaker and Macabi Skirts. Now awaiting delivery.
I am waffling over the Bug Hut, but I do really feel like I should bring one. I'm just anticipating all the uses for it and while it seems bulky, I feel like there would be a lot of occasions for use.
I still have to pick out a digital camera and am leaning towards the new Canon PowerShot ELPHs.
Really have to make a decision on a backpack and luggage.
Other things weighing on me are selling both of my computers and purchasing a small iBook. Maybe I'll do some iBook searching tonight...
Tomorrow I am going to go to the African restaurant and make plans for my going-away dinner and have lunch. Also have to drive to Long Beach for a dentist appointment in the morning. And bring all my yard sale stuff.
My last night at home with my cat will be Election Night. Weds we will spend the night at mom's, Thurs we fly to IL and I will spend the night with her at Aunt Sue's and then she will have to start acclimating to that environment. I will miss her so much.
UNDER PRESSURE! Being distracted this last week did not help, either.
C'est la vie.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Awesome Day
Today was an awesome day. I got an email from my Aunt this morning saying she would love to take care of my cat while I'm gone. My dad made my flight reservation and I made a reservation to bring my cat, so it's all set! I am so relieved to have a safe place to leave my cat while I am gone and be assured she will be waiting for me when I come back.
AND Candice is in to take over my room Dec. 1!! Everything worked out! The major things, anyway. Uh, except we have to go over the hurdle of telling our landlord. I am already knowing she is going to throw a fit. Hopefully Candice's credit is good.
I still have to deal with getting rid of 1/2 my stuff and moving the other 1/2 to my mom's for storage. And do my updated resume and aspiration statement. And learn French.
So...now that that weight is off, the other weight is on!!
I feel that the next LESS THAN six weeks (!!!) are going to be full of turmoil and anticipation.
Today we started an email ring with 9 of the volunteers going in December. We know of one other but don't know her email address, which makes 10 total. We are wondering if our group is going to be the expected 35 or so, or if it will be a much smaller group, probably due to budget cuts. I would say you probably only have contact with 50 - 70% of the people who end up going, so since we know of 10, I bet we will have at least 20.
Things are moving forward.
AND Candice is in to take over my room Dec. 1!! Everything worked out! The major things, anyway. Uh, except we have to go over the hurdle of telling our landlord. I am already knowing she is going to throw a fit. Hopefully Candice's credit is good.
I still have to deal with getting rid of 1/2 my stuff and moving the other 1/2 to my mom's for storage. And do my updated resume and aspiration statement. And learn French.
So...now that that weight is off, the other weight is on!!
I feel that the next LESS THAN six weeks (!!!) are going to be full of turmoil and anticipation.
Today we started an email ring with 9 of the volunteers going in December. We know of one other but don't know her email address, which makes 10 total. We are wondering if our group is going to be the expected 35 or so, or if it will be a much smaller group, probably due to budget cuts. I would say you probably only have contact with 50 - 70% of the people who end up going, so since we know of 10, I bet we will have at least 20.
Things are moving forward.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
And the Preparation Commences
Today I called and accepted my invite. I feel it still hasn't sunk in.
My two biggest worries right now are a) finding someone to take over my room (we have a lease until August 2009); and b) finding a safe place to leave my cat while I am gone (I want her back when I return!)
We haven't really started looking very hard on the roommate front (waiting to hear back from a friend if she wants it), but I am scratching the bottom of the barrel for who can take care of my cat.
I emailed my aunt the other day, but she hasn't responded. She's really my best last hope, so I really hope she says yes!!
Tomorrow I really have to do a first draft of my resume and aspiration statement and go to Kinko's to get my passport photos taken. Once that's out of the way, maybe I'll be able to concentrate. Maybe. :)
My two biggest worries right now are a) finding someone to take over my room (we have a lease until August 2009); and b) finding a safe place to leave my cat while I am gone (I want her back when I return!)
We haven't really started looking very hard on the roommate front (waiting to hear back from a friend if she wants it), but I am scratching the bottom of the barrel for who can take care of my cat.
I emailed my aunt the other day, but she hasn't responded. She's really my best last hope, so I really hope she says yes!!
Tomorrow I really have to do a first draft of my resume and aspiration statement and go to Kinko's to get my passport photos taken. Once that's out of the way, maybe I'll be able to concentrate. Maybe. :)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Guinea it is!!
The FedEx man came this morning and I have my official invite!! It comes in a big blue folder, not a binder, but hey - it's here!
IT'S GUINEA!!! We stage December 1 (probably Philly??). My recruiter called me today so excited that I was finally invited. She has been so awesome through the whole process and I feel privileged to have had her for a recruiter.
My program is Agriculture and Forestry and I will be an Agroforester! WOOHOO LET'S PLANT SOME TREES!!!
I feel like it still hasn't sunk in. I am staring at my big blue folder and it still hasn't sunk in.
I, in fact, cried a little when I opened the package. Does that make me a pussy? :)
After doing some research yesterday, it appears that the December Guinea program takes Agfo, SED (Small Enterprise Development) and Health (Education comes during the summer). SED and Health train in Forecariah and Agfo trains in Maferinya, so we will be a bit segregated...so, if there really are only 3 Agfo volunteers in this group, Jessica, Danyelle and I will be VERY close!
I think I'm going to throw up. I need some applesauce.
My mind is going in fifty directions all at once and I can't een concentrate enough to read through my materials!!
One more time, WOOHOO!!!!!
IT'S GUINEA!!! We stage December 1 (probably Philly??). My recruiter called me today so excited that I was finally invited. She has been so awesome through the whole process and I feel privileged to have had her for a recruiter.
My program is Agriculture and Forestry and I will be an Agroforester! WOOHOO LET'S PLANT SOME TREES!!!
I feel like it still hasn't sunk in. I am staring at my big blue folder and it still hasn't sunk in.
I, in fact, cried a little when I opened the package. Does that make me a pussy? :)
After doing some research yesterday, it appears that the December Guinea program takes Agfo, SED (Small Enterprise Development) and Health (Education comes during the summer). SED and Health train in Forecariah and Agfo trains in Maferinya, so we will be a bit segregated...so, if there really are only 3 Agfo volunteers in this group, Jessica, Danyelle and I will be VERY close!
I think I'm going to throw up. I need some applesauce.
My mind is going in fifty directions all at once and I can't een concentrate enough to read through my materials!!
One more time, WOOHOO!!!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Invited!!
Well, I talked to my PO today and she told me she decided to invite me for December!!! I am on a rollercoaster of emotions right now. I have a MILLION things I need to do. First and foremost, I need to wait for my invitation packet to come via FedEx (hopefully in the next couple of days!), review it, and then decide if I want to accept my invitation.
Barring any major hang-ups, I plan to accept. It is CRAZY to say and CRAZY to think, but I want to do it and I know it will be amazing.
The invitation should be to do Agroforestry in Guinea, staging December 1, but obviously all of that is subject to change until I have the packet in my hand. I say packet, but I've heard it's a huge blue binder.
From the little research I have done, it seems like your primary project is to plant 5000 trees in your 2 years to combat deforestation, but other projects are always up to you, like gardens, nutrition classes, millet grinders, crop diversification, etc... I can deal with planting 5000 trees.
It's really happening now and I can hardly believe it. Can't wait to have that big blue binder in my hands.
Barring any major hang-ups, I plan to accept. It is CRAZY to say and CRAZY to think, but I want to do it and I know it will be amazing.
The invitation should be to do Agroforestry in Guinea, staging December 1, but obviously all of that is subject to change until I have the packet in my hand. I say packet, but I've heard it's a huge blue binder.
From the little research I have done, it seems like your primary project is to plant 5000 trees in your 2 years to combat deforestation, but other projects are always up to you, like gardens, nutrition classes, millet grinders, crop diversification, etc... I can deal with planting 5000 trees.
It's really happening now and I can hardly believe it. Can't wait to have that big blue binder in my hands.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
So now it's not looking like December
Well, my PO said she would be able to make a decision about December by Friday, and that has come and gone, and no toolkit update. So unless something happened like a computer glitch, or she didn't want to submit until Monday or something, it's a no on December. I emailed her asking about 4pm her time yesterday, no response. So...not optimistic.
So I am going to call her Monday and see what the game plan is. If I should keep learning French. If I will still be going to Africa. If I will be going at all!
Basically, this opens me up to take a more long-term job in the meantime. Hopefully something that pays well!! Also takes the pressure off of knowing what's going on with my show.
But still. Major bummer.
So I am going to call her Monday and see what the game plan is. If I should keep learning French. If I will still be going to Africa. If I will be going at all!
Basically, this opens me up to take a more long-term job in the meantime. Hopefully something that pays well!! Also takes the pressure off of knowing what's going on with my show.
But still. Major bummer.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Getting closer to knowing...
Well, I just spoke with my PO. I called because my dad has been asking about me visiting for the holidays and it is about the right time to be buying plane tickets. She said that she will know about December by the end of the week. So if I haven't heard from her by Friday, I will give her a call on Monday to get a final answer.
As far as my TV show goes, it was pitched to two major networks, who both liked it but did not buy it in the room (however they did not turn it down, either). There are three more pitch meeting set up, but no one will hear anything for at least the next 2 weeks as all the executives are in Europe for some TV thing. One of the guys they pitched to said this would be a good show to replace something mid-season that is tanking, as it can be ready to shoot in like 2-3 weeks from greenlight. Since the new season just started, a show could tank in the next 3-4 weeks. TANK, TV, TANK!!! haha...
I am currently unemployed, since the Emmys ended Friday before last. I was hoping the show would sell in the pitch meetings last week so I would have a definite date of employment again, but that has not been the case. Luckily for me, in the awful economy the government has extended unemployment benefits so I will have a few weeks of unemployment insurance I can collect. But that's only about half what I could make in a week if I were actually working, so it's time to look for work!!
As far as my TV show goes, it was pitched to two major networks, who both liked it but did not buy it in the room (however they did not turn it down, either). There are three more pitch meeting set up, but no one will hear anything for at least the next 2 weeks as all the executives are in Europe for some TV thing. One of the guys they pitched to said this would be a good show to replace something mid-season that is tanking, as it can be ready to shoot in like 2-3 weeks from greenlight. Since the new season just started, a show could tank in the next 3-4 weeks. TANK, TV, TANK!!! haha...
I am currently unemployed, since the Emmys ended Friday before last. I was hoping the show would sell in the pitch meetings last week so I would have a definite date of employment again, but that has not been the case. Luckily for me, in the awful economy the government has extended unemployment benefits so I will have a few weeks of unemployment insurance I can collect. But that's only about half what I could make in a week if I were actually working, so it's time to look for work!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
More About Luggage
So now I think this is the backpack I'm going to get. In Palm. It has really good reviews, Eagle Creek is a great brand, and it is small enough (the exact size allowed) to be my carry on (with the detachable daypack as my "personal item").
And it's actually pretty big! I don't see myself using a pack any bigger than this while in-country. So as long as it fits me well, I think this is it!! I am going to get a couple of spare clips and zippers from EC before I go so that in the case of damage I can have it repaired. If I were in the US, I think they repair for life for free. But I wouldn't want to deal with sending/receiving it from Africa, when I could just have it repaired at a tailor if I had the parts.
My first checked bag will still be my big, red Samsonite rolling duffel (which I have never actually used because I tend to travel LIGHT [as in...I haven't checked a bag in years!]). Now the question is what the second bag will be. Something smaller, I think. I'm sure I can fit 50 lbs. of stuff in the Samsonite, so I might get a smaller Eagle Creek rolling duffel for the additional 30 lbs, like this one. It being lightweight is key. Who wants to waste 10 lbs. on the friggin bag???
I think the way I will pack is that all the stuff for staging (and more) will go in the backpack. All the stuff for homestay will go in the smaller duffel and the stuff for site will go in the Samsonite (which they will lock up at the training facility until I move to site). I think this will be a good way to pack and will distribute the weight right: as in, a lot of the heavier stuff is for site, like a skillet and other kitchen/household stuff.
Anyway...I know all of this will be super trivial once I am there, but you gotta have something to dwell on in the meantime!!
And it's actually pretty big! I don't see myself using a pack any bigger than this while in-country. So as long as it fits me well, I think this is it!! I am going to get a couple of spare clips and zippers from EC before I go so that in the case of damage I can have it repaired. If I were in the US, I think they repair for life for free. But I wouldn't want to deal with sending/receiving it from Africa, when I could just have it repaired at a tailor if I had the parts.
My first checked bag will still be my big, red Samsonite rolling duffel (which I have never actually used because I tend to travel LIGHT [as in...I haven't checked a bag in years!]). Now the question is what the second bag will be. Something smaller, I think. I'm sure I can fit 50 lbs. of stuff in the Samsonite, so I might get a smaller Eagle Creek rolling duffel for the additional 30 lbs, like this one. It being lightweight is key. Who wants to waste 10 lbs. on the friggin bag???
I think the way I will pack is that all the stuff for staging (and more) will go in the backpack. All the stuff for homestay will go in the smaller duffel and the stuff for site will go in the Samsonite (which they will lock up at the training facility until I move to site). I think this will be a good way to pack and will distribute the weight right: as in, a lot of the heavier stuff is for site, like a skillet and other kitchen/household stuff.
Anyway...I know all of this will be super trivial once I am there, but you gotta have something to dwell on in the meantime!!
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