So yesterday (Saturday) was one of my best days I think so far. Things were just fun and went really well. We started learning Susu survival language to help us get ready for our homestays and that was awesome. Got out of sessions early so a couple of us went to the beach (not like the lay-out and sunbathe kind of beach) with a frisbee and football (american) and started throwing them around. Eventually a bunch of kids joined in which was awesome and I met a few of them that spoke French. One was really cool and his dad is in Portugal for some reason I don't know. There were also two kids who live in Philly that were there and kind of bratty. But oh well.
So that was great fun, got really sweaty and dirty, showered, ate dinner, then went to the roof for the sunset. A-mazing. Then stayed up there and chatted a bit, before going to the other roof to have a few Guinean beers with everyone before calling it quits.
Been a bit woozy today, hoping it passes before our trip tomorrow to our homestay adoption ceremony. Supposedly one of the most awkward experiences we'll have throughout our 2 years. Should add for some great stories.
Had more sessions today and our first session with just other TEFL teachers (english teachers) and we're having our own little elite table at the beach bar tonight to just hang out with current TEFl volunteers and get to know them better. Should be good times.
Gotta run to another homestay orientation session now tho, so keep in touch, and hopefully I can update soon, but I kind of doubt it!
7/14- adoption ceremony
8/1- we find out our site assignments
8/14-20- site visits
9/26- swearing in ceremony!
that's all the big things coming up! love you all!
<3
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Life in Conakry (for a PCT)
So it's hard to remember all the little things to write that I want to tell you all! But, I'll try to remember a few.
We're staying in the kush PC house/compound and have sessions in the AM, lunch, then more sessions in the afternoon doing more policies and logistics stuff. We got typhoid fever shots this morning and were told there's about 12 more shots to come over the next three months of PST (pre-service training). WOOHOO VACCINATIONS! But as we all agreed, rather the shot than the disease! Also had our language interviews today so they know what level French language we need to start at. Just basically had a convo about books and free time and a bunch of random things in French and I think we find out our levels tomorrow morning.
After lunch (rice and sauce with some meat), we had a band/dance group come entertain us on the roof of the PC house! That was pretty awesome. I took a few pictures, but every time I tried to take one, they yelled "Venez! Dansez!" (Come! Dance!) So we all danced. and it was hilarious and fun. and we were all soaked with sweat afterwards (just in time for our PC ID photos to be taken... at least the photos will be pretty accurate as to how we look in country. ha)
After that, some more ice breakers, another session, and then another HUGE feast for dinner that I just finished. I guess they're trying to postpone as long as possible our inevitable diarrhea (sorry, it's just a fact).
OH! And before dinner, we had a little break and Jen (my former virtual PC friend, now we're real life friends), took us around the market and thru town a little bit. Similar to Haiti, and still as impressive. We had some oranges that they peel, slice the top and squeeze and drink, so it was like OJ on the go. and delicious.
So in Conakry, we have regular internet access (4 computers for PCV usage), so I can update pretty regularly here. But, we leave here Monday (Bastille day, and Plocki's bday) for our adoption ceremony and to start really training with language, technical skills, etc, etc, etc. So for the three months of training, internet will be less regular (if at all), and I think perhaps we can get you to call our host family's cell phone, with permission obviously. But also, former PCVs suggest not having a cell phone during training so we can fully immerse ourselves into Guinean culture. So yea- TBD about cell phone usage, and don't get used to this regular internet updating!
We find out our sites August 1st I think, and get to visit it for a week before we actually get sworn in. And I can't really think of any other big milestones in the life of PCTs except for those!
Love you all, gotta go let other people tell they're families and friends that they're also alive and kickin!
<3
We're staying in the kush PC house/compound and have sessions in the AM, lunch, then more sessions in the afternoon doing more policies and logistics stuff. We got typhoid fever shots this morning and were told there's about 12 more shots to come over the next three months of PST (pre-service training). WOOHOO VACCINATIONS! But as we all agreed, rather the shot than the disease! Also had our language interviews today so they know what level French language we need to start at. Just basically had a convo about books and free time and a bunch of random things in French and I think we find out our levels tomorrow morning.
After lunch (rice and sauce with some meat), we had a band/dance group come entertain us on the roof of the PC house! That was pretty awesome. I took a few pictures, but every time I tried to take one, they yelled "Venez! Dansez!" (Come! Dance!) So we all danced. and it was hilarious and fun. and we were all soaked with sweat afterwards (just in time for our PC ID photos to be taken... at least the photos will be pretty accurate as to how we look in country. ha)
After that, some more ice breakers, another session, and then another HUGE feast for dinner that I just finished. I guess they're trying to postpone as long as possible our inevitable diarrhea (sorry, it's just a fact).
OH! And before dinner, we had a little break and Jen (my former virtual PC friend, now we're real life friends), took us around the market and thru town a little bit. Similar to Haiti, and still as impressive. We had some oranges that they peel, slice the top and squeeze and drink, so it was like OJ on the go. and delicious.
So in Conakry, we have regular internet access (4 computers for PCV usage), so I can update pretty regularly here. But, we leave here Monday (Bastille day, and Plocki's bday) for our adoption ceremony and to start really training with language, technical skills, etc, etc, etc. So for the three months of training, internet will be less regular (if at all), and I think perhaps we can get you to call our host family's cell phone, with permission obviously. But also, former PCVs suggest not having a cell phone during training so we can fully immerse ourselves into Guinean culture. So yea- TBD about cell phone usage, and don't get used to this regular internet updating!
We find out our sites August 1st I think, and get to visit it for a week before we actually get sworn in. And I can't really think of any other big milestones in the life of PCTs except for those!
Love you all, gotta go let other people tell they're families and friends that they're also alive and kickin!
<3
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Yesterday I woke up in Philly, now I live in Africa
Helloooo all!!
So after sitting around JFK airport for awhile, then finally getting to check our tons of luggage, we made our way to Dakar, Senegal- then connected to Conakry, Guinea. We arrived in Guinea early this morning (with maybe having slept 1 hour or so on the plane)
There was a delightful PC welcoming party to greet us in Conakry! A bunch of current volunteers, our Country Director (CD) and other admins were all there in PC shirts to greet us and help with our baggage. And then, naturally we all loaded into a giant bus to take about the 15 inute drive to the PC house. Which is quite nice. There's the building with all the offices and meeting rooms, then the PC house which has all the bunk beds we'll be sleeping in until Monday morning.
Food's been good. Weather's been hot and sometimes rainy. Everyone is getting along really well and we have a really good group! The old PCVs that are still in country are helping us out a lot and giving us the scoop on most of what we're about to go through. More sessions and shots (in the arm) tomorrow I think as well as some other things!
Doing really well and though I had that brief moment when I woke up in Philly and thought to myself, "What the hell am I doing, moving to Africa?" I'm passed that, and know I'm where I'm supposed to be! I'm really looking forward to learning all I can about the cities and the country in general as well as all the people!
Love you all and miss you terribly! They took our picture today (looking deathly) to send out, so hopefully you (mom and dad) will get that at some point! Check out friendsofguinea.org too!
Love you guys keep in touch! gotta go pass out now, since it's been a ridiculously long day and a half of minimal sleep on the planes!
<3
So after sitting around JFK airport for awhile, then finally getting to check our tons of luggage, we made our way to Dakar, Senegal- then connected to Conakry, Guinea. We arrived in Guinea early this morning (with maybe having slept 1 hour or so on the plane)
There was a delightful PC welcoming party to greet us in Conakry! A bunch of current volunteers, our Country Director (CD) and other admins were all there in PC shirts to greet us and help with our baggage. And then, naturally we all loaded into a giant bus to take about the 15 inute drive to the PC house. Which is quite nice. There's the building with all the offices and meeting rooms, then the PC house which has all the bunk beds we'll be sleeping in until Monday morning.
Food's been good. Weather's been hot and sometimes rainy. Everyone is getting along really well and we have a really good group! The old PCVs that are still in country are helping us out a lot and giving us the scoop on most of what we're about to go through. More sessions and shots (in the arm) tomorrow I think as well as some other things!
Doing really well and though I had that brief moment when I woke up in Philly and thought to myself, "What the hell am I doing, moving to Africa?" I'm passed that, and know I'm where I'm supposed to be! I'm really looking forward to learning all I can about the cities and the country in general as well as all the people!
Love you all and miss you terribly! They took our picture today (looking deathly) to send out, so hopefully you (mom and dad) will get that at some point! Check out friendsofguinea.org too!
Love you guys keep in touch! gotta go pass out now, since it's been a ridiculously long day and a half of minimal sleep on the planes!
<3
Monday, July 7, 2008
Last night in MD
It's my last night in Maryland before heading to Philly tomorrow. Practically finished packing (as the procrastinator that I am) and trying to relax and hang out with family and friends for the rest of the night.
Just want you all to know how much I love you and I'll miss you, but two years will fly by and we can all get together and exchange stories of our adventures when I get back! Keep in touch always <3
"Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world." william james
Love you all more than life!
Just want you all to know how much I love you and I'll miss you, but two years will fly by and we can all get together and exchange stories of our adventures when I get back! Keep in touch always <3
"Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world." william james
Love you all more than life!
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