I made it safely along with 63 other volunteers. It was a little over a 30 hour journey through Paris. There was a security strike so we were on the tarmac for over 2 hours in Paris, hence I went to sleep:) Anyone surprised? We arrived in Cotonou, Benin at about 10:00PM to about a dozen cheering PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers). I am 5 hours ahead of the East Coast. It was quite an experience for everyone between passports and visas and WHO medical cards, woah. I was glad when I finally made it to the fresh air.
We are staying in a hostel in a suburb of Cotonou that is supported by a Catholic ministry. My roommate is great she is an RPCV (returned PCV)--Ukraine. She is very knowledgeable and fun to be around. I have also made many other friends, there are only 18 boys out of 64 people--that's probably good for me though! haha. I had my first day of language training yesterday, thank goodness the facilitator is patient because it's going to be a long nine weeks for her, my French...not so great! I kept answering her in Spanish, she was a little amused.
The other trainees--we can't call ourselves volunteers until we are sworn in on September 4th which is also going to be the 40th anniversary for PC-Benin. We are supposedly having dinner with the president! My APCD (Associate Peace Corps Director) interview is in about an hour to speak about where I want to be posted, I'm pretty excited she has an MPH from Johns Hopkins and seems very qualified and approachable.
Today we all came into town and rode the Zemi's or motos, Benin's motorcycle's! I had to haggle the price for a ride to practice, I guess I will have to work on not being such a pushover. It was so fun! I have always wanted to ride a motorcycle in the states and now I will be able to ride them for my means of transportation. Those and my sweet new Trek bike. Benin is one of the only PC countries that PCVs are allowed to ride motos.
Tomorrow we are going to the market to get some things...like I need some shower flip flops. My mom told me to grab some, but I forgot of course. They are only about $.50 though so I think I will be able to afford them.
I am safe and sound and enjoying every part of this experience so far. Wednesday we are going to meet and live with our host families I can't wait. I am not sure about stamps and letters and packages yet. I will have a new address at my post and will send out an email to everyone that is on my email list with any and all contact information.
I hope you all are doing well and I will write more soon-there will always be great things to tell you about, this country is amazing!
4 comments:
Hope you left trail of bread crumbs on the road to Benin, makes it that much easier on the return! Soooo glad to hear you made it safely, be careful on the moto's! Be well and stay safe. Miss You! UJ
Happy Days! Great to hear you arrived in fine shape; with Red carpet, welcome, too! Be safe, be well, enjoy your days! Miss You.
Au revoir AG
Hi honey,
I love your blog and miss you with all my heart. Lord you seem so far away. How about those flip flops!!! Told you so. You sound wonderful and I loved hearing your voice. God bless and keep in touch. My love to my girl as always. Mom
Hey Sweetheart,
What a great blog sorry I didn't get into it the first time I spelled tarheel (tarhell) LOL. Its great to hear from you, I Love your blog, this is the first time for me to do this. I am Blogging lots of fun. Glad you are enjoying the moto's be careful be a defensive driver & know where you are headed before you go. How do I post a picture for you?? This is new.
Love ya,
Be Safe,
Dad
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