top ten reasons

people tend to be more comfortable with things they can relate to or have expereienced in the past. i have heard many comparisons in the last 5 days but here is my unique take.

top ten reasons why the guinea is like the appalachian trail

10. running water and electricity is rarely available
9. it is common to see the ground/bushes covered with clean laundry
8. people carry large loads....but in guinea they carry them on their head
7. chacoas are the trendy footwear among volunteers
6. food is cooked over a fire outside
5. transportation is friendly as the taxis are the size of a honda and have 6
paid for seats plus the drive
4. every is friendly and greetings are alway done
3. water has to be bleached and filtered
2. cards are the number one food of choice
1. bathroom technique is the same except the hole is already dug for you

just finished 5 days of training in mamou and headed to forecariah to live with my african family. today, i finally got really excited about the peace corps as we were sitting in sessions directly related to our jobs. that is not to say that i was not excited before but we have been in language training and culture training for the last 4 days. 11 weeks of training and then off to my site. i will get my site assignment within the next 3 weeks. yeah