I am alive and well!

So, I apologize for not updating for months to those of you who wanted to read this. I actually have written out several posts on my laptop, but my internet connection situation here in Benin has not allowed me to access my blog (until now, when I don't have that file with me). I promise I will post them when I get the chance...but until then, here is a quick update:

      I am currently sitting at my future desk, on my future computer at the ONG I will be working with (Actions et Developpement), in the village of Tanguieta (in northwest Benin at the base of Parc Pendjari!). It's gorgeous here, and so much quieter and just more my style than Porto Novo is. I think my main "job" as a volontaire will be working with the "Jardin Écologique" that the PCV before me started. It seems like there is a lot to do (but the hard part of defining/setting up the land has already been taken care of, thanks Andrew!), including: putting in trails, educational materials, a paillot, and bee hives. It think the goal is to make it similar to NATL (for those who went to UF/live in G'ville). It will be used for environmental ed for students/people in the area. In the future, there will be trainings in shea production, apiculture, tree farming, etc. The PCV before me also worked with a garden or two, shea, and tree plantations, which I hope to continue. Basically, I could not possibly be more happy about my site placement, even if I'm terrified that I'm completely underqualified for this. ;) I will have the opportunity to learn so much (and hopefully do a lot!). I'm especially excited about the beekeeping, and I want to look into possibly creating some herp traps to see what some of the herpetofauna is like here.

My future house has electricity and a faucet outside. I will be able to have a fan! Between that, the computer/internet at work, and the fact that I'm in a bigger village (60k?), it's crazy. I'm not the "typical" EA volunteer situation, I don't think. I will be within an hour or two of 5+ other volunteers, so that is nice. There is a hospital in my village. The bus line that travels to and from Tanguieta/Cotonou is probably the nicest in Benin.

In other news, Benin is great. Hard, different, but great. Everyone (literally, everyone except one zem driver) has been very nice to me. The weather has been much nicer than a Florida summer (especially here near the "mountains" in Tanguieta)...I am used to the humidity and the temperatures have been in the 70s, so it's been great for me. I've heard the saison sèche is when it gets hot here, though, but we'll see. I love the beans here. I do not love pate (boiled flour with the consistency of jello). I love taking zems (motorcycle taxis) everywhere in Porto Novo. I do not like the smell of burning trash. African tissu is loud and awesome, and I have two outfits already (I'll have more when I am not on a trainee salary).

Life is good. I miss everyone terribly, especially my cat since I can't call or email him. I miss American food like whoa (though I might actually lose weight here! at least until I start cooking for myself, haha)...if you are reading this, immediately go out and eat extra crispy buffalo wings with some cheese fries (smothered in buffalo sauce as well), or some mac and cheese, or bacon. :)

Funny quote from one of our PCMO's during the STD lecture: "You should have sex with someone you love...or almost love."

Also, at the end of the snake bite prevention lesson: "Here is a picture of a two-headed snake." (it was not venomous, or even an African species, he just something he found on the internet and thought was crazy...it was also the only picture. I wish I couldn't shown him pictures of all the inbred deformed snakes born at the Gourmet Rodent while I was there...)

Our PCMOs are awesome. And the EA APCDs...I basically really like all the PC staff here.

A tout a l'heure! Lots of love!