First Impressions

It was a short final flight (my 5th of the week) from Dakar, Senegal to Conakry, Guinea. As we began to fly over the country we could see the change from Desert climate to dense forest. Even as we neared the airport there was no visible signs of urban life, only forest cut by winding rivers. It must have been easy for the waiting PCVs and staff to recognize our arrival, we were the ONLY plane at the airport when we arrived! Walking off the plan into the sticky evening air, excited for the unknown, myself and the other 37 volunteers were glad to be finally to our new home. We spent our first night in conakry at the PC house there. Good food and a chance to sleep with our mesquito nets and air conditioning! The following day, we loaded up onto a few busses for the 7hr drive to Momou. I am was fortunate to earn the distinction of being the first volunteer sick :)...still not exactly sure what I came down with, but it did get me a seat in the landrover...much more comfortable that the busses! We've been training in Mamou at a agroforestry school for the last 4 days, the weather is great here...about 75 degrees and sunny, it's in the fouta (high plateau) region of the country. At training we've been learning a lot: the Susu language (in French), cultural standards, how to deal with being sick..a lot, and preparing for our host family life. Tomorrow we drive to our pre-service training sight in Forecahria (near the sierra leone boarder) and move in with our host families. I don't think there is any internet access in the city so it could be a while (upto 3 months) before I'm back online, but in reality we'll probably take a trip into conakry before the end of training. *Note: I would still love to get emails, and will be happy to receive them whenever I can check my mail! Well, a long line at the computers tonight...hope all is well at home. ~amy