First Post from Madagascar!

Mbalatsara!

I have no idea how to describe my first couple weeks in Madagascar. I
have 20 pages of journal entry...so how 'bout the important stuff:

I'm doing well, really have a blast. The other volunteers are
extremely fun, adventurous, and outgoing people, which makes
everything that much better. My host family is very kind. We started
out speaking French to each other (thanks Ms. Puzzo) and are slowly
moving to Malagasy. Some of the other volunteers are living with
families that don't even speak French so I got lucky. My room is
actually about the size of my room in SigEp when I had a single as a
junior, so not too bad. I do have electricity, though I can't say I
have much need for it. Without internet, I hardly use my computer.
The only thing I use it for is to study after dark while the light. I
do not have running water and have to grab water from the well, filter
it, and then add chemicals to it for purification. All in all not too
shabby though. I use a bucket as a sink and everything works OK. I
do use an outhouse...which is not the greatest, but it's an
experience, haha. I'd say the toughest thing is just that during
training I am on other people's schedule and not my own. So, eating,
sleeping, etc. is not under my control. But, soon enough I'll be set
out on my own and then I'm sure I'll wish for a schedule.

Let's see, the people are REALLY nice here. I'm not an untrustworthy
American, but rather a welcomed visitor.

I have tons of great pictures! Unfortunately, the internet is too
slow right now to post them.

Got my site placement: Sirananana, which is 175Km south of Diego
Suarez and close to Nosy Be! Nosy Be is the tourist spot with beach
and snorkeling galore, so...come visit! I'm very happy with my
placement because it means that I will probably be able to do some
work with WashU and the Missouri Botanical Garden while I'm here.
They have a site up in Diego. My town will be very small, population
2000, but I think that'll be good. I can really make an impact.

Hmm, food: lots of rice and veggies. Very rare that I get to eat meat or dairy.

Favorite events so far: playing soccer with local kids in town,
meeting the other volunteers, learning the language, getting my site
placement, doing "personal histories" (thanks WP), learning how to
make my own peanut butter (of course).

Please feel free to email or comment with questions, etc. I don't
have access to internet, but when I do, I'll write back.

Oh, and since the world is so small, I have a cell phone. Call me at
011-261-34-605-9191. It's free for me to receive calls so I'd love to
talk whenever. I think it's 29 cents/min if you call me using Skype.
By the way, this will be my number for only the next 2 months. I'll
have a new one in Sirananana.

For know, Sambitsara!