July 18, 2010

Okay so we just had the most amazing weekend in Africa! Literally right now I am sitting on a veranda looking out on the Indian Ocean, coconut trees, monkeys swinging from tree limbs, and listening to "You got it Bad" by Usher. Could life be better? Okay so before you really start to question why your tax payer dollars are going to me relaxing on a beautiful beach, let me reassure you that this came out of my own pocket. On Friday we had our Oral Proficiency Interview to test to see where we are in our in Kiswahili levels. Honestly, I do not think that the interview went that well. But I am really hoping that my Kiswahili will improve over the next few weeks. I am going to really try and practice with my family, but at the same time not let it stress me out. I know it will come in its own time. Right now, I can converse for the most part about my needs but I cannot go much farther than that. I can communicate with my family, so that is good.

The past few weeks have been very focused on learning the language; however, the next half of training will mostly be focused on technical training, this is like training for our skills once we actually get to our site. Things I desperately need to learn! Like how to teach about AIDS prevention and family planning in school settings. Or how to create clubs or community groups.

Anyway, on to describing this past weekend. We got to Mkoma Bay on Friday night, which is on the Indian Ocean. The trip here was similar to a lot of my experiences so far in Africa. We were in a bus that was really crowded and just when you think no more people can fit in the vehicle we stop to pick up a few more. We bumped up and down dirt roads, stopped to by gas in a plastic container, and fish in plastic bags. After about a 2 hour ride we arrived! And we were all really excited and ready for some serious relaxation time (or pumzika-ing in Swahilish). Mkoma Bay is a little resort owned by a former Peace Corps Volunteer who has been kicking around Africa for the past 20 years. It is SO beautiful! There are a series of separate little cottages with walls that are just all screen. I stayed in one with two other girls, a giant bed, and our own bathroom with…wait for it, wait for it….a shower and a TOILET! It was purely blissful. The shower even had hot water, I really felt so luxurious! Seriously, if any of you come to visit me we are coming here! Its so nice! The food has been amazing. We eat outside on this beautiful deck overlooking the ocean and at night the stars are of course so incredible. Also, there is a bar with cold drinks and wine! On Saturday we woke up, ate a delicious breakfast then lounged around in our bathing suits all day. We went swimming in the ocean, swimming in the pool, kayaking and had long walks on the beach. It was fantastic. It was definitely a well deserved break from homestay, which is very challenging, but rewarding as well.

Okay so I miss and love all of you guys! Please send mail! And call me if you can afford to. There are really cheap calling cards online. Also, I promise that this is the least out of touch I will be. Once I get sworn in and move to my site I will be in way better touch with everyone. Also, I hope you are all starting to plan you trips because I cannot wait to see you! Okay talk to you all soon!