2004-06-30 - 8:01 a.m.

Good morning!

I am still in Nouakchott and will be leaving soon for Kaedi. The business volunteers had breakfast with Obie Shaw (our Peace corps Country Director). It was very nice talking to him and finding out that he will be a very accessible and friendly resource for us. We then had a medical information session, just explaining the basic medical rights and responsibilities... will be getting a lot more in the next few days. After I emailed yesterday I got my shots, an introductory cultural prep class (covered topics such as eating, greeting, clothing, and "bathroom" etiquette). We also had two reps from the Embassy come and speak to us about Safety and Security, Terror Threats, etc. It seems to be a rather dormant country under that respect, except that we were recommended to stay away from the border areas between Mauritanie and Mali. They served us pizza for dinner then took us to our Auberges for the night... slept well, but couldn't toss and turn freely as both my arms were aching from the shots! :-)

I am feeling well, still very excited and looking forward to our 5-6 hr drive to the southern border (Kaedi lies on the Senegal river, on the border with Senegal). I am happy to be here and hope you will enjoy my accounts. :-)

Thank you again for your emails, it feels good to read them even if short: they're there! :-)

Love you and hug you tight,

Jordy

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