je suis arrivee!

Well, I had a blast in Atlanta for my staging, despite the arm sores I got from them poking me with shots (just kidding Daphne, if you are reading this it is really not that bad.) My flight got in and I was the last one to arrive at the Sheridan. The rest of the Peace Corps crew had me throw down my bags and dragged me right to the karaoke bar (ok, maybe not dragged) and I knew right then and there that we would all get along. We spent the next few days in pre-training and playing the name games, making me feel like a freshman in high school again. Then on my birthday, I moved to Africa (weird actually saying it). It is hot here, my expectations of that were not disappointed! We arrived at the Peace Corps site and there was a procession of 50 people all jumping out of their skin to meet us. Most of the PC workers are locals and they do not really speak English. They are trying to teach us different African dialects, but they are teaching in French, which makes it difficult because I don't speak French or any African dialect for that matter. All I know so far is Asala Malekum. We also got to have a few meals. The lady that is in charge of food is amazing, they call her mama! Apparantly this is the best food we will have so they are easing us into Mauritanian meals. Even baguettes they say is a luxury. Good thing I know how to say "I would like a baguette" in French, right guys? haha. So for meals, we all sit on the ground in groups of 5 (actually, for everything you sit on the ground, I miss couches already) and eat your "pizza slice" section out of one big plate. The base of each meal is either rice or couscous and then the rest is fish or goat. There is a whole technique where you have to ball the rice with your hand and then eat it. It is rude to do anything or touch anyone with your left because that is the hand you wipe with so eating messy food with your right hand only without being able to clean your face with the left is definately an art form. We sleep outside in our mosquito tents because it is so hot, but the stars are a sight to see, remember Egypt Sam and Julie? I get that every night now. And it is cool at night! Well everyone here is really cool, exceding my every expectation so I am in good hands! I will be making my blog secure soon so if you want to be able to read it and it says you have to get accepted that is why. Also, I got a phone so if you want my number let me know. It will work well while I'm in Rosso for the next few months but after that it depends on where I am placed.
I miss you all already.
Jaime