Downtown in Conakry

Yesterday after breakfast we had the medical orientation with Dr. Tryon(sp) he told us all the things we needed to know when it comes to being healthy and what to do when sick, and where to find information. We got our med kits and malaria nets, he also showed us how to assemble and break down the water filtration system (2 plastic buckets with a filter). Afterwards we had the RSO for Guinea come and he gave us a talk about security and tips to keep in mind. Usual common sense stuff like dont walk around with stacks of cash cause you'll get jacked. Then Cliff from USAID came by to tell us what projects and groups were happening in Guinea. Lunch was then eaten and it was good. The remainder of our training day consisted of language level placement and some cross cultural material. I was placed in Novice Low for French, no surprise there. We closed traning for the day and went into downtown Conakry for dinner at a resturant there. The drive was awesome, almost as good as the first one from the airport to the compound. The city is was alive, people playing futbal in the streets and life happening everywhere. The food at the resturant was the best we had so far, probably the best we will have for a really long time. In terms of food, living conditions, indoor plumbing, electricity, and access internet (although those last 3 have been going on and off regulary). The way we have been living these past few days is not the norm and it will most certainty be the easist we will have it.

Today the plan is survival language traning in french after breakfast, with sector meetings afterwards, then preperation for home stay (living with host family during PST), and maybe if I'm lucky, a bunch of needles in my arm.

In 2 days if all goes according to plan, I will be living with a host family and will have to say goodbye to the luxury of the Peace Corps compound. That being said, luxury is a little misleading because by American standards it is indeed poor living, but its not that bad. Well I'm late for lunch. Peace.