Mauritania Peace Corps June 2003

Jason is an Information Technology worker. He has a high cool factor. Update: His cool factor plummeted when he ET'ed after 2 weeks.

2009-07-06T13:20:06Z

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Jason is an Information Technology worker. He has a high cool factor. Update: His cool factor plummeted when he ET'ed after 2 weeks.

Chris looks like Clark Kent. He isn't superman because he ET'ed after 1 week.

2009-07-06T13:27:02Z

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Chris looks like Clark Kent. He isn't superman because he ET'ed after 1 week.

Skinny Mark

2009-07-06T13:10:37Z

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Skinny Mark

Alice is 20 years old. She knows the trade because she grew up in a construction family. She has been building houses for years. Since her balance is really good, she prefers roofing. Update ...

2009-07-06T13:47:41Z

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Alice is 20 years old. She knows the trade because she grew up in a construction family. She has been building houses for years. Since her balance is really good, she prefers roofing. Update ...

Matt is 26 years old. He works with me as a Information Technology worker. He left his girlfriend behind. He prefers older women (not older than 30, sorry ladies).

2009-07-06T13:38:36Z

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Matt is 26 years old. He works with me as a Information Technology worker. He left his girlfriend behind. He prefers older women (not older than 30, sorry ladies).

Matt, Andy, Bob, Chris.

2009-07-06T13:53:00Z

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Matt, Andy, Bob, Chris.

Exhuberant welcoming greetings from Peace Corps staging staff Lesley, David, Griselda , Chad

2009-07-06T13:14:30Z

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Exhuberant welcoming greetings from Peace Corps staging staff Lesley, David, Griselda , Chad

First minute of the first meeting. We hardly know each other.

2009-07-06T14:10:06Z

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First minute of the first meeting. We hardly know each other.

Second minute of the first meeting. If we don't start soon we are going to explode!

2009-07-06T13:36:28Z

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Second minute of the first meeting. If we don't start soon we are going to explode!

Chad was an awesome presenter. He's a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) from I forget where.

2009-07-06T12:57:19Z

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Chad was an awesome presenter. He's a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) from I forget where.

Andy outs himself. Lesley is the Mauritania expert although she has never been to Mauritania. Is that a message?

2009-07-06T14:09:49Z

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Andy outs himself. Lesley is the Mauritania expert although she has never been to Mauritania. Is that a message?

Ayrin is the closet thing to a Mauritanian veteran. She spent months in Niger, which borders Mauritania. She claims that in her last day in Niger, the temperature was 146F. That explains her ...

2009-07-06T13:41:12Z

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Ayrin is the closet thing to a Mauritanian veteran. She spent months in Niger, which borders Mauritania. She claims that in her last day in Niger, the temperature was 146F. That explains her ...

Not camera shy Janine at a Scott and Jessica party. I suspect it will be one of many.

2009-07-06T13:39:23Z

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Not camera shy Janine at a Scott and Jessica party. I suspect it will be one of many.

Alice, Carl, Jason, Natalie, Diane, Heather showing their track marks after our first innoculations. Heather didn't cry or faint like everyone figured.

2009-07-06T13:36:18Z

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Alice, Carl, Jason, Natalie, Diane, Heather showing their track marks after our first innoculations. Heather didn't cry or faint like everyone figured.

Chad had us draw pictures of our anxieties/fears and excitements. We learned to associate our anxieties/fears with funny picutres. By the second day our anxieties/fears were greatly dissapat ...

2009-07-06T13:20:05Z

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Chad had us draw pictures of our anxieties/fears and excitements. We learned to associate our anxieties/fears with funny picutres. By the second day our anxieties/fears were greatly dissapat ...

Alice, Margaret, Diane, Dan act out their script which demonstrates one of several ways a Peace Corps volunteer can be administratively terminated (fired).

2009-07-06T14:07:46Z

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Alice, Margaret, Diane, Dan act out their script which demonstrates one of several ways a Peace Corps volunteer can be administratively terminated (fired).

Jen, Jessica, Lisa during a break in training.

2009-07-06T13:36:48Z

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Jen, Jessica, Lisa during a break in training.

Jill, Lisa, Karl, Diane, Ginny

2009-07-06T14:05:45Z

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Jill, Lisa, Karl, Diane, Ginny

Griselda (RPCV, Peru) is our Assistant Desk person at PC headquarters. She walks us through the logistics of our departure. She is very organized.

2009-07-06T13:15:25Z

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Griselda (RPCV, Peru) is our Assistant Desk person at PC headquarters. She walks us through the logistics of our departure. She is very organized.

Lisa worked at Iridium, she has traveled the world and knows all sorts of esoteric satellite facts.

2009-07-06T13:40:05Z

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Lisa worked at Iridium, she has traveled the world and knows all sorts of esoteric satellite facts.

Last night in the US. Dan, Matt, Natalie, Carl, Dana, Margaret leaving Dave and Busters at the Pier in Philadelphia.

2009-07-06T13:35:49Z

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Last night in the US. Dan, Matt, Natalie, Carl, Dana, Margaret leaving Dave and Busters at the Pier in Philadelphia.

Lentement Will is in IT. He's from Tennesse. His stories are very long.

2009-07-06T13:42:06Z

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Lentement Will is in IT. He's from Tennesse. His stories are very long.

Aryin is pretty different. Her year in Niger has made her experienced and savy. Update: I learned the importance of giving people a second chance from Aryin.

2009-07-06T13:46:48Z

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Aryin is pretty different. Her year in Niger has made her experienced and savy. Update: I learned the importance of giving people a second chance from Aryin.

Lisa dozing off.

2009-07-06T13:44:28Z

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Lisa dozing off.

Chris

2009-07-06T13:35:11Z

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Chris

Mark is a SED (Small Enterprise Development) guy. He's possibly the most experienced biz volunteer. His site assignment is in Nouadibou, the 2nd city of Mauritania, the port city, the biz ca ...

2009-07-06T13:26:58Z

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Mark is a SED (Small Enterprise Development) guy. He's possibly the most experienced biz volunteer. His site assignment is in Nouadibou, the 2nd city of Mauritania, the port city, the biz ca ...

Jill, on her way to becoming the vomit queen.

2009-07-06T14:05:06Z

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Jill, on her way to becoming the vomit queen.

Pat was everyone's favorite guy. He had a big humerous personality. He spent most of his time in the infirmary in Kaedi. He couldn't get well so he had to go home. Best of luck Pat! Update: ...

2009-07-06T14:06:18Z

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Pat was everyone's favorite guy. He had a big humerous personality. He spent most of his time in the infirmary in Kaedi. He couldn't get well so he had to go home. Best of luck Pat! Update: ...

This is Jennifer. I keep forgetting her name. Its way past being impolite and I've now entered the stupid category.

2009-07-06T13:53:14Z

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This is Jennifer. I keep forgetting her name. Its way past being impolite and I've now entered the stupid category.

Alice and Cathrine.

2009-07-06T13:38:54Z

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Alice and Cathrine.

Brandon

2009-07-06T14:05:45Z

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Brandon

Miriam is from Louisiana. People are going to assume she is Pulaar. Hope she learns fast. Update: Miriam gave me the best goodbye. Thank you Pulaar girl.

2009-07-06T13:17:13Z

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Miriam is from Louisiana. People are going to assume she is Pulaar. Hope she learns fast. Update: Miriam gave me the best goodbye. Thank you Pulaar girl.

15,000 ouguyas ($50) gets this picture deleted of Annika. Update: Annika proved to be most nurturing.

2009-07-06T13:29:27Z

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15,000 ouguyas ($50) gets this picture deleted of Annika. Update: Annika proved to be most nurturing.

Hector and Genny are one of three married couples. They are really nice people from Chicago. They are going to the difficult, remote city of Ayune. Hope they come back just as nice as they s ...

2009-07-06T14:02:37Z

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Hector and Genny are one of three married couples. They are really nice people from Chicago. They are going to the difficult, remote city of Ayune. Hope they come back just as nice as they s ...

This is Erin. I want to marry her someday.

2009-07-06T13:53:48Z

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This is Erin. I want to marry her someday.

Another married couple. Mitch has a big personality. Kari keeps him in check. They have great balance. Update: I think I stole the bad boy award from Mitch and Dan.

2009-07-06T13:46:48Z

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Another married couple. Mitch has a big personality. Kari keeps him in check. They have great balance. Update: I think I stole the bad boy award from Mitch and Dan.

I never went to Prom so Natalie is going to take me out on a prom date someday. Julia has only two-thirds of a head, poor thing. Update: My saddest memory of Mauritania was that I had become ...

2009-07-06T13:32:51Z

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I never went to Prom so Natalie is going to take me out on a prom date someday. Julia has only two-thirds of a head, poor thing. Update: My saddest memory of Mauritania was that I had become ...

Andy and Dan. Dan keeps track of my shoes. He has so many extra brain cells that some are disposable.

2009-07-06T13:17:03Z

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Andy and Dan. Dan keeps track of my shoes. He has so many extra brain cells that some are disposable.

I'm guessing that Karl is going to be the writer in our group. His observations are clever. He wrote this poem for the first Town Meeting: Red strip'd strange looking I lose water from a ...

2009-07-06T14:08:52Z

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I'm guessing that Karl is going to be the writer in our group. His observations are clever. He wrote this poem for the first Town Meeting: Red strip'd strange looking I lose water from a ...

Lisa's always has the 411. If there's trouble I'm standing behind her. Update: When Lisa told me it was time to go home, I did.

2009-07-06T14:06:10Z

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Lisa's always has the 411. If there's trouble I'm standing behind her. Update: When Lisa told me it was time to go home, I did.

Griselda is one of the Philly trainers.

2009-07-06T13:51:58Z

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Griselda is one of the Philly trainers.

Moi.

2009-07-06T13:59:29Z

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Moi.

Molly is practicing her diarrhea. Be careful what you wish for.

2009-07-06T13:55:29Z

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Molly is practicing her diarrhea. Be careful what you wish for.

Will, Catherine and Stephanie.

2009-07-06T13:19:13Z

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Will, Catherine and Stephanie.

Chris, Andy, Erin

2009-07-06T14:07:59Z

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Chris, Andy, Erin

A marriage of equals, Jessica and Scott. Update: Jessica stood tight during my final troubled days in Kaedi. It couldn't have been easy for her. She has great character.

2009-07-06T13:19:40Z

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A marriage of equals, Jessica and Scott. Update: Jessica stood tight during my final troubled days in Kaedi. It couldn't have been easy for her. She has great character.

Natilie and ET Charlie

2009-07-06T13:52:13Z

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Natilie and ET Charlie

Molly and Mark

2009-07-06T13:45:27Z

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Molly and Mark

Molly meets a wannabe sister on the plane.

2009-07-06T14:09:41Z

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Molly meets a wannabe sister on the plane.

First moment in Mauritania.

2009-07-06T13:21:23Z

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First moment in Mauritania.

First moment in Mauritania.

2009-07-06T13:36:51Z

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First moment in Mauritania.

Our greeting commitee in Nouakchott. Kateri, the woman in the blue dress, is our CD (country director). The CD is the highest ranking official in any PC country.

2009-07-06T13:48:52Z

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Our greeting commitee in Nouakchott. Kateri, the woman in the blue dress, is our CD (country director). The CD is the highest ranking official in any PC country.

Peace Corps HQ front door.

2009-07-06T13:42:15Z

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Peace Corps HQ front door.

Our group assembles at PC HQ for a cross cultural training session.

2009-07-06T13:36:14Z

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Our group assembles at PC HQ for a cross cultural training session.

Reading our handouts.

2009-07-06T13:16:32Z

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Reading our handouts.

The first day was exhausting. Mark passes out on the hotel bed, actually a mat.

2009-07-06T13:49:55Z

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The first day was exhausting. Mark passes out on the hotel bed, actually a mat.

IMGP0328.JPG

2009-07-06T13:23:33Z

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IMGP0328.JPG

Learning to eat like a Mauritanian. First you wash your hands using a teapot, then you dig your hand into the dish. You can eat all the food in your wedge and pick at the food in the center. ...

2009-07-06T13:24:59Z

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Learning to eat like a Mauritanian. First you wash your hands using a teapot, then you dig your hand into the dish. You can eat all the food in your wedge and pick at the food in the center. ...

Karla demonstrates a rice ball. She's a senior volunteer. Rice balls are easy for her.

2009-07-06T13:17:04Z

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Karla demonstrates a rice ball. She's a senior volunteer. Rice balls are easy for her.

After eating you pour water over your hands to wash away the food.

2009-07-06T13:19:15Z

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After eating you pour water over your hands to wash away the food.

IMGP0334.JPG

2009-07-06T13:29:29Z

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IMGP0334.JPG

Sherif demonstrates the proper technique of applying water from the butt pot (makaresh) after using a Turkish toilet. Sherif is a senior IT volunteer. He is unique being an Arab American and ...

2009-07-06T14:12:28Z

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Sherif demonstrates the proper technique of applying water from the butt pot (makaresh) after using a Turkish toilet. Sherif is a senior IT volunteer. He is unique being an Arab American and ...

Our hotel room in Nouakchott. We stayed here upon our first arrival. It was a suite consisting of this room, another room with a king bed and a real toilet and shower. It was very good by No ...

2009-07-06T13:14:15Z

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Our hotel room in Nouakchott. We stayed here upon our first arrival. It was a suite consisting of this room, another room with a king bed and a real toilet and shower. It was very good by No ...

Maggie tests the king bed.

2009-07-06T14:00:12Z

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Maggie tests the king bed.

April asks Sherif some questions.

2009-07-06T13:56:30Z

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April asks Sherif some questions.

A PC caravan forms for a 5 hour trip to the Southern city of Kaedi. Kaedi is the training site for PC in Mauritania for this year. It is one of the most uncomfortable cities in Africa due to ...

2009-07-06T13:25:08Z

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A PC caravan forms for a 5 hour trip to the Southern city of Kaedi. Kaedi is the training site for PC in Mauritania for this year. It is one of the most uncomfortable cities in Africa due to ...

Marc, Natalie and Audrey before leaving for our training site in Kaedi.

2009-07-06T13:22:21Z

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Marc, Natalie and Audrey before leaving for our training site in Kaedi.

April gives Aryin a facial massage.

2009-07-06T14:10:52Z

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April gives Aryin a facial massage.

Timeout under the big tent at PC HQ (aka the Bureau).

2009-07-06T13:37:30Z

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Timeout under the big tent at PC HQ (aka the Bureau).

Offloaded during a tire change on the way to Kaedi. Tire's frequently blowout in Mauritania.

2009-07-06T13:13:28Z

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Offloaded during a tire change on the way to Kaedi. Tire's frequently blowout in Mauritania.

Adda is the softspoken IT coordinator. Karla and Beth are 2nd year volunteers. Update: Three of the biggest hearts in Mauritania. Wish I wasn't running on empty.

2009-07-06T13:40:56Z

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Adda is the softspoken IT coordinator. Karla and Beth are 2nd year volunteers. Update: Three of the biggest hearts in Mauritania. Wish I wasn't running on empty.

Yet another tire change.

2009-07-06T13:52:24Z

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Yet another tire change.

Roadside stop for the afternoon prayers.

2009-07-06T13:24:50Z

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Roadside stop for the afternoon prayers.

Cross-cultural discussions.

2009-07-06T13:30:46Z

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Cross-cultural discussions.

Lisa giving good face. Update: If she gives me a third chance I'll take it.

2009-07-06T13:41:44Z

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Lisa giving good face. Update: If she gives me a third chance I'll take it.

Cross-cultural panel discussion. The panel is composed of senior volunteers. They seem to know everything.

2009-07-06T14:07:40Z

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Cross-cultural panel discussion. The panel is composed of senior volunteers. They seem to know everything.

Carl, Geri and Erin. Update: I pick Carl as most likely to make it through two years or more. Geri and Erin were my big sisters; they reached out and scolded me when I was bad.

2009-07-06T13:16:08Z

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Carl, Geri and Erin. Update: I pick Carl as most likely to make it through two years or more. Geri and Erin were my big sisters; they reached out and scolded me when I was bad.

Jason and Heather. Heather is one of the 18 surviving members of last year's group of 46. I call it the Alamo group. Update: After service, Heathers gonna catch up for some lost time.

2009-07-06T13:44:05Z

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Jason and Heather. Heather is one of the 18 surviving members of last year's group of 46. I call it the Alamo group. Update: After service, Heathers gonna catch up for some lost time.

Miranda, Hawa, um and Racey show off local dress. You can tell people's ethnicity by how they dress.

2009-07-06T13:50:29Z

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Miranda, Hawa, um and Racey show off local dress. You can tell people's ethnicity by how they dress.

Miranda and Hawa

2009-07-06T13:18:33Z

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Miranda and Hawa

JC, Erin, um

2009-07-06T13:59:09Z

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JC, Erin, um

Boys' dorm number two. Conditions were tight. Many of us slept outside. It was frustrating keeping our stuff together in a crowded space. We looked forward to beginning homestays.

2009-07-06T13:34:35Z

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Boys' dorm number two. Conditions were tight. Many of us slept outside. It was frustrating keeping our stuff together in a crowded space. We looked forward to beginning homestays.

The tea server. Tea is a revered tradition here.

2009-07-06T13:34:56Z

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The tea server. Tea is a revered tradition here.

This double-boiler looking thing is a Peace Corps issue water filter. Pour the water in the top over the mesh net filter. Two ceramic tubes absorb the water and pass it through to the lower ...

2009-07-06T13:52:44Z

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This double-boiler looking thing is a Peace Corps issue water filter. Pour the water in the top over the mesh net filter. Two ceramic tubes absorb the water and pass it through to the lower ...

Inside of a public turkish toilet.

2009-07-06T13:17:07Z

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Inside of a public turkish toilet.

A hand painted with henna. Very popular with the ladies.

2009-07-06T13:17:38Z

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A hand painted with henna. Very popular with the ladies.

Leaving for our home stays in Kaedi. A very dramatic moment.

2009-07-06T14:08:06Z

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Leaving for our home stays in Kaedi. A very dramatic moment.

I meet my host father for the first time. His name is Mohammed and he is very kind. He loves making rice balls for me.

2009-07-06T13:53:43Z

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I meet my host father for the first time. His name is Mohammed and he is very kind. He loves making rice balls for me.

An IT meeting under Habib's tent. Habib is one of the two IT language facilitators. The other facilitator is Ali. They are generally our handlers as well as language teachers.

2009-07-06T13:53:11Z

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An IT meeting under Habib's tent. Habib is one of the two IT language facilitators. The other facilitator is Ali. They are generally our handlers as well as language teachers.

This girls are practicing their singing for the end-of-school year soiree.

2009-07-06T13:52:20Z

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This girls are practicing their singing for the end-of-school year soiree.

Ishatta is our domestic helper. I thought she was a slave at first. Now I know she goes back to her family at night. She caters to our needs during the heat of the day. Her favorite activity ...

2009-07-06T13:18:24Z

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Ishatta is our domestic helper. I thought she was a slave at first. Now I know she goes back to her family at night. She caters to our needs during the heat of the day. Her favorite activity ...

Don't we make the perfect couple?

2009-07-06T14:08:39Z

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Don't we make the perfect couple?

My father Mohammed loves his shortwave radio. His favorite station is BBC Arabic. Update: Mohammed would have given me anything but he also demanded things in return. Yes, he did catch me sp ...

2009-07-06T14:00:02Z

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My father Mohammed loves his shortwave radio. His favorite station is BBC Arabic. Update: Mohammed would have given me anything but he also demanded things in return. Yes, he did catch me sp ...

A sandstorm approaches our compound. At first I thought it would be dramatic but it only turned a bit dusty.

2009-07-06T14:06:12Z

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A sandstorm approaches our compound. At first I thought it would be dramatic but it only turned a bit dusty.

The rear view of Habib's cousin's house in Kaedi, a rather typical scene.

2009-07-06T13:56:16Z

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The rear view of Habib's cousin's house in Kaedi, a rather typical scene.

Some ladies at Habib's cousin's house.

2009-07-06T14:09:21Z

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Some ladies at Habib's cousin's house.

Some of the family at Habib's cousin's house.

2009-07-06T14:02:49Z

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Some of the family at Habib's cousin's house.

Will got doused by a blister beetle. This is his knee.

2009-07-06T14:09:38Z

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Will got doused by a blister beetle. This is his knee.

Mauritel is the Mauritanian government's phone company. This is the guy who runs the central office in Kaedi. They just got a fiber optic line. It follows the route of the power lines origi ...

2009-07-06T14:06:11Z

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Mauritel is the Mauritanian government's phone company. This is the guy who runs the central office in Kaedi. They just got a fiber optic line. It follows the route of the power lines origi ...

On the streets of Kaedi.

2009-07-06T13:47:40Z

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On the streets of Kaedi.