countdown

After spending four weeks in Germany with my little sister, there are only four days until I get on a plane in Fresno, heading towards Philadelphia, and then heading to Benin. You’d think I’d had enough of airplanes, and maybe I have, but these next few flights will be the last ones for two years.

My Germany vacation was wonderful. The tone for the trip was set the day after we landed, when our uncle took us on a 20 mile alpine bike ride. I was pleasantly surprised with how well I did, but maybe I only did well in comparison with my sister, who did a lot of huffing and puffing up the hills. I think its fair to say that things got easier after that, when we were able to see ruins, castles, art museums, do some driving on the autobahn, see beautiful little villages, some of France, the Black Forest, and almost every World Cup game. I know more about international soccer than I ever wanted to. And Germany should have made it all the way.

Although what we were able to see in Germany was priceless, I think what I most appreciated was the opportunity to get to know that half of my family better. My aunts, uncles, and cousins made the trip. I just hope that I won’t wait another 12 years to go back.

Now that I’ve unpacked though, its time to start packing again. On my to-do list is posting this, and letting everyone know my itinerary and address,
So:
July 17 – fly to Philadelphia for my “staging event” (I’m noticing that the Peace Corps loves lingo). Apparently this is where they pump you full of immunizations and make you play some name games.
July 20 – fly from Philly to Paris to Cotonou, Benin, and begin “Pre-Service Training”. PST lasts three months, and is 9 hours a day of language, culture, and skills training. II won’t officially be a P.C. Volunteer until I’m sworn in at the end of the training. Until then, I’m a “Trainee”.

I’ve been warned that it takes a while to receive mail, so maybe everyone who reads this should send me a letter tomorrow, that way I’ll get it sooner rather than later. Also, only send letters via airmail, since some things sent by boat have taken up to two years to arrive. HA.
So send all AIRMAIL items to:
Betsie Frei
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 971
Cotonou, Benin