Jeff and I have our staging plans. We leave Monday, July 16th for Philadelphia where we will get to partake in an orientation like program that prepares us for Benin. We fly to Benin July 19th with a layover in Paris. If only we had enough time to go into the city. I can’t believe it’s been five years since I was in France… However, I am optomistic that a 4 hour layover will give me time to track down the Hagen Daas (well it was there 5 years ago) and enjoy deux boules de chocolat noir. Anyone who was with me in Grenoble will understand my obsession with chocolat noir.
Packing is going to be tough. Every time I toss something in the general direction of my oversized duffle bag, Jeff eyes me suspiciously. He apparently doesn’t see the need for my books. What can I say? I am an elementary school teacher… I love books! I think teaching without a vast array of books and/or visual aids is going to be a challenge for me.
Aside from books, my brother (via his connections) hooked us up with some cool gear. We are now the proud owners of a pen sized water filter! Ooohh. Aaahhh. More importantly he got us a thermarest and a pelican case (keeps things dry and dust free). I also never been so enticed by REI before in my life. The shelves of specialty clothing are calling out to me. I am especially intoxicated by the fabrics which promise to keep me dry, odor free, and protected from the sun. Of course, a small purchase of high tech fashion costs much more than my monthly allowance will be in Benin, which shames me somewhat…. although not enough to keep me from swiping my card. I am more curbed by the limitations imposed on me by the peace corps. We can only bring 80lbs of luggage total. I shouldn’t bring what I can’t haul on my own, right?
