AHHHH

ok sorry, I have very limited time on this. I just wanted to type a quick update. After I am sworn in, sometime after Feb 5th, I will be able to write one with a lot more details.

I am doing great here in Guinea. I am one of the few not to have gotten sick. I amctually feel in one of the best shapes of my life! (knock on wood). We had a bit of an interesting Christmas with a Coup d'etat in the Capital city. We were in Forecariah, so we had no problams at all. Our Prefect (the lady that was the head of the town) was kicked out by the military, but it was peaceful. Also, there were a lot of what we will call happy gunfire into the sky to celebrate.

Now I am in Conakry for New Years. I have just a few minutes to spit this out because we have an internet list so we could all get a chance in the day that we are here.

I love my Host Family. They are amazing. they are all part of a family called Griotes. That bascally means story tellers and peace keepers. They are incredible people and have been incredibly kind and inviting to me.

We have been doing some intense training. Language, skill and cultural trainings pretty much all day, everyday. I am learning tons of incredibly useful things and am starting to formulate general plans for where I actually reach my site.

We will be finding out site placements on Monday which I am incredbly excited about. My hope it in the Haute region of Guinea. It is a desert, but it is filled with incredible culture. There is actually a site near what they call the Forrest Region (which Peace Corps is not stationed) that I would love to get... we'll see.

Anyways, Letters are always appreciated if any of you get bored! I miss everyone so much, and I will again try to spend a little more time next time talking about the absolutely incredible time that I am having here. Take care, and if you have any further questions on what I am up to , my Brother can give you some of that info (sorry Manoj) mgmenon@gmail.com. Take care, and i will post gain soon!