So I am sitting here in the northern workstation using a computer with internet! Life is good now that I am finally moved up north. After 2 days of bush taxis, 10 hours on the road and 1 instance of the driver falling asleep at the wheel (while I was also sleeping), my stuff and I made it in one piece. My house is really nice and I am in the compound with the workstation. I have tiles floors, a proper bathroom and CIELING FANS which should come in handy during the dry season. No electricity? No problem. The workstation is equipped with a generator so when those nasty power cuts come, I will still be somewhat comfortable. As I think I said before somewhere on this blog, I am the new PCVL (Peace Corps Volunteer Leader) for the Alibori region in Benin. There are regional houses in this country for the volunteer community to use for work and transit purposes. Along with the workstation comes the PCVL who is there to manage the house and staff (guards, cleaning people), act as a liaison between the bureau in Cotonou and support volunteers in his/her region in various capacities. Right now I am shadowing the exiting PCVL for about a week then I will take over the reigns. I have to admit that I don’t know this area well at all and have visited only 2 times prior but I really do love the north already. It’s the rainy season right now so the weather is agreeable but once the dry, hot season kicks in around February I’m sure the 110 degree nights will make me revisit the idea that the north is awesome. But anyway the scenery is so different and the people are so relaxed. I am really looking forward to spending a year up here. Although I am about 12 hours from Cotonou, I have to make the journey often for administrative purposes and will be able to feast on the amenities that it has to offer.
It was hard saying my goodbyes in Bohicon but I will be passing through quite a bit on my way down south and can visit. My post is being replaced by a married couple so I am really excited about that. He will be replacing me at the Office of Mayor and will work at the archeological park and she will be working with the Centre Promotion Sociale doing health projects. They will be living in my old house and I’m sure they will find it really nice.
I’ll be sure to post pictures of my new town and house soon!
Family and friends back home: I miss you and much love!
