* No one likes flies. They are pesky and gross and will be noticed in spite of delicious food and incredible landscapes.
* Having a driver is remarkable, despite the comments from your male guests who would drive faster and better. There's so much we didn't have to worry about because we had someone to maintain the vehicle and who knew where to stop to buy gas, milk, etc.
* My guests were somehow conned into saying "Bonjour" and "Merci." Don't let this happen to you. Perhaps educate them on the fact that this is a country of Arabic and Amazigh people. Remind your guests that they are English-speaking Americans. Choose one of the languages in this range to converse in.
* Public toilets are disgusting. Often stopping by the side of the road is a more pleasant alternative.
* It's possible to vacation here and ride on a "Western" surface. It's up to your visitor how far below the surface they want to go. As PCVs, we've gotten ourselves in pretty deep, but its important to remember that there are many things different about this place and America, even if you are still eating with forks and using Western toilets. Each can submerge themselves at their own pace.
* Tipping and saying "Thank you" is important. (And prices do vary with manners.)
* Be prepared for a million questions. And you know more than you realize.
* Camels are cool. And dangerous. Hang out tight for the dismount.
* Its wise not to rush into it, but by and large, the tap water here is fine. Perhaps better than consuming so much bottled water, only to leave the empty bottles behind. Recommend to your guests that they bring some of those Britta water bottle filters.
* There are all of these projects that we should be doing, and you'll talk about them with your guests. There are all of these efforts that we could be making…and if we just Google a little, or talk to these people, surely you can get these projects off the ground. Then your guests leave, and you are reminded that the nearest Cyber Cafe is 25 km away and that you don't actually have the technical language to explain to that person that idea you had. But you're still doing okay. In fact, you're doing great.
* They are impressed by what you're doing. I guarantee. Whether your guests are family or friends, world travelers or first timers, they're going to think that what you're doing as a Peace Corps Volunteer is really neat, and that you should just keep doing what you're doing.
* I'll tell you, it's tough after they leave. Even if they do bring Doritos and the good shampoo, but it sure is great that they came!
*Enjoy!
2 comments:
Interesting, but we never heard how your family liked Brahim. Please comment.
Dan Liked Brahim.
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