hi everyone!
I am now in okhandja, a town near Windhoek (the capital of Namibia). The 52 other trainees in my group and I are staying in a conference center and partaking in a 3 week block of our training here. The conference center is quite nice. There are 7 people to a room, but I like all my roomates. Each room opens up onto a courtyard, that has a lawn, tables, chairs and shelters made out of straw or something that protect us from the sun. There is also a big meeting room, where we meet each day for discussions, lectures, immunizations and stuff. We learned that the water system in Namibia is really good. because all the water has to be recycled, and water that comes out of a tap in Namibia is good to drink. yay! I will also likely have electricity and running water at my permanent site, although I have not yet heard where I'll be. at the end of this week we will find out what language we will learn, as this depends on where in namibia we will be stationed. the training is really excellent here. it is very group-work centered and we are doing stuff about 12 hours a day, but it doesn's seem like work because it is all very interesting and engaging. I have received 5 immunizations so far and we still have a bunch to go. If you'd like to call me in the next 2 and a half weeks you can reach me at :
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This will reach a payphone that is in the courtyard of our conference center. Whoever picks up will have to go find me, (but dont' worry everyone knows everyone by now) and then we will only have a few minutes to talk because the pay phone cuts us off after 10 minutes. Make sure you check the rates to Namibia before you call--it could be quite expensive. and try to call in the afternoon between 1pm and 3pm EST and 12pm and 2pm Central time, because that's between 8 and 10 here, which is when I'm not training, sleeping or eating.
We are getting paid N$20/day during training, which is about US$3/day, so it's not a lot, but then again, we are getting fed and housed, so we dont' really need a lot. prices are comparable to the US for the most part, aside from this awesome Kudu Steak dinner I had in Windhoek at a little dive bar that cost me N$26 ($4 in the united states)! I don't know how that happened. I miss you all, but I'm having fun, am healthy and happy.
love, siggi
PS, if you dont' want to be on this list, just let me know, and I'll take you
off. I can't even remember who makes up this list, and I'm not going to check
for the sake of money (N$20/half hour).