The Benin Crew

The big day!

2005-07-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hey guys I was just checking if people still wanted to get together tomorrow night after we all arrive in Philly! I am going to bring my cell phone with me and throw it away when we leave for the airport, so I can be reached on it tomorrow. My number is 623-910-4790. I am planning to check this tomorrow to see if the early arrivers still want to get together. Please let me know the plan and how we all plan to meet up! I am excited to meet you all and hope you are surviving your last hours with your families and friends!

Baggage?!?!

2005-07-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been packing like a madwoman for the last few days. For some reason I got it in my head that we're only allowed 70 lbs. Then, after I got everything down below that, I went through my staging materials and it says 80. Great! 80 lbs! Whoooo!! I can bring along some stuff I thought I'd have to leave behind! Yeeeeeaaaahhh!

~~But . . . before I repack, I want to make sure it's actually 80, and that I've been thinking 70 because I'm losing my mind, and not because it said 70 in an email or on paperwork I just can't find.~~

Reassurance? Anyone? Bueller?

Yeah, I know I'm freaking out for no good reason. It's better than twiddling my thumbs for the next two days, though. ;)

UPDATE: Just got an email from Roland. It's 80.

Phone Cards

2005-06-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Since we're talking about cell phones - how about the other side - how folks in the states might call you in Benin.

I've been using Nobelcom for a long, long time. They're rates good - and call quality is usually ok, but it varies a lot, and it can sometimes be hard to get connected - though most of the time the call goes through right away.

NobelCom's Benin Rates for calling cell phones

The skypeout rates to Benin look ok, too. But I've never used them for international stuff.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

2005-06-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

From what I've gathered, Benin has a GSM cellular network. That means that all of us lucky people with phones that accept SIM cards (Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile) have the option of bringing our own phones. From what I've read cell use is pretty inexpensive in Benin.

I myself am planning to take my phone with me. I had my service stop the day we leave the country, in case I needed to make last minute calls. If it turns out that the phone won't work on their network, it's too expensive, or I just plain don't care... I don't feel at all bad about chucking my phone. If it does end up working, chances are my ghetto phone will be comprable to handsets they have there, so I'll be able to save some cash.

I don't know if anyone else had a similar plan, but if you do end up bringing your phone, make sure you call your service provider and have them unlock your phone. If you don't get this done, your phone will definetly not work in Benin. The service providers here make sure it's hard to switch companies, so they lock out any SIM cards but their own. If you call and explain they shouldn't have any problem doing it for you. Some phones can be unlocked remotely, but if you have an older phone like me they'll give you an unlock code that you'll have to key in manually when we get in country.

In any case, 1 week to go! I think I'm about ready to start packing now. (You think I'm joking... but I haven't started yet!)

Another Website

2005-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

This website is in French, but even if you don't understand the language, you might catch a few things. It's a national news site, for t.v. and radio, I think. I like it.

http://www.ortb.org/

Cooking?

2005-06-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

What are you guys bringing along as far as cooking junx goes? I'm definitely bringing a travel non-stick fying pan and some spices. There are some recipes on fon-is-fun, but I think a big pot is out of the question as far as my luggage is concerned (and with no fridge, there's no storing the leftovers). The current plan also includes powdery drinks and nutella, but I'll probably end up sacrificing clothing for some cooking gadgetry at the last moment. ;)

Any other suggestions/ ideas?

Shap Dressed Man.....

2005-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Clean shirt, new shoes
And I don’t know where I am goin’ to.
Silk suit, black tie,
I don’t need a reason why....

(I know, that's really horrible. Sorry. Couldn't help it. Had the song in my head. )

Anyway - Gentlemen,

What are you doing for your one dress outfit to take?

Button down shirt? Tie? What for pants and shoes?

Gadgetry

2005-06-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ben recommended this piece of gadgetry (jump drive card reader). I was ordering a ton of other stuff from Amazon, so I figured I'd get one and see how it works. It's pretty sweet (loads SD --> computer way faster than my camera --> computer). The only thing I'd caution is that it's made out of pretty lightweight plastic, and I'm not sure how it'll stand up to wear and tear in sand and heat.

Anyway, thanks for the recommendation (and for the excuse to use the word "gadgetry"). Fun toys are great!

What are you guys doing about power stuff

2005-06-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am wondering what you guys are buying to power stuff with. I bought a set of plug adaptors for my iBook. I do not need a convertor for it as it can run on 220 volts. Everything else I have (flashlights, radio, alarm clock, digital camera), or am going to have can be run off of AA batteries. The three possiblites for batteries are a 220 volt battery charger, a Solar battery charger, and simply bringing alot and having my family mail extras to me. I am leaning towards a 220 volt charger, since the only inexpensive solar battery chargers seem way too inexpensive (aka crap) and since the Benin Country Desk email warned about paying customs charges for packages. However, my village probably won't even have electricity and I would only be able to charge stuff when going to PC functions in capital cities. What are you guys doing?

The bike measurements

2005-06-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hey I was wondering if anybody could give me the e-mail address of the person we are supoosed to send the bike measurements to. I did not save the e-mail address after I sent the aspiration statement and stuff. Thanks!

Shortwave

2005-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Have you all gotten lost in the odd world of shortwave radios yet? As far as I can tell, for every radio and technology, there will be a huge range of opinions, and they all seem to conflict with one another.

Anyone have one, or buy one, already?

4th in Philly!

2005-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I am flying into Philly on the 4th too, since I am coming from AZ. My flight gets in at 7:25 pm. I would LOVE to go to the concert and firework show. I was really worried that I would spend the 4th of July alone in the hotel! Thanks Lyle for looking into something fun to do. Hopefully i will be able to meet up with everybody who is getting in earlier in the night before everybody heads out. I would expect to be at the hotel by like 8:15. Should we make a plan of where to meet when the time gets closer? I am getting really excited now that things are becoming more specific and official. I can't wait to meet all of you!

When do you arrive in Philly?

2005-06-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Lyle's already said he'll be there on the 4th, but when does everyone else get there? My flight is set to arrive at 11:05 on the 5th.

4th in Philly

2005-06-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Looks like Philadelphia hasn't let me down, there will be a free concert featuring Sir Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Bryan Adams and a "Fireworks Spectacular". As near as I can gather, it's all going on only 2 or so miles from our hotel. Not too shabby at all. I'm getting into Philly around 5:30. Anyone wanna come with?

Check out the details.

Independence Day!

2005-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Got my flight info today. I'll be in Philly on the 4th (since to check in at 1p on the 5th when they want us there would be impossible with a 6 hour flight from CA. Is anyone else going to be there a night early?

Staging Kit

2005-06-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

..... came in the mail today! Since I live about 2 miles from where
it was sent, my guess is they mailed it this morning, though the cover
letter has last Friday's date on it.

So - if you didn't get yours in the mail today, my guess is it will show
up soon.

If you are curious, it has: Some paperwork (will it ever end?!), a
schedule for our time in Philadelphia (gotta be there at 1pm Tuesday, and
looks like our flight leaves thursday evening from New York/JFK), flight
info and other odds and ends.

Staging Packet!

2005-06-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey, supposedly I got my staging packet today (well, my MOM got my staging packet today... they sent it to my permanent address). Just thought you should all know to expect them soon!

Introduce yourself....

2005-06-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is the official "Hi I'm.... from ...." post. Please, introduce yourself! I'm having trouble remember who everyone is, or maybe it's just because I've never really had an intro. I'll go first, please see comments below.

as for packing...

2005-06-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

I actually haven't started yet, but I've thought about it a lot if that counts for anything. I am kind of weirded out that we have less than a month to go, to be honest.
Kat is new; how does she get invited to join the blog?

2005-06-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hello All... getting excited with a month to go? I cannot wait.....

Zzzz...

2005-06-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

Does the PC issue out a pillow, or are we supposed to bring/buy one in Benin? I haven't seen it on anyone's lists, so I would assume we'll be given one...???

2005-06-05T01:29:00.000-07:00

No doubt you've all devoured packing lists from everywhere, but I found the blog of Clare (from a link on Theresa's site) and she has an excellent packing list, and links to others. Specifically:

http://clare.overt.org/pcpacklist.html and
http://peacecorps.mtu.edu/bring2PeaceCorps.htm

How's everyoen doing on their packing so far?

Third Post!

2005-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wow...how fun is this?? This will be helpful in keeping ourselves "organized"...lol. Thanks Lyle for setting this up!

Second Post!

2005-06-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I think I know how to survive on the internet! :) ha ha. Actually, I'm not entirely sure I did everything I was supposed to...

First Post!

2005-06-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Woot! Hope everyone has gotten registered and is ready to start a mad dash of posting craziness. Feel free to post as much as you like. Comments are also enabled so we can keep topics grouped somewhat. Sweeeeeet.