So You're Thinking About Visiting...

Here are some facts in attempt to persuade you otherwise. If they do not scare you, please please come to my country and see for yourself the wonders of the third world.

1. it is so hot. it is just so uncomfortably hot.
2. traveling is physically painful and dangerous. everyone is jostled around, hanging on literally for dear life, piled on top of each other in the backs of trucks.
3. you will get diarhea. whether due to stress or change in diet, i repeat, you will get diarhea. it took me two weeks to not have a stomachache every minute of the day.
4. there are no beds, chairs, couches etc. hanging out comfortably is pretty much unheard of
5. you will be called toubab, children will want to shake your hand, and you will feel like the eyes of the world are resting upon you. this is not very fun when you don't know how to eat, talk, sit, stand, or do anything, the way everyone else does

ok. in a nutshell, visiting my village in mauritania is a flat out adventure. this is camping in it's worst form. normally, one spends a camping trip relishing the idea of the hot shower and squishy bed at the end of a few days. in this case, that comfortable end is in the distant, distant future. this trip would be an adventure physically, emotionally and intellectually. if you do not feel very fit in these three areas, do not come to Mauritania- you would be miserable.

On the flip side, this place will change your life.