Have been in Addis for a few days now - how many exactly? I'm not sure! We've forged right ahead into our training despite some serious jet lag, hence the past few days all being a blur. Finally starting to feel less foggy and having a more normal schedule. Our hotel is nice enough - hot showers, western toilets, has wifi that works off and on, and a rather eclectic decor! Our training is here on site so that's convenient. We've been well fed and they've provided LOTS of bottled water. Have been feeling well so far with the exception of exhaustion from jet lag in combination with the altitude. Started my malaria prophylaxis (Malarone - for those inquiring medical minds) so far so good. They also give us a really well stocked medical kit for if (when) we get sick so in addition to the stuff I brought I sorta feel like I'm carrying around a mini pharmacy - but the nurse in me needs to be prepared! We get the rest of the shots we need starting next week (again for those inquiring minds - typhoid, meningococcal and rabies). We leave for our home stays in about a week. I will live with a host family outside of Addis for the next few months while I continue training with my fellow health volunteers. I will learn next month what village I am assigned to - so far all I know is it will be small and rural (population of about 2,000) and most likely I will be the first Peace Corps volunteer they've ever had. Exciting! I will make a site visit there the beginning of March and move there in April. They've helped us set up our local phones so I can be in touch with everyone I need to be locally. Not sure how well I'll be able to communicate internationally from my village but there should be a bigger town nearby that will have things like an Internet cafe and post office (posta bet) so I can go there about once a week.
Ciao for now! Or dehna hoon (goodbye) in Amharic.
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