Hello! I guess it's been awhile since I wrote. I finished work on the 15th, which was a bit sad but also really nice. The Alumni House gave me some really thoughtful gifts (notebooks, a map of North & West Africa), and OIS took Tatiana and I out to lunch. I learned a lot working at the offices this summer, and I'm pretty satisfied with my work. The Fall Quarterly will have all my work in it, so look out for that in a few months!
After work, Res and I went to California to visit the family before I left and my brother, Michael, went off to college. Res hasn't sent me all the pictures, or else I would post them, but I did manage to get one. Besides going to the Santa Barbara Zoo (where this lovely shot was taken), we visited Grandma, went to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, went to the beach, visited Inbal, and were guests of honor at a party my parents hosted. We saw lots of family and friends there, and it was a lot of fun. We also went hiking and spent some quality time lounging in the pool. I would say Res' first foray into the West was a success.
In the meantime, I've been hanging out at the house in Hampden. I've been freaking out a little about Mali (SIX DAYS until I leave!) and trying to get ready. My homework is almost done, now I just have to get everything in order and pack. And find my yellow fever vaccine card. Hmm...
I'm nervous because it's longer than I've ever spent outside the US by a long time, and because of the language barrier, and because I'm living at a homestay for six weeks. What if I don't get along with my family, what if I accidentally use my left hand to reach into the communal bowl at dinner, etc. etc. I talked on the phone with Maura yesterday (sorry, mom and dad!) and in her infinite study -abroad wisdom (she's already been in South Africa over a month!) comforted me. I will try to keep some perspective while I am there, and things should be okay. And get ready for interesting photos and blogs, friends and family!
PS. Did I mention Artscape was awesome? Well it was. You all should go.
