Countdown to Launch: T-2 weeks

So here I am -- a 36 year old slightly disheveled male preparing for his first trip to Africa with his two feline companions Maynard and Vincent. Yes, I am taking my cats. It proves I am comfortable with my masculinity. Or something. Anyway, in the next two weeks I will have written two final political science papers, read about three books, relocated all my possessions to Portland, Oregon, and not have regretted at all taking the oral live strain typhoid vaccine.

My 3-8 month mission -- to explore strange new lands, to seek out new life and old civilizations, to boldly go where few men with cats have gone before. More to the point, I will be interning with AMIDEAST, a Middle East and North Africa based NGO that conducts language classes, cross-cultural awareness, and professional skills training for Americans travelling abroad and locals preparing to work or study in the U.S.

This blog will document my attempt to assimilate into Tunisian society while learning the ropes of a working NGO. When not working hard at my job, I will study Arabic, tour interesting locales, and generally, try not to make a complete fool of myself. Any truly embarrassing events will, unfortunately, only be revealed after plying me with an adult beverage or two upon my return to the land of stars and bars.

I hope you enjoy the ride. I know I will.

DD


This should get you up to speed if you are new to the area...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_modern_Tunisia