So I am no longer a trainee, but as of April 29, 2008 I became a real, live Peace Corps Volunteer. Our swearing in ceremony was at the Tsimbazaza Park in the capital city of Antananarivo. Here is a picture of the first ever Small Enterprise Development Volunteers in Madagascar (and our trainers) at the swearing-in ceremony:
After the ceremony we had lunch at the Ambassador's amazing, palatial estate. It was a good time, full of pizza and cookies, but at the same time somewhat odd since we would all soon be leaving for the countrysides of Madagascar.I moved to my site, a lovely little town a few hours west of Tana, on May 2nd. There were 2 other PCVs that helped me move in. The day they left, I felt as though my parents were dropping me off at summer camp, only this time for 2 years instead of the typical 2 weeks. After some time at site though I have become adjusted to life on my own. There are some amazing people in my town that have been so helpful in the first few months.
It is hard to believe that nearly 5 months has passed since I left home. A new group of trainees (education sector) has already arrived! So we are no longer the newbies. It seems like just yesterday I was scouring blogs to try and figure out what my future life in Madagascar would be like and more importantly, what (and how) to pack. So I wanted to give any future Madagascar PCVs a little advice:
-You are allowed 2 bags and a carry-on. I would recommend your 2 bags be a duffel bag or suitcase and a big backpack. (I think I have The NorthFace BackCountry 70.) Your carry on can be a daypack. Make sure your daypack is big enough to fit enough stuff for a 3-5 day trip. After going through the process (and also seeing what luggage other people in my training stage brought, I think that this is the best way to go.)
-Contrary to popular belief, it is not hot in Madagascar all the time, at least not everywhere. Training sites (and subsequent trainings) are usually on the plateau, close to Tana, and it is cold! I would recommend bringing a comfy jacket and probably a sweatshirt if you have room. (I have The NorthFace Warp jacket and wear it all the time! It was one of the best things that I brought.)
-Don't necessarily buy all the things on the Peace Corps packing list. There are many things that you can buy here that will just take up valuable space in your luggage. For instance, you can buy sheets and towels here. Don't bother bringing them. Also, girls, if you don't wear slips in the States, you won't wear them here either. I bought one (it was on the list) and have yet to wear it. I am glad that I brought some Tupperware and Ziploc bags, as well as a good set of knives! Many things can be purchased in Tana, but they are often expensive and not all Volunteers have easy access to the capital city.
-Peace Corps stresses "business casual" clothes but make sure that is not all you bring. It is definitely important to have a few nice outfits but it is also important to have more casual clothes, and ones that you don't mind if they don't get dirty (especially if you are in the Environment sector). I wish that I would have brought a few more things like what I would wear out with friends in the States. Just because you are in Madagascar doesn't mean that everyone dresses down all the time!
-I don't have too much advice about whether or not to bring a laptop. I am having mine sent, but I also bank in Tana, where there is internet access. Some of you may bring a computer and never be able to use it. But supposedly the Peace Corps office here in Tana is getting wireless so it might be worth it, even if it is just for the times when you are in Tana!
-And everyone seems to bring their iPod, Chacos, headlamp, and more than just the 3 outfits Peace Corps suggested.
I hope that helps somewhat! Life in Madagascar so far has been exciting, frustrating, crazy, and fun. And that was just the first few months!
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