How to Contact me
July 4th, 2005 by Sarin
The text of an e-mail I wrote to everybody, in case you didn’t get it 
===============================
Ola!
This is a last minute “how to contact me” type of e-mail. I believe I have everybody’s e-mail that I asked for, but if you know anybody else who should be on this list, and is not listed, please forward this to him/her and me so I can update my address book.
First things first. I depart for my Peace Corps service in Cape Verde on July 5th. After that, you might not hear from me in months. DON’T PANIC. I am ok. Just because you haven’t heard from me doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop writing your letters or sending your e-mails.
My address during Pre-Service Training is:
Sarin Va, PCT
A/C Corpo da Paz
C.P. 373 - Praia
Republic of Cape Verde
Certain things to remember:
-My dates of service runs through September 2007, in which I most likely not come home to visit. In fact, I might not be home for months even after my service ends. Remember 2 and a quarter years is still a minimum and that I will be here until I decide my work is done. Be aware that I am given 24 vacation days a year, so VISIT ME!
-But I am not allowed vacation days in my first 6 months. You’re looking at a January vacation if you are interested in visiting.
-E-mail, although sporadic, is my preferred method of communication.
-Although “snail mail” is alot more personal. Keep in mind “patience” is key. Envelopes and letters typically take about a month to send/receive.
-Cape Verde just recently introduced broadband internet access at around $70USD a month. I get paid around $400 a month. I suspect internet access at home to be very limited.
-I can receive mail at the Peace Corps Office from day 1. I can also check and send my e-mail there. After Peace Corps training, we all move to our respective sites, away from each other, but I still don’t know the physical address of my house or place of residence.
-As far as getting into a place of residence after training, expect that to change several times before finally settling in. After that, I can receive mail at that address.
-I should have electricity and maybe internet access at my job, note SHOULD. My assignment is in Information Technology, but I don’t know how behind in technology my work will be.
-On top of that, I am not guaranteed electricity or local internet access as per my housing agreement. I’m not even guaranteed running water. However I’ve mentally prepared myself for the worse, and will live with what I have.
Several tips:
-Absolutely try and use “Aerograms” at all times - generally a blue sheet of paper that folds into an envelope. They can be found at the post office and most stationary stores. They are cheap and also VERY effective in mailing.
-If you send a postcard, please put it in an envelope.
-Number your letters in case I am missing one of them. Also include “Air Mail” and “Par Avion” on the outside. In addition, you should also write “Via Portugal” below my address.
-If sending a care package, please use a padded envelope instead of a box as they get taxed more frequently.
-Please refrain from sending items of high value.
-If sending a care package, please include a packing list so I can know if anything has been stolen. Remember, these postal workers are not USPS and some of them can be very corrupt. Also, write the address in red ink. And draw some religious symbols too. The Cape Verdeans are Roman Catholic in case you are wondering.
-If you do not hear from me in a couple of months, wait a couple more. Mail can be very slow, and e-mail might be sporadic. There is no guarantee that you will get a swift response from me.
-Read my weblog. It might save you some time. Leave comments on my posts and I’ll give you preferred treatment.
-Start writing letters now, so I can feel a bit less lonely this summer at training.
There, that should be enough to get you started. In addition, I would like to ask you to e-mail me your home address now if I don’t have it already… and send me your home address ANYTIME that changes. Also, feel free to e-mail me any pictures or birthday reminders.
I will try to update my weblog and post pictures as often as possible. Even if I won’t have access, I will spend time writing entries on my laptop to save for later. Not every country practices the same 1st amendment rights as we do, but in the event that my weblog needs to be taken down, I will block it with a password. If that happens, I will let you know. In case you’ve never read my blog before, the address is
Save it.
My photos, of course is
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarinva/
Whoever chooses to visit, write to me for more information. Also visit the Consular Information Sheet
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1083.html
for planning, and try to book your flights early for the best deals. Right now, a January departure estimates at $1200 round trip, a very good deal.
I will probably post on my blog later about good care package items. Most likely stuff I forgot to pack or didn’t pack enough. Thanks for your support everyone, and I hope to see you sometime soon!
Related Posts Share this post:
