We finally received our language assignments today and we will be learning Mandinka. There are more Mandinka training villages than any other language, so the Mandinka language group is the largest of the three training groups. All the couples are in our group. The language is spoken throughout the country, so it really doesn't tell us anything about our future site unfortunately. Each trainee is matched up with a Gambian Language and Culture Facilitator (LCF) and no trainer has more than three trainees. Jacob and I were lucky enough to be a group of two, so we will be getting private tutoring! There will be two other trainees (taught by a different trainer) in our training village as well, which is nice. Neither of us had a strong preference among the languages, so we are perfectly happy with Mandinka.
We were hoping to be able to talk computer-to-computer via skype, but the internet in the house we are staying in cuts in and out every few minutes, so that is not a good option. Additionally, we will be leaving for our training village Friday morning, where we will no longer have internet. However, Peace Corps issued both of us cell phones, so we are now reachable on them. It is free for us to receive calls, but the caller will be charged. Each phone company (and plan) will charge different rates, so you'll definitely want to do your research. Additionally, I heard that it is possible to call cell phones using skype for a flat monthly rates, so that might be worth looking into as well. Our cell phone numbers are 011 220 734 03 09 (Jacob) and 011 220 734 0308 (Sarah). That includes country codes, so those numbers are exactly what you will need to dial. The best time to call us is between 6pm and 10pm here (1pm and 5pm EST).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
hi friends of sarah and jacob,
just thought i would mention my experiences with phone cards for calling the neighboring country, senegal, where my daughter finished her training, and has been a PCV for almost a month now.
i did some research on phone cards to africa, and the variables are numerous. if you are going to buy a 5$ card, you might get a better minute rate, but, there are all kinds of hidden charges, a connection fee, a weekly maintenance fee, some have an unidentified "surcharge"... then they round the length of the call (never do they round down), sometimes it is 5 minute rounding. you pay for 5 minutes, or lose 5 minutes off your available minutes for getting a recording!
what i like about click4, is that i keep the same ID number, use a local access number to reach their lines... their connections are clear. they do not charge a connection fee, or a maintenance fee, in fact, their 20 cents a minute to senegal, is the only charge. and they have 1 minute rounding..... since i make frequent calls, some short some long, i would lose a lot on a 3 or 5 minute rounding.
best luck
penelope
I'm happy to hear life is good in Gambia. I look forward to reading your blog each day and sharing your updates with Kara and Maya. We are all especially impressed by photo of you "smiling" while a ball python hangs around you neck--you are a brave woman Sarah. Apparently, snakes don't bother you?
Can you receive care packages?
Love,
Aunt Trish
Hey! I keep trying to call you, but it won't work!
Hang in there--I'm planning a Gambia trip sometime this spring, if all works out (like, right after my IST in February)...maybe I could see you then? CONGRATS ON SWEARING IN! WOO!
~K
Post a Comment