Some of you have asked me what I appreciate most about living in Liberia, and seem to be curious about what aspects of my lifestyle back home that I miss the most. While the climate can be tough, it allows us to enjoy the ocean and the pool a lot, which has been great. The friendliness of the Liberian people and their desire to welcome visitors is really special too. I have been asked countless number of times how I am finding Liberia and if I am enjoying being here. I'm also really glad I brought Scrabble and wish I had loaded up on magazines for the apartment.
In terms of what I miss the most, it depends on the day: fresh vegetables, pedicures, freedom of movement, and iced coffee have all rotated through the list (I know I could make iced coffee, but there's something about walking around outside on a sleepy, hot day and picking up an iced coffee that makes me happy).
Many of you have also asked about a mailing address for me, but I'm not kidding when I tell you there is no functioning postal system here. I quickly learned that if you want something from back home, you need to find out which ex-pat is traveling to the west and back, and see if they'll be willing to carry a few things back for you. Recently I found out that a woman I know here was going back to New York for a couple weeks, so I quickly emailed my mom to ask her to send her some sandals I left at home that I decided I *need,* clif bars, Aveeno lotion, and tupperware (you can't find any of these things here!!). I later found out that some of my colleagues also asked her to bring things back, generally things like a new computer battery or laptop, which of course made my requests seem a little frivolous, but I will not be ashamed. When you're far away from the comforts of home -- comforts of any kind, really -- it's the little things that help. It's a shame iced coffee wouldn't survive the flight.
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2 comments:
Good Morning Alexis, I can totally relate to missing something as simple as ice coffee even though I never drink coffee iced or hot. When I was in Guam and then traveling afterwards, I had a longing for a McDonalds not for their hamburgers which I really have never liked but for their French fries. When I arrived home after being gone for 1 1/2 years I asked my Mom if we could stop at one on my way home from the airport which we did. I found that I still liked the taste of the fries but oh did they feel heavy and funny in my stomach. When you come home this summer, everyone will be having really good iced coffee for you. And to let you know that this is the opposite of summer here we had another 6 inches of snow last weekend...oh how we'd love to be with you by a warm ocean or pool. Take care. Lots of love Cathy Shannon
Hi Alexis ~ I have been following/vicariously living through your posts and love hearing about all your expriences although I am a wee bit envious. My favorite so far was reading about the scrabble game and its subsequent ban at the prison!! If I could send you an iced coffee, I would in a heartbeat. Much love and warm wishes to you and all the people there!! Take care, Connie
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