WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SENDING ME MAIL OR VISITING GABON

LETTERS

Since I don't know what kind of internet access I'll have or how often I'll be able to check and send email, I'm looking forward to exchanging news the old-fashioned way...via snail mail! Gabon has a relatively reliable postal system, although it is not very rapid and its workers have gone on strike in the past.

• Mail takes about 2-4 weeks, coming or going
• Always use airmail (and write that on the envelope)...stamps are currently $0.80 for an average-sized letter
• Please number all your letters sequentially so I'll be able to tell if I don't receive a certain letter (I'll be doing the same with all my outgoing mail).

Please don't worry if letters arrive months later or never arrive at all. In the past, missing and delayed letters to and from Africa have been attributed to everything from post offices randomly closing and stamps falling off, to severe flooding and wildebeast migrations. I will do my best to maintain regular correspondence, but I'm sure there will come times when events occur that are out of my control. Be patient and keep writing!

PACKAGES

I WILL be able to receive packages while in Gabon, but there are even more rules concerning them. As is the case in many developing nations, postal workers in Gabon may take great liberties with foreign packages, especially if they see that they're coming from America. They may open them and remove any items they fancy for themselves, or they may keep the entire package. I'm not saying this happens every time, or even that it will happen to me, but it is a possibility. Therefore, please adhere to the following:

• If possible, write my address (clearly!) in red marker, since this color is usually reserved for diplomats and people of high ranking in Africa
• As with letters, number all packages (differently from letters)
• While you should send letters to my permanent address (when I know it), ALWAYS send packages to: Corps de la Paix des Etats-Unis, Leah McFail, B.P. 2098, Libreville Gabon
• Obviously, do not send anything of extreme value in a package. However, if you want to take even more precautions to insure that items reach me, place important goods (like batteries, film, CD's, etc) in a tampon box and maybe scatter a few of the real thing on top. Menstruation can still be a dirty and taboo subject in West Africa, and since customs officials are usually male, they want nothing to do with feminine hygiene products. It may seem ridiculous, but if it means I get my packages intact, then I suggest trying it! (This is a tried and true method used by past Peace Corps volunteers)

VISITING

Since I'm not planning on returning to the US during my service, you have to cross the ocean if you want to see me! I am not allowed to have visitors during my three months of training or the first three months of service, so that means no galavanting with me before January 2004. However, anytime after that is fair game, though I only receive 2 vacation days for every month I work. Just start planning with me ahead of time and we can work on the nitty-gritty details together.

• Start planning at least 6 MONTHS in advance since communication can take a while and arranging the logistics will require a lot of lead-time.
• You'll need a visa, so contact the Gabon Embassy for application forms and procedures at: 2034 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 797-1000. You may also need a letter of invitation from me, though we will deal with that and other requirements when the time arises
• Lock all your suitcases. On most airlines from the US to Europe you're allowed two pieces of luggage (70 lb each), but only 44lb TOTAL for intra-European or African flights. Therefore, you may need to pay an excess baggage fee, but just check with the airlines before you leave.
• You will have to open all bags for inspection at the aiport. There will probably be men vying to carry your bags for payment, but carry them yourself if you can. If not, negotiate a price with one person before allowing anyone to take your bags (about $1 per bag)
• If you're female, you'll most likely be able to stay with me, though I don't know what kind of accomodations I can promise. If you're male, it might be a bit tougher but we'll figure it out.