Meet Donny (He's Leaving)

A veteran who loves experimenting in the kitchen (we are talking Dude Delight), can scan Nascar highlights while simultaneously reading current events, and out hikes even the most dedicated naturalist, D-Man is the man. Not only was he the pioneering YD Volunteer in Zaq, but he is also my bestie, my go-to-guy, my I’m-having-a-really-crappy-day-and-you-brightened-it-by-making-spaghetti friend.

And he is leaving.

Yup. D is going back to America. Not only is his time up, but I think D is ready for a new challenge. He’s mastered Az and now it is on to bigger and better things (like overcoming post office patiencelessness and mailing me a box).

Bye D. I am already missing you.

How Well Do You Know Your PCV?

What should you send a PCV?

A. A set of guitar strings
B. A tub of high fructose corn syrup Jiffy Peanut Butter
C. A homemade beer tasting kit
D. All of the above (and throw in some extra dark, orange flavored chocolate)

If you chose D, then you know me...but what about your PCV? Sending packages to PCVs is hard. There are tons of weird, unsaid rules:

Don't send useless crap (it is useless and we we feel bad throwing it into the mismanaged trash pile).
Send pesto packets, taco seasoning, curry mixes - but only the ones I like.
Don't send risqué magazines or books. It makes us look bad (and they will probably be confiscated).
Send vacuum sealed tuna and salmon and throw in a couple handfuls of beef jerky.
Don't send seeds. They will be confiscated.
I really did not need that ginormous sweater you sent, even though I wear it everyday.

Confused yet? When in doubt, send something we can't get here, we can eat, and we can share with friends.

Thanks for the kit Sara!

Bug This!

I am not sure exactly what a mosquito's purpose in the ecosystem is...

Do they pollinate plants? Do they absorb CO2? Do they reflect harmful UV rays?

For whatever reason they exist, I still strongly dislike mosquitoes. I would venture to say that I hate them. Back in the A to the K, you can see a mosquito coming from a mile away (they are quite large). In the A to the Z, I am not even sure I know what a mosquito looks like, but I know they exist.

During my last visit to Mosquito-Land, aka Göyçay, I was bitten 38 times. 38 #*%$ times!