The Benin Crew

The big day!

Hey guys I was just checking if people still wanted to get together tomorrow night after we all arrive in Philly! I am going to bring my cell phone with me and throw it away when we leave for the airport, so I can be reached on it tomorrow. My number is 623-910-4790. I am planning to check this tomorrow to see if the early arrivers still want to get together. Please let me know the plan and how we all plan to meet up! I am excited to meet you all and hope you are surviving your last hours with your families and friends!

posted by erin @ 4:38 PM 5 comments  

Baggage?!?!

Okay, I've been packing like a madwoman for the last few days. For some reason I got it in my head that we're only allowed 70 lbs. Then, after I got everything down below that, I went through my staging materials and it says 80. Great! 80 lbs! Whoooo!! I can bring along some stuff I thought I'd have to leave behind! Yeeeeeaaaahhh!

But . . . before I repack, I want to make sure it's actually 80, and that I've been thinking 70 because I'm losing my mind, and not because it said 70 in an email or on paperwork I just can't find.

Reassurance? Anyone? Bueller?

Yeah, I know I'm freaking out for no good reason. It's better than twiddling my thumbs for the next two days, though. ;)

UPDATE: Just got an email from Roland. It's 80.

posted by t @ 6:07 PM 2 comments  

Phone Cards

Since we're talking about cell phones - how about the other side - how folks in the states might call you in Benin.

I've been using Nobelcom for a long, long time. They're rates good - and call quality is usually ok, but it varies a lot, and it can sometimes be hard to get connected - though most of the time the call goes through right away.

NobelCom's Benin Rates for calling cell phones

The skypeout rates to Benin look ok, too. But I've never used them for international stuff.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

posted by bdh @ 11:23 AM 2 comments  

From what I've gathered, Benin has a GSM cellular network. That means that all of us lucky people with phones that accept SIM cards (Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile) have the option of bringing our own phones. From what I've read cell use is pretty inexpensive in Benin.

I myself am planning to take my phone with me. I had my service stop the day we leave the country, in case I needed to make last minute calls. If it turns out that the phone won't work on their network, it's too expensive, or I just plain don't care... I don't feel at all bad about chucking my phone. If it does end up working, chances are my ghetto phone will be comprable to handsets they have there, so I'll be able to save some cash.

I don't know if anyone else had a similar plan, but if you do end up bringing your phone, make sure you call your service provider and have them unlock your phone. If you don't get this done, your phone will definetly not work in Benin. The service providers here make sure it's hard to switch companies, so they lock out any SIM cards but their own. If you call and explain they shouldn't have any problem doing it for you. Some phones can be unlocked remotely, but if you have an older phone like me they'll give you an unlock code that you'll have to key in manually when we get in country.

In any case, 1 week to go! I think I'm about ready to start packing now. (You think I'm joking... but I haven't started yet!)

posted by Lyle @ 11:21 PM 2 comments  

Another Website

This website is in French, but even if you don't understand the language, you might catch a few things. It's a national news site, for t.v. and radio, I think. I like it.

http://www.ortb.org/

posted by Erika @ 12:10 PM 0 comments  

Cooking?

What are you guys bringing along as far as cooking junx goes? I'm definitely bringing a travel non-stick fying pan and some spices. There are some recipes on fon-is-fun, but I think a big pot is out of the question as far as my luggage is concerned (and with no fridge, there's no storing the leftovers). The current plan also includes powdery drinks and nutella, but I'll probably end up sacrificing clothing for some cooking gadgetry at the last moment. ;)

Any other suggestions/ ideas?

posted by t @ 6:11 AM 7 comments  

Shap Dressed Man.....

Clean shirt, new shoes
And I don’t know where I am goin’ to.
Silk suit, black tie,
I don’t need a reason why....

(I know, that's really horrible. Sorry. Couldn't help it. Had the song in my head. )

Anyway - Gentlemen,

What are you doing for your one dress outfit to take?

Button down shirt? Tie? What for pants and shoes?

posted by bdh @ 9:27 AM 1 comments