My address is as follows:
Kirstin Krudwig, PCV
S/c Corps de la Paix
01 B.P. 6031
Ouagadougou 01
BURKINA FASO
Peace Corps and other volunteers have provided lots of suggestions for mailing letters and packages and I wanted to share some advice with everyone thats thinking about writing me.
Letters must be sent air mail (currently $0.94 stamps) and it helps to write the words PAR AVION or AIR MAIL on the envelope. It may be a good idea to number your letters since mail can sometimes take a while and may not always arrive sequentially. It sounds like letters usually take 2-4 weeks and packages can take even longer.
Postcards should be sent in envelopes―otherwise they may be found on the wall of the local post office!
As for packages, there are a couple suggestions. Padded envelopes usually arrive faster than boxes and one volunteer said several smaller packages are a better idea than one big box. The post office has Flat Rate envelopes and boxes which some have said are cheaper than using your own. They run $12 to $50 depending on size and have a max weight for each size.
Unlike in some countries, it sounds like the mail system is safe and reliable and packages are usually not open before they are received. The post office in Burkina may charge me a tax but this seems to be rare as well. Its not a bad idea to be pretty generic on the customs forms though. Put down something that does not sound exciting or tempting and list a low value.
I bought a cell phone so now have another way to communicate with home. From the US you need to dial 011. My number is:
226-75-52-50-74
Its super expensive for me to call internationally but all calls received are free so everyone should call me. You can buy phonecards online that are pretty cheap.
Along with calls I can receive and send texts and they are fairly cheap. I have great reception at site and would love to hear from you!
9 comments:
Hello Kirstin, reading you brings back a lot of memories. I was in my native Burkina last Dec aftr so many years. I currently live in the States. I am looking forward to reading more.
Fred
Kirstin,
Thanks to Erin in your old office for reminding we IFYEs to follow your blog. I enjoyed catching up. I'm off to Rwanda in a month. Will let you know if I'm in your neighborhood. Best wishes as you settle in your new home.
Mary C.
Hi Kirstin!
We are enjoying following along on your adventure and love viewing the photos. Your attire for your swearing in is as colorful as I imagined it would be....and you look radiant!
Also, your descriptions are great, making it easy to at least somewhat imagine what life is like in your corner of the world. Take care and we will keep in touch. Much love, Jim and Kim
Hey, Kirstin!
Thought of you yesterday, as we often do, but Mardi Gras King cakes and jambalaya reminded me our visit to NOLA to visit you:)
Glad to hear things are going well for you in your great adventure. We anticipated challenges but also know you'll do well!
Best wishes! Kay and Rog
Hi Kirstin,
I didn't think your messages sounded that depressing. Maybe it's my experience in these places that tells me that not everyday is going to be an "up" day. It certainly isn't here, either. Having control over what you cook for yourself and being in your own home will help a lot. (Or so I've always thought when I'm a guest in someone's home on some of my adventures.)
I'll be curious how your training-of-trainers gets implemented in your area. Makes me think of Nine Hills... book.
I was in Zanzibar on Inaugeration Day. Lots of enthusiasm, there, too. I bought a khanga with Obama's picture on it.
My USDA project will likely take me to Mali and Ghana. And to Cape Town for a conference. Soooo close but not to BK.
We have IFYE orientation this weekend. Will have to use you as an example to the outbounds.
All the best,
Mary C.
Hi Kristin. You're aunt Margaret has been sending me your blogs and I have found them so interesting that I have been sharing them with my friends. I live in W. WA and Aunt Margaret have been dear friends for over 20 years.
God Bless you in your work.
Connie
Kirstin,
I feel your pain worrying about Puppy since I'm a life long pet lover. Sounds like an encounter with a tick which can cause temporary but sometimes fatal paralysis. Glad to hear he's better and hope he makes a complete and rapid recovery. Yes, his suffering makes us acutely aware of others' pain and suffering over personal loss.
Think of you often! Take care!
Kay H.
Just checking in once in a great while. Generally a picture looker.
Glad to note you are on the 2nd half and there is a light to when your dad and mom await the big return.
Glad you are well. Would like to
ask " as a fair skinned lady" do
you have a Burkina tan. the pictures appear that you stay in the shade. :)
Anyway hope to see you in 9 months?
Cousin Chuck and Roxie
Hi Kirstin,
I've been following your blog for at least a year and a half, since meeting your mother when she was visiting your grandmother in Riverside, IL. I enjoyed reading about her recent visit. I've passed on your blog link to friends and my children, and everyone marvels at your stories, travels, adventures, and your courage. One mom appreciated it because her own daughter is thinking of applying to be a PCV. I just want to say thanks for the blog and all the photos, and to let you know what an inspiration you and your fellow PCVs are...making a difference in our world. Thanks for your work. Wishing you all the best.
Patti P.
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