Because of my position as a volunteer and informal cultural ambassador for the US here in Mauritania, it would be impolitic of me to post certain of my views and discoveries online. So I generally avoid political commentary, social criticism, and my frustrations with the problems that I find. I have room to joke about my life, and to critique other institutions than the US or Mauritanian governments. But there are times when I would like to share my thoughts on those subjects, thoughts that would not be appropriate in this blog.

For this reason, I have a mailing list. If you are interested in hearing my personal, non-Peace Corps related social and political commentaries as they relate to my time here in Mauritania, just e-mail me at dave.westervelt@gmail.com. I'll be happy to add you to my mailing list, and even send you prior posts if you would like to see them.

Unbloggables are my personal opinions. They in no way represent the positions of the Peace Corps or the US Government.

Professional (A list of things that are tough to come by here in Nema that would be good when working with the community)

-Colored Pencils

-Markers

-Soccer Balls

-Frisbees

-Edu-tainment DVDs with French or Arabic Tracks

If you are interested in donating to any of the programs that I work at or that I mention in my blog, e-mail me at dave.westervelt@gmail.com so that I can help you to connect with the program.

Personal (These are just for me)

-Drink Mixes (The winter temps get down to ungodly hot, so electrolyte drinks are important)

-Dried Fruit (There's no fruit at all for about six months of the year)

-Spices

-Mixes (Cake, Brownie, Mauritania hasn't figured out that they taste good)

-Oreos

-Baking Powder/Baking Soda

-Books

-DVD's

-Pictures from home

-News (personal, world, I like it all)

-Soy Protein Powder

-Nuts of Any Sort

Anything can be sent to:

David Westervelt

Corps de la Paix

BP 222

Nouakchott, Mauritania

West Africa