Week 2 — we buy something

The week went by rather quickly. I spent the first three days At the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland stuying parasitology and biological and chemical exposures (ie; malaria, worms, giardia, anthrax, small pox, explosive and nuclear exposures). Holy smokes!

Thursday was an assigned day for personal consult and we had a lot to do. We spent the entire day at the State Department trying to figure out advance travel vouchers, travel orders, and opening an account and applying for a car loan. Everything shut down at 4PM and we barely had time to finish what we needed to do. Lana came and picked us up and we went out to a nice Chinese restaurant for dinner.

Friday at work I had briefings on food inspection. It ended with me going to the cafeteria and doing an inspection there. Let’s just say that I’ll think twice before eating at a greasy spoon again. Dina and the kids met me for shots. It was hot when we got out but we walked 14 blocks to the Natural History Museum. The kids had struggled through a monotonous day and they wanted to go there again. The animal displays are so well done. We ate gelatto ice cream and caught a cab home. Pizza for dinner. Dina and I had a fine chilled french rose.

Saturday morning was used up on car reviews and phone calls. The Xterra we had our eye on fell off the internet because it sold the day before. We decided to ride the metro out to Rockville, Maryland to a Carmax (reputable used car dealership) and test drive their Xterra’s. They had two 4WD but only one with manual transmission. We test drove it and didn’t love it. It was hot and we were hungry so we took a break and went to eat. Walking back in the hot sun we decided we would be ok with it for 2 years. We decided to walk the lot and just look at all the SUV’s. The kids sat in the shade while Dina and I did that. I deduced two other vehicles that I felt we should test drive and then choose one for Niamey: a 2004 Land Rover Freelander and a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser.

After test driving the Exterra and the Freelander, the Land Cruiser won hands down. It was far more comfortable, durable, and safer. We all agreed and bought it. It was built for Africa. The downside is that it is a gas guzzler. We have 6 days should we change our minds.