How I did it: i decided that on my next trip to europe to see friends, i'd go to africa as a side trip. it was a lot less intimidating and overwhelming, and because i didn't stay that long, i was specific about where i went and what i wanted to do.

Lessons & tips:

1. learn some french! most africans speak more french than english and most signs are in french more so than any other western language.
2. get specific about where you want to go. africa is a big place - five times the size of the usa - so nail down exactly what you want to do and detail it as much as possible, so when stuff goes wrong, you can anticipate it.
3. do your homework. read and research, if you have to, so you can avoid any cultural faux paux and the like, and no one feels disrespected.

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May 22, 2010, 07:06AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers