The recent holiday weekend afforded me a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a trip into the heart of Mauritania, visiting the oasis village of Terjit, the Holy City of Chinguetti, the ancient trading post of Ouadane, and camping out in the Eye of Richat (AKA the Eye of Africa). With the recent trip
One year ago this week I formally accepted my offer to join the Foreign Service, and it feels like it was yesterday. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, I felt like I was waiting an eternity going through the hiring process. From application to sitting in orientation was over 20 months. The shroud of the
There are only 3 Islamic Republics in the world, Mauritania being one, and the other two being Iran and Pakistan (Afghanistan is close being designated an “Islamic Emirate”). Within that grouping, Mauritania has by far the freest press according to Reporters Without Borders. Out of 180 countries, Mauritania places 97th. At first glance nothing special,
After nearly 8 months in Mauritania, I finally found myself setting foot in the Canary Islands for a wonderful 1 week getaway. As some may recall, back in the fall, my wife and kids took a trip to Gran Canaria with some embassy friends, and came back singing its praises. It was all the more
