Nearly a year to the day that Nick learned he had finally received his security clearance and was added on the Foreign Service register, I too was notified that I have received my security clearance. As a result, I have been onboarded at U.S. Embassy Nouakchott and am wrapping up my first month on the
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
This month, for the first time in over half a decade I received a pay raise. It feels good. This is not because I am awesome or because I deserved it, but because every year congress or the President authorizes a cost of living raise, tied to inflation, for all federal employees. I should caveat
Recently, our family had a great opportunity to take an embassy trip out to Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania. Banc d’Arguin is a large UNSECO World Heritage site located on the coast between Nouakchott and Mauritania’s second largest city Nouadhibou. It is a major breeding site for over 108 migratory bird species such a pelicans and flamingos,
One thing you quickly discover when joining the Foreign Service, is you are surrounded by a team of nerds. Being a nerd myself, I quickly acclimated during orientation when I was invited for board game and trivia nights, and it has carried over into Mauritania. Since arriving, I have been able to get a few
This week marks 6 months in Mauritania. I have completed 1/4th of my tour here, and somehow I feel like I just barely arrived. The first batch of officers I met since moving have departed post during the usual winter cycle, and a new group of individuals have recently arrived. I am no longer a
Happy New Year!!! Wow, 2022 was a whirlwind of a year. Thinking back on my entire life, I don’t think there has been a single year that had as much excitement and movement as 2022 did. I entered 2022 working as a hospitalist in Southern New Mexico, my wife had just had our youngest daughter
