This is only a test

So here we go a blogging. I know this is new to a lot of us (Mom, Dad, Grandma, me, etc.) so I wanted to do a test run to make sure everyone could figure it out. This is that test run. Welcome.
Let's try posting a link (Home sweet home?) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar


A photo from online (To give some perspective)


A photo from my computer (This big guy is Tommy, he lives in California with my family. Apparently they have quite a few of them in Senegal. However, those tortoises don't have the pleasure of being dressed up as Santa by my mother. Lucky Tommy.)


Now that all tests have been completed, here are a few fun facts about my adventure which will begin in approximately two days:

• I am bringing only one backpack which will serve me for more than four months. I have not packed it yet.
• There is a lot I know nothing about: my host family, Wolof (the native language I will be learning), sticking out and being thoroughly judged because of my skin color, the list goes on and on and on. This is about learning.
• In Senegal, you eat on the floor in a giant circle with one platter of food for everyone. You must only eat with your right hand. Oh man, I'm excited!
• Tonight I will begin a never-ending battle with the possibility of getting malaria: lots of pills, lots of DEET bug spray, and a mosquito net which I have a feeling I will come to love.

And away we go!