Running and Networking

So I wanted to get this posted yesterday, but as is life things come up and take your time away...  I made yesterday into 'networking' day.  I started sending some emails to several communities that support Sierra Leone - Friends of Sierra Leone, and the Sierra Leone Diaspora Network.  I wanted to introduce the project and see if I could start generating some feedback about it.  I also posted a forum inquiry at thebackpacker.com.

The initial feed back has been rather mixed.  There has been quite fruitful feedback from a very nice women with the Friends of Sierra Leone (FOSL) that was both very helpful and genuinely concerned over the trip, to another FOSL offering encouragement and links to the newest peace corps volunteers in country: "Forever a work in Progress", "Peace Out", "Bryan Meeker in Sierra Leone", "Infinite Possibility", "Dispatch Sierra Leone", "Adventures from Salone", "Sarah and Carlos in Sierra Leone".  It seems that the emails for the Sierra Leone Diaspora Network are not working - or have at least bounced back as temporarily not working.  So no luck there, back to that drawing board in a bit...


As for thebackpacker.com it has been exactly the opposite of positive.  Honestly, I shouldn't put into words what my initial thoughts are.  It is the stereotypical epitome of unconstructive and harmful banter that forums are known for.  A place people may in fact go more to fuel egos and assuage inferiority complexes than to actually help, work with others, or constructively communicate.  Needless to say, I think I'll be changing my strategy on that type of information.  I posted a reply, and hope to get more constructive feedback - but I'm not holding my breath.  I thought more highly of outdoorsy backpacker types.  :-/

Not sure if it is by coincidence or not, but there are only two things on that backpacker site posted about Sierra Leone, mine and another one posted just after mine yesterday for "Whale Nation Sierra Leone".  They look to be pretty broad based and about a lot of different things - all of which center around developing and respecting the local populace.  Seems they are looking to court backpackers and volunteers...  I will be contacting them for sure!!

So today's work will be to spend time on those Peace Corps blogs, to respond to the emails I have gotten regarding my trip, and maybe write another post I've got meandering around in my head.  I might have to take a nap here though!!  I did one local mountain twice last night and another one this morning.  I was completely bent on speed and expanding lung capacity, so worked hard on both and body is feeling it.  I should relax a bit this afternoon.  But that is good stuff as getting the body ready is just as important as the mind and the network!!  On that first mountain I did come across a whole group of hikers from meetup.com which seemed quite friendly and were headed to the top as well.  I will be looking into them also...

up, and down, up, and down...  :p