Here�s how it works: you send mail to me in Nouakchott, it�s delivered to the embassy where PC picks it up, PC sends a shuttle out to each regional capital every month to deliver it, and I pick stuff up when I go into my regional capital, which will likely be every 2-3 weeks, inshallah.
When sending packages, padded envelopes are better than boxes. They�re less likely to be opened, for one, and they�re delivered directly to the embassy whereas boxes require someone from PC staff to go to the post office to pick them up (which means it doesn�t always happen in a timely fashion). Packages should be sent airmail, as surface mail is usually sent by boat and may take months�or years�to arrive. Please write �West Africa,� �Airmail,� and �Par Avion� on the envelopes.
Liz Gensler, PCV
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 222
Nouakchott, Mauritania
West Africa
Granola bars Dried fruit
Books Writing paper
American postage Pens
Jerky Peanut Butter
Gatorade or other drink mix
any good source of protein (save tuna, there's plenty of it here)
Sending a letter or card costs 80 cents and the USPS sells stamps for this amount.
Both UPS and FedEx will send packages, and probably quicker than the USPS, but they charge around $100.