Hello all! Here is a brief update on my travels in Tunisia. (Due to a poor internet connection I will be brief and will be unable to post any photos or videos until we move sites).

Currently, I am with a team of three other Americans in Beni Kheddache, Medenine, Tunisia. It is a very rural village, but the people are incredibly sweet and hospitable. Our project is to evaluate the business climate in the village and try to propose a feasible suggestion for a small enterprise that would improve the quality of life in the community. We are planning on meeting with as many locals as possible, and intend on interviewing local business and association leaders. We hope to gather firsthand knowledge about potential small-market opportunities and will compile our findings into a final report. This report will serve as the first phase of a three phase effort to research, plan, and implement a small enterprise in the region.

Today was the first day on the job. We mainly passed the day by meeting with different local leaders. Introductions and tea are very important here! My initial observations are that the region certainly has potential for some profitable businesses..perhaps even tourist or some small export potential. The region cultivates a small amount of olives and figs, and boasts some pretty amazing trails and camping locations. Unfortunately, it seems that efforts similar to ours have been attempted before but with few long-term results. A dearth of sustainable funding, followed by disappointing results, followed by a decrease in motivation seems to be a consistent story from today. I will, however, continue to (try) to keep you posted on our findings. Perhaps Beni Kheddache is Tunisia's diamond in the rough!"