Postcard Wars

So I was embarrassed at a party recently when, while speaking with someone who had spent time in Guinea, I had to admit that I didn’t know where Guinea was.

I knew it was in Africa, but I was under the impression it was near Equatorial Guinea, a country I have some interest in because of its dictator, who regularly figures in the yearly Worst 20 People on Earth lists. But it turns out Guinea is not so near to Equatorial Guinea.

As this was a party on Dec. 31, the need for a New Year’s resolution quickly became clear: I committed myself to a quick but intensive crash course on African geography.

By March 1st, I need to be able to pass a quiz administered by my girlfriend in which I must fill in a blank political map of Africa with all of its 50-something countries. At the time of the resolution, I was feeling supremely confident and also said I could include the capitals of those 50-something countries at no extra charge. But this now strikes me as a bit insane when you get to countries such as Mozambique and Burkina Faso.

Nevertheless, I’m trying. Off to study now — stay tuned for the results of the test.