Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Hello,

I have arrived at my PST (pre-service Training) site here in Ioloveni. A town of about 10,000 it seems. I am living with a Widow (Tamara Ivanovna) and her youngest son (Maxim). Tamara speaks no English and Maxim has about the same level as I do Russian. So to say the least, quite an interesting set-up. We live in an Apartment with 4 rooms, three are bedrooms and the other is a kitchen. Luckily however, I have an indoor toilet and an indoor bath. To say the least, all quite accommodating. My host mother is quite the talker, and the first few days I would be paying attention so hard - and be so lost - I would start laughing. Kinda awkward... However, it has gotten much better and she enjoys sitting in my room, dictionary between us, helping my correct my homework.

The other day walking home from school, I ran into my host brother Maxim and he said "GET IN CAR" so I did. We went to his girlfriends house, then to a pizzaria where we had some drinks and I got to meet his brother Slava and ten of their closest friends. As the only non-Russian speaker I stayed pretty quite (go figure) however I did get to put a few words in. We snaked on dried and salted sardines and calamari. Quite interesting, and I will get back to you on if I lied them or not. Other than that life is good here. The people are very hospitable, and love to feed us. I hear KUSHAT KUSHAT (eat eat) in my house more than I breathe.

I will try and get some pictures up in a few days, as soon as I figure out how to alter them so they fit. Also, outhouses are not that bad...we shall see in the winter. And finally, cold showers suck esp when it is about 36 degrees outside.

Either way...so far so good! Until your next installment of See Jays World, drink a Guinness for me.

Friday, September 15, 2006

The Adventure Begins!

Hello all from Moldova,

I have arrived here safely in Moldova, and let me tell you it is quite a trip thus far. 10 hours to Istanbul, 8 hour layover, 2 hours to cuisine and finally at the Hotel. We had a few great presentations from local artists, and few safety briefings, and then wine and bred...DELICIOUS! After that we went out with a bunch of current PCV's who met us at the airport and hung out all night. Drank a bunch of wonderful Russian beer and had a great time.

The next days have been very long laced with hours of jet-lag filled sleepy moments. Everything here has been great. I am learning Russian, and will continue to do so for about the next 3 months. After that I will head to my site and begin the two years of service to Moldova and the US of A!

Tomorrow I will meet my host family for the next three months and I am quite nervous. Seeing as they speak only Russian and not a lick of English it should be very interesting trying to communicate. Life here in the capital is juxtaposed to say the least. The fast paced cars zooming around seeming carefree about the populace who walked everywhere makes for quite an exciting time crossing the road.

A few highlights...Getting harassed by the police day one for sitting on the ground (apparently illegal), getting yelled at in Russian by the hotel housekeeper for a missing towel, bathing from a spicket in a rotted out bath tub, and much much more. Despite all this, the Peace Corps really has their shit together here, and well I am loving it. And one final note...all you people out there who said that the people here would be ugly...HAHAHA. The people here are some of the most gorgeous humans I have ever set eyes upon.

Until next time, Keep it real and I will continue to update you on my trolls. But for now, that's it from See Jays World!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Rockin out...one last time

Let me tell you, if the Hideaway was any way to go out - it was in style. But I get ahead of myself. First and foremost, I had a rockin time at my farewell gathering which was highlighted by arrival from Doug, Jew-vara, and Marco, an incredible sunburn, some serious wavefrisbee, beers, brats, a turducken (chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey) and of course a wonderful GATOR WIN! Following that adventure we all headed to Orlando where we were nonstop all night! Thank you all for an amazing final weekend, and I owe you all when I get back. As I am about to head to Moldova, I just wanted to thank you all for your support and ensuring me the Peace Corps has nothing on me, and wont stop me. I owe you even more (esp Charlie). On that note, if you are reading this...keep it real and next time I will be saying hello from Moldova! Peace out!