Ready To Face Semester 2

So I just got back from a 10-day vacation that was wonderful. I traveled with five other volunteers to Istanbul. And it was beautiful!! This was a much needed and well-loved vacation. I was often noting how breathtaking Istanbul is. It is definitely a tourist spot, but I kind of liked that about Istanbul. I enjoyed visiting the museums and mosques, as well as just walking around aimlessly. This was just right to rejuvenate me and make me ready for the second semester.

Who Needs Internet

Well, I was supposed to have this day off since I didn’t get yesterday off. But I woke to Svetlana knocking on my door asking me for copies of the lessons plans I wrote this summer. I didn’t have to go anywhere, but being awoken by a colleague kind of throws you off. Once again, I am reminded that you never really get a day off when you’re in the Peace Corps.

Yesterday I had spent my time of rest watching a couple movies. So today, I was bored with that. Without internet, I am super productive. I have organized a whole bunch of pictures that I have been meaning to for over a year now. I organized all my papers from the PC and threw away what I didn’t need anymore. Finished up arranging my room. And all of this by 1:00pm. If I don’t purchase internet soon, I probably can come up with a solution to world hunger and poverty during my free time in my first couple weeks.

All You Need To Know Is “Noroc!”

Ahh, Sundays. The day of rest. It’s nice to have the day off today. I was able to get all of my unpacking done finally, and finish setting up my phone. I discovered a flashlight on the phone, which will be useful on midnight runs to the outhouse. The best part was the sleeping in.

Some members from my training group and I walked around Cojusna for a little bit. It really is a beautiful village. I was able to get lots of pictures.

This afternoon, my host family invited me to their weekly picnic that they have with their friends. And even though I didn’t understand anything that was being said, I really enjoyed the cultural experience. The women and men stayed separated except during dinner. But even then, the men sat on one side of the table and the women on the other. There was lots of pointing towards me and lots of comments directed at me. I think they continually forgot that I don't speak Romanian, because once they remembered, they yelled for Diana. And they were very proud of me when I said “Noroc” as a cheer (“cheers” in Romanian).

And I have experienced something new while there. The PC has warned us about how Moldovans try to be good hosts by making sure plates and glasses are full. They mentioned how the host often fills the glasses without asking. I had not experienced this with my family; they are very understanding when I say “I’m full” or “No thank you”. However, whenever my glass was empty or not completely full, it was filled. Moldovans drink their wine in shots, so even though I had 7 glasses of wine, it’s not as much as it seems. But I’m glad this is not a daily feeling.

This picnic is apparently a weekly thing. Since it was such an enjoyable time without understanding anything, I can only imagine how much I would enjoy it if I knew more Moldovan. Motivation for studying!