So after a good portion of the summer I decided it was indeed time for a vacation. My friend from Cyprus ended up serving in Albania for his Peace Corps service. So I took the opportunity to go visit for a few days. This was a quick trip and it was definitely much needed. I stopped over in Skopje both directions and it was incredible weather. Not too hot. Albania is definitely a great place to visit if you are into tracks of the unknown. A cool think about Albania is that it is literally inundated with thousands of bunkers. They are everywhere. scenery is great as you have the Adriatic Coast on one side and if you're lucky Lake Orhid on the other. I will post pictures when I get back :)Cheers!

So time flies. I can't believe that it's already been 1 full year of service. Well technically 1 and a quarter but who's counting. Before MSC I had gone to visit my friend Brian at his town for some July 4th festivities. That was great. It was good to eat some coleslaw, some burgers, and dogs and to play a quick game of pick up flag football. I was stoked to hold a pig skin again. Got me pumped about the upcoming season! Any rate..MSC has arrived and it was in beautiful Vratsa again. It was great to see everyone and see how they were doing. I didn't get to see my host family because they were out of town so I ended up seeing my friends, Valerie and CJ, host families. It was a blast. Shortly afterward I went back to beautiful Rhodopes and enjoyed some mid summer fun. So per usual when I'm not working, I'm out with friends hiking, down at the cave, taking tourists around the village, and just causing some good times. I have posted some pictures of some recent hikes, and some may wonder why I get up so early in the mornings? We'll here's the reason...this is video, and picture, of my landlord. He is killing, skinning and gutting, a sheep. I didn't know this, but he's become the local town butcher. So at any rate, if I don't get up early...I have to leave through the only door which is where that lamb is hanging...So it's either I get up and beat the butchery, or I get awoken to the death cries of some sheep.

Ahh the life.

Cheers!

Ok the videos I have, one is not focused at all, but you get to hear me speak some pretty bad Bulgarian, and the other is just a close up of the meal!

A group of hikers, on the ridge heading to Yagodina!

My landlord's and my dinner...

The videos

We'll I never left, but I wrote in my book instead of typing it due to computer/internet issues. So I will post these blogs up one bye one, probably weekly.

Well before I went into this blog post, I had gone to an awesome reservoir called Dospat, It was gorgeous...it's only like 20 km from my village and I had gone with some Bulgarian friends of mine it turned out to be one of the best days of the early Spring.

So I had gone to Veliko Turnovo to help teach about Earth Day. A few volunteers and I each got different holidays, and I chose Earth Day seeing that I could plan for it and teach it in my village as well. Afterwards my buddies Joe and Ryan came allllll the way down to my neck of the woods so that I could show them a thing or two about Bulgarian hospitality.

Here you can see some pictures of their visit.

Spring is here. I am pumped. Hiking has started again and tourist season is just around the corner. That being said. I have busy months ahead. I have successfully created a vizitka (business) card for my secretary mayor...but He wants some minor changes. I will work on those tomorrow with him. My business cards are done. (This was a lot harder than you'd think...but I won't go into details). I have been continuously working on the website and the web visibility. I have been working with the new shop in town to create a menu and business card. I am still desperately trying to get all of the files of the business cards from those who are interested for the brochure. IT is done. I just need the files for the final layout then talk to the owners to collect money. So so so so close. Updates on this.. within a week. Other news is that my kids are starting to listen to me...sort of when they're in my class. Sort of. At-least I have a class. So I'm thankful. Been busy. It feels good. 18 days and I've been out of the states for 365. Crazy. Definitely crazy.

Cheers.

After our Tourism Meeting in Sofia, a group of volunteers and I headed to Skopje, Macedonia to continue our experience exchange with other Peace Corps Volunteers. On the ride to Skopje, I looked over my notes. I looked at what we had just learned, and what we had experienced at the tourism meeting in Sofia. We talked sporadically of what we liked about the conference, what we felt was most useful and how we can try to implement these things in our sites. It also got me excited to think of what the weekend held for more potential exchanges and that the possibility of the PCV’s in Macedonia experiencing similar struggles as well as possible partnerships.

We were all excited about meeting new(er) faces, being in a new(er) country and enjoying some familiar travels aka long bus rides. It took us about 7 hours (with a one hour stop at the boarder) to get into Skopje. We were beat. I was sitting next to a guy that I’m pretty sure thought he owned all 3 seats in the back of the bus. He kind of reminded me of this guy.

Anyways once we got into Skopje, our other Macedonian college picked us up and headed to the hostel. The weather was great and I had no idea, but Macedonia is an hour back than in Bulgaria. Plus that weekend was Daylight savings. Talk about confusing.

After a few beers, we were tired and hit the bed, we had to get up for the conference we had been patiently waiting for. Long story short, the conference was great. We learned a lot about each others’ respective country programs, where the trends were, what the plans for future involvement are and future collaboration. After that, we went and had some Mexican…don’t judge.

We then had the opportunity to walk around Skopje and take in all the sites. We saw the Turkish Pazar and Old town, The Fortress, Mother Teresa’s Birthplace, and The Old Stone Bridge. All in all a great trip! Pictures in order!

PS I haven’t loaded the pictures up cause my camera is not at work. So I've 'borrowed the pictures from a friend of mine!

Another Update Tomorrow.

So March was a busy month for me. Goodness! Following my last post I had gone to regional village for one of the biggest village kukeri festivals throughout all of Bulgaria. This kukeri festival is considered pagan and it's to bring the end of winter with spirits and what not. Men in costumes are elaborately dressed and dancing with cowbells. It was quite intriguing.

Here's some pictures from that event.

Then the following weekend we had a seminar with one of the EU funded projects in my municipality called the Leader Program. They held the seminar in my village. Which was great. It was like a epiphany for people in my town. For all those PCV's out there. It was like a PDM conference but only in the language of Bulgarian. The PDM conference is Project Design Management. It was interesting. But here's why it was especially good for the people of my village. About 80% of the ideas I had mentioned in my previous 8 months at site...about brochures, creating a logo/crest...website, homemade souvenirs....make your own yogurt...village and cultural tourism just to name a few, my town had laughed probably saying oh...cute ideas Jon but seriously....these are what you're suggesting? Well these highly regarded EU program facilitators came into the meeting and said just about every single one of my ideas. I kept my mouth shut. When one of the facilitators asked why I was so quite, a collegue interjected and said..'because you've stated his ideas already'. It was an eye opening experience for my village. The play makers in my village instantly took notice that I may actually know what I am talking about. And that's when I got busy. Taking note that I have mentioned and that I am on the same mindset as this EU funded program. I would say my schedule is looking mighty busy!

After that I had spent most of my time in the village cause I have English classes. Let me tell you. Things are starting to pick up. I have my one adult class on Thursdays but after a few classes in February, not only did I gain a student but they wanted to have it 2 times a week. PUMPED. That's great! So now it's a Tuesday and Thursday routine from 6-7...but it usually runs till about 7:30. Now I had been having my art classes on Wednesdays but I found out that the kids only have that one day as their free day. So I've made it optional. Instead I've been teaching English every week, 3 classes. First class, is from 2-3. Second and third class is from 3-4. and 4th and 5th class is from 4-5. With the art/environment club from 5-6. I'm really excited about the classes today as my partner school in Maryland has sent me letters for myself and the kids. I spent last week teaching the kids how to form their basic knowledge of questions to write letters. They seem discouraged but they will have my support. They know it. They have all the peices of the puzzle. They are excited about it. Hopefully it will help foster long lasting friendships with Americans with them.

I have also been working on creating a logo for my village. I am very excited about this as I have been working with a bunch of people to grab their input. In addition to this logo I have been asked to make business cards. Working on making a brochure (still in the process)...this is a slow process because trying to make it as cheap as possible and well as visibly enticing. I still need to work on some of the translation.

Here's the Logo. Unfortunately since my town is so small I had to blur the name out for you all.

Then after that...I had a tourism resource exchange in Sofia for a day with other PCV's throughout Bulgaria. This was something I had been helping plan and whatnot. Using each other for resources I find is very important. The ideas and exchanges we got was great. Especially in time for tourist season!

Then onto the next post. Macedonia!

As I take a break from preparing my night class (as I mentioned before I have a night class of English to one of the Tour guides in the cave and his wife), I take time to reflect on the last couple of weeks. With the weather heating up, the snow melting, and the birds starting to sing their songs. One thing that has occurred to me. I've survived my first winter here. Not that it was brutal or anything. In fact I love the snow, and this winter was weak in the Rhodopes. Pretty sub-par by my standards. Granted it could just be an off year but I wanted more. Regardless I've made it through.

So I have had my art class for the last couple of weeks and I think I will take it to the next level and sign up for Paintbrush Democracy. It should be a good tune for the kids to see other works of art. I am also coordinating with my WWS match in Maryland to do something similar!

The start of March also signifies "Happy Grandmother March" day 4estita Baba Marta. This day (in my town really isn't much) Although all of the martinitsi (these small red and white braceletes are handed out signifying good luck. I was able to recieved 3. (everything works in threes).

Then 2 days later on March 3rd was Bulgarian Independence day. It's like our 4th of July. Although on this day Bulgaria regained it's independence from the Ottoman Empire so it's definitely a huge day. On Weds. I arrived to my office with some coffee and to check email. I was 'hollered' out side. Thinking that I would take the offroad jeeps up to the mountain peak for the celebration, my mayor said that those were for the race. To my surprise the peak that usually takes me 2 hours to hike up casually was an all out race to the top. Utterally underprepared for this escapade. I ran upwards. I reached the top of the mountain in about 40 minutes. I was beat. Someone was at the top handing me some warm tea and water. It was fabolous. That's when the real celebration started. With free food, skara (like a bbq) drinks, music it was a jolly time. Then as we headed over to the other peak, we sang songs and danced. We finally reached the destination. We got in a circle, stated the history of my village...and with a moment of silence we all got down on the ground kneeling. It was quite amazing. Then with the cannon, we lit it and enjoyed the festivities. It was an all day event. If that's not enough, I have one day rest...one day...as I head into the nearest town tomorrow for a meeting with a tourism agency. These people were at the Tourism Expo in Sofia. They had told me to come to their office for a meeting. Hopefully soon. If not tomorrow. Soon. This weekend is a Kukeri (Kookeri) which is another festival in the Rhodopes not too far away. It should be a good time. I will say. I love the Rhodopes. I love the people, I love the history (however confusing it may be), the surroundings everything. It's truly great.

I also started planting my garden. In my room. I figured the greenery will help the inner air quality (it's already good as is) But I like plants. I planted some sweet peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and Bell peppers. I will move them outside when the weather gets nicer at night.

I'm also working on some Tourism exchange possibilities between neighboring PC countries, so if any of you reading this. In and around the Balkans and the Black Sea work on this particular assignment feel free to contact me.

It’s another cold day in the Rhodope Mountains. I woke up this morning to plan on cooking some breakfast and some hot chocolate (Swiss Mix…Thanks Mom). This is however not the case. My water is frozen. The electricity is out, as it has been doing every 2 days and stays out for days on end. Even my phone says there’s no coverage…I am truly a hermit on this day. I love it. In addition I awoke to about 18-20 inches of snow and it continuing to snow. I don’t know if I will even make it into the office this morning, if there’s no electricity…I might as well just type/write a few letters and emails here before getting internet back. Perhaps I will read and start drafting a project as well. I’ll have enough to keep me busy. The last couple of weeks have been busy. Last week I was in Sofia for a week, a few days for the staff retreat, a meeting with my program manager, meeting with tourism companies, and I ended up meeting with some Albanian Peace Corps Volunteers working in the same program as me; tourism development.

First the staff retreat was great. It is very interesting to learn exactly how yearly budgets and requests go through the whole process. The two-day process went from the smallest details of what volunteers need to what staff needs. Taking into consideration the larger groups planning on being introduced here a lot of factors get taken into consideration. I would like to point out that Peace Corps Bulgaria ranks 7th worldwide for Peace Corps programs participating in the WWS program. This program is where volunteers write to a school match back in the states and set up a pen pal per se. I think that’s great. I do think we can do better as well!

I then had a great opportunity to pick some Albanian PCV’s (Peace Corps Volunteer) brains about what they have done for tourism development. What I learned only solidified my push for creating an opportunity for other PCV’s to connect with our regional brothers. As PCV’s we can and should use each other as resources. Especially in Eastern Europe where the economical landscape is consistently changing due to the accession of the European Union. We can share with other PCV’s in other countries what has worked and what has not. Creating and sustaining this connection will only strengthen our skills as well as our creativity. We will see hopefully we can have more continued talks here in the efforts to connect with PCV’s in the region.

Lastly I talked to my program manager about helping set up some sort of tourism technical training. It was an overall great meeting and it was good to squeeze in some talking time. I also told him about my first true business related success. I know I know 10 months in. It’s normal.

So the success story. Now granted a lot of people are still trying to get a feel for me in my village. Perfectly normal. There’s one individual that totally wants to learn. He is a tour guide at the cave. He is the only one that gives the English tours to English speakers. The catch? He only knows English from watching TV. He doesn’t even know the alphabet. He wants to learn to read and write. So I casually gave him a time to come to my office for his classes. I had forgotten about it because most people say they will do something and then don’t show. Again pretty normal. Well he came with his wife! I was so excited. My first adult class. His assignment is to write out (to the best of his abilities) what he says on his English tour. We will go word for word helping him structure it and create pamphlets for the other tour guides and for the tourists if he is on another tour. English and tourism development…one class. My success story! It doesn’t seem like much but it’s the way that it should be. I should be the facilitator, the change agent, and the catalyst for change, not the person doing everything. I have a feeling I will be working with this individual quite closely for my time here. As he WANTS what I want. In a town of 400 give or take. This is like finding a golden nugget in a river.

I couldn’t be happier.

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

B-26ers, anyone?

Have questions? Leave a comment

It’s February. Unbelievable. Winter has been pretty mild. I’ll say that. Only 7 weeks left. It’s currently raining right now. I just finished working on a tourism table to compile all the places of accommodation surrounding my area. This week I will go and collect the information. This is just another piece of work that has helped me watch time fly. Hopefully this information will be used for the future website and other forms of communication to tourists. Tomorrow I have a meeting with director of the school. I am proposing that I split the kids (I currently teach about 15 kids ranging from 1st to 8th grades…definitely difficult) into 3 classes so that I can have better control. This will also give me the opportunity to teach the kids that need the most help and help me push the kids that ‘know’ what they’re doing. I also have made posters for the art club and environmental club. I’m hoping with tomorrow’s meeting I can persuade the director to allow me the 2 hours out of the week for these small projects. I mean why not? Art is a healthy and fun activity and with the environmental club I can have the ability to also teach some science and earth friendly courses. We will see.

I’m also trying to plan some sort of small weekend get away to either Thessoliniki, Istanbul or Skopje, Maybe Belgrade…..Not sure. Any suggestions? I’d love input! I am also currently looking a planning my trip back to Cyprus because I miss it too much

I went to visit my brother in Rome for a couple of days and wow what a weather change! I will never (well I can’t say that) make pizza again after eating some of the food. Wow…It was good to get away, but even better to see my brother. He was growing some sort of Ravens beard or something, but it was more like patches. More power to him. Rome was out of this world. The hotel was literally a few blocks away from the coliseum, which was amazing. The pantheon, the roads, and the forum it was just truly spectacular. I definitely want to go back. Maybe after my service though, we’ll see. My brother is doing well and I think that is what I enjoyed the most. Seeing him. I know he enjoyed my company too, but to see him and not via skype, well it was a late Christmas for me. We went out, drank, had dinner, all the things we hadn’t been able to do like we do during the summers. Hopefully he can find his way back to Europe during the summer and we can do it again. I know it was a great trip for him as it was for most of his friends, for me it was interesting hearing English again. I must say I kept having the problem of starting conversations in Bulgarian or ordering in Bulgarian. Smooth Jon- real smooth. I guess that means another step in the process of Peace Corps right? When your brain starts to function in Bulgarian? Always interesting. I also celebrated 8 months in country when I was in Italy, so Nazdrave! (Cheers!)

So it’s December now! Not as cold as you would think. It has been very mild and not too much snow at the moment. More rain than I could actually want. I’m sure it will be considered a good thing when I find out that winter is only going to be 6-7 maybe 8 weeks long. Last week I went to visit my friend Ryan up North for Thanksgiving. It was awesome. He’s right on the Danube River. Kind of a trek for me, but it was totally worth the small get away. It was actually colder there than it has been in the mountains. Things are starting to move along. I’m starting to find projects, whether or not they get in motion is another story. Hopefully they do! I’ve decided that I will be going to visit my other friend Joe for Christmas again up North because I want to spend New Years here. I’ve heard many good things about New Years in my village as the population grows with all the tourists. Time will tell!

Hey again!

So I’ve been in country for 6 months. Wow! I’m at my IST or in-service training. It was a nice location since it only took about 3-4 hours to get here. I am loving my site. It is getting somewhat cold, but definitely enjoyable. In about a week I will head up to one of my buddies’ site and spend Thanksgiving there. Maybe have some turkey and try to stream the football games. Hopefully it will be a relaxing time, after all it will take me about 13 hours to get up North. Here at IST it is good to know that everyone is feeling the same way. You find yourself at site with a lot of free time and questioning on how you can improve on certain things. The fact of the matter is though, sometimes people are purely content with how they are and what they have. It becomes a process of ‘OK, how do we do this, and how can it be creative?”, or “What do YOU want to do?” I’m still doing a lot with the kids, or trying to. I’ve been chopping wood for the last couple of days, so I’ve been able to stop my work out routine- chopping wood is enough. The process to do this is first you slam the axe into the cylindrical shaped piece of wood, usually 70-80 pounds. After the axe is lodged into this piece of wood, you then lift up the whole piece over your shoulder and flip it- so that the axe is facing down with the wood hanging from it over your shoulder. Then in a smooth-swinging motion you slam the end of the axe onto the stump, so that the axe if facing upwards. It then splits into two. It’s quite interesting and very melodic…and therapeutic. This motion is usually one quick action and takes less than 2 seconds to complete. So I think I’ve deserved the right to not have any workouts this week. Well IST sessions are about to get going I’ll post more after Thanksgiving or sooner!

4ao.

Well over the next couple of days I'll be posting copies of what I had written in word when the internet was going haywire in November, December and Now. But it's back so I have about 6 posts that will be posted in the next couple of days!

So here's the first post from November:

Well here it is November and hopefully it will continue to be just as good as October was! We have a In Service training coming up and that means close to 6 months in! Which is amazing. The language is coming along and my office is slowly but surely moving forward. The snow has melted and I've spent most of my time just chopping wood and teaching classes. I'm pretty excited about the snow because it is sooooo gorgeous here covered in white! My brother moves to Italy after Christmas to study for about 3 weeks. Hopefully I can work something out where I can visit him. I'll keep you posted!

Halloween was a blast! With snow on the ground and candy in the air...the kids witnessed their first Halloween! Videos and Pictures

Sorry again for the lack of internet access and due to some traveling for conferences the lone post for the month. Here it is...Halloween. I awoke this morning to find Snow....yes snow on my porch...Have a feeling this winter will be cold! No fear I did find a pumpkin to carve! I also made masks with the kids at the school yesterday and today they will carve their very first pumpkins...somewhere...I didn't anticipate snow. Will see. Should be interesting none the less. Things are starting to get busy maybe? I will be teaching English class on Wedsnesdays as an after school program. I'm also working with the cultural center to work on a place for people to play cards and games during the winter! I'm also writing a bunch of projects that should hopefully grab the attention of the town and prompt some major "Hey that's a good idea, Jon..how can I help?" moments...I've been in country for about 6 months now...almost 4 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I opted not to go to the Halloween party because it would probably take a lot out of me, and well lets face it...it's snowing now. Plus I'd rather teach the kids about ruining their teeth even more by having a little trick or treating session! Hah! I'll update more pictures later today.

Here's pictures of the kids and their masks!

Here's my amazingly carved pumpkin!

Here's the veiw of snow from my balcony!

Well per usual I have failed once again to update you all with my fast paced life. Everyday I seem to be learning more Bulgarian (so I hope) and losing more English. This happens to be great for everyone speaking to me. My Bulgarian is coming along and my English just gets even more ridiculous as the days pass. I got a pretty sweet comment the other day though...I was asking the conductor of the train if the section I was in was either first or second class. He answered, then asked if I was Macedonian. When I told him I was an American. He was dumbfounded. We ended up talking and then went our separate ways. About 30 minutes into the departure he came back to my cabin and sat down and talked. He was so intrigued that in fact he was talking to an American in his native language. He also kept apologizing for mistaking me as a Macedonian (to me that's a compliment). Mind you this is the man that puts holes in everyones ticket as they board the train. To date while in Bulgaria I've been mistaken as Greek, Italian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian. What is next? Who knows...I'll keep a tally though.

So about the end of August I came down with either food posioning or a brief stomach flu. It put me out. I mean I was hugging the door of the Turkish toliet half the time. (Turkish toliets...well there's no porcelin) Anyways after about 48 hours I was great and dandy. Then about two weeks later at the PDM conference which takes me about 10/11hours to get to...I get sick again. But let me explain the PDM conference. First, it's a great time to see some of the other B25's as I haven't seen some of them since July, so there was plenty of reason to be merry and have a good time. Second the PDM conference was in the old capitol of Bulgaria. A fantastic, rustic city on a hill. Very Beautiful. The first day was raining so not much of sight-seeing could be done. Third the PDM conference is a conference with our counterparts (or our Bulgarian colleauges that we work with) so we can learn about grant proposals, projects, and different areas of interest. As that is all interesting and very informative on the second day/night of going out. People started not feeling well. In the back of my mind- I knew all too well. This stomach flu/food posioning was back. And back it was- with a vengence. I'd venture that myself included probably 50.60% of the people got sick. It was quite an experience. Having to travel 10 hours on a train then a bus, then walk 7 km when you're trying to recover. AWESOME time spent! Atleast you get to be very close with the people that were also sick, because hey...you don't get upset if they say..."Hey I'll be right back...where's the restroom again?"

Ah Peace Corps. How I love it. The end of summer is here, next week I start teaching my classes again and working on projects. Most B22's will be leaving at the end of next week. That's actually kind of sad. Though I know some will be back and within 8 months new volunteers will be here...the B26's. It's getting pretty cold here not going to lie. I have a wooden stove that keeps me warm though. I have an amazing shot that my friend took on our hike. This is what the end of summer (and every day) looks like from the top of the peak behind my apartment. (Takes about 1.5 hours to climb...but as you see it's totally worth it). Cheerrsss

Take care.

4ao.

It's September now. Wow. Really? I finished up my last class of summer school refresher courses this week. Well it wasn't a failure like I thought, and kids enjoyed it. I have a feeling my time here will go by very fast. It's never a dull moment and even when it seems as though I'll have a dull moment, something exciting happens. September also means- time for potatoes, and well August means Mushrooms here. So the town has been busy picking both. With the addition of gathering wood for the winter it's exciting. Everyone moving. The potatoes here are super sweet. They make delicious french fries. Yes. I make french fries. I eat them with vinegar and sometimes I make honey mustard.

I've been researching a few different things for other small projects recently and I think I found some kids interested in an ecology/geo-cache club.

Another volunteer about 50 km North and I may collaberate on it so that his kids and my kids could go on hikes together and such. We met up yesterday to discuss possibilities. We'll probably talk more about it next week as we have a conference to go to, but we figured it was a good way to get to meet up and see each other, it's been about 5 weeks. Well when we met up in a town equally far (about half way for each of us) to our surprise we hardly spoke any English. Um...it was weird. I couldn't quite put my finger on it at the moment but- you know someone speaks English, yet you look at them talking in Bulgarian it was very mind-boggling. We talked for about 2 hours on logistics, interest, and just the ideas of how it could work. We also were able to catch up on other things as well.

This weekend is the town holiday and hopefully it should be good. I'm hopeful the weather will hold out and that maybe my internet inviting (per the request of the Mayor) worked. Even if only 20 people come, well I'll consider it a small victory. From no internet presence 2 weeks ago...small steps. I was waiting for a ride yesterday (which can sometimes take a while) and I snaped this photo that I though was glorious...yes glorious.

PS. Ravens are 4-0 in Preseason...the last time they did that was in 2000. Was that the year they won the Superbowl? Oh that's right it is. Coincidence? Pure Skill? I'll go for the latter.

Ok, it's been about a month here in my lovely village. I have been taking lots of pictures, situating into my apartment, and kind of getting the handle on the working bit. Frankly- I'm working a lot! It's a good thing...believe me it is. I've been teaching summer refresher courses for about a month now. I don't want to say I'm amazing or anything at so called teaching- but when you hear kids use the English you taught them- let's just say I have a sense of accomplishment. I teach about 15-20 kids in my first class and about 14 kids in my second class. It rounds up to about 10 hours a week of teaching. Crazy right? I walk to the caves and surrounding towns by eco trail- gathering information for the wikipedia site when ever I get the chance. Soon- I think I'll get the ok on the translation I provided for the wiki page and I can load it up. I've been working a lot on the web presense for my town as the town holiday (Praznik) is in 2 weeks. They wanted me to create a poster but when I found a poster already made...I just had to find the source. With a little help and some finger pointing (to the poster) I was able to get the actual jpeg file. Perfect. Saves everyone time and improves consistancy right? Right. It's starting to get really cold here- I love it...But would love to have a few more hot nights and days ahead of me before I have to bundle up. Next couple months will be busy for sure.

Ok back to work- I'll update this when I can link my camera up to the computer. For now, here's a picture of part of the peak I climbed (and continue to climb) when I have a free moment. That's my town below...p.s. LOOK HOW GREEN IT IS! ...

Bulgarian Lesson of the day: Чести Рожден Ден! (Chesti Rojden Den!) Means: Happy Birthday!

So a lot has happened since my site visit. I swore in! I am officially a volunteer. I have a pin of my own. The build up of anticpation, excitement, nervousness was all too familiar and was something I had been looking forward to for a very long time. On July 24th, 2009 around 10:30-11:00, 62 trainees became volunteers. After a small reception and a few interviews with radio and television crews it was time to pack up and leave. Most of the newly sworn in volunteers had opted to stay the night with their respected host families. However another volunteer and I had other plans. Due to the remotness and lack of consistent weekend travel we had to depart for our new homes literally 1 hour after the receiption. We had a 1:30 bus to catch. First I had to go to the first VAC meeting (Volunteer Advisory Committee) and introduce myself and promptly leave. We had a 2 hour bus ride to Sofia. Caught a mini shuttle and then walked to the South Station of Sofia. We had a 5 pm bus to take us to what is considered relatively close to our sites. ( I was still a good 40 minutes away) I arrived to the bus station around 9pm and had my Mayor and collegue waiting to pick me up. I arrived into my apartment around 10pm. Speaking of which this road goes through a gorge ...and the road is so narrow...once I get better internet I'll post a picture.

My town is about 600 people and in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. I'm about 15km from the boarder of Greece and pretty far out in terms of other places. The village is at the top of a mountain valley tucked away. Every morning I see clouds/fog that even the best pictures don't do justice. Every night the sky is so clear that I've counted 26 shooting stars in a span of about an hour and a half. The town is translated (literally) "Strawberries" and that is because of the wild strawberries that grow in the forests. There is also word of a few ancient Roman soidler burial sites. Which I may have stumbled on. I am going to have a man from the town come and find out if this is indeed what I have found.

Then the next couple of days were filled with more awkwardness, you know those long pauses filled with charades and "what are you doing here?" questions. After about a week, it was aparent that I thought I had learned enough Bulgarian to get me around and was sort of at a loss of words. I couldn't figure out what they were saying...why? Well. The Rhodopian dialect is only spoken in the Rhodopes so I'm essentially learning all over again. It's pretty amazing.

Lots of work ahead. I have begun to get to know the area by hiking almost every eco trail and making maps/notes of what certain things could be used for at a later date. There are 2 cave systems very close to my town and they are gorgeous! I have begun translating and getting to know "who's who" in the community. Once that has happend people put aside that they don't understand me and put me to work. I already had my first English class and have continued to set up more...for the principal. Then I will be working closely with the lady that runs the cultural center for our town holiday which is September 6th. In which on September 6th representatives from a town in Serbia with the same exact name are coming. I think they want to set up a sister/twin city...which is exactly what I wanted to do for the tourism development side of things. So there could be a possibility that I'll be traveling there shortly.

I think that's a good month update. I'll fill this in later.

The eve of finding out where I’ll be living and who my counterpart is…the next two years of my life. Not necessarily set in stone, but definitely flexible. I love this. I’ve always been a happy person but I wake up every morning and know that this amazing adventure is put forth in front of me. I’m honored, humbled and of all I want to be here. Where could I go I have no idea. This is truly exciting. Everyone back home is probably just as anxious as I, or they have no idea. Who knows. The day had arrived and everyone is feeling the same way. Let us know! It was good to see everyone again at the HUB. About 10:30 we all headed over to the other school across the street and went to the concrete school yard. There on the ground was a massive chalk drawn map of Bulgaria with a bunch of names of towns spread out around the map. Wow…Bulgaria seemed so small before, but seeing how spread out the towns where was really something else. In groups of five all 63 trainees slowly started to fill up this map on the concrete. My name was called. I had found out where I would be going to be calling home for 2 years. I was heading to the mountains. I’m in the South Central part of Bulgaria in a small mountain village closer to the Aegean Sea than the Black Sea. This is a short post because I will update later.

You know sometimes how you feel like you could be in the final scene of Hannible Rising? You know the part where Anthony Hopkins is on the plane and starts to eat human brain? Then a kid asks for a bite unknowingly to his knowledge that what he is eating is actually a human brain? Well…sheep’s brain is quite tasty especially with almost a full ounce worth of Texas Pete’s Hot sauce on it. Good god. Really? I just ate brain. How do I know you might ask? The fact that brain is unmistaken able when it is oven cooked. Maybe the fact that I saw my Baba break open the skull. Or maybe the fact that she took the time to find the English translation in the dictionary for me and try to pronounce it in English. None the less it was quite good. It’s like mashed potatoes with a hint of meat taste. Really? Did I just describe my brain eating experience? I’m at a loss of words. My side dish. French fries. They were great. The twist….they were served on top of sheep intestine. How do I know this? Well the fact that my host father was slurping this substance up like spaghetti was one hint. The other was the fact that my grandmother kept saying “baaaaa” every time I said “what is this” in Bulgarian. The last piece of meat I had gotten through probably one of the toughest meals in a long time. This beats asparagus by a long shot. I dipped my last piece of meat in my hot sauce and flip it over. It was the eye. Yes, a sheep’s eye. My meat was staring me down. I took a bit of moonshine to numb my stomach and took the last bite. Followed by a good amount of wine to wash it down. What a meal. Mom. I love your cooking, but nothing beats my best meal ever.

‘Do some good son’, my father said with a deep sigh as he locked me in a hug that I’ll never forget. I’ve rarely seen my father cry; I knew this was a moment that I hope to share with kids of my own someday. My father was shedding tears, something I couldn’t understand. This true love, the ability to let me go and continue to grow on my own is very hard. While I know it will be difficult, my family is here. I couldn’t do half of what I do if it was not for them. I must say that seeing my father choked up rattled me quite a bit. The night before staging in Washington D.C. and packing for last minute things let alone trying to gather my sanity for the next couple of weeks was already spinning in my head. I got hardly any sleep due to insomnia and excitement. I wish every Peace Corps trainee has the same feeling I had. Waking up at five and continued to pack. Around six my brother came up and said goodbye for one more time before went to work. My father came around 6:30 am and said goodbye again. I think this was harder than the previous night. Regardless on no sleep I finally got my gear and headed into my mother’s car for the drive down to Georgetown to drop me off at staging.

Fast track 3 days later.

“18 kilometers”, Dani, the language coordinator said. I felt like I was getting ready to jump out of a plane. Waiting for the green light. I had my family info in one hand and my camera in the other. Coped with this I had what my best knowledge of Bulgarian was from about a week of just pure language and policy. We’re here. Orientation is over. The real fun is beginning. You’re all wondering did I have that awkward moment of meeting my new family. Boy did I. I loved it. I found my Baba Tatyana and my Drudga Vasil as well as my cistars Yoana or Yo and Vladimira or Vladi at the hub training center in Vrasta. “Zdravete, Tatyana, Vasil, Yoana и Vladimira. Az sum Jon. Az sum ot Amerika ot Maryland ot Severna Park. Az sum ot Korpska na Mira. Az razbiram malko balgarski”, I said my first true sentence to true Bulgarians. No English. They responded and I have no idea what they said so I just kept saying, “minogo dobre” (Very Good). Followed by a bunch of random phrases that probably did nothing that confused us both. It came to the point that we all looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders as if we were a synchronized swimming team. It was amazing. How does one get out of this? You smile and laugh it off. We all started laughing at the lack of communication we had. I followed up with, “Pryaten me a” which means Pleased to meet you. At this point Vladi was hugging me, Tatyana was choking with tears, Vasil was doing a mixture of smiling/laughing and smoking his cigarette, while Yo was laughing while touching my hair. It was official; I was apart of the family. After a short drive we arrived to their house where the house warming really occurred. Before my bags were out of the car I’m pretty sure there was a shot of liquor in my hand and a bera in the other. “What have I got myself into?” for a brief moment I thought to myself. Mom, Dad not to worry though, I sipped the drinks over my very long meal. Not only this but over the course of three hours I ate like a champion. Chicken, potatoes, bread with chili pepper all from the home garden and store. AMAZING. Doesn’t sound like a lot right? We’ll my Baba definitely put two more scoops of food for every one scoop of food I ate. So no English speaking people. They have a corner store, a garden, they distill their own Rakia (Vasil said this is ‘Balgarski Whiskey- Johnny Walker- Minogo Dobre/ Bulgarian Whiskey- Johnny Walker- very good”). Essentially Rakia is moonshine. Anyways they distill that, make their own wine, have their own cherries, pretty much eat off the land. It’s simple. It’s amazing. Vasil showed me around the property and it looks like I’ll be working in the garden on my Sundays and becoming a mason to help him build his outside kitchen. How cool? Yo, is a student in secondary school and the English she knows is non-existent and consists of quotes from the ‘Twilight’ movie or lyrics from the band Paramore. She wants to learn English. Vladi is so adorable. I gave her the crayons. It’s her first set. Never in her life has she seen them. I had to show her how to use them and essentially told her that it was like painting a picture but with out getting wet. Once she saw this you could tell that I was her new best friend. At this moment I know I’ve chosen the right path. My path. These little things are what will get me through the tough and sometimes arduous times in this training. But knowing me in nine weeks, I’ll be swearing in as a Peace Corps Volunteer and I’ll be taking memories with me. Even though they are here on the weekends right now, they will move in when summer starts which is about three weeks.

I take a moment to look out the window peering at the uneven building right across the alley. It’s raining cats and dogs in the middle of Washington D.C. and I reflect. In five weeks to the day I will depart on a 2-year journey to become a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Bulgaria. For one day a week since the end of August I have been coming in for an internship with the National Peace Corps Association. Coming home from Europe and not having a clue of how long the Peace Corps process would take, was something I was prepared for. What I wasn’t prepared for was the job market to be pretty much non-existent.

Regardless, I have had an extraordinary experience working with NPCA. My knowledge of social networking platforms such as Facebook and Myspace has enabled some really exceptional work and experiences to come out of the ten months of interning. Working with a bi-partisan non-profit with very close ties to the Peace Corps, there was never a dull day. From working throughout the elections trying to get both candidates to vouch for more Peace Corps, to helping in the launch of an online Peace Corps Community, valuable knowledge has been acquired. Even if it seemed slow, someone would always talk about their service and get everyone motivated to work more. I know it did for me. When waiting for my invitation to serve, any conversation about other’s service made me want to serve even more.

Working with the NPCA and the network of returned Peace Corps Volunteers, I have a better appreciation for what my service will be about. Regardless of what I end up doing as a Business Volunteer, I know I will have a completely different understanding than a lot of the other people in my training class. I have no expectations, but I’m aware of how anything I do will ultimately promote positive change in some way.

At NPCA I have learned to accept small victories, such as the on going goal of trying to convey that “Peace Corps THING” that every volunteer has an inner yearning that is hard to describe. It’s exactly that. A ‘Thing’ that only people of the Peace Corps would understand. As I see the other interns come and go over the last ten last months, I feel great knowing that I have met them and know that they will do much good for years to come. I feel that the people that I have met and worked with through the NPCA have only cemented that I will indeed enjoy the line of work I hope to have.

Seeing first hand how the NPCA operates and how they are THE resource for RPCV’s connecting thousands of people on a daily basis. Being able to hear stories, gather information, learn new things, and make great friends are all wonderful reasons why I keep coming back to NPCA. Well that and they haven’t asked me to leave yet. I know that I will continue to keep in touch with everyone as I will update them with my whereabouts and what I am doing while serving.

It is hard for me to realize that in five weeks I won’t be coming back once a week working on some sort of social networking site on behalf of NPCA. I guess that’s what is truly a Peace Corps moment; the instant connection people share. Even though I have not served yet, I feel as though I share something special with the RPCV’s I work with as well as the interns that are applying. It’s truly something that only so many words can explain. You can get a sense of this if you read many Peace Corps blogs, publications, and interviews. Whether these are coming from people in the beginning stages of the application process, someone like me that is on the verge of beginning training or an RPCV thirty years ago, we all share that same thing; a desire to make a difference.

Reading these stories, you have the opportunity to look at life differently. Little bits of information you may have picked up from your parents when you were young may be proven to be some of the best information you are able to give to someone in your community while in the Peace Corps. These little bits of information, these gems, are what I hope I can bring to Bulgaria among other things. It is this drive that I know I have, this inner yearning, that will lead me to become a successful volunteer.

I can’t thank the NPCA enough for allowing me the opportunity to intern with them by helping in any way, shape or form. The knowledge I will be able to take with me will only strengthen any project I do in Bulgaria. It is through my work at the NPCA that I have already had a crash course on what it means to fulfill the third goal of the Peace Corps. As I have seen so many member groups that are under the NPCA are currently doing so. In addition to these member groups, advocating for More Peace Corps campaign and through other projects of RPCV’s, I know I can help as well. I know what it will take on my behalf to not only continue the third goal but also be that catalyst for positive change.

Being apart of the Peace Corps community is something that I am truly honored to be apart of. Being given the opportunity to serve the United States I feel should be everyone's duty and helps create a better global citizen in everyone. This Peace Corps community that is constantly growing. Every day stories will be written, volunteers will be invited, people will apply and people will serve. When people come back from their service the questions pop in my head. How far are you willing to go? Will you tell people of your experience? Will you help spread the third goal of the Peace Corps? I know I will...but for now I have to wait couple of weeks, pack and actually leave.

Check out the National Peace Corps Association and create a profile :) Here

Ok- Apologies again. I forgot I had a blog...actually I didn't forget I have been very busy! I have just over 6 weeks before staging begins! Oh yeah- Staging...which happens to be in D.C. couldn't leave me anymore stoked! I'm pummmpppeeed. Preparing is awesome I must say. I just got back from a two week excursion to say good bye to family and friends. While in Louisville, I met up with another PCB-25, Karina. She's awesome and was pretty open to having a shot of good fortunes of Vodka. "Nazdrave!" She also showed me a good KY porter. I loved seeing my family from Kentucky and I love how everyone thinks I'm headed to Bolivia. All exciting none-the-less! I can't wait to start this new adventure of mine. I don't know what to expect...really though who does? I am ready to be a sponge, ready to take it allll in. I filled out the survey for training and it got me more amped. Packing is fun. I still have some time and all but it's fun putting things in piles. Speaking of piles...I need to do laundry! Cheers!

So I have begun the almighty task of putting things in massive piles to help organize what can be given away, kept at my parents house, or taken with me. It is like goin going through time. It's really great where you got this or that. It made me fast forward and think of all the little tidbits I'll probably pick up along the way for my Peace Corps experience.

I have started to learn Bulgarian and have even started connecting with a few B-25's (my group) as well as previous groups such as B-22's, B-24's I don't know if I've connected with any B-23's yet. I've heard that my group heading over in May is supposed to be pretty massive...like 50-60 people. THAT's nuts! Should be grand traveling together.

The more I read information the more I am convinced that my placement officer really 'knows' me and found me a perfect match! I know I will love Bulgaria and the people. Everything! I also get extremely excited and well it's like a non stop euphoric state since opening my invitation packet.

I have 7 weeks of work left!!!! In mid-March I will find myself driving down to my brother's college to celebrate his birthday, as I have promised him I'd visit him while he's in school. (I know better late than never.) Then I will head West to Louisville to see my cousins- we have a family reunion on that side of the family this summer, so I'm sure the timing is perfect! Then I'll be treking alllllll the way North to Burlington, Vermont. See old friends and maybe see some of my professors!

Again..I am in a euphoric state. I have been so motivated to work on this blog, start finalizing my website, work on my cafe press site, prepare my outlines for podcasts and v-blogs. Everything! I am currently looking for cheap means of travel throughout Eastern Europe, I know they are there, I just haven't looked hard enough!

I've also started back up at the National Peace Corps Association in D.C. I've been pretty busy so I haven't been able to get in. Whoops. Tuesdays it is! I've been helping with the Peace Corps Connect site and figuring out stuff like that! It's an awesome site for people of Peace Corps (Future Volunteers, Applying, nomination, invitees, trainees, staff, friends, family- everyone!)to use as a social networking platform!

March 3rd is the National Day of action, so I'll be busy with that on the Hill, but those that aren't in the D.C. area and want to help in some way can email me at commintern2@rpcv.org Even if you are D.C. and want to help in some way, feel free to email me!

Less than 100 days until I leave for staging...but who's counting? I have begun to plan my two week travel vacation to see cousins and friends for the time being. That should be awesome.

I have been reading a lot about Bulgaria and the surrounding areas...I can not wait! I have read the welcome book cover to cover and I am working on the Volunteer book right now.

Anyways I know this blog post is syndicated to my Facebook, so I will ask those who read this as a note...that for anyone that has traveled in the Eastern European region or anywhere for that matter...

If you have good hostels, cheap travel, train, plane, bus and what you recommend...I'm compiling a list and it would be appreciated! Thanks!

I ended up getting a 81 on my Russian midterm. Not bad. I am getting pretty good at the language which I am happy about! I went to a Troika Party two Friday's ago and spoke a good 30 minutes of Russian. This past weekend I went to Vermont and had a blast of a time. Now back in Maryland. The Eve of the election. Probably the biggest election of times to come. It's scary because this election directly effects myself and others like myself as we embark on our Peace Corps Service. I have been swaying back and forth and I have my mind made up. I won't tell you who I will vote for till after the election. I'm sure it will be an interesting day tomorrow. Speaking of Peace Corps, I'm going into my 3rd month of being medically cleared. I should call my placement officer this week, to see the status of my file. Hopefully I will hear something by the end of this week. I'll let you know how that goes.

Cheers.

Also a post from last week:

I must first apologize for the delay in updating progress for this blog. I have been medically cleared for I have no idea how long, I think August 2nd is the official date. I have been passing time while I wait for my invitation to serve into the Peace Corps by taking Russian and participating in a phenomenal internship. Russian is a lot easier than I originally thought, but still has difficult moments. I’m taking it at the local junior college, and saving a ton! I have a midterm on Monday, so we’ll see where I stand after that. Right?

I mentioned before that I had been working with a phenomenal internship. I am working with the National Peace Corps Association, more specifically their More Peace Corps campaign. I work on a variety of things including Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, Blogs, and a wide range of Public Relations/Marketing work. It’s really fascinating. With all of the presidential campaigns and the elections soon- it has been a great place to work with!

Other than that I am spending time living at home, and working to pay off those loans. Last Thursday, I received an email from my Placement Officer with the Peace Corps saying that within the next 3-6 weeks I should hear something. He said that if I don’t hear anything that I should call around the second week of November. So getting closer to finding out is definitely something I have looked forward too! I don’t mind where I get placed because I know deep down I’ll be happy anywhere- as long as I’m helping and learning- you can’t go wrong. I am planning a trip to Vermont one last time to see people before I leave (as it will be expensive to make numerous trips). I am also trying to either go to Louisville to see my cousins there or to Montreal- as a weekend trip at some point to. Those are the last bit of trips that I want to have before I eventually leave.

I have a feeling that I will still be bound for Eastern Europe in mid-May, which has probably been pushed back till mid- June because of budget cuts. In one of my emails- I had told my PO (Placement officer) that I was open to earlier departures because I am ready (not that I’m trying to jump the gun). I know that in March there is Central Asia, which is Russian speaking. We’ll see. I am still thinking that given my nomination, and my experience that I think I will be placed in Ukraine, Moldova, or Romania. Which would be phenomenal. (Even if I get placed here- learning Russian now helps since those Moldovan, Romanian, and Ukrainian all at some point adapted from Russian as well as it is spoken there also). If I were to be placed in Central Asia for March- I would have to put my finger on Albania, Kyrgyz Republic, or Kazakhstan. (In actuality, I have no idea- Hah!) All of which are absolutely crazy to think about. It will be awesome to learn so much about a place that most of the inner circle would even dream about or even say the name correctly. I am looking forward to the surprises in my life that lie ahead of me. This road that I have decided to take- is by no surprise- a road less traveled. I think this is a long enough blog for the week. I will get another entry in a week, and I’ll give you all to follow the progress. I’ll let you know how I did on my exam! Cheers

According to Webster's dictionary:

Main Entry:

in·vite

Pronunciation:

in-ˈvīt

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

in·vit·ed; in·vit·ing

Etymology:

Middle French or Latin; Middle French inviter, from Latin invitare

Date:

1533

a: to offer an incentive or inducement to : entice b: to increase the likelihood of 2 a: to request the presence or participation of b: to request formally c: to urge politely : welcome

I have been invited to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria. I leave for staging May 19th! I am ecstatic. I know that this does not mean I will become a volunteer but I am confident that with the training provided coped with my skills and dedication that I will be a volunteer after training! This day comes as a wonderful way to start off 2009. I am thoroughly excited and can not wait to step foot in Bulgaria and start training. I have so many feelings that it is almost hard to take in. The application process is done! I can not believe it! I have an invitation to serve! My calling! I am beyond myself. To even be considered for an opportunity like this is- well it's hard to explain how I feel. It's AMAZING!

The closure of an amazing 5 months living in Europe and traveling!. This video part is a memoir of my time in Dubai, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as well as Aya Napa. Included is Ledra Street Crossing in Nicosia, where the UN buffer zone is. Cliff jumping. All the sights of Dubai! Also is the last bit of China with the Great wall- Beijing!

Then a special surprise at the end after the credits that the members of Gaia TEAM (The Environment Always Matters) made to help show the importance of recycling.

This is the video part of my travels- India and China. One of my favorite places to visit and I will go back India. I absolutely loved it. Video starts about 16 seconds after black screen. This is due to the individual movie being broken up into smaller parts for loading purposes. I also put/moved the last part of China video into the next section because of the equal part sections.

I will have an further description in here of where I went and what I did exactly within the next week!

Enjoy

This would be part 3 of my European travels. This is Romania, well some areas. Bucharest, Brasov, Rasnov and driving. Awesome!

This is the second part of my trip- London and Paris. I'll put a lengthy description here at some point. Enjoy!

Also for friends who get this imported on facebook, you need to go to the site/this blog to see the video!

PS The video starts at 25 seconds in....So You may have to fastforward till then!

Ok so I believe that these are the videos (posted individually)

The first is Egypt and Cyprus!

Enjoy!

Officially The balll drops!!! May the new year bring all the happiness and memories to all. I hope everyone has a great year. To all of the women and men serving in the Peace Corps and in the U.S. Armed Forces...Thank You! Hopefully this is the turn around year that we have been waiting for...for what seems like ages for better years!

Also I have a video from this year that I am trying to load into this spot...

It should be here shortly!!

It's been a pretty crazy year. Leaving in January of 2008 and moving to Cyprus. Visiting London, France, Hong Kong, Romania, China (Mainland), Dubai, Egypt, and India all withing a short couple of months. CRAZY is one way to sum that up. Meeting new friends, welcoming others, and rekindling a few as well. While some of the times seem faded, they are not...Stuck in memories that I am sure will last for times to come. Waiting for the Peace Corps is quite the challenge. Something that I have been yearning to do. Bulgaria, Romania, anywhere! These things seem to be rolling through my mind on a semi-daily basis. I look forward to serving. I am quite excited. But for right now I am going to enjoy the last hour of 2008, you should too- wherever you are!

Poka!

I hope everyone has a great couple of days to relax and enjoy the time in whatever fashion you'd like! No new updates...Although going snowboarding tomorrow, I guess that's good for some time off! Ha! I have begun starting to research Bulgaria and Romania more... It is CRAZY...I have looked at a lot of Bulgarian websites and I can read Cyrillic and start to translate...I was like 'GO JON GO!" Kind of Surprised myself. Also looked at my old info on Romania just in case. But as usual it's up in the air!

It's funny how time flies. In reality, One year ago I was looking for an idea of where I was going to be living. Little did I know I would be living in Cyprus. I had only found out that I was graduating not too much earlier. I'm sure in due time I will be looking back on this Peace Corps Adventure and say, "Man that wait was so long, but I know it was worth it!" Anyways, so I was looking at my computer...Trying to clean it up and I found a video that I shot and edited from the first couple of weeks spent living in Cyprus and a trip with a few people to Cairo, Egypt! I hope you enjoy!

So I was reading some blogs I follow, and People are getting invited to serve into the Peace Corps. Today I saw someone get invited to Krygz Republic. That'd be so cool to go and live in a place that's in the middle and squeezed between China,Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. How cool?! That would be so awesome! I have been working hard...Tomorrow I get to sleep in, till about 7am probably get swammmmppeed with work. I can only hope that tomorrow's work with go faster. I have begun to create a wish list/packing list, just because I need to get that at least strumming in my head. I am going riding (snowboarding) on Friday and I look forward to getting on the board and enjoying my time. My brother comes home tomorrow so that's a good beer or two!

Cheers!

Time seems fast some days, and others it drags along. Today is a day I feel like is going to zip by. Waiting for something I've wanted for so long is a true test of patience. The holidays are here (literally a week away) and I have yet to do any Christmas shopping. Let alone begun to look at what I may need or wouldn't need for the eventual service. I am working from home today- Entering data for More Peace Corps Campaign, and probably some miscellaneous jobs that can be done via computer. It is very interesting to see where this amazing non-profit will go in the next couple of months, especially with Obama's transitional team shaping up. It could be very sweet for the Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association. Today marks the 29th week since I was officially nominated. 29 weeks!!! Goodness. Oh well. More waiting ahead!

Cheers.

I got a C+ in Russian. I'm Pretty Pumped! Considering that I worked full time and with some early hours. I am happy! Russian is a hard language but I managed pretty well! No new update with Peace Corps, but I feel confident! Perhaps Bulgaria is most likely where I will be spending service, who knows though! Other than that I have contemplated taking some ESL course to help pass time over the coming months (and by taking the course, I mean learning how to teach ESL as I am positive I will be in situations where I'll be speaking not English. I've also started to think that perhaps I should start my Masters. I keep saying I will start my Masters, but hey I'm not made out of money....but who is? I also got my truck back and I am pretty pumped about that! I also went snowboarding this past weekend and it felt great!

It is December! I didn't post the day after like I said I was, I didn't see the purpose if nothing had changed and no new news had come about. Ukraine was added to the March program on the wiki. So I guess that's one less spot for May. I have no idea where I could possibly end up. The whole process is just phenomenal and awesome. For any of those who are interested in doing the Peace Corps, definitely check it out...www.peacecorps.gov. Another day passed, is another day closer to an eventual invite and hopefully serving! It has been cold lately and it has been great! Snowboard season has begun! YES! So i need to dust off the gear and hit the mountain soon. Russian class ends in 2 days with the capstone final exam. I should do well in this course because I'm not too worried about it. Because at the end of the day/semester, I have accomplished my one objective where grades can't explain. I have been opened up to Russian and speaking. I have learned quite a lot! Hmmm. I can't think of anything else right now...I'll probably update this again shortly. Thanks!

I will actually be posting tomorrow or Tuesday, because it is the new week and it'll be December. I hope the holiday was a much needed break for you and your families as it was for me.

The 28th marked the 6th month since my nomination. So that means 6 months till May...meaning 6 months till my potential Peace Corps Service. If all is right where I am thinking...I have my fingers crossed so that between the next 2 weeks I should hear something. Hopefully before Christmas. Still thinking either Ukraine, Romania, or Armenia. Who really knows though...only time will tell.

I am learning Russian still and it's amazing. I am doing well on the verbal and on the auditory part of the learning process. Writing I am ok, but spelling I suck. Grammar is just stupid period. I need to actually get back to that. I also thinking of taking a masters course at American University next semester...start on my masters. Will cost me a pretty penny. Hoping that I can do that. The course I'd like to take is called, Quantitative Analysis of International Relations. I think it sounds awesome.

Well I probably should be get going, I'd like to read a little bit and do some financing. Maybe even add to my Amazon wishlist!

Have a good one.

I'll call this Blog, Anticipation.

It's been another week things are getting exciting! The country has chosen that Obama/Biden shall be inaugurated on January 20th, 2009. I think that change is what we will get. Hopefully it is all positive change. I hope Obama does not renege on his words to expand the Peace Corps along with the budget. Hopefully he is a man of his word. I also spoke to my Placement Officer last Thursday. He was happy I had called- he was trying to get me on board with a Central Asia March invitation (only 2 months earlier than my May Invitation) but couldn't because they (the countries) didn't need any more business volunteers. He said he would be sending out invites within another week or two. As the invitations began to come in for other people such as Romania- it made me wonder. What is the possibility that I will go to Romania? I loved it there when I was visiting in April. Be almost coming full circle. I must say I have narrowed it down again- countries - if I stay on course and receive a May Invitation. Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania are the top choices right now for the May departures because Albania, and Kyrgyzstan Republic are leaving in March. Romania is already slated to leave in May so that is still very in. Armenia has been known to leave in May in previous years. Ukraine usually leaves in Feb. but those departures were consolidated from 3 departures to 2 or maybe 1. Moldova can bounce around between May-July departures it looks like in quarters past. Georgia is usually a June departure but who knows where that will be in 6 months. Azerbaijan is usually a June departure...basically I have no idea where or when I will be leaving per usual.

I'll update you all as soon as something changes! Have a good one!

As you know, (if you don't already... now you do)- I have joined the Peace Corps. I have been nominated and have all clearances needed. I now just wait for the official invitation with my included departure date. It looks as though right now, I am headed to somewhere in Eastern Europe, but all that can change. Unfortunately, the Peace Corps has endured some struggling times in the past year. This is due to budget cuts, the amount of volunteers, the depreciation of the dollar, and a whole other hand full of reasons.

In order to help boost the opportunities for myself and other Peace Corps Nominees, I am asking that you

the facebook cause here http://apps. facebook. com/causes/39193?m=c8752&recruiter_id=65787,

Visit the More Peace Corps Campaign site: http://www. morepeacecorps. org

On September 11th-13th. Barack Obama, and John McCain will talk about Volunteering in New York. Collectively, we are trying to get as many people to sign up for these causes to help push the importance of Peace Corps and their Volunteers.

Without adequate budget, volunteers are being cut back, as well as the expansion of 20 new countries that NEED our help. Take 5 minutes to read and sign up, because the more push we have, the better the likelihood that our budget will increase. This not only affects you in determining a President, but it affects me directly as well as others in volunteering for the Peace Corps. If you have any questions, hit me up at boardingjon25@yahoo.com We need your help!

http://www. morepeacecorps. org

Last Thursday I got an email saying that they needed more information regarding my TD booster. So I got the information requested and sent it off on Tuesday. This is good seeing as that means after about 5-6 weeks the Peace Corps Medical staff is getting around to my info. Woo-hoo. back to paying off loans and saving money!

In the meantime I had a wonderful trip to Boston-Vermont-and Cape Cod last week, purely amazing!

It's been about 3 weeks since I've sent in my medical packet, about a week and a half since I got dentally cleared, 4 weeks since my interview and nomination...and the waiting continues! For those that don't know, I've begun and mid-way through the long difficult process of becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. Something that I really want to do, no just to live in another country for two years, but because I solely believe in the foundations that the Peace Corps is built on. I feel that it is important to give back, so that you can help better yourself in becoming a better global citizen, a better global leader. I was nominated for May '09 for Business Advising/Environmental Studies, for Eastern Europe (the possibility of going back to Romania make me jump for joy, as I truly enjoyed that place during my previous travels!) All of this could change before my actual invitation (which happens to be after I am medically cleared (what I'm waiting on now). So what could happen is that I end up leaving earlier and for a different region. Could be Africa? Who knows. Anyways this is my new Blog to help write about the journey. I was tired of seeing "jonincyprus" when I was no longer living in Cyprus...speaking of which I need to get back to work and actually loading the other posts of my Cyprus travels.

Take care!