As you've probably heard, (I hear it's actually on the news in the states!) Europe is getting hit rather hard with the most intense winter seen in years. This week, school has been canceled in some parts of eastern Romania and the rest of us in the west are making our way to school with snow that reaches our knees. I love Recas in the winter and the snow creates a whimsical atmosphere as I walk to classes.

Today was a huge day in Romania because after a month of protests, the Prime Minister resigned. Also the Cabinet. Stay tuned as more changes in the government are revealed and we see how/if this affects us as volunteers.

Here are some pictures I took today.

Right outside of my place.

The Catholic Church.

My little pharmacy.

A park bench...barely.

A car loaded with baskets sitting in front of the Mayor's office.

The main road from Lugoj heading to Timisoara.

Don't worry-I stocked up on wine.

Love this shot.

Which means this is the view from my window right now...

And since it's my day off, I'm watching the storm as I sip on hot cocoa in my snowman mug (thanks Kathy!) in my Redskin's Snuggie (thanks Dan!).

Happy Friday Ya'll!

I hurried out of my apartment this morning, running a bit late (per usual these days-so hard to get out of bed when it’s freezing outside!) and ran into the tiniest 1st grader I’ve ever seen. With a backpack so big it could topple him over, round Harry Potter glasses, and a runny nose to beat all runny noses, he looked at me and said, “Teacher-avem scoala astazi?”. Which means, “Teacher, do we have school today?”

I understood his confusion because just yesterday school was closed at 10:30AM because there was no heat. We woke up this morning unsure if we would even have classes-was the heat fixed? I called Vali and sure enough, we had heat so we were cooking with gas-literally.

I told him, “Da! Avem, avem. Vii cu mine la scoala.” Which means, “Yes, We have it, we have it. Come with me to school!” He looked at me, smiled, then offered me his tiny, ungloved and absolutely frozen hand. He introduced himself, then grabbed my hand and off we went.

The walk to school takes about 10 minutes and we talked the entire time. He asked me what I taught, where I was from, then when he found out I was from America he asked me about everyone from Hannah Montana to SpongeBob. He told me about every one of his classes and about how much he likes school. Then asked if I would teach his class today. I smiled and told him that no, but I would come visit sometime. We continued talking until we reached the school door-question answer, question answer.

I turned to say goodbye and he said to me, “Teacher, do you know I have a girlfriend?” “Ohhh!,” I said,…”Really?? Well that is just great isn’t it?” He nodded his little head, snot running down his face while he jumped in place to stay warm in the cold. “Yes, I do. But someday, I hope to have a nice girlfriend like you.”

He shook my hand again in a true gentleman’s fashion, thanked me for walking him to school, then ran off to join his friends.

And I smiled, shaking my head as I walked through the front doors of school and into the warmth of my classroom.

That is the temperature tonight. -10 degrees...in Celsius that is. For those of you back home-that's a balmy 14 degrees Fahrenheit!

I shouldn't complain as I am in the warmest county of the country. But lord...I am still freezing. The walk to school is insane in the morning as the wind whips through my jacket chilling me to my core and my nose doesn't even run because my snot is frozen. Too much information? It's the truth.

Thank God I don't have a beard. I have a visit from Peace Corps tomorrow-just a routine site visit to see how I'm doing and to hear about my plans for the next few months. My official Close of Service conference is in April, then my group heads out at the beginning of July...I can't believe it. Tomorrow is February, winter is almost over, (I can only hope) spring break plans are being made (London to visit my sister and parents!) but honestly, as each day passes and my time is cut shorter and shorter, the thought of leaving this place breaks my heart.

Ok enough sap for now. I still have 5 months left and that is what I'm focusing on.

Over the next few months I will be working on forming a partnership with my school and the refugee center across the street, one that requires my HS students to volunteer a certain number of hours a year in order to graduate. I'm also in the process of working on a summer English camp for Timis county. I am currently teaching adult English classes at my school and community center and will continue planning activities for my students-in and out of school.

Vali and his friends have invited me on a road trip to Montenegro in a few months so I'm looking forward to that too! It looks GORGEOUS.

Montenegro.OK back to planning for tomorrow adult classes. Hope you all are warmer than I am right now.

Oh yeah, you read that right.

So today was interesting...starting from the moment I walked out my front door. I was in a hurry to get to school (just HAD to push that snooze button a 4th time...) and I was wearing some black boots with absolutely no traction. Now you might think this is dumb for January, in Romania, but you forget that I live on the west side (pretty much in Hungary) and we haven't had any snow for weeks. WEEKS. It doesn't even feel like winter here. So I ran out of the house with my boots, cute skirt and top and thought nothing of it.

I turned the corner onto the road, jogging a bit to save some time and BAM. Ice patch. Before I knew it I was on the ground (well, after landing prettttyyy damn hard on my left knee) and I was in pain. Sooo much pain. My purse and its contents flew over my head into a mud puddle and for a second I just stayed on the ground, incredulous-is this real life!? What an epic fall.

I looked around quickly to see who might have noticed and sure enough there was a woman walking towards me from the market. "Are you ok??" she asked, eyes wide, staring at the mud all over my skirt, and the nice hole on the left knee of my tights. I assured her I was, and limped off towards school.

I always make fun of volunteers who wear those ice grip "yak tracks" on their shoes in the winter. Karma: you know what it is.

So, I arrived at school and walked into the teacher's lounge. Everyone was in a frenzy, and I listened in trying to understand what all the fuss was about. I heard the word "sick" in Romanian, then I heard "three kids", then finally my friend walked up to me and said "We have fleas."

Beg pardon?

"Who is WE? What? Where?" I stammered back.

"Ohh no, wait wait, not fleas, I'm confused with my English" he responded, and I started to breathe a sigh of relief.

"LICE! That is what they are called. We have a LICE outbreak in school. Do you know what those are??" He looked at me and scratched at his head.

Oh sweet lord...

I'm off to take my second shower of the day, just to be safe.

I wrapped up my third semester teaching with a beautiful concert of carols and Christmas skits presented by my students. We also went caroling around Recas with the choir. I think I told you last year but caroling is a very different experience here. The kids were given money (a lot!) or bags of treats and food at each location. Can I bring this tradition back to America?

My 6th grade-so cute!

I spent Christmas week with Vali, his wife Ionela, and their families in the mountain town of Caransebes. Another volunteer, Chris, came along and brought his guitar which became the hit in every home. We sang, we ate, we cooked, and we visited about three difference houses each day. I don't think I've ever eaten so much in my life. Each house had traditional foods-sausages, cheeses, salads, pork-and we were told to "eat! eat!" at each one. We had an amazing time and I was honored to be a part of a real Romanian Christmas...but YES-I will be starting p90x again ASAP.

In Caransebes.

Just walking.Vali, Ares and I posing by the mountains.

Decorating the tree!

Chris and I in the center of Caransebes.

Beautiful Caransebes.

traditional food-the meat platter.

traditional food-deviled eggs Romanian style.

Chris playing his guitar and singing carols. After Christmas I headed back to Timisoara to host some volunteer visitors! We had a lot of fun hanging out, visiting the Recas winery, exploring Timisoara, and drinking lots of vin fiert (hot wine) at the Christmas kiosks in the center. We also played countless hours of skip-bo (thanks mom!) and banangrams. For New Years we went to a concert (Beatles Tribute Band!) and watched some amazing fireworks. I can't believe it's 2012!

pigeon catching happened.

Jovanka and I in the center with the Cathedral in the background.After New Years I traveled around Romania, visiting volunteers in the south and then traveling together to Suceava to visit the famous painted monasteries. 6 girls, 1 boy, and a lot of churches=fun for all.

Valerie and I on the train to Suceava! <3

At the famous Black Pottery Store

Suceavita Monastery

Tara inside a monastery...don't remember which one.

Me in Moldavita Monastery.

Beautiful painted walls.

No one has been able to re-create this blue color seen on the wall.After a four day stay in Suceava, we headed to Chernivtsi, Ukraine for a short visit. The trip started out a bit rough when we couldn't find our friend's apartment and also saw a dead man on the side of the street. No joke. I think he was homeless and froze to death in the middle of the night. His face was blue and people were standing around him and it looked like they were waiting for the police. A little unsettling our first 10 mintues into the country!

We stayed with four German girls who are also volunteers-they were amazing and showed us around the city. We went to a huuuge open air market, and then walked through the city to see the university and other historic buildings. We ate traditional bors and perogies (heaven) and even met up with some Ukrainian PCVs!

Sara and I in the open market.

I should have bought this...

Come again?

5 Americans and 4 Germans.

Christmas kiosk in the center.

After Ukraine, we headed back into Romania to the university town of Iasi. We toured the city and stayed with some Romanian friends who showed us a great time. Since it was the last night we would all be together, we splurged and had dinner at the top of a gorgeous hotel which gave us a panoramic view of the city.

The Palace

Imitating the statue. I'm on a horse.

Beautiful stained glass from the Catholic church

The largest Orthodox church in Romania!

Dinner with the panoramic view.

Beautiful Iasi.It was a fantastic three week vacation but now I'm back at site and back to the grind! School started this week and my adult classes start next week. I'm busy developing some projects for this new semester. More to come about that in the next post because this one is entirely too long already. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

I am not sure what you have heard back in the states, but here in Romania we are currently on "Day 6" of anti-government protests. In approximately 45 cities across the country, people are gathering in the streets day and night and vocalizing their concerns and frustration with the government and specifically, the president Traian Basescu. Many are calling for him to step down.

This is a few days old, but here is a good article about what is going on. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/world/europe/romanians-protest-austerity-measures.html

This is also informative: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.aljazeera.net%2F~r%2Fpodcasts%2FinsidestoryHD%2F~5%2FfaNBdokhlkw%2F665003303001_1398811953001_WEB-INSdoh-0822-18.mp4&h=zAQEiGSLSAQGLL5f3PDNqTPIfhGfx9cAei_sKRP--FkkbIA

While mostly peaceful, the protests/riots have gotten a bit dicey in Bucharest, with over 60 injured by flying rocks and debris-there have been numerous conflicts with the police. The Peace Corps has been diligiently following these incidents and have kept up posted with daily texts and emails. As of now, we are no longer allowed to travel to the capital, Bucharest, until further notice. Just today, over 10,000 Romanians gathered there to protest, and its better we just stay away for now. We have also been advised to stay out of all large cities and to be inside by dark.

Today, we also found out that some cities are holding teacher strikes-Timisoara being one of those cities. I'm not sure how this will affect me in the next few weeks but I will keep you posted. As of right now, we are attending school as usual and keeping an eye on the daily news.

Soooo for the last 1.5 years I have seen children catch pigeons in the center of Timisoara. I'm always intrigued by this, and was determined to get one of my own.

Well, it happened.

My service is now complete. :)

I was walking home from the train station today and the fog was so thick I could barely see 15 feet in front of me. It was as if I was walking through the clouds, in some eerie world and on another planet.

I was alone and the silence was defening. But as I continued on my way, I suddenly heard bells, cow bells actually. I looked around but I couldn't see anything. I kept walking and the fog broke and I finally saw what was making the noise...a herd of sheep with their shepherd in the field. Each time the sheep took a step, the bells on their collars would jingle.

I stopped to take some pictures and then continued on my way.

I love moments like this.



Another blog post is coming soon, with pictures and details about my three day Christmas adventure in Caransebes with my counterpart and his family!

Now, getting ready for a couple volunteers who are coming to visit for New Years.

Hope you all had a blessed holiday week.

Merry Christmas from Romania Ya'll!

photo taken by PCV Kevin DeNunzio.

I probably ate the most disgusting combination of food ever for lunch today. Now let me just say this- I've been home sick for almost 1.5 weeks now, so there isn't much left in my house and I refuse to go buy more until I get paid in a few days so I had to make do. Think noodles, a powdered cheese packet, ketchup, french mustard, and Tabasco sauce. Oh yeah, I went there.

I used to have an albino bunny named Snowball. He was all white (clearly) with beady red eyes and I used to walk him down the sidewalk with a hot pink harness and leash...I wish I was joking.

I thought I was dying Sunday night and called my PC doctor in tears at 9:30PM. My throat was so swollen I could barely swallow and I was convinced it was closing up and I would suffocate here alone in my apartment. In Romania. Alone. Did I mention I'm kinda a hypochondriac?

I was cutting up bananas for my yogurt and ended up dropping a piece on the floor. I stared at it...looked around, (like someone was going to see me?!)and picked it right up off the floor and added it right back into my bowl of yogurt. Yum.

I made it to day 30 of p90x workouts and then traveled and got sick and ugh, Im trying not to feel like a big failure. I was seeing results just after a month and I cant' wait to start again as soon as I'm better.

I watched "48 Hours" for two hours yesterday and scared myself. To death. Literally couldn't fall asleep until 3:00AM because I thought that every noise was someone coming into my apartment to kill me, abduct me, etc. And when I finally DID fall asleep, it was only because I left the lights on. Yeah...

I really, really miss Christmas shopping. I even miss fighting for a parking spot at the mall and then waiting in line forever and shoving your way through crowds...the whole damn process.

I once choked on a spoonful of peanut butter. #overambitiouswiththepb.

I have a collection of Archie comic books. Betty, Veronica, Jughead-I have the whole gang. We're talking probably about 150 comic books...maybe more. And I still pick them up when I see them for sale.

N*SYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" is playing on full blast at this very moment and I MIGHT be singing at the top of my lungs. You're welcome.

CHRISTMAS ISNT COMPLETE WITHOUT THEM

During the Romanian National Day Parade.

The Orthodox Church in Cluj

The Theater/Opera House

The Orthodox Church again.

Taking a stroll in Cluj Napoca

One of my favorite cafes in Cluj-The Vienna Cafe. How CUTE is this?

The Vienna Cafe

Inside the Catholic Cathedral.

A night at the Opera-we saw The Barber of Seville

Megan and I at the Opera!

Opera House-gorgeous inside.

Standing outside the Opera-see all the Christmas lights?

Fabulous.

We took a trip to Turda where we visited the famous Salt Mine...this is the entrance of the mine.The bottom of the mine! It is AMAZING. There are boats you can row, a Ferris wheel you can ride, bowling, and more.

The bowling area.

Inside the mine.

The Ferris Wheel! An 8 minute ride inside a mine...awesome.

Just rowin' the boats in the mine.

Yeah..I was a horrible rower. Chapel in the salt.

Exit.

Can you see Jovanka and I?

In the center of Cluj.

The menu at The Vienna Cafe-so fun.

Sugary Sweet Treats-hot chocolate and cheesecake.

Christmas Lights.

Merry Christmas!

It's day four of my knife-like throat condition, but today I woke up not feeling like complete death so I decided it was time to get out of bed and tackle some things. Like the mound of dishes that were piled in my sink. Like the laundry that was in not one but FOUR piles on the kitchen floor. (The kitchen is where my washer is). Like grading over 150 tests and homework assignments to be passed back on Monday. Yeah, hanging my head in shame...but I was sick, so that's something right? Some sort of excuse?

You see I felt the need to tackle these things because I had sort of a rough night and I needed a fresh start today. At 12:38AM I awoke to the sounds of mice scavenging around in my bathroom cabinet. At first I thought I was dreaming, but no, no they were definitely mice. (I've killed many here. I might be an expert.) So I did what any logical, level-headed Peace Corps Volunteer would do when she is doped on pain medication and can barely swallow because of extreme throat pain. I grabbed my broom, and I hit the bathroom cabinet door over and over to scare them away. I was too scared to open it. When the sound didn't go away (and I was still too scared to touch the cabinet with my bare hands) I simply sat on the cold, hard bathroom floor, exhausted. With my broom in my hands and my throat feeling like it was giving up on me, I had a good cry. Sick of being sick, and sick of these mice making absurd noises in the middle of the night, I just let it out. And you know what? It worked. 5 minutes later the sounds were gone and I went back to sleep. The broom is still on the bathroom floor.Time to set more glue traps.

Anyways...

So on my list of things to try and accomplish today was putting up and decorating my Christmas tree. Now I'm going to be honest with you, because you're my loyal readers and I owe it to you to tell you the truth....I almost didn't put up my tree this year.

Yes, yes I know-WHAT'S WRONG? Well let me clear things up a bit and give you my reasoning.

1. I'm not actually going to be here for Christmas this year-I'll be with my Romanian friends and their family celebrating in true Romanian style-pig eating, caroling, drinking and more drinking oh and eating. I can't wait.2. I was doped up on pain medication when I thought that putting up the tree was too much work.3. In my doped up, medicated state I thought we were already halfway through December and I had missed prime tree time. (Thanks for clearing that up mom.)4. I was sick and on pain medication. 'Nuf said.

Luckily that feeling didn't last and today I went for it. It's 4:20PM and I can gladly say that dishes are done, laundry is going strong, and my tree is up and it makes me OH so happy.

Merry Christmas Ya'll...mice, broomsticks, dishes and all.

I currently feel like death-meaning when I swallow I feel like tiny knives are jabbing me in the throat and this clearly is terrible. This is my 3rd day in a row home sick and I'm SICK of being sick. The tea has been non-stop, I've been sleeping for hours upon hours but I can't seem to knock this. The only thing I have in common with this picture is the tea...but wow-I want someone to bring me this one morning!!

I had big plans to get my Christmas tree up this week and set up some decorations...still hoping I can get to that in a few days.

Until then...tea, crackers, and rest is on the menu.

I am currently on a 9 hour train headed back to my site after a whirlwind of a weekend in Bucuresti and Ploiesti. My journey started with an eventful night train Tuesday night and after switching to a bus and continuing on a 2 hour journey to my friend Sara’s site, I was finally in Moreni Wednesday by 1:00PM. Yes-18 hours after I left Recas I arrived across the country and to my destination. I’m exhausted just typing that.I had decided to stay with Sara (she’s a PCV in my group) the night before Thanksgiving at the Ambassador’s house because lets face it-after all that travel I needed a good night’s sleep before dressing up and making an appearance at the ambassador’s residence. Sara lives in a beautiful town of about 20,000 called Moreni. We enjoyed catching up and she made some AMAZING chicken parm and garlic bread. Girl can cook. We picked out and finalized outfits for the Thanksgiving dinner (hey-it’s not every day we get to dress up!) and called it an early night.Moreni-Sara's view every night. Everything went as planned on Thanksgiving-we took a maxi-taxi to Bucharest and got ready at the Peace Corps Headquarters. I felt almost like I was back at the dorms in college again-5 girls getting ready, curling hair and trying to iron out the wrinkles in dresses and jackets before heading out. So fun!The Ambassador’s house was amazing. Beautiful and homey, we were welcomed with open arms by the family and given wonder foods and drinks to enjoy before being seated. Not only were PCVs invited, but there were State Department employees and even the Ambassador from Turkey was there. I ALMOST felt like I was right back in America-complete with the Ambassador’s Labrador “Buddy” strolling around like he owned the place. I can’t tell you the last time I saw a purebred dog. Ha.Where we ate our meal. Gorgeous!

Go America! Inside the Ambassador's home The setting for the meal was gorgeous-tables surrounded the indoor pool which had floating thanksgiving decorations with flowers and candles. And the food-WOW. Everything I could have ever wanted for Thanksgiving and the stuffing was out of this world. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to go and have that experience at the ambassador’s. Thanksgiving is always a big holiday (usually spent at the beach!) for my family and while it was sad to be away from them, it was amazing to be surrounded by my PC family and friends.Mostly excited about the stuffing.

Sara and Tara, PCVs

Barbara, Aran, and Michael, PCVs group 28

Jessica, Sara, Tara, PCVs

The gang!

Megan and I-she got that hat for less that $2.00 at a second hand store! After Thankgiving I headed to Ploesti (about an hour outside of Bucharest) for a Romanian Language Learning Weekend. With 12 other volunteers, we met at Jeremy’s site for Romanian lessons with our professor from training, Simona. The theme was “Romanian Cooking” so we learned how to make 4 traditional meals and learned words such as “to strain, to peel, and to sauté” We learned how to make Sarmale (the rolled cabbage meal), ardei impluti (stuffed peppers), zacusca (an AMAZING spread consisting of eggplant, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc.) and finally, vin fiert-the hot spiced wine served here all winter long.We're learning! PCVs in Ploiesti for the Language Weekend

Sara is paying attention, as you can see. :)

Oh hey Valerie! 3rd year PCV!

Nick preparing the eggplant for Zacusca

How many PCVs does it take to DESTROY a kitchen? Sorry Jeremy. :)

Aran keeping a close eye on lunch.

Peeling peppers.

Andy making a mess.

MMM eggplant!

And some traditional clothing, because why not? We had a little glitch in the weekend when a fellow volunteer was bit by a stray dog at Jeremy’s site. For PCVs, when this happens it means the next few weeks you’re taking your behind to Bucharest for a lovely series of rabies shots! I believe this is the 4th volunteer I’ve heard of having to get rabies shots because of dog bites. While I never had had an issues with dogs in Recas or Timisoara, I know they are a huge issue in Bucharest and over there on the east side. Luckily Stephen was in good spirits and called the doctor right away to schedule the shot cycle. What a pain though!This week is busy as well with 2 days of classes, then a Romanian holiday on Thursday so no school. I am traveling to the bustling city of Cluj-Napoca for my long weekend then I’m heading to training with UNICEF back in Bucharest on Monday. All the while trying to plan some Christmas activities for my kids at school such as a clothing/food drive, caroling (English AND Romanian!) and a Christmas cantata of sorts with singing and traditional dancing.So stay tuned!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, of course.

I am thankful for...a family that loves me and supports me unconditionally in the decisions I make for my life.

I am thankful for...friends that I can go months without talking to but when we do get the chance to catch up-we pick right back up where we left off.

I am thankful for...the opportunity to teach English to amazing kids in Romania.

I am thankful for...a McDonalds with wireless internet in Bucharest. Layovers in the train schedules aren't so bad now.

I am thankful for...heat in my house. I know I said this in the last post BUT IT'S TRUE. There are many volunteers here without adequate heat and I know how lucky I am in my apartment. Did I mention it's FREEZING here now??

I am thankful for...an Ambassador who whole-heartedly supports Peace Corps and who is hosting an amazing American Thanksgiving Meal for us volunteers tomorrow. Hello turkey and pumpkin pie...where have you been for the last 20 months.

I am thankful for...badass bunicas (grandmothers) on the trains. Last night proved to be a bit freaky when a crazy, drunk, and smellllyyy man wouldn't leave me alone then tried to steal my water bottle. From my lap. Good ol' bunica kicked him right in the shin and he hobbled off. Love my train grandmas a.k.a. guardian angels.

I am thankful for...my PCV support system of friends. The only ones who truly understand this PC experience-the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious.

I am thankful for...care packages. Really-pumpkin spice latte mix?! Goldfish?? VOGUE!? You all SPOIL me!

I am thankful for...a counterpart who is literally amazing. Supportive, understanding, never upset-Vali you are wonderful to work with. Thank you for encouraging me to try any project I want and to fight for my ideas with the other professors. You make my job SO much better. (And I know every other PCV agrees with me!)

I am thankful for...real bacon that I just discovered in my village. You heard me. Bacon.

I am thankful for...my family's tradition of going to the Outer Banks every Thanksgiving. Football on the beach, Capt'n Franks hotdogs, Brew Thru, Eli's birthday, getting stuck in the house elevator, frosted oreos and seafood dinners- SO many memories and I wish I was there with you all now. I hope you enjoy your week-and don't forget to hit up that outlet sale in Duck!

Hoping you ALL have a blessed Thanksgiving week.

I know, I know it has been forever since I've posted-I seem to be in a bit of a blog funk. In my defense, it has been a crazy and hectic last two weeks and this week will be no exception-complete with Thanksgiving dinner at the Ambassador's house in Bucharest! More information to come regarding what the heck I've been up to since my last post, but for now-something fun.

1. A nervous habit I have is picking mascara off of my eyelashes. Then the mascara gets on my fingers and I can't stand that so it's a vicious cycle. LUCKILY I've been doing a lot better managing stress so this hasn't happened in awhile.

2. Something that makes me sad is thinking about my last day in Romania. Saying goodbye to my students/friends/new family who have been with me the past 2 years and who have taught me so much will no doubt be one of the hardest days in my life.

3. Today I am thankful for a working heater and hot water!! It is FREEZING in Romania today.

4. My favorite room in my house is my kitchen. Cooking has turned into one of my new favorite hobbies. Yeah-I hear you laughing from the US now. :)

5. I can't stand when girls wear spandex as pants.

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would not spend it. That is 300 lei and a lot of money to me these days! :) I would put it towards my trip in the spring-it would go right into the "DON"T YOU DARE SPEND THIS UNTIL MARCH" envelope.

7. The last person I hung out with was 6 wonderful PCVs who came to visit this weekend! Chili and cornbread, a wine tasting, tours of my school/town, trip to Timisoara and an amazing meal our last night-it was a great weekend with amazing people.

These pups are the "bloc" dogs-in other words the ones that hang around outside my apartment. Today they decided to follow me to my door after I arrived in the center from the train station. They looked rather cute in the process so I snapped some shots. Some of them have been around since I arrived, others have been born in the time since I've been here, and they are always together sleeping near the dumpsters. I wish I could take them all in!

It's hard to get a shot of all of them...its not like they know to sit or stay when asked.

Oh hey guys! This one on the right is an old man.

Skinny boy..but really sweet and usually the first to approach me.

I love the guy in the middle-just staring at me.

My favorite! He sits and waits for me to come out of my apartment then follows me around.

Today I woke up early, excited to travel to Timisoara and pick up two care packages that had arrived! I love love love care packages from home. I am so blessed to have friends and family that have been supporting me non-stop since I arrived in Romania-I am so grateful. On the way to the train station I decided I would document this trip with photos so you can see what I do and where I go to pick up all these wonderful presents. So here it is.

The "VAMA" or the post office were I get my international mail is only opened on the weekdays from 8-12 and therefore the only day I can go is Friday when I don't have class. Being Friday-today was the day! I left my house around 8:45AM to catch the 9:33AM train from Recas to Timisoara. I guess I was half asleep because as soon as I bought my ticket and sat down to wait, I realized my shirt was on inside-out and I was missing an earring. Struggle.

Sheep on the route.

The train came and after about a 30 minute ride, I arrived in Timisoara. Luckily, the Vama is right next to the train station so it was just a hop skip and a jump next door. I entered the building and immediately walked up these steps.

I reached the first floor-but this is not where I need to be. This is where I would go if I need to mail something, or buy stamps or supplies. So I continued onward.

After climbing another set of stairs, I reached the second floor. I took a left (as the sign says, "enter after the corner") and I found myself in a waiting room of sorts.

The waiting room.

Ah, here is the door I need and so I entered. Once I'm in this room I have to show my passport, sign for the packages and occasionally pay the holding fee if the packages have been here for more than a week. I LOVE the people at the vama and always make sure to give them some candy or wine from Recas when I come. They are always interested in"what has arrived from America!" and always ask if it's from a husband or boyfriend. Every. Time.

I always bring a bag to transport all my goodies because it's much more convenient than trying to haul boxes back. I walk a long way from my train station home so my handy-dandy bag on wheels (isn't it chic?) always does the job.

I'm usually done by around 10:30AM but the next train back to Recas doesn't leave until 1PM. So I hang out around the mall or go grocery shopping for the week-it's cheaper to shop at a larger store than in my village. Around 12:30 I head back to the train station and buy another ticket home. Then I wait for my train.

Nice graffiti. I think he loves his toys!

And there is our train! Wheelie and myself board and 30 minutes later we're back in Recas. After another 20 minutes of walking, we arrive home and I get to open everything and freak out and miss America and all my friends and family. Ahh, goodies from afar. They make my MONTH. Thank you so much to EVERYONE who has sent me some love in the form of socks, candy, toiletries, candles, food, and so much more. I miss you more than you know.

Oh who has some pumpkin spiced latte mix?!

After looking through my photos from my time in Romania I realized that I never posted pictures of the Eco-Friendly Fashion Show that my school hosted at the end of the school year last May! It was part of the "Scoala Pentru un Viitor Verde" campaign (School for a Green Future) and the contestants had to design their outfits entirely out of paper, plastic, and "trash" materials. I was amazed at the creativity of the designs and with the school traditional dance team performing mid show-it was a successful and fun experience for all. Take a look!

Birdhouses my students made for an ECO project!

Getting the dresses ready! These are made out of newspaper and crepe paper.

On the jury and hanging out with Silvia!

And it starts! Amazing outfits. On the right you can see a girl with a plastic plate skirt.

Love the robot.

This dress was awesome and made entirely out of paper and a black plastic bag.

Students singing and dancing in traditional outfits.

Made out of tissues!

Trash Bag Dress.

Aluminum foil and newspaper!

And of course, VALI! Best counterpart in Romania, hands down.

Here are some pictures from the festival today! I will have more later when my "official photographer" Emil finished editing the pictures he took. More to come in a few days...

Another BIG thank you to Beth Collins and her Girl Scout Troop in Virginia! They held a bake sale and raised money to provide my students with enough copies of The Hatchet so that we could read it in class. I had wanted to teach an English literature section during the first semester with my high-schoolers but didn't have the fund or the books to do so. Now-it's possible! Thank you so much! We're already on chapter 8 and the kids from 10th-12th are loving it.

Vali and I with the kids from 12th grade!

Larger group shot that includes some 11th graders.

They think they are cute...blocking my face from the camera. :) Love these kids.

A few weeks ago I went to my dear friend Cristina's house to help celebrate her son's birthday. Her family came from all the way across the country and I was finally able to meet them all! The theme was "Barcelona" because they are her son's favorite soccer team. It was a great afternoon and I was honored to be there with family. Happy Birthday Andrei! Birthday Boy.

And again. Oh and there is some homemade cozonac bread-heavenly.

Hanging with the fam. Andre's Uncle and Aunt.

Yum.

Happy Family.

Oh hey! I'm there too.

Cake, Coffee, and some Peach Liquor. Homemade of course.

Singing Happy Birthday! Or "La Multi Ani"

Cheers.

Hey ya'll.

My 'after shower make-up free mug' for you all. Get it? Ooooh I've been living alone for too long. :)

Sitting here after another session of P90X workouts (I WILL make it to 90 days this time!!) and enjoying a hot cup of cider in my homemade coffee mug-cider which recently arrived with a wonderful care package! Yum. Today was cool but not enough to need a jacket-much like fall should be which made me happy. For awhile I was worried we had jumped right into winter but it seems we'll be able to bask in the sun for at least another week. Perfect for my Halloween Festival!

Since last year's festival was such a hit, there was no doubt I would do a 'round doi'. Thats "two" in Spanish. (And if you didn't know that don't feel bad--that's the extent of my Spanish these days as well. Horrible.) SO I've been planning my festival for next Monday. We will of course have a costume contest, pumpkin contest, face painting, relay races, singing (in English!) and prizes. However this year I am adding some skits presented by my amazing 11th grade (they wrote ghost stories), and a PIE EATING CONTEST. It's going to be great and I can't wait to show you pictures next week. Pray that everything comes together in time and we raise the funds to get all materials needed.

I've also started doing some tutoring sessions after school and I love them. We're having so much fun (I'm teaching a 9th and 10th grader) and this past week they thought it was my birthday and brought me these AMAZING orange roses. So sweet. I told them it was the 7th but that I ALWAYS love flowers and we would celebrate my day again, right there. They will be getting candy next week. :)

I love that in Romania, they always add ribbon and awesome leaves to the arrangements. Today I also got a site visit from good ol' Dr. Dan and our Safety and Security Officer, Cristi. Dr. Dan gave me my flu shot and Cristi checked over everything in my apartment to make sure I was safe and the smoke and gas detectors were in working order. They also ended up taking a bunch of things a former volunteer left at my site (her water filter, PC books, REFRIGERATOR, smoke detector...) Now I won't have to try to lug them to Bucharest when I leave country. Whew.

Well-off to finish lesson planning and preparing for tomorrow. Hope you all are having a great week!

The jewelry lucky enough to come with me to Romania. :) I finally organized it all and put it in one place...yeah after 1.5 years. Don't judge.

It's laundry day today. And why does this make me happy? Because I'm a weirdo and I actually like hanging it up on the drying rack and then folding it. I probably will never even use a dryer again....I mean...yeah right.

The PC poster that currently lives on my tiny refrigerator. And the quote from my cousin Dara that I love.

It's raining today which means I get to wear these! Yay target rain boots.

Reminding me that I've currently finished day 5 of my new stint of P90X! Here's hoping THIS time sticks? I would like to make it past 45 days for once...

Having a room that is pretty organized and clean. It looks like a lot of stuff but this is the only place I store my clothes, books, school papers, etc. It IS a lot.

My Romania map showing all the places that I've visited since I've been here. I need to get to the East side!

My current obsession-making jewelry. Thanks to Becca for showing me how and then to my mom who had a ton of awesome beads from HER college days. I'm an earring making machine.

Lastly, the stack of quizzes and journals that I need to grade. Yes-I love grading. I get the red pen out and I can't stop.

How are you spending YOUR Sunday? Probably with a little football which leaves me extremely jealous. Go SKINS! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Photos from my weekend thus far: The "Balul Bobochilor" is a dance thrown by the 12th graders for the new 9th graders and I was asked to attend last night. This year I was again on the jury to choose the King and Queen of the dance after a series of 12 competitions. It was hilarious and even better than last year, plus the decorations rocked! Tonight I went with my students to the Timisoara Opera House to see a comedy play. Pretty successful weekend and it's only Saturday. Here's to laundry, lesson planning and cleaning tomorrow!

*Please excuse the crappy, crappy quality of these pictures. I think my camera is on it's last leg and I hate how fuzzy/terrible my pictures are looking.* The school gym ready for the competition/dance!

I was sitting here at the judges table...

This little guy was adorable..just running around following the "big boys" and their cameras.

Part of the "talent" competition-popular music and song.

More competitors from 9th grade.

The photographers for the evening, Radu and Emil (12th grade)

My score card! Pairs 1-5 and then "Fata" for girl and "Baiat" for boy.

She was wrapping eggs in paper towels to throw then at her partner's bucket-see below.

Her poor partner. Haa.

More kids waiting for their turn to dance.

Anticipation of the crowning of the King and Queen!

Can you see all the dancing legs?

Emma, one of my 12th graders singing Adele. Yeah she's THAT good.

I love how these pictures turned out.

Waiting to enter the Opera House tonight with some of my 9th graders!

Self Explanatory.

Some of my 10th. Love these kids.

Two of my 11th graders. It was their first time at the theater and they didn't know what to expect, hence the fake "worried face".

Hanging out in the center of Timisoara, exactly where the '89 Revolution started.

Inside the Opera

So gorgeous.

My previously worried student, now totally memorized by the play.

My walk home...the Catholic church that lights my way every night.

Today I started class with my 10th grade by giving them a little creative exercise. I gave each pair of students the start of a sentence...for example "I always say..." or "Every day after school I...". They were told to think of the most creative or funny endings to their sentences. Here are my favorites.

"My friend always says...without me you are naked."

"My mom always says..."STOP THE F*%&#

music!!"

"Never have I ever... walked naked on the street."

"Every night...I sleep with my wife and we break the bed."

Adorable. Aren't they??

Today I arrived at school prepared for my normal Monday morning schedule. I walked into the teacher's lounge, said hello to everyone, and then sat down to wait for the bell to ring. Vali walks in, greets me with a hug then our conversation proceeds as follows:

Vali: Hey girl! Listen I'm going to need you to take the entire 12th grade class today, ok?Me: Oh, ok sure! Everything ok?Vali: Yeah, Ares is here.Me: Your dog Ares?!? Where?? (Mind you Ares is a HUGE Malamute/Husky mix)Vali: Well, he is currently waiting in the car outside.Me: What is he doing at school? Are you taking him to the dog kennel?Vali: Well...no. He kind of has a date.Me: (I just look at him...)Vali: You see, today Ares is going to have a little fun with some lady dogs in Recas.Me: WHAT!? What are you talking about!?Vali: I need to take Ares to go breed him. He's been requested by some owners here in Recas. Me: YOU'RE MISSING CLASS TO GO MATE YOUR DOG!?Vali: You can come watch if you want??Me: DYING OF LAUGHTER.

Ares you DOG you!

Just another day on the job...

I know, I know-TWO POSTS IN ONE DAY. Things are getting crazy up here in Recas. However I just re-discovered my "Photo Booth" application on my Macbook and might have had just a little too much fun with it. So I'm sharing. Because that's what I do. More pics to come tomorrow showcasing events from my weekend. Until then...enjoy.

So I was called a Chipmunk when I was little because of my chubby cheeks. Thanks for all the self esteem boosters people!! I would say I've definitely graduated to more of a squirrel here, wouldn't you?

I have no idea. All I see here are bags under my eyes. And pointy brows. Ha.

I've come to take over your planet...

OH don't mind my 5-finger forehead. Or that CHIN.

TALK ABOUT CHIN!!! The hair is also taking over.

The double nose piercing look isn't so hot.

This is called thermal. Ironic because I'm freezing over here in my apt tonight.

Hey all you followers-I LOVE YOU for following me and my crazy antics!

I think everyone should have a Bucket List. Places to see, things to do, life to EXPERIENCE before you leave this world. One of my absolute favorite books of all time is this:

My mom owns a copy and I remember sitting on my couch at home marking off all the places that I've been and creating a list of places I HAD to get to in the next 5 years. (You know, before a big, important job gives me only 2 weeks of vacation time a year!) At this point, I can cross off my list Ireland, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Hawaii, and a big ol' chunk of the US. While I know I'm incredibly lucky to have seen several parts of the world, my soul and spirit long for more. India, Greece, and Turkey are next up and I've been pouring over travel books and researching sites for things to see in each location. It might be an somewhat of an obsession, this traveling thing.

So I started my Bucket List this year and thought that I would share it with you. Some are a bit outlandish (Seychelles Islands-just to get there costs over $10,000 in airfare) but come on, I can dream right? Most of them are related to travel (of course), but at any rate, I'm allowed to dream big and establish my desires and goals for the future. So here they are, in no particular order-the first 20.

1. Walk part of the Great Wall of China

2. Travel to Machu Picchu (this includes making the 3 day hike to the site-no bus for me!) I had a friend who backpacked through South America and did this trip. Her pictures from Machu Picchu literally call me to Peru. And I gotta answer.

Ahh Machu Picchu

3. Ride an elephant. Ok this picture is from Thailand, but I'm hoping during my adventure to India I'll be able to experience my first elephant ride. And I'd like to look as elegant as this lady, however I highly doubt I'll be using my parasol. Instead, both hands will be firmly gripping onto anything that will keep me on top of the animal and off the ground. And holy moly I just realized she is wearing a bikini. Elephant riding at it's finest.

So majestic.

4. Ride a camel.

5. See the pyramids (Basically travel to Egypt)

6. Actually just see all 7 Wonders of the World.

7. Learn Italian-I'm so close with Spanish and now Romanian! They are so similar and I would love to have 4 languages under my belt. That is, if Spanish ever comes back into my little brain. Romanian seems to have taken over.

8. Buy a really great camera and take a photography class.

9. Swim with sharks. (In a cage of course!) Yes, yes I have dreamed of this for awhile. I've you-tubed it, researched it, and I HAVE to do it. Any takers?

Yes. I want to do this.

10. Go to a nude beach and actually go nude. One of the most liberating experiences in my short life was going to a topless beach in Spain with my best friends and "doing as the Spaniards do" as they say. I love that Europeans are incredibly accepting of their bodies and the beauty in each one of them.

11. Go to a Turkish Bath and have the massage of my life. (Here I come Istanbul!)

12. Travel to Santorini, Greece. (Literally have been dreaming of this place for YEARS.)

Santorini--White houses, blue roofs, amazing scenery.

13. Go on an African Safari.

14. See the Grand Canyon (Really can't believe I haven't done this yet!)

15. Be on Bourbon street for Mardi Gras one year. (Preferably before I'm 30 and can't handle it. :)

16. Travel to the Seychelles Islands. (BIG, BIG STRETCH HERE)I learned about the Seychelles while I was in college and have been fascinated with them ever since. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are a groups of 115 most beautiful islands I have ever seen. Or--researched that is. Not easy to get to however, hence the hefty ticket price.

Part of the Seychelles Islands. Yes please sign me up.

17. Own a dog. Preferably another Great Dane.

The best lap dogs ever. Seriously miss my Dane "Dakota"!

18. Learn to play the harp. (OK RANDOM I know. However since I was little I wanted to play but settled on the piano instead. I love this picture. Can't you see me in my tunic and long flowing hair with the sun shinning down on me in my sitting room strumming the harp?! Haha)

I want to be her. Minus the tunic.

19. Re-learn how to play the piano. (Mom and

Dad-I'm sorry all those years of piano lessons were wasted on me! I should have kept practicing like you said! I regret giving it up.)

20. And the last for now, is to participate in the "Runa-Muck" 5k race that happens near my hometown every year. This race is tough, extreme, and dirty. You climb ropes, crawl through mud, and basically have the time of your life...while running. I have several friends who have done it and after my successful 5k race here in Romania, I'm ready to run my 1st in the US-mud and all.

Doesn't this look like fun??

Cool shades dude. So, there ya go. The first 20 "To Dos" on my very own Bucket List. Maybe I should have created two and dedicated one just to travel. :)

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Ahhh I can't wait!

I confess...that since I was home sick today I watched a few episodes of Hoarders and got so creeped out that I immediately got out of bed and cleaned my apartment. I mean, COME ON people...if 13 of your 36 cats are DEAD in your HOME and you haven't noticed, it's time for an intervention. Accept the help.

I confess...I made the most awful cookies yesterday. I substituted brown sugar for regular sugar and let me tell you it did not turn out ok. Flat, grainy, cookies. Ew.

I confess...I still ate one of them. (Hey-I had to try it!)

I confess...I have read and re-read A Midwife's Apprentice probably about 20 times. Maybe 25. And Where the Wild Things Are is one of my favorite childhood books. The other is Ride a Purple Pelican (which is out of print so if anyone can find it--I'll make you cookies that are actually good!!)

I confess...I ripped my nose piercing out of my nose while I was washing my face today. It wasn't the first time and it wasn't pleasant and I might have screamed.

I confess...I have a slight obsession with old school 90's rap. It makes me move...what can I say?

I confess...I'm in the middle of planning a Halloween Festival for the kids at my school and I decided today that my costume is going to be a cowgirl. Giddy-Up.

I confess...I'm out of peanut butter from the states and I might be going through serious withdrawals. My apples slices are naked without peanut butter.

I confess...I'm majorly stressed about life after Peace Corps. Wasn't that on my last "I Confess" list? What do I want to do after, where, how, when...ahhhhh.

I Confess...I have been researching locations to reflect after my PC service and I've settled on 3 countries to see and explore. Details to come later!

I Confess... When I was cleaning, I found what appears to be a green, fuzzy pig's ear behind my oven. There. Are. No. Words.

Hope you're having a great week!

This past weekend I traveled to Sibiu (yes, it is quickly turning into my second, or actually third home) to celebrate my birthday weekend with some volunteers. Ahhh 26....it just seems so much older to me than 25. I remember when I was little I had planned out my life (because don't we all do that at some point when we're young??) and I remember saying that I would be married at 25 and probably be a veterinarian. (And don't all kids want to be an "animal doctor!? Haha) While clearly my 10 year old plan didn't go as planned, I wouldn't have it any other way. A year ago I was incredibly excited to turn 25, it just sounded like a great age. And my 25th year was pretty amazing. Living here in Romania, experiencing new things literally each and every day and becoming fluent in a language that I never thought I would even hear, let alone speak. Life has taken me down a crazy road and I've excitedly fastened my seat belt for each new journey to enjoy the ride. (Actually there really aren't many seat belts here in this country..but that's another story) But 26-I have to admit it hasn't been easy to swallow. I'm now closer to 30 than 20. ** trying to wrap head about that one** This past weekend my thoughts have been on life after Peace Corps, what I want to pursue in life-I guess I need to figure that out right? Can someone just pay me to travel? Please?

Here are some pics from the weekend. There aren't many but silly me forgot to pull out my camera and actually use it. Jeremy climbing the massive church bell tower.

The view from the top! Good ol Sibiu...

Alex taking some shots.

The Liar's Bridge, Piata Mica. Apparently named for the old gossipy women that used to congregate there. However there are many stories as to why it's actually named that.

In love with this cafe. Look at the old sewing machines! Violins!

Megan a little excited about something. And Marco practicing his hitch-hiking technique.

Check out this pour. I think I just stared at the waitress after she did this.

This is how happy we get when we can actually find Chinese food.

Alex and I on the Liar's BridgeOops not ready.Happy Birthday to Chris too!

And this is one reason why...initial test confusion.

Hey...at least its in English!!

Finally uploaded pictures that have been on my camera since the summer so I thought I would share.

OH Look! We found an Italian man in Northern Romania. And he is cooking us gnocchi-his Italian grandmother's recipe. Yum. Ok so his name is Marco and he is Jenny's man (she's a group 26 volunteer) and he makes the best gnocci I've ever had. End of story. Oh, and did I mention that he is a circus performer? Check out the pants! (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

See? Best gnocchi ever. And look at that presentation! And is that Parmesan cheese I see? Oh yes, he spoiled us. (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

Oh so happy to be trying real authentic Italian food. (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

In Baie Mare (Northern Romania) at one of Marco's shows. Yes, there is fire throwing and other magical things going on here.

This is Chip, a lovely new volunteer from group 28. We worked together at the GLOW camp for girls this summer. And we made these shirts. She's amazing. (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

I saw this Ice Cream truck in a random neighborhood during the GLOW camp. Isn't it amazing? (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

This is Ester, another new volunteer and my partner in crime for the GLOW talent show. We danced the "Superman" dance and dressed the part. Tear drops and all. And indeed we do live on the west side. (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

Jenny-group 26 volunteer and girlfriend of the man in the wild pants in picture numero uno. (I just realized she is wearing them here.) She also danced at the talent show with us. Like her grill? (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

Amazing campers at our GLOW camp, enjoying the outdoors before our bonfire and sing-a-long. (Baie Mare, Northern RO)

This is Megan. She is a new volunteer and pretty darn awesome. We were out one night during our PC conference and she put together all of Romania's awesome "in" fashion. The headband, the sequined fanny pack, the URSUS beer t-shirt, and those mc hammer pants. Don't forget the gladiator sandals. Ahhh Romania. (Sinaia, Central Romania)

There is a festival in town! While I was walking to the train station on Friday I saw an amusement park where I usually find sheep. (Recas)

Also on the way to the Train Station-workers in the field with their horse. (Recas)

Milo and Otis? I have seen these two together for about 4 months now. They were TIINNNNY when I first saw them and are truly best buds. They live by the train station and are usually like this, curled up asleep together. (Recas)

BOOKS!! An AMAZING girl scout troop in the states had a fundraiser and bought these books for my students!! Thank you so much to their leader Beth (former PCV!!) and the girls. I finally have enough copies of a book to have a literature section in my English Class. And The Hatchet is one of the best books out there, IMHO. THANK you again!

This is Tom, a 3rd year volunteer and one of the few volunteers living out here on the Westside. (There are 4 of us left!) We got together to have a taco night and a meeting. And maybe some beer. Here is Tom ready for his 30 minute bike ride home. Look at that vest and helmet!! PC would be so proud. (Arad, Western RO)

This is Breanna, our host for taco night and a PCV in my group! She is from the DC area most recently and she's super fun. She also gave me a box of Kraft Mac'n'Cheese she received from the states and I am forever grateful. Sometimes you just need that blue box. (Arad, Western RO)

This is Justin, another awesome 3rd year PCV and a westsider. Here he is showing us how he kills mosquitoes so that "the guts don't get all over the walls." Yes, that is a dishtowel. We have so much to learn from these older volunteers. :) (Arad, Western RO)



Finally, this is what we start to look like after years of PC hand-me-downs. I believe the hat, vest and scarf came from three separate volunteers and the Santa pen? Who knows. We be poor.

Hope you enjoyed the random photo dump. Today I ran a 5k in Timisoara and lived to tell the tale. The tale that will come TOMORROW hopefully with pictures. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Yesterday was my little brother's birthday (and my Aunt's!! Happy Birthday Auntie M!) so I decided to dedicate a blog to him today. Travis-you are such an important part of my life and I don't know what I would do without you. Life would definitely be boring...what would I do if I didn't have a brother who....

...wore cool aviators in the pimped out Volvo station wagon?

...stopped everything to make a ramp off the front porch in the middle of a blizzard? At age 21?

...has mad ups?

...creeped on almost every picture taken within a 20 foot vicinity?

...got excited about candy Thanksgiving turkeys?

...woke up looking like this? Even on Christmas morning?? (Don't kill me for this...I've lived with that morning face for 23 years. :)

...was there for me no matter what, through thick and thin. And to match clothes with. Ok-not planned.

...rocked the long Bieber shag long before it was cool.

...loved pumpkin patches just as much as I do. Maybe even more.

...eventually parted with the Bieber shag and turned into the man he is today.

I love you little brother, I'm so proud of you and I'm honored to be called your sister. Rock out your 23rd year and I'll see you in 2012. Miss you.

(Insert secret handshake)

Finally, FINALLY fall is here!

My favorite season has arrived and I couldn't be happier. Lately the mornings here in Recas have been deceivingly cool because by the time I leave school it is blazing hot, which makes the walk home pretty uncomfortable. I've been desperately waiting to feel the crisp cool air that represents my favorite time of time. Finally, I got my wish. Today I walked outside for the first time in 2 days (I've been sick...that "back to school" flu I get every year from being around my little rug rats again.) and "that" air was there. I took a deep breath (as well as I could considering the circumstances) and closed my eyes. When I opened them, I noticed for the first time the leaves have actually changed colors and even started to fall onto the ground. Fall has crept into my little village and I hadn't even noticed. Funny how it takes something like being sick to make us slow down and appreciate our surroundings.picture by Michael Stecker

Fall. It was this time last year when I felt most homesick. You see, for me fall represents the best part of the year in so many ways. Pumpkin patches, crisp air, hot apple cider, pumpkins and gourds on every front porch, my birthday. I love being able to wear warm, over-sized sweaters and scarves while sitting on a hayride and picking out my own pumpkin from a patch that spans for as far as the eye can see. And I actually really, really love carving pumpkins and pulling out all that nasty pulp. Gross.

So I left my house today in a foul mood, sick and feeling bad that I had a mountain of dirty dishes in my sink, a bathroom to clean, lessons to plan and an article to write that I just can't seem to get right no matter how many times I stare at the words on my screen. My goal was simply to go to the store and buy soap to clean said dirty dishes and detergent to do laundry (oh-yeah that has been piling up too). But when I walked out my door my mood instantly changed as the cool air hit me. It also helped that I found a kitten trailing me on the path to the store. The tiniest kitten I've seen in awhile was playfully batting at my shoelaces and chasing me. I finally relented (OK after about 5 seconds) and picked her up. She snuggled close for some love and started needing into my warm, over-sized sweater. Then just as quickly as she arrived, she jumped away, running down the path for a new adventure.

Nothing like Fall in New England

So today my mood has been lifted. I've opened all my windows letting the cool breeze flow over me and my little apartment while I do laundry, clean those dishes, nurse my sickness, and start planning for my school's Halloween Festival. After all, 'tis the season.

So I had my 10th graders write a short story about their summer. They were told to be as creative as possible, and the story didn't necessarily have to be true. The catch was that they were to write the first sentence, then pass their paper to the next person who adds to the story. Then the third person, and so one. At the end, the story is usually hilarious and this time I wasn't disappointed. I told them to start with the following sentence: "This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY!" Some of the stories flowed, some of them-not so much. Here are my favorites. (I changed some of the spelling/grammar mistakes so that you could read them a bit more easily...)

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I was on holiday with my friends. I visited my grandparents and my old friends. I went to a girl! Awesome! I have a girlfriend! I have a girlfriend! I am...like a falling star...oh my god! I love it! She's hot! I ate very much in this summer. I bought a big bear, it is nice. Summer time is beautiful." -started by Elena

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I rode my bike. I have alot of troubles with my girlfriend..she doesn't want to go to the disco with me and my motorbike...aaaaa!! I went shopping and i lost all my money. I met a beautiful boy....I fell in love. It's fun and it makes me happy. I ate many, many peaches and I drank 3 liters of water a day...and you know what happened after that...crazy!" -started by Alexandru

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I was baking a big cake and I couldn't get it out from the oven. I got spooked and it started to smell like burned hair, and I was very scared because the smell was very strong. Then, I threw up. I threw the cake into the bathroom and the smell disappeared. After that i went and smoked a lot of weed. I climbed into a tree and I fell into a lake with water snakes." -started by Amalia

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I was at a wedding and I had a drinking contest with a friend, and I won. I want to drink too! But I won't! This is such a crazy story that I don't understand anything." -started by Costi

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I want to go to another country. London, UK! What do you think? Yes, I do think that is good, but Hawaii is an even better idea for a holiday! At the end of my summer I went to Las Vegas and lost a lot of money." -started by Alexandru

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! We saw a bear who was chasing us for more than an hour. We just ran and ran and were scared, and then we ran into a vampire. I fought with the vampire and I broke his arm. Then we played football. I went home and stayed in bed, I fell asleep with the doors and windows open." -started by Diana

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I was in Arad at my grandmother's and I broke a window. But it was good because I didn't break the window with my ball, I broke it with my hand! :) I like facebook! :)" -started by Luciana

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I went to Oltenia to meet my grandparents. After I saw my grandparents I went to Felix. Then I went to the sea and I almost drowned in the sea because I didn't know how to swim. After that I started to run half-naked home, through the woods and I had the impression someone was chasing me. After that I went home and went shopping. And to see a movie." -started by Alexandru

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! In this summer I was in Herculane and I did alot of swimming even though I don't know how to swim. Afterwards, I went to a pizza restaurant and I ate 2 pizzas and 4 colas. And I ate a lot of fruit. I like pizza and in this summer I ate pizza every Saturday. I eat a lot of canned food." -started by Sami

AND FINALLY:

"This summer was the best summer of my life, but it was CRAZY! I was shopping and a car hit me. Then I woke up in a hospital. When I saw where I was I screamed and the doctors put me with the crazy people. I make friends there and I tried to escape with the crazy people. I escaped but the police saw me and caught me and put me in a horrible room with rats. And the rats had babies and they made a horrible noise." -started by LauraJust some of my creative 10th graders.

Tonight is one of those nights...a night where I can't seem to fall asleep and every little noise in my apartment is making my heart beat just a bit faster than normal. It is 3:17AM and I am wide awake. I can't explain why I occasionally get like this...sometimes once my head hits the pillow I'm out light a light. But other times, such as tonight, it is just not happening. It might have something to do with the fact that I had random and scary knocking and beating on my window at 9:30PM tonight. It might be that I took a nap this afternoon after school and probably slept a bit longer than I should have. Maybe it has to do with the start of the school year this week, and my mind is racing with things to plan, projects to implement. Or maybe, it's just one of those nights. A night when I'm hit with that feeling of being utterly alone at night, in an apartment in western Romania.

Now I'm not scared of the dark, and never really have been. (OK-I admit as a child...ok teenager....I ran like hell up the basement stairs once I turned the lights off..can you honestly say YOU didn't?!) But when I'm in this apartment at night, my eyes deceive me and that towel hanging on the door is just plain creepy. The curtains seem to have shadows in human form.

I sleep with my bedroom door open so that I can hear if my gas meter goes off in the kitchen. (This has happened a few times and let me tell you just how disconcerting it is to wake up to your carbon monoxide meter going off...it ain't fun. Probably a malfunction, but still.) So in order to hear the alarm, the door stays open and my bed faces the door and sometimes, that just freaks me out too. Add that to the random water I hear trickling from the upper apartments and the rooster than randomly crows outside, and you have one scary setup for 3:00AM. And if the electricity goes out? Forget about it.

I realize, after reading this, that I probably sound like a 6 year old complaining about the Boogieman under her bed. I mean, I've been here over a year. I love my town, my apartment, neighbors and community. It is one of the safest places I've ever lived. (Anyone recall my stories from Guatemala? Gunshots, dead bodies, drug trafficking?) So WHY do I lay here utterly freaked out at times?

That is yet to be determined. In the meantime...I invite and any all visitors. That includes all of you in the states.

I hear the Boogieman goes down easier when there are at least two of us.

I just returned to my apartment after a month of camps, PC trainings, and a bit of volunteer visiting. It has been an amazing (and busy!) summer and it keeps getting better because my brother Troy and sister-in-law Caitlin arrived today for a visit! They are currently passed out (its 9:15PM) and so I'm going to take this time to let you know what I've been up to the last four weeks.

GLOW Camp: Maramures (Northern Romania)-As I stated in the last post, I spent a week helping fellow PCV Sara Monson work this camp for young girls, empowering them as women and teaching them life skills such as (but not limited to!) safe sex, how to be a leader, volunteerism and the importance of it, effective communication, giving positive feedback, and the incredibly important skill of.... tie-dying t-shirts!

Our shirts, drying on the line.There was lot of hair braiding going on. And Tie Dye.

The group in our tie dye creations!It was a great week, complete with talent show, campfire (we taught the Romanians how to make s'mores!) and at the end of the week, everyone was in tears saying goodbye. The idea of a structured, girls-only camp is pretty foreign in Romania and so we were all really happy with the outcome and overall positive response from the girls. They were begging us to do it again next year!

MST (Mid-service training): Sinaia, Central Romania-Sara and I took a night train directly to Sinaia after the camp (12 hours!) and showed up about 5:30am to the Grand Rina Sinaia Hotel. I love trainings mostly because we get to stay in a nice hotel in a beautiful city with air conditioning....no seriously though, the trainings are great because we get to see the volunteers in country and learn a thing to two to help us along with our service. This training was focused on legacy projects and teaching skills in the classroom. Since Peace Corps has announced we are leaving Romania in the year 2013, we are focused on creating and implementing small or even one large legacy project before we go. More on that later.

This training was unique because we had group 27 (my group) and 28 there, the newbies. It was nice to meet everyone and be together for the week. I enjoyed witnessing the fresh-faced optimism and I was renewed while hearing how excited they were to be here and how ready they were to make a difference. I have absolutely no pictures from Sinaia but trust me when I say it was a beautiful town, surrounded by mountains and much cooler weather. However, the service around town left a lot to be desired. Every restaurant we went to seemed to have an ornery waiter or we waited forreverrr for our food. Then, on the second to last night, my phone was stolen right out of my purse while we were out at a bar. That was fun.

BRASOV: Central Romania-So after a week of PC trainings, a group of us decided to go to Brasov-a neighboring town and one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. We enjoyed actual Mexican food (and tequila shots on the house!) as well as a real burger (usually they are made with chicken, or a mixture of pork, chicken, and beef here..ugh). We visited the Black Church, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, and took a ride up the mountain to the "Brasov" sign, much like our Hollywood sign.

Me, Chelsea, and Julie. Love these ladies!

Jeremy and I checking out Brasov from the mountain.

Standing in one of the narrowest streets in Europe-Rope Street. 1.32 Meters wide!

Riding the telegonda to the Brasov sign. Chelsea might be freaking out just a bit.

Main Piata in Brasov.

Freya and Julie in the Piata. You can see the Black Church in the background.

A church on the site of the first school in Romania.

MEXICAN FOOD.

Freya and I-can you see the "Brasov" sign on the mountain?

Peace Corps travel right here.We met an amazing girl from London who currently teaches English in Russia (Moscow) and we've decided to visit her this winter! I know...Russia in the winter...but we're doing it. More details to come as we find a sponsor and work out or visas for the trip.

PLOIESTI: Southern Romania-After Brasov I headed down to visit Ploiesti and the surrounding area. It was a wonderful and relaxing week-it's always fun to visit other volunteer's homes and villages. There was a lot of cooking, walking around town, meeting neighbors, and feeding stray dogs. We found a neighbor who sold homemade wine and stopped in to buy some. For a mere 25RON (roughly $8) we bought a 5 liter jug. Can't beat that. The man then showed us around his home, farm, and garden and loaded us up with homegrown veggies-I love Romanian hospitality! We ended the week celebrating Aran's (PCV from group 28) birthday. I headed back to site Sunday night and after a month of being gone, collapsed into my bed and slept for hours.

Aran the birthday boy in the middle and Candice, another PCV

Candice the dog whisperer. Feeding the strays.

And now, Troy and Caitlin are here to visit and we're going to do a wine tasting tomorrow and my site's winery, then head into Timisoara for some touring around. We'll then go to Sibiu (Central Romania) on Friday and stay a few days then head back for the first day of school on MONDAY. Yes-school is starting up again and I can't believe it! More to come later...

Just finished up a GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) camp in Maramures and have arrived in Sinaia for my MST, or Mid-Service Training. That's right folks-I'm halfway through my service! I can't believe it.

Anyways, tons of pictures to come from the camp, which was wonderful. But first, a week of PC training here and then back to site. I'll try to get pictures up sometime while I'm here-in between sessions. Speaking of here, Sinaia is a beautiful town known for its mountains, bears, and the Peles Castle which looks like this:

Sorry this post is short, but I am exhausted after my 12 hour night train (didn't sleep much) and a bit perturbed that after arriving at the hotel at 5:30am, the staff couldn't as least let me put my bags somewhere, or let me stay with a friend who is already here and checked in until my room is ready. Argh. SO another PCV (Sara Anne as well!) is here with me and we're currently sitting in the dark lobby waiting for a room. Ahhhh. Life in the PC.

I'm back from my 7 day adventure and it was AMAZING. I have soo many pictures to show you (195!) but instead of posting them on here, I will give you the link to see them ALL on facebook. Here is it:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100113838289107.2439713.15601517&l=9881db4b42&type=1

Here is a bit of a preview! Yes, the water really was that color!

Just the Mountains and I.

Insane hiking.

It was soo cold at night!

Just a shepherd watching his flock.

Hi All!

Just wanted to let you know I'll be MIA for the next week as I hike in Fagaras. Keep me in your thoughts. After the last informational meeting I found out I only have to worry about the vipers, high winds, very steep and potentially dangerous mountain sides, possible storms, bears, OH and freezing temperatures at night. And apparently we keep the food in our tent?! I'll be the crazy one trying to tie it up in a tree somewhere, faaar away from where I'll rest my head at night. (Or does that make me the smart one?) I hear that one day we're doing a 16 hour hike so I've packed the appropriate amount of band-aids for potential blisters and my extra thick, wonderful REI socks. I've packed non-perishable food for the week (which yes, includes pork pate) and enough Advil to keep my muscles feeling OK.

Anyways, in all seriousness I am totally stoked about this trip, its something I've been looking forward to all year and I hope that my pictures will help to show you how amazing these mountains are. Catch you next week!!

(these obviously aren't my pictures..just a peek into what I'm about to tackle.)

Today I hosted an "American Field Day" for the young kids in my town. It was awesome to introduce to them the 3 legged race, egg toss, spoon and egg relay, and many more traditional games we all played as kids. Who didn't love "Field Day" in elementary school?! Anyways, my favorite part was seeing the kids try to run back to their team lines after spinning around a bat 8 times in a row-does that make me an evil teacher?? Haha. They loved it. For prizes I gave them American flag pencils (thanks Aunt Mary!) and candy.

I took many, many pictures but this is my absolute favorite and I think it sums up our moods for those few hours of having fun while laughing uncontrollably.

Carefree.

What is it about someone braiding your hair that is so comforting and relaxing? Perhaps it takes me back to when my mom would french braid my hair for me, two cute long braids on either side of my head which made me feel like Pippy Longstockings-without the freckles. I remember also sitting with groups of my girl friends in a circle, all braiding each other's hair in unison and then looking to see who had the best one. And if you didn't know how to braid-forget about it! You learned quickly. Well last week I was hanging out with two amazing Romanian girls from the East side of the country and when one asked to braid my hair, I gladly accepted. Here in Romania the times when someone is doing my hair are few and far between (yeah, that means cutting, washing, anything. haha) Here is the work in progress..

ALL around my head braid.

Pre-Braid. New friends Veronica and Theodora!After a fun day of making cookies, working on English, eating honey dew and finally, hair braiding, I headed home to pack for my next trip-Transylvania Fest in Blaj. The festival was a celebration of Transylvanian Culture and there were vendors selling crafts, cheeses, wines, jewelry-you name it. There was music and traditional dance as well as a kids corner for arts and crafts.

Heading to Blaj...from my train window.

On the road, er...track again!

This little lady-goat greeted us when we arrived in Blaj. Awesome cross near the Old Center of Blaj

Blaj is pretty gorgeous.

We found some pretty awesome gym equipment in the Blaj park. My job for the weekend was to work in the kitchen with Evelyn, helping two chefs from London (Paul and Beverly!) prepare dinners for the VIP visitors at the fair. The hours were long, (16!) but from morning until night we cooked, sang, learned new British words and recipes, and then served until the wee hours of the morning. While we were exhausted and pretty much delirious at 1am, I had a great time.

Our 2nd dish out, an amazing goat cheese/onion tort.

3rd dish=amazing salad with a spicy cornbread mixed in.

Paul and I taking a break. Yes, we are plating food in a classroom and yes, he has a broken leg. And finally yes, we're drinking wine in between courses at his insistence. ("The doctor told me I MUST!")This is what happens to curly haired girls after 4 days without a shower (there was no hot water!). MEGA curls.We had a visit from two other PCVs, Chelsea and Jocelyn! After our work we spent some time at the festival eating great cheese and having a photo shoot. I never get to see these girls as they live across the country, so it was good to reconnect with them!

Jocelyn, Chelsea, Evelyn

Love these ladies.

Told you we had a photo shoot.

Sunset in Blaj.

The cooks from the Kitchen! Evelyn, Paul, Me, and Bev After 4 days in Blaj, Evelyn, Chelsea, Jocelyn and I headed home. But first, we stopped at the Medieval Festival in Sighisoara, a gorgeous little town nestled in the mountains. We watched sword fights, listened to live music, ate amazing food, and simply enjoyed a low-key day after Trans Fest.

Sighisoara!

Medieval Fest in full swing...

Making paper.

Love the colors of the houses.

I want that chain link suit of armor.

Oh yes, visited to house where DRACULAAA was born. Muahaha

Dancing and singing

Ahh, Sighisoara I love you.

Picture does NOT do it justice.

Proof I was there.

Amazing.

This little house is my dream home. Beautiful flowers and plants grew everywhere, and it overlooks that view from the pic above.

Wicked fence.

I really love cemeteries. Does that make me more Dracula-like?

Basically reads "Everyone should think to themselves that the place you are entering is a cemetery!" Basically be respectful.

Really I was just trying to jump down without hurting myself. It was farther than it looks here.

This is not me trying to be artsy, this was actually just me still trying to jump down, Asking Evelyn for help.

Evelyn and I with Vlad Tepes himself.

The festival was great but we were EXHAUSTED and left on night trains back to our respective sites. I arrived at 8:30am and proceeded to sleep the entire day to catch up on the last week's craziness. However no rest for the weary, and I'm planning a "Summer Fun" day for the kids here in Recas tomorrow (think capture the flag, egg toss, 3 legged race, dodgeball) and then leave Friday morning with my HS students for a 7 day camping/hiking adventure. Here is where I'm going, in case you forgot.

Fagaras Mountains!So off to finish planning today, then buying food for 7 days in the wilderness. There will be lots of canned Pate people. And sorry for a blog post longer than a novel.

...is really the best medicine.

This is my friend and fellow PC Volunteer, Evelyn-and she is amazing. After a long, tiring week of volunteering at Transylvania Festival, we spent a few hours in Sighisoara before heading back to our sites. In our complete exhaustion after working 16 hour days on our feet, these glasses made us laugh until we couldn't breathe. Literally-we were doubled over in the middle of the cobblestone street, tears streaming down our faces-simply enjoying the moment of utter ridiculousness.

I just slept the entire day after an all night train ride, but pictures will be up soon from the last week. Promise.

Apple Pie, fresh from the oven. It's another lazy day for me on this sunny Sunday. And while its wonderful to have another PJ day, I find myself feeling a bit uneasy about doing, well...nothing. Why is it that I have a hard time taking days to just relax? Why do I feel bad for not having a "plan" for the day? It is something that has been ingrained in me due to where I grew up? Is it Peace Corps telling me I should be doing projects and teaching and integrating and learning Romanian?

In northern Virginia, or NOVA as we lovingly call it-life is fast. Life is crazy, diverse, fun...but filled to the brim and my life for the past 10 years was no exception. I was always on the go. If I wasn't working I was at school, or playing lacrosse, or with friends, or youth group, or studying, or at the gym, or cooking (just kidding on that last one). My mom used to tell me, "Sara, slow down. You go go go until you make yourself physically sick. Stop and relax!" She was right-I would literally go go go until I would get sick from exhaustion. Sounds crazy right? So maybe me living in Romania was finally the opportunity I needed to just...relax.

Now she looks relaxed!But wait-I'm in the Peace Corps and we don't do that! We are constantly thinking about the next project, better teaching methods, how to say "cinnamon" at the town market for that apple pie we want to make. We have been taught to "accept any invitation" and integrate into our towns like its nobody's business. I fully agree with this and believe that integration is key, but who can accept EVERY invitation? I can't help but feel bad though when I have to turn someone down, or if I'm out of town. Is that just my nature? Why do I feel like I always have to be on the GO to be a successful volunteer? Surely an exhausted volunteer is not nearly as affective as a rested and relaxed one, right?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting here doing twiddling my thumbs. Yesterday, I baked an apple pie from scratch and took it to a dinner party with my Romanian friends from town. BIIIG hit! (Picture above-excuse the non-traditional pie pan!). I also make a stroganoff lunch from scratch, did laundry, and worked on a presentation for a camp where I'll be a counselor in a few weeks. (All my presentations are in Romanian-cross your fingers!) Today, I'm continuing to work on these presentations for camp as well as start to pack for my next big volunteer opportunity-Transylvania Fest in Blaj. I'll be working in the "Cookery Tent" (I realize how ironic that is) and will be celebrating every cultural aspect of Transylvania for the next week! Then it is off hiking with my students for 7 days in the Fagaras Mountains, another camp, quick trip to the eastside to visit some famous monasteries, and then my brother and his beautiful wife come to visit right before school starts all up again! Whew.

Fagaras Mountains...I can't wait!

So for now I'll stay in my pjs and try not to feel bad for not leaving my house today. After all, I'll be gone working for the next few weeks and will probably crave these moments, relaxing in my house-pjs and all.

I confess, I spent an entire day this week sitting in my PJs watching TV, napping, and planning for next year. PJ days are the best and entirely necessary from time to time. "Mental Health Days" as I like to call them.

I confess, I've watched Bridesmaids 4 times since I downloaded it less than a week and a half ago.

I confess, yes-I downloaded Bridesmaids.

I confess, I worry too much about things that are out of my control.

I confess, I can't sleep at night. Living alone in Romania, in your own apartment with a gas meter to detect potential gas leaks can be stressful. Not to mention just living alone in Romania. That can be stressful too.

I confess, I actually awoke to my gas meter blaring at me this morning. My nightmare came to life and I opened all the windows and prayed it was just a faulty reading. It's back to zero now (scale of 0-6) and I'm fine, did I mention it can be stressful here?

I confess, even though I am a teacher teaching in front of classes all day every day, I still have a fear of public speaking. Especially to my peers.

I confess, the beach is my absolute favorite place to be in this world.

I confess, I should be more consistent with my p90x workouts. But lets be real-that p90x yoga is not made for humans.

I confess, I have always, always wanted to learn to play the harp.

I confess, I still have no idea what I want to do with my life after Peace Corps, but have faith I will figure it all out.

Until then, I savor the moments here. Especially the summer sunflowers.

I thought I would show you my route (in awesome pictures!) from the good 'ol Recas train station back to my home. I walk this route frequently, each and every time I head to the big city for groceries, or to visit friends, etc. These pictures are from today. Enjoy!

I start walking down the small road to the foot path, and I run into fields and fields of corn. Lots of corn.

Then, I reach the footpath. These geese look fun and sweet, but they are not. I'm not even going to sugarcoat it I hate these geese. They chase me, hiss at me, and one even bit my skirt once as I was running by. I loathe them, and each time I have to pass them I debate whether I should run, or walk slowly, or what is the best move to avoid getting bitten. Today, they were more interested in harrassing the man in front of me, so I was more or less safe. For today.

Getting closer to them...debating my next move. But they seem uninterested thank goodness.

Successfully passed them! You can see some of them are young, they don't even have their adult feathers.

Then I pass some thorny thistles. I think they are gorgeous but would never walk barefoot around here.

I live near that steeple, which is the Catholic church. Making my way down the footpath...

I cross over a little bridge and this is to my right. That tire has been in the water since I arrived, but it looks like the rest of the trash has been picked up recently! Win.

I run into chickens everywhere. Today was no exception.

This is an example of what the older women in my village wear-usually a skirt, socks with sandals, and a head scarf.

I pass several beautiful gardens and grapevines. Everyone has grapevines!

Just one of the 7 dogs that I met on the way home. This one was more curious than most.

Time to cross the "main street". This road goes straight to Timisoara.

Another dog. This one acted all tough and then started following me home. He crossed that main road to do so, which always makes me nervous. This is a little monument to a person that died on the road. Inside are pictures of the man, and tablets with information about his life and death.

The little punk dog following me home. I would turn around and he would act like he wasn't paying any attention to me and look away. We played this game most of the way home.

This is what the "highway" signs look like.

Yeah, he's still pretending to ignore me. :)

I love the beautiful gates and vines everywhere.

Another stray pup trying to get a nap in. One of the two town pharmacies.

Walking through the center, I found one of my 11th grade students selling his wares-watermelons or "pepene rosu" and tomatoes.

Here is my post office!

The Catholic Church and the center of town-I'm almost home!

Just another horse-drawn carriage sitting on the side of the street.

And finally, I pass my neighbor's dog, tied up and laying on his "house". Sometimes I throw him food and he in turn has stopped barking every time I walk pass. We have reached an understanding after a year.

After arriving back in Romania I stopped off at a friend's site on the east side of the country-a little village located near the Black Sea town of Constanta. Of all the sites that I've been too, this was by far the most remote and small. The carutas (horse carriages) far outnumbered the cars, and corn was EVERYWHERE. The stray dogs roamed the streets along with cows and hedgehogs-well, we saw a dead hedgehog at least. It was a stark contrast from my 3 weeks in the states but I loved it. We were able to make stir-fry from spices I brought from the US and then we climbed up a hill and watched the sunset over the village. It's good to be back.

Watching the sun set. PCVs Aron, Beca, and Ashley.

Haystacks at Aron's site.

Sunset over the village.

I think I was pointing at butterflies.Love this country.