Ok, so just an fyi to all involved my chances of getting actual internet are slim to none. I spoke to Amir yesterday about the situation, and he said that getting cable internet in the apartment was honestly too complicated and by the time they could get it installed, we would be leaving Bosnia. However, Amir is on the hunt! *(Which, I, as well as the other girls appreciate very much!). Amir is trying to look into some of the local internet providers in the area to see if they will provide some kind of USB thing, or I don't really know what is involved. However, that is looking pretty bleak.. which really sucks, because this I feel it is highly inconvenient (haha, but it seriously is) and I shouldn't have to pay to use internet when I lugged that damn 10lb computer half way across the world!
As if this internet situation hasn't been annoying enough to us, we also have a daily visitor to our humble abode... unannounced and when we aren't there. I am speaking of my so-called 'landlord.' I totally get the fact that she may feel somewhat uncomfortable over the fact of having three strangers taking residence in her home, however, she chose to participate. I don't want to seem ungrateful... because I really am, I promise. It's just awkward and uncomfortable for us. I feel like I have to live like I'm walking on egg-shells, and I know we can all understand how uncomfortable that could be. I wouldn't mind if she came once a week or something and we knew when she was coming.... but I just feel weird. Not to mention I had my 'un-mentionables' hanging out to dry out on the deck! If I had known she was coming I would have made sure to put them somewhere, or possibly have done my laundry on a different day!
Well my friends, keep your fingers crossed in hopes that our internet situation takes an unexpected turn for the best! As for our old little lady landlord.. there's no hope for remedy there, just 'nod and smile,' as I always say.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
my week thus far..
Hey folks! I hope this update finds everyone content and well! So after a relaxing and very fun weekend in Sarajevo, it was back to the so-called grind of work. On Monday, Christina and I were introduced to all of the staff at the local psychiatric hospital that we will be working at. The way my summer has been designed, is that we will be working there one day a week (Mondays, lol). But it was cool, first we just sat in an office and got to chat it up with two of the interns who work at the hospital. It was great hearing their perspectives on education, the war.... yeah, we covered a lot of bases in an hour and a half. But it was cute, when they asked where we were from, I obviously said 'New York,' and the one intern like freaked out and was saying 'oh, god i love new york, i can't wait to go!' She had her hand over her heart and gasped.. the whole sha-bang. It was comical. Then once the other staff members and our boss, Esmina, were done with their groups, we got to meet the rest of the staff. And I got to use my sweet Bosnian language skills to say 'Zdravo, Ja sam zovem Anna.' HAHAHA aka 'Hello, my name is Anna.' But I must have done it pretty well, because they were all sitting around at the table looking at me and doing the 'ahhh' and smiling. So a pat on the back for me hehehe. We were told during that meeting, that we will be sitting in on some of the group therapy sessions, and we will have a translator, but they will only translate when we ask, which I think I might find to be somewhat awkward, but whatevs. And we have to give 2 workshops on the effectiveness of group therapy. So, I have to start on some research next week, or so. Then we got to leave a little early since it was just an intro day, but it looks like I will be getting out every Monday at 1pm local time, which is pretty freakin' sweet. Then we left and Christina and I wanted to time the walk so we knew how much time to leave ourselves. And let me just tell you, if my legs don't look buff as ever when I get home, I will be SHOCKED! The walk one way is 45 minutes, so I will definitely be getting my work out on Mondays doing that!
Yesterday, as I mentioned we traveled to the remote village that CRP has been working with. However, in my previous post I totally misspelled the name, its Srebencia. And let me tell you, what a wonderful experience. It took about 2 and a half hours just to get there. But, in this town, there is a huge cemetery and burial memorial for the mass killings that occurred on July 11, 1995. In short, the Serbs came in and raided the village. There are to this day people still being identified, because when they were killed the remains were placed in mass graves, and then they were also moved as time went on... so the identification process has been very slow paced. Actually, on Monday, Christina and I were invited to go with our Boss and her daughter to the memorial that they are holding, and which they hold every year when remains have been claimed and identified, then they can be buried. They have identified 500 people just in this year. But this memorial.. it was overwhelming.. hundreds upon hundreds of white marble pillars standing in rows, and in a semi-circle they have the names of all of the people that they had identified thus far. All of the families, listed by last name and then first name, and the year they were born. I couldn't help but cry... And looking out over across the street at the abandoned UN base, where they were once there to assist and protect as many as they could fit, but the one's who were too late after there were too many people already inside, were left to fend for themselves, to get to safety on their own. There were 2 survivors there talking to a group of students.. but I obviously couldn't understand what they were saying. I don't think I'll ever forget this experience.
But the trip wasn't all sad, we also traveled further into the village to see what used to be a spa. It was pretty interesting. It was beautiful in the area, and there was this river that ran through the forest. It is said that this river of water flowing has very potent properties and elements within the water that are 'healing.' When we reached the top, we found local people going up to where a the water comes down and cleaning their eyes. Specifically, this water is said to heal eye infections as well as sinus issues. We were told that it was even prescribed by doctors, which I thought was extremely interesting. I was a bit nervous to wash out my eyes in the water, since Amir said that it burned a bit, and also because I had my contacts in, so who knows what could have happened. Nonetheless, I appreciated the experience and the cultural perspective that is held behind this belief and concept. Then we ate at this little restaurant, where I tried Goulash, which is pretty much just a beef stew and you can put mashed potatoes in it or rice. But the real significance of this place was in its bathroom. hahahaha it was freakin hilarious! I had a huge water bottle that I had downed in the car, and understandably so my body was about to burst. So into the bathroom I venture, where I am to find a glorified hole in the ground. That was another experience I will never forget.
Getting home after the long trip, I decided to do my laundry. And let me just tell you, this washer was the size of my kitchen sink in my apartment back home. It just made me realize, I guess, that I really am very appreciative of the privileges I have being an American... we all should be... and I am starting to miss them.
Yesterday, as I mentioned we traveled to the remote village that CRP has been working with. However, in my previous post I totally misspelled the name, its Srebencia. And let me tell you, what a wonderful experience. It took about 2 and a half hours just to get there. But, in this town, there is a huge cemetery and burial memorial for the mass killings that occurred on July 11, 1995. In short, the Serbs came in and raided the village. There are to this day people still being identified, because when they were killed the remains were placed in mass graves, and then they were also moved as time went on... so the identification process has been very slow paced. Actually, on Monday, Christina and I were invited to go with our Boss and her daughter to the memorial that they are holding, and which they hold every year when remains have been claimed and identified, then they can be buried. They have identified 500 people just in this year. But this memorial.. it was overwhelming.. hundreds upon hundreds of white marble pillars standing in rows, and in a semi-circle they have the names of all of the people that they had identified thus far. All of the families, listed by last name and then first name, and the year they were born. I couldn't help but cry... And looking out over across the street at the abandoned UN base, where they were once there to assist and protect as many as they could fit, but the one's who were too late after there were too many people already inside, were left to fend for themselves, to get to safety on their own. There were 2 survivors there talking to a group of students.. but I obviously couldn't understand what they were saying. I don't think I'll ever forget this experience.
But the trip wasn't all sad, we also traveled further into the village to see what used to be a spa. It was pretty interesting. It was beautiful in the area, and there was this river that ran through the forest. It is said that this river of water flowing has very potent properties and elements within the water that are 'healing.' When we reached the top, we found local people going up to where a the water comes down and cleaning their eyes. Specifically, this water is said to heal eye infections as well as sinus issues. We were told that it was even prescribed by doctors, which I thought was extremely interesting. I was a bit nervous to wash out my eyes in the water, since Amir said that it burned a bit, and also because I had my contacts in, so who knows what could have happened. Nonetheless, I appreciated the experience and the cultural perspective that is held behind this belief and concept. Then we ate at this little restaurant, where I tried Goulash, which is pretty much just a beef stew and you can put mashed potatoes in it or rice. But the real significance of this place was in its bathroom. hahahaha it was freakin hilarious! I had a huge water bottle that I had downed in the car, and understandably so my body was about to burst. So into the bathroom I venture, where I am to find a glorified hole in the ground. That was another experience I will never forget.
Getting home after the long trip, I decided to do my laundry. And let me just tell you, this washer was the size of my kitchen sink in my apartment back home. It just made me realize, I guess, that I really am very appreciative of the privileges I have being an American... we all should be... and I am starting to miss them.
Monday, June 15, 2009
my journey to sarajevo
Well, there is nothing like getting off to a some-what rocky start!.. the cabbie ripped us off because we are American's & we got to experience a strike! Which to be honest was pretty interesting, however, worrisome at best (we found out later, that the Roma women were on strike because they haven't been paid nearly enough to survive through their craft, which is shoe/slipper making. But these things didn't stop us from getting on the spacious bus and traveling 3hrs to Sarajevo. Let me just tell you that the countryside was beautiful! It was a great trip to take, though I could have done without all of the windy & curvy roads!
Sarajevo is a beautiful city..very modernized and touristy...aka nothing like Tuzla...it's totally different. We arrived safely and got to the other girls' apartment, hahahaha which compared to ours back in Tuzla sort of put us to shame. Yeah, none of them had to sleep in the kitchen.. they each had their own room -lame. Their apartment also is direct neighbors to a Mosque, that was interesting waking up to that at 4am-ish. hahaha but anyway, we ventured out on to the streets of Sarajevo and went 'down-town' saw amazing buildings and had dinner at this little restaurant called 'Capricorn.' After that, we needed to find an internet cafe, which we did! and let me just tell you this was not just a typical internet cafe, they served beer there too and had pool! It was pretty freakin sweet! Then from there we decided to explore the bar scene, but not before walking through most of what is considered 'old town,' which is again, beautiful. I mean seriously, it was huge cobble stone streets and little stores and shops surrounding you. We passed a beautiful mosque, and this famous fountain.. but we didn't get too close to it, I just know there is significant importance behind it. Then we got our dance on! I had sooo much fun hanging with all of the girls from the program! We went to this one bar, and (Dad, you would have enjoyed this!) the actual bar, was made out of a BOAT! How crazy is that?!?! The music was hoppin' and we were having a great time, but we decided to end the night, to leave for more stamina for our adventures in the morning...
The next day, you can imagine how bright-eyed and bushy tailed we all were! We ventured to the other side of town.. we walked through what is know as today 'Sniper Alley'... I wish I could post pictures, now... it was unbelievable.. just the terror that these people endured.. it's astonishing. Immediately coming out of sniper alley we saw the Holiday Inn and decided to eat there. Many of you may be saying, 'oh so what you ate at a hotel,' but this hotel was the only building that was left standing in that area from all of the bombing and shooting that had gone on. From there we took an expensive cab ride over to the town of Butmir, which houses the tunnel museum, also known as the tunnel of hope. This was such an excellent exhibit to see... but it was sad. We were dropped off at this little hole in the wall shack, and I had no idea where we were.. until we walked in... Basically, this tunnel was constructed (it was 800 meters long) to ensure the safety of the people as well as the safety of the army, and trying to get food and weapons without being killed. I cried while I was there.. and I got to walk through 20 meters of the tunnel (that's all there is to walk through now) and it was just heart wrenching.
After that, Bree, Christina, and I needed to get our butts back to Tuzla. Oh, if only any of you could have been there.... so we get to the bus station, get our tickets, and are expecting a joyous ride back to Tuzla... so not the case. It was a tiny, smelly, no air conditioning bus ride. And whats even more, some stinky sweaty old guy sat next to me and fell asleep on my shoulder. I thought it was sweet for like the first 10 minutes, than not so much.. hahahaha. Needless to say I whipped that in the butt asap! hahaha! Oh, and once more on work ethic... the bus driver stopped the bus to HAVE DINNER! CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?! It was hilarious!
But we got back safe and sound! I will write more tomorrow and tell you of my experiences today at the mental hospital and the trip I am taking to one of the remote villages!
I love you All!!!
Sarajevo is a beautiful city..very modernized and touristy...aka nothing like Tuzla...it's totally different. We arrived safely and got to the other girls' apartment, hahahaha which compared to ours back in Tuzla sort of put us to shame. Yeah, none of them had to sleep in the kitchen.. they each had their own room -lame. Their apartment also is direct neighbors to a Mosque, that was interesting waking up to that at 4am-ish. hahaha but anyway, we ventured out on to the streets of Sarajevo and went 'down-town' saw amazing buildings and had dinner at this little restaurant called 'Capricorn.' After that, we needed to find an internet cafe, which we did! and let me just tell you this was not just a typical internet cafe, they served beer there too and had pool! It was pretty freakin sweet! Then from there we decided to explore the bar scene, but not before walking through most of what is considered 'old town,' which is again, beautiful. I mean seriously, it was huge cobble stone streets and little stores and shops surrounding you. We passed a beautiful mosque, and this famous fountain.. but we didn't get too close to it, I just know there is significant importance behind it. Then we got our dance on! I had sooo much fun hanging with all of the girls from the program! We went to this one bar, and (Dad, you would have enjoyed this!) the actual bar, was made out of a BOAT! How crazy is that?!?! The music was hoppin' and we were having a great time, but we decided to end the night, to leave for more stamina for our adventures in the morning...
The next day, you can imagine how bright-eyed and bushy tailed we all were! We ventured to the other side of town.. we walked through what is know as today 'Sniper Alley'... I wish I could post pictures, now... it was unbelievable.. just the terror that these people endured.. it's astonishing. Immediately coming out of sniper alley we saw the Holiday Inn and decided to eat there. Many of you may be saying, 'oh so what you ate at a hotel,' but this hotel was the only building that was left standing in that area from all of the bombing and shooting that had gone on. From there we took an expensive cab ride over to the town of Butmir, which houses the tunnel museum, also known as the tunnel of hope. This was such an excellent exhibit to see... but it was sad. We were dropped off at this little hole in the wall shack, and I had no idea where we were.. until we walked in... Basically, this tunnel was constructed (it was 800 meters long) to ensure the safety of the people as well as the safety of the army, and trying to get food and weapons without being killed. I cried while I was there.. and I got to walk through 20 meters of the tunnel (that's all there is to walk through now) and it was just heart wrenching.
After that, Bree, Christina, and I needed to get our butts back to Tuzla. Oh, if only any of you could have been there.... so we get to the bus station, get our tickets, and are expecting a joyous ride back to Tuzla... so not the case. It was a tiny, smelly, no air conditioning bus ride. And whats even more, some stinky sweaty old guy sat next to me and fell asleep on my shoulder. I thought it was sweet for like the first 10 minutes, than not so much.. hahahaha. Needless to say I whipped that in the butt asap! hahaha! Oh, and once more on work ethic... the bus driver stopped the bus to HAVE DINNER! CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?! It was hilarious!
But we got back safe and sound! I will write more tomorrow and tell you of my experiences today at the mental hospital and the trip I am taking to one of the remote villages!
I love you All!!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
some pics!
so the first is the Salt Lakes! The second is me and the girls walking around town, and the 3rd is my current sleeping quarters :)
tgif!
Hello to all!
So Friday's are a very interesting day around here in Tuzla! We arrived to work as usual for our coffee social hehehe :), and of course, the staffies we work with were all speaking bosnian.. again. hahah leaving Bree, Christina, and I to just plan our weekend events!
So we decided that since Friday is "Market Day" that we wanted to go get some fresh produce. This is where all of the farmers from surrounding villages bring in their crops to sell, which I find it interesting that it's on Friday and not like on Sunday as it is in the US. But that's just another to add to the list of cultural differences. Any-who, we asked our boss if it would be ok to take a longer lunch to be able to check out the market and get what we need. Since our other boss never came in, his response: "well, you know I am a living for the day, how you say, 'personal business,' so you don't have to come back after a lunch.' .... My immediate internal reaction: "Umm, WHAT?" So, needless to say, the Bosnian work ethic is much more lax than it is in the US. Talk about a causual Friday, :).
So the girls and I ventured out into the town with our purses clutched in our hands, preparing for the pick-pockets (which we were so for warned that they will try to nab stuff at the markets from you). There are two big markets in Tuzla, one that is right in the center of town and one that is closer to our apartment. We went to both just to check 'em out. It was really interesting though, and I think that venturing to the market to buy my food has become my new favorite thing. My first items to buy were zuchini and tomatoes, and the lady was SOOO NICE! She actually gave me free apricots! And they are pretty good Dad! :D Then I bought some cabbage to use for lettuce... which they do totally have lettuce out here, but every little booth I went to I couldn't see a price, and I'm not quite capable of arguing prices yet, hehe, so I just stuck to the cabbage, which btw was only .50km.. meaning it was really really cheap!
Then we came back to the apartment, settled down, and took really long naps! hahahaa I guess we were tired! :) Now we are just hanging in the apartment. But, I did get to cook my first "real" meal... pasta! *(Frank :D) Aaaand it came out pretty darn well! I was impressed with myself. I cut up one of my tomatoes, I used so garlic, and some seasoning I found around this apartment... later to find out that the seasoning I added, may have very well been for tea...WHOOPS. But, believe you me, it tasted pretty good. hahahhaha
We are just hanging around as I said, waiting to go to Sarajevo tomorrow to visit with some of the other girls from school! I am soo pumped! I have been reading a bit on Sarajevo and there is sooo much to do there. But I will be careful, I promise ;) Well expect an update late Sunday or Monday!
Muah XOXOXOXO
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dobro Dan! (aka Good Afternoon)
Zdravo!
I hope you are all having a splendid day as I am! So hmm- I realize that this blog has instead of turning into a once in a while up-date has turned into a play-by-play/ 12-yr old diary entry... but ya know, I'm totally cool with it! (once again, insert smiley face).
So yesterday was hot & muggy, and yet the sun was shining brightly. After work, Christina, Bree & I decided we needed to go to the market to get food so we don't have to keep eating salads and stuff. Interestingly enough, their 'supermarkets' are called by the name 'Bingo,' which I just found comical. But really, I was so surprised to find toothpaste, soaps, detergent. They actually had Nutella (which is one of my favs!). So that was an experience in itself...
After a refreshing night's sleep, I got up and went to work. Christina and I found out that we are going to be working on two projects. One of them we learned a whole heck of a lot about. It is a program that was started by CRP (the office under Mercy Corps that I am working for) called 'First-Aid in remote villages of Srebrenica, Vlasenica and Milići,' and it was started in 2004. So basically to give you some background, there are all of these remote villages throughout Bosnia, but CRP is focusing on the Eastern side. The goal of this program is to ensure that the communities throughout these areas are equipped with medical supplies. Some of these villages are over 25 miles away from the nearest medical facility, and when accidents occurr they usually end up dying because no help was able to reach them at all (in regards to bad weather) or have to have extensive medical work done because they were left so long. So CRP not only provided these materials along with the local Red Cross, but has also trained hundreds of volunteers that live within these villages.
Now this is where Christina and I come in! (hahah) So, our job is to take a look at all of the aspects of these projects and see if there is anything that may need to be tweaked and in what way. So essentially, we are doing a program evaluation on what they are currently doing, and what they could be doing in the future to better these communities situations. So I am pretty pumped about that! And I just think this whole program in and of itself is pretty awesome. The other program that we are going to be doing falls under the human rights category, but we are to learn the details of that tomorrow, I believe. ALSO! with the first project I was telling you about, we are going to one of those villages to go check it out and have coffee with the locals to see what its all about! We were suppose to go tomorrow, but we are going to go next Tuesday instead.
The language piece is coming a bit easier for us all. I can only imagine that I will be speaking serbo-croatian very well by the time I get home, hehe. It's pretty cool though, because we like to go to this little cafe, called Česma. The wait staff are all really nice to us. It's interesting though, tipping is sometimes a 'no'no' and that's only because people usally don't have the money to tip. But, we asked our boss Alma, and she said that it depends..'If you asked for a coffee, and the guy brings it to you and he is a A-whole (she actually said the word, but this is a pg blog people, so use your imaginations!) then you don't tip, if he brings it to you with a smile and is nice, then you can tip.' She's been really helpful, hahaha and funny.
So this weekend we are all going to take a trip down to Sarajevo to see all of the other girls who are stationed in Bosnia too! I am pretty pumped about that, but also because we are just going to get out and see more of Bosnia! We are mainly going to celebrate some of the girls' birthdays, so that should be a ton of fun!
Oh, so to update everyone else other than my Mom and Frank, I'm looking in to getting a USB thing that allows me to get wifi in my computer so that we are able to be on the internet a lot in the apartment and skype whenever we want too! So, I'm hoping by the end of this week/ beginning of next that I will have it, because I really want to skype with people. Then I can show you the apartment! hahaha! And I'll also be able to put up pics too!!
Ok, well I think I've written enough of a novel to keep you entertained for a while, hehe. I love you all! Check back soon to get the update of this crazy Bosnian lifestyle!
I hope you are all having a splendid day as I am! So hmm- I realize that this blog has instead of turning into a once in a while up-date has turned into a play-by-play/ 12-yr old diary entry... but ya know, I'm totally cool with it! (once again, insert smiley face).
So yesterday was hot & muggy, and yet the sun was shining brightly. After work, Christina, Bree & I decided we needed to go to the market to get food so we don't have to keep eating salads and stuff. Interestingly enough, their 'supermarkets' are called by the name 'Bingo,' which I just found comical. But really, I was so surprised to find toothpaste, soaps, detergent. They actually had Nutella (which is one of my favs!). So that was an experience in itself...
After a refreshing night's sleep, I got up and went to work. Christina and I found out that we are going to be working on two projects. One of them we learned a whole heck of a lot about. It is a program that was started by CRP (the office under Mercy Corps that I am working for) called 'First-Aid in remote villages of Srebrenica, Vlasenica and Milići,' and it was started in 2004. So basically to give you some background, there are all of these remote villages throughout Bosnia, but CRP is focusing on the Eastern side. The goal of this program is to ensure that the communities throughout these areas are equipped with medical supplies. Some of these villages are over 25 miles away from the nearest medical facility, and when accidents occurr they usually end up dying because no help was able to reach them at all (in regards to bad weather) or have to have extensive medical work done because they were left so long. So CRP not only provided these materials along with the local Red Cross, but has also trained hundreds of volunteers that live within these villages.
Now this is where Christina and I come in! (hahah) So, our job is to take a look at all of the aspects of these projects and see if there is anything that may need to be tweaked and in what way. So essentially, we are doing a program evaluation on what they are currently doing, and what they could be doing in the future to better these communities situations. So I am pretty pumped about that! And I just think this whole program in and of itself is pretty awesome. The other program that we are going to be doing falls under the human rights category, but we are to learn the details of that tomorrow, I believe. ALSO! with the first project I was telling you about, we are going to one of those villages to go check it out and have coffee with the locals to see what its all about! We were suppose to go tomorrow, but we are going to go next Tuesday instead.
The language piece is coming a bit easier for us all. I can only imagine that I will be speaking serbo-croatian very well by the time I get home, hehe. It's pretty cool though, because we like to go to this little cafe, called Česma. The wait staff are all really nice to us. It's interesting though, tipping is sometimes a 'no'no' and that's only because people usally don't have the money to tip. But, we asked our boss Alma, and she said that it depends..'If you asked for a coffee, and the guy brings it to you and he is a A-whole (she actually said the word, but this is a pg blog people, so use your imaginations!) then you don't tip, if he brings it to you with a smile and is nice, then you can tip.' She's been really helpful, hahaha and funny.
So this weekend we are all going to take a trip down to Sarajevo to see all of the other girls who are stationed in Bosnia too! I am pretty pumped about that, but also because we are just going to get out and see more of Bosnia! We are mainly going to celebrate some of the girls' birthdays, so that should be a ton of fun!
Oh, so to update everyone else other than my Mom and Frank, I'm looking in to getting a USB thing that allows me to get wifi in my computer so that we are able to be on the internet a lot in the apartment and skype whenever we want too! So, I'm hoping by the end of this week/ beginning of next that I will have it, because I really want to skype with people. Then I can show you the apartment! hahaha! And I'll also be able to put up pics too!!
Ok, well I think I've written enough of a novel to keep you entertained for a while, hehe. I love you all! Check back soon to get the update of this crazy Bosnian lifestyle!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
oye
Heyyy....
Ok, so it's Wednesday. Day 2 of work. Not doing too much yet, but we are going to be learning all about exactly what Christina and I will be doing. Apparently, we are going to get lots of opportunities to go out into the field, so I am pretty excited about that. However, today I am not so chipper. I didn't sleep at all last night... and seriously, no joke, I actually didn't sleep....I don't know if it was on account of having taken a nap earlier in the day (which I'm sure played a role) or the fact that I am sleeping on a bed in the kitchen with a crayz fridge and weird bird sounds out in the treees. Hahaha but I am really just having a pity party (insert smiley face), don't let me fool you because it's not as bad as it seems. But I'm still going to have this pity party (smiley).
It is extremely hot and humid here.... I feel like I'm in New York with this weather. It was a little rainy on our walk to work this morning, so here's hoping that it will perk up a bit. Which as I write this I see the sun is shining out of our office window, so that's good.
Our apartment is right across the street from lots of shops and cafes, which is awesome! So after I wrote my last post, Christina, Bree, and I went to this little restaurant and were the 'odd one's out' because we were ordering salads for dinner. Pretty much, the menu here is meat, meat, and more meat. Which is fine, because I love meat.. however, I don't exactly love each meal of my day to include greasy, fattening meats. hahhaha So salads it is! Some good news though, was I was able to scam some free wifi last night, however, it is really inconsistent, which is highly unfortunate. So to answer your question Er, I'm not exactly sure. My boss, Alma, said that we are allowed to skype here at the office, which is awesome... but, I get into work at 8.. we have a social coffee and chai thing for a half hour, and then we check our emails and what not. So basically it will be 2 30 Am your time. Which is fine but it depends on everyones schedules.. but I will try to figure something out with getting to an internet cafe or something. I just need to figure out their hours.
As you can tell.. this time difference thing is difficult, and not exactly easy to get used to. It's weird just starting my day as you all are ending yours...I've been working somewhat on my language. In fact we went to a bakery this morning, that was recommeded to us by Amir to get breakfast. And I was able to purchase and have the lady understand me.. for the most part..hehe. But, I'm not going to lie, as an exciting time as this all is, I am feeling a bit 'home-sick,' still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I will be here for another 7 weeks, it's weird. Not having traveled before, to a country with a pretty extreme language barrier..nevertheless, it is an experience I will never forget, but I still miss home.
Cao
Ok, so it's Wednesday. Day 2 of work. Not doing too much yet, but we are going to be learning all about exactly what Christina and I will be doing. Apparently, we are going to get lots of opportunities to go out into the field, so I am pretty excited about that. However, today I am not so chipper. I didn't sleep at all last night... and seriously, no joke, I actually didn't sleep....I don't know if it was on account of having taken a nap earlier in the day (which I'm sure played a role) or the fact that I am sleeping on a bed in the kitchen with a crayz fridge and weird bird sounds out in the treees. Hahaha but I am really just having a pity party (insert smiley face), don't let me fool you because it's not as bad as it seems. But I'm still going to have this pity party (smiley).
It is extremely hot and humid here.... I feel like I'm in New York with this weather. It was a little rainy on our walk to work this morning, so here's hoping that it will perk up a bit. Which as I write this I see the sun is shining out of our office window, so that's good.
Our apartment is right across the street from lots of shops and cafes, which is awesome! So after I wrote my last post, Christina, Bree, and I went to this little restaurant and were the 'odd one's out' because we were ordering salads for dinner. Pretty much, the menu here is meat, meat, and more meat. Which is fine, because I love meat.. however, I don't exactly love each meal of my day to include greasy, fattening meats. hahhaha So salads it is! Some good news though, was I was able to scam some free wifi last night, however, it is really inconsistent, which is highly unfortunate. So to answer your question Er, I'm not exactly sure. My boss, Alma, said that we are allowed to skype here at the office, which is awesome... but, I get into work at 8.. we have a social coffee and chai thing for a half hour, and then we check our emails and what not. So basically it will be 2 30 Am your time. Which is fine but it depends on everyones schedules.. but I will try to figure something out with getting to an internet cafe or something. I just need to figure out their hours.
As you can tell.. this time difference thing is difficult, and not exactly easy to get used to. It's weird just starting my day as you all are ending yours...I've been working somewhat on my language. In fact we went to a bakery this morning, that was recommeded to us by Amir to get breakfast. And I was able to purchase and have the lady understand me.. for the most part..hehe. But, I'm not going to lie, as an exciting time as this all is, I am feeling a bit 'home-sick,' still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I will be here for another 7 weeks, it's weird. Not having traveled before, to a country with a pretty extreme language barrier..nevertheless, it is an experience I will never forget, but I still miss home.
Cao
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