Thursday, January 31, 2013

IST

IST is one of 3 mandatory trainings after swearing in.  It typically happens after volunteers have been at their site for around 7-8 months.  I remember hearing about it during PST and thinking to myself how far away that sounded but man does time fly. 

Last week my group descended on Durres for 3 days of technical training and PC policy reminders.  I think we were all in need of some time away from site and a few nights at a hotel with hot water and heaters.  Here are some pictures of the conference taken by my amazing friend Joyce, the TEFL volunteer in Delvine. (check out her blog here.)

THE BEACH!!!!

A nice dinner with awesome company.

All of the TEFL volunteers drew a picture that represented their experience so far.

This is Genti.  He is basically our Albanian super hero.

After IST a few of us went to Tirana and had lunch at the Steven's
Center.  It is a cafe started by missionaries and the only place in Albania
where you can find american favorites.  After 10 months a
BLT never tasted better!
So now that we've completed IST we're officially on our way to the half way point.  G16 has already received their invites and their starting to ask questions.  It is really weird to think that we're about to be the 'big kids' in PC Albania but IST really put into perspective how much we've all learned and changed.  So congrats G15.  We made it this far!!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

It is everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance.

It is tough staying motivated during the Peace Corps.  We have the privilege of dedicating two years of our lives trying to affect change whose effects won't be felt until we are long gone.  Between that and the winter gloom thats settled over Eastern Europe, it is time for some encouragement.  Thank you Kid President for helping this PCV get pumped to start the week!




So my question for you is...What will be your Space Jam?

Monday, January 7, 2013

Teachers Holiday Party

If there is one thing that stands out to me so far about Albania, it is how much Albanians love to celebrate.  Many of their celebrations take on the same elements (lots of food, circle dancing, poetry, songs, raki) but they are always a good time.  I don't know what it is but celebrations here really seem get to the heart of the Albanian spirit.  It is a mix of hospitality, a love for music, creativity, tradition and above all being surrounded by those you're close with.  I never feel more a part of my community than when I'm at a celebration.

So with that little rant out of the way...I bring you the Teachers Holiday Party!  On the last day of school, we ended early and all took over the lokal next to the school.  Here is what went down.

Like all good parties, it started with some circle dancing.
And then continued with a lot of food and Santa hats for EVERYONE!!!
Which were of course hilarious on the Professors.
Then we voted for the Teacher of 2012.
And danced some more.
And ate some more.
He found a heart in the bone in his meat.  That must be a good
luck sign for the New Year!
Then we played Guess Your College with pictures of different
teachers when they were babies.
The highlight of the whole party (if you ask me) was a New Years poem performed by yours truly.  Unfortunately nobody managed to snap a picture but here it is:

Nje vit i ri oh zot sa kenaqesi, nje kapitull i jetes po vazhdon, nje vit i ri po na fton, nje zemer troket, nje telefon cingeron. Urime Vit i Ri 2013!

A new year oh god how fun, a chapter of life continues, a new year invites us, a heart beats, a telephone rings.  Happy New Year 2013!

So happy New Years everyone!  Gezuar!