Thankful

As the holidays advance, I am approaching my first holiday season away from home. As this week is Thanksgiving, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what I am thankful for, both big and small.

Most of all I am thankful for all the tremendous support I have received from family and friends back home. Be it in cards, e-mails, skype dates or packages your words and wisdom mean so much to me and make me feel loved.

I have appreciate the items I have received in the mail. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Aunt Marta for outfitting me with long underwear and socks. I now have a beautifully stocked drawer!


Also, thanks to everyone who has sent postcards from destinations around the U.S. My students love seeing photos of different places across America.


Last week, another teacher at school yelled at me as I was walking through one of the school buildings. I was very confused as I cut through this building everyday on my way to class and I didn't quite understand what he was saying. I just excused myself and continued on to class. Later, the teacher came up to me and apologized as he thought I was a student. I still don't know quite what he thought I was doing wrong, but I am thankful for the interaction. As I am rapidly approaching the big 3-0 being mistaken for a high school student is a pretty nice compliment.

I miss everyone greatly, but I am thankful for technology and the interaction it allows. Thank you all again for all of your wonderful support. Happy Thanksgiving!

Last week, I had a Peace Corps meeting at the site of another volunteer who lives in Transylvania. It was my first trip to the region and on Sunday we were able to get out on a little walk. Unfortunately, it's not easy to get to Transylvania from my site because you have to get around the Carpathian mountains. I took a 5 hours bus ride and then a 6 hour train ride. However, it was worth it for an interesting meeting and a beautiful walk.

A Weekend Walk

This weekend my friend and fellow volunteer, Chelsea came to visit. This required her taking two trains and a maxi-taxi, essentially a full day of traveling to come see me. We had a nice visit and gorgeous weather! On Saturday afternoon we climbed to the cross on the hill outside of my site that is lit up each night. I have wanted to do this walk since I arrived, but this is the first weekend weather has finally worked in my favor. When I arrived at site in August it was simply too hot and then we had a spell of rain.

Saturday it was crisp and sunny, perfect for the walk. I had been given vague directions from locals that involved walking to the train tracks, turning left and finding a crossing, then trying to find the path. We did have to back track a couple times, but the weather made it enjoyable.

Our destination.

The path.

My awesome hiking partner.

Getting closer.

The view on the other side of the hill, away from my town.

The view of my town.

Summit.