"The Posh Core"

Finally I have arrived in Ploiesti (pronounced plow-etz-see) after an exhausting night on planes and buses and whatnot. I was lucky, I got all of my luggage right away. It was wet but I can't complain because I got it all. A lot of people are missing bags. We got into the hotel around 2 am and got into bed but I was so giddy I stayed up with my roommate Tara until 3 giggling about the howling dogs. Apparently stray dogs are of great concern. There is a big rabies problem. But Dr. Dan (our physcian) reminded us that as long as we don't run away we should be fine. Which quite a funny image. He also told us that we should go running because the air quality in Ploietsi is quite bad. And he is right when you step outside of the hotel the first thing you can smell is diesel. Aside for that the city is beautiful from what I've seen. There are all of these orthodox churches with traditional steeples and ornate windows. I am such a tourist looking at everything and everyone. The peace corps keeps re-enforcing the fact that we are the lucky ones.
They call Romania the "Posh Core." ( I thought that was hilarious) We have hot showers, indoor plumbing and some volunteers even have cell phones. We are talking luxury here. Speaking of hot showers, this morning I took a scalding one because our cold water doesn't work. I kept having to jump in and out cursing, and turn off the hose. It is not attached to the wall. We don't get to meet our families till monday which is kind of nice because i know absolutely no Romanian just yet. Although I have picked up hello "buna" (boo-na) and thank you "multmesc" (moolt-soo-mesk) and ceai (chai) is the word for tea. well, i must go. i have an interview with my program director and i don't want to be late. love ya all!

"Amsterdam and All is Well"

Sleep glorious sleep is all I could use right now. Due to time constraints this must be short sweet and to the point. I have made it half way folks. I am in Amsterdam and though they scared us in Washington out of leaving the airport ( we have a 12 hour layover) a few of us ventured forth into the city. I love the Van Gogh museum.
Anyhow here are the stats. There are a little less than 70 people in my group, half are english teachers half are business development volunteers. There are quite a few older people in my group and one couple. Staging in Washington consisted of one giant lecture on what to do and what not to do ( typical). Oh but the most interesting thing so far is that we flew to Amsterdam with a group of ex convicts and deportees. AAAAAAAAAAAH time is up. more soon!