Since the end of my first week in post time could not have passed more quickly. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in these past 3 weeks (since my last post) is how to pass a day when you have nothing to do. Everyday I’ve learned to make an event about the smallest of tasks; today for example, posting on my blog.
In the most recent news I spent the 4th of July weekend in the capital. The embassy hosts a 4th of July party where they serve hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, etc. It was a delight to see all the other volunteers. It was the first time since swearing in.
The Saturday before last I was forced to find a new housing situation due to complications in the home. I was very stressed at first because I had only 4 days, it is in the middle of the tourist season and I had a limited budget. Peace Corps came down to help me though and by Wednesday I was moved into my own apartment. The apartment is not very large, but it has all the space I need. It is very new so all the appliances and furniture are nice. On top of all that it is on the 7th floor across the street from the beach. It has an amazing view of the sea and gives me yet another reason to be hated among other Peace Corps volunteers.
Work is going well. Very slow now, I don’t have much to do at my main post, but I spend the afternoons at the organization World Vision helping them with sponsorship paperwork. They have internet and air conditioning there and it’s a good place to power through the hot afternoons.
This last week I’ve been spending most of my free time outfitting my apartment. While it has a lot of furniture it lacks the necessities. This is the first time I’ve lived alone and I must say I’m a big fan. I’ve never before been excited to get home and clean. Amazing what having a place for yourself will do to some people.
Tomorrow a couple of my friends plan to come to Vlore for my birthday weekend. More will come Friday as well. It will be the first time I have visitors in my new apartment and I expect it will not be the last before the summer is over.
Aside from the chaos of the last three weeks things have been great. I’ve learned to slow myself down to match the pace of what is around me and it has helped in ways I can’t describe. Every time I post I say I can’t believe I’ve been here as long as I have, but it is the dead honest truth. I was so lucky to talk to my brother yesterday. He was the first person from the states I’ve spoken to in 4 months. That as the first time I’ve realized how long I’ve been here.
I plan to take pictures of my place once I feel I can call it home. I will post pictures of it shortly thereafter. I hope things back in the states are going well. I miss you all and much from America. You are all in my thoughts daily.