8/17/09
Hi All:
Will make this short. Just went to lunch w/the Dir. and her daughter – someplace on the 5th floor. Anyway it’s my 4th day in the office. Not doing much, mostly e-mails. Did one letter in English sort of fixing up the grammar on a letter this guy in the office wrote. There’s a young guy and the Dir’s daughter and they speak english okay, not great. Have read some of their stuff on the computer re applications for grants, etc. (all in english).
I think I’m a lot happier here than in the village, although we have to go back last 2 weeks in Oct. for more studies and exams. I didn’t do too bad on my exam considering it’s only been 8 (9) weeks. My host mama’s apt. is very clean and she’s a good cook too. George, her husband, is an engineer and works at the airport; he has worked in Egypt, Half the population in Moldova is or has worked overseas, Italy, Israel, etc. because the economy here is not great. A teacher makes about $20 a month or something like that. I am working, however, for free, haha, volunteering my services.
Must run, am on my way home. My phone is working again, god bless america, don’t know what was wrong, but my new young partner in the office went w/me to the phone place.
I forgot to mention that we’re moving out of our office into another one w/3 rooms, they want me to help design/decorate – also they want me to teach some of the women english. I went to a seminar w/the Dir. and had to introduce myself and talk about about Peace Corps in Romanian, everyone thought I was really good; there is a big Russian population here and I’ve been told that they won’t speak Romanian even if they know it.
I am planning to get a tutor to continue my language training in another week or so. Go into Chisinau (capital) tomorrow to the PC Med office for my 2nd Hep B shot. The Dir is driving in on bus. so don’t have to take a bus – it’s about an hour and a half trip.
Bye for now.
Hi, Marilyn!
Every time I read your blog, I feel so proud to know you! It blows my mind that you were able to explain about the Peace Corps in Romanian at the seminar you went to.
Glad you’re a lot happier in the city. Going back to the village for those two weeks won’t be such a shock to your system as going to it for the first time (this time you’ll have either a flashlight to get out to the outhouse at night or a chamberpot, right?), and you’ll get to see people you enjoyed when you were staying there.
Love,
Joan
They’ve certainly tapped the right person to help decorate the new office!
| Posted 2 years, 6 months agoHi Marilyn — I love your blog. We would all like to see a photo of you in your Moldovan dress. Can you download a photo and send it to us?
Al and I spent 3 weeks back east. It was a fun trip — except it rained EVERY day and the mosquitos were out in full force!!!!!
I’m impressed by your language skills. It probably would take me a couple of years of study before I could be considered intermediate in Romanian. After four years of high school French and one year at college, my French is rudimentary at best.
Have fun and stay in touch.
Fondly, Audrey
| Posted 2 years, 6 months agoMarilyn – What an incredible experience you are having. I too was wondering about the possibility of any pictures in costume and of your host families and their homes. You are certainly doing well adapting to all the changes, plus learning a new language – very impressive.
| Posted 2 years, 6 months agoWondering too if you are keeping a journal of your adventure, or maybe your family can keep the blogs for you. You sound like you are feeling OK now, having adapted to the food and water. Keep up the good work and do post whenever you can. We all enjoy reading your entries. Take care and stay well. Cheers – Ann
Hi Ho Schtiggy: Here I am with Mike at his place…viewing your blog! I have had trouble bringing it up on my screen at home for some odd reason. Mike is slightly confused on where your permanent assignment is. It apparently is somewhere other than Chisinau. Give us a list of items for a possible “care package” sometime, and, of course, we would need an address. Just like a few people have mentioned, would love seeing a picture of you in traditional dress from your country. And don’t forget to use your modeling “foot pose” you have learned over the years!!! We, like others, are appreciative of your flexibility and adaptive ways in which you have started this new life style. It makes you appreciate those who have come to the U.S. to begin a new life too…..not at all easy…sometimes harder to arrive here and probably more frightening in such a large country as ours.
Ann is coming over for dinner tonight and we’ll drink a toast to your continued adjustments and adventures as we live via your blogs and messages. Love and hugs……Kay and Mike.
| Posted 2 years, 5 months ago