Dear all you loyal WD fans:
I have just completed the two days of staging. It took place at a beautiful hotel in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia. Run by a few Peace Corps staff, including a very good motivator and leader, we reviewed policies and general tactics crucial to our survival for the next two years. But more than that it was a great time to meet a bunch of the members of the group. Since there are close to sixty people, it is difficult to talk to everyone, but there were plenty of exercises (and meal excursions) to allow for that. I’ve purposely been expanding my comfort zone, even going so far as to initiate conversation myself! But seriously, I really like the make of this group. Most of the volunteers are in their early to mid twenties. There are some in their thirties, a middle aged couple, and two older folks, one lady is like 70. It is about 60% female and 40% male. Surprisingly, very few if any of the people seem like granola type hippies. Most look and act like professionals. Everyone is educated, and as our many skit type exercies showed, has a great sense of humor. Basically a mixture of laughter and serious thought for the past two days. Tomorrow I fly to Uzbekistan.
Sounds like a wonderful group!!! Have a safe and wonderful time as you journey to the East!!!
Sounds like a fun motley group. I am glad that they gave yall a chance to sit down and get to know each other. Orientations can give people an oppertunity to get to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere then most. Will you have to take classes in basic conversational Uzbek and/or Russian? Also I am curious to find out about your host family. Have a good flight and keep in touch!
BT
hejhej!
the winner takes it all…good luck and keep in touch!!!
kram
johannes
Initiating conversation? On your own? Talk about survival techniques. Are they teaching you how to use a hand grenade too? 🙂
Best of luck with everything over there. I hope you have a safe flight. I’ll be in touch.
*hugs* i’m glad you seem to be enjoying yourself. have a fabulous flight to uzbekistan. i miss you so much already.
Matt’s Address in Tashkent:
Attn: Matthew Barison
c/o “Halqaro Pochtamtâ€
4 Turkestanskaya Street
Uzbekistan, 700015 Tashkent
Ерфтлы умукнщту ащк нщгк куздшуы
Um…. I mean, thanks everyone for your replies. I am touched 🙂 I will post that address on the contact page next time I get some internet access. It’s been fun, fucked up, and everything in between – and this is just the beginning. Ah well, I did get myself into this one 😉 TTYL