Well, so I lied. The postal system of Uzbekistan continues to function. The real reason I asked that you not send any more mail to me here is that I will no longer be here as of Wednesday.
The short story is this: Everyone in my group of volunteers has visas which expire on June 1st. Due in no small part to recent events in this country, the Uzbek government has decided to not extend our visas. So, we all have to be off of Uzbek soil by the 1st.
We were presented with a few options at this point. One of them, which I chose, was to transfer to another country and begin service there. So, on Wednesday, I will be flyling to Bucharest, Romania. There I will begin Pre Service Training once again when the latest group arrives in country on June 3rd.
I’ll have a much fuller analysis of the situation soon, maybe in a day or so, but I just wanted to let everyone know that this blog will soon chronicle my Peace Corps experience in quite a different place. Let’s hope for a bright future for Uzbekistan.
hejsan!
I know it´s not what you wanted – but I am glad that you are leaving uz. it´s not safe there anymore…and second reason why I am glad – Romania is pretty close to austria 😉
no problem to go there for some days…and neither for you to visit graz once more 😉
I hope you are not too upset…and I wish you the best in romania!!! welcome back to europe!
kram
johannes
Hi,
Happy to hear you are alright with all the chaos going on around you. Interesting post that you have to be careful what you say or post about the situation over there. Romania seems like a big shift from Uzbekistan. So does this mean you would be extending your service for the peace corp. New Culture, Language and even weather. Well you would be relativly close to Transylvania, so see if you can capture some vampires on film. 🙂
Keep on posting. Take care
Man that’s a bummer about Uzbekistan, but Romania will be cool too. Be sure to photograph anything vampire-related for Rafi.
A first hand photo of the Dracula digs of Bran Castle in Brasov would be cool. I think this was the castle of Prince Vlad Tepes the Impaler (“Dracula”). Try not to get bitten or bit anyone for that matter.
How do you fix a spelling mistake on a comment.
Matt,
I am glad you will be in a safer place. I think about you all the time. Will you still be teaching in Romania? Is this where you will stay for the rest of your time with the PC? I know it isn’t what you planned, but part of this whole journey is that there really is no set plan…just enjoy the ride. We are just all so thrilled that you are leaving to go to a safer place. And Gram was so happy she got to speak to you!
Love, Bette
I didn’t think of this until Trishan brought it up, but yes, Romania is the world’s vampire capital, so they say. You might ask Raffi if he’s got any friends over there.
Although I’m glad that you’re safe, I can imagine you’re disappointed to be leaving Uzbek so soon. I have to say that I honestly didn’t see this coming – I knew the country had its problems, but I didn’t think the Uzbek government would go so far as to throw you all out.
Perhaps some high-up got wind of your whistled greeting system and decided you were dangerous and subversive? 😉
matt,
glad you’re safe. Good luck in Romania…
I’ll write more later…I’m working with a photographer as we speak and since my computer is not set up yet in my new digs, I don’t have time for internet…
And yes Chris is right, they were onto you 😉
I miss you and I hope you are well
MK
glad to hear you’re all right, and I’m proud of you for choosing to continue to serve. i’ll look forward to getting a new address for you.
love,
K