It’s amazing how much other people can annoy you when you are in a good mood to start out with. So first I try to go to McDonalds in town. But this McDonalds is special… American prices, Romanian service – meaning, you will wait at least 3 minutes in line and another 2 for your food. Now, yes, I know I’m in the Peace Corps, but if America is going to be a good superpower, we must at least be consistent in our imperial fast food designs! So I decide McDonalds is not for me this night. Instead I go to a local joint that specializes in chicken. The woman in front of me, ordering for herself and her little boy, takes 5 minutes to decide what kind of food she wants. She gets a little of this, then decides, hey, why not have something else, slowly building up her fantastic dream meal! Then I come to this internet cafe – my rope is very thin with Romanian internet cafe’s. The guy on duty is not my favorite, in fact he is my least favorite. I sit down in front of the computer and instead of activating the system so that I can get online, he does nothing, slowly keeping himself busy up front. So I have to go front, pound on his desk and just stare at him when he says, stupidly, “internet?” Yes you idiot, I didn’t just come here to stare at the computer screen for fun; I have not become that desperate, yet. The most annoying thing is that I have this fantastic new computer at home but am waiting for the internet people to come set up my connection! Grrrr – life was simpler in Uzbekistan!

I needed that vent. Now, what I had wanted to write about before the mini-ordeal. So much has happened over the past few weeks. One, I have secured and moved into a new apartment. It is a great one, just 5 – 10 minutes away from my work sites. That means I don’t have to spend money on buses! May not sound like a lot, but it adds up, and considering our budget, I’d rather spend the money elsewise. The place is on the 6th floor of a tall concrete apartment block. I have a balcony which faces away from the center of the city, so is quite pretty especially around sunset. Thankfully it is mostly furnished and I don’t have to buy too much for it. I’m already looking forward to my first soiree.

School is going much better than I thought. Okay, so some kids are better than others, but that’s the story everywhere. I’ve tried very hard to plan interesting lessons, 1/2 lecture, the other 1/2 small group activities. They are good kids, but I feel bad for them because most other teachers just come in and talk for 50 minutes then leave and that’s the extent of the education. Things are just so rigid here, that I think I’m something a little different for the kids and interesting that way. I just hope that they don’t go too far and try to take advantage. At one of my schools I am being shadowed by a young Romanian teacher who is hoping to learn “new methods” and better English. He just comes with me to classes and watches – it is interesting to have someone to talk to as the concept of feedback is not big here. At the other school there is a young Hungarian teacher who seems to have things down pretty well.

I have already received my first request for tutoring services. I am kind of torn regarding what to do. I am here to help teach English, yes, but I’m not sure how much private tutoring really fits with the Peace Corps gist. I’m also not sure what to ask from the guy. I can’t accept money, but I’m not about to do it for nothing. Suggestions?

I’ve taken a break from following US politics because I fear that if I do, I will become the ranting raving crazy American to all my kids… oh wait, I already am. But seriously, I did hear that Roberts was green lighted by our week kneed Democrat friends. Ugh. It is a shame to lose faith in the Supreme Court – if you can’t believe in that then what is there? Perhaps good service at McDonalds, on the home front at least…