21-Months plus a few days

Well, 21- months ago I started this process and now I am finally here - The Republic of Macedonia. For anyone thinking it is a "piece-of-cake" to join the Peace Corps take a step back. I am here with 36 other trainees (that is what we are until we complete our 11-weeks of intensive cultural and language training) and over half waited 18-months or longer for their invitation. Yes invitation. Although the Peace Corps is a volunteer organization you have to be invited to join and serve at the pleasure of the Corps in whatever country they need you (sounds like another Corps I was in). With over 9,0000 volunteers in more than 70-countries there is always a spot for you, if you are up to the challenge.

OK, enough of the sales pitch. I left Portland at 0755 on September 13 on my way to Washington, DC via Dallas. Due to a missed connection (weather) in Dallas I was two hours late getting in to DC - my luck holds. I have never been through DFW where I have been either bumped, delayed or cancelled. So got to the Raddison about 2130 and it was no fun "humping" two 70-pound suite cases plus backpack and briefcase. Speaking of which American not only charged me for the two checked bags but $100 for overweight.

We met at 1230 for an all afternoon and evening session to get passports, tickets to Macedonia, and another safety lecture. We had the great pleasure of meeting our country director as he was in DC for a directors meeting, so he gave us some insight about what to expect. To dinner around 2030 and then bed.

We checked-out at noon and took a bus to Dulles for a 1755 flight to Vienna where we connected to Skopje, Macedonia. We flew Austrian Air (A United code share) and this little trip cost me $300 for overweight baggage. Try packing for 2-years for a climate that is like northern New England. Snow boots, heavy coats, sleeping bag, long underwear...Landed in Vienna around 0830 (about 8-hours for those who don't want to do the math) and went through security again and waited an hour to board our 90-minute flight to Skopje. Had to clear customs and "hump" baggage to a semi that would take it to the hotel. I am sure we had over 15,000 pounds of baggage between all 36- PCVs.

The hotel is in Kumonovo about 30-min from airport. It is the 3rd largest city in Macedonia. We are in the Hotel Satellite (that should tell you something). Two to a room that is probably 10x10 with a bathroom. But, it's only for a week then we move in with our host family for the remaining 10-weeks of training.

The Room

Toilet and TP discard can

Living comfort

The feast!

Receiving traditional bread and salt from Macedonians

Dinner

Our PST Director and Country Director

US Ambassador to Macedonia

Met the US Ambassador today, great guy and very interesting to listen to. We also, had our first 4-hour language lesson - learn the alphabet. If I am selected for the dual language, Albanian and Macedonian, it will be a real challenge, but others beefre ma have done it so why not!

OK, this gets me pretty much caught-up, besides it's 2200 and I am still suffering from jet lag. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will add to blog. I am open to suggestions so don't be shy if you want more info or clarification.