Happy 4th of July!!!!!

The much awaited first entry of my adventure to Georgia. I arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 along with 46 other Peace Corps trainees (PCT). We spent the afternoon getting to know each other and learning about the Peace Corps (PC). (It’s a good thing we had to wear name tags since I could hardly remember my own name at this point!) On Wednesday we spent more time going over PC info. When we were done for the day I took a stroll to the White House where I of course had my picture taken.
Thursday June 14, I began my journey by flying from Dulles to Munich. Mind you I didn’t really sleep much on the 8 Ѕ hour flight arriving in Munich around 10am Friday. By the time the group figured out how to get to the hotel it was 1pm. I choose to take a nap and get one last "shower". The flight from Munich to Tbilisi was supposed to leave at 10pm but was delayed until 10:30 due to the downpour we had experienced earlier in the evening. I could hardly sit upright at this point I was so exhausted.
Our plane arrived in Tbilisi around 4am after a 3 Ѕ hour flight on June 16. We loaded our buses and headed to Tabakhmela where we spent the next 6 days being introduced to the Georgian culture and language. The days were long and exhausting. I was trying to learn about a new country and trying to figure out what time zone I was in. All I wanted to do was sleep when I was supposed awake.
Many of you wanted to know if I had to get any vaccinations and well I received a few during this period.
June 21, 2007 ~ The day finally came when we got to meet our host families. The anxiety was great and welcomed. We had been discussing ways to integrate into a new family where we may only be able to communicate by charades and English/Georgian dictionaries. My host family is wonderful. I have a mom (deda), dad (mama), sister (da) and brother (dzma). We collected my bags and headed up 5 flights of stairs to our flat. Talk about a workout, I did feel kind of bad since my bags might have been on the heavy side. You try packing for 2 years and see how light your bags are. I really did pack lighter than I usually do thanks to few good friends!
My apartment is huge and has lots of space and hardwood floors just like home! My room is pretty big and has a little balcony where I can hang laundry out to dry and look at the mountains. I might mention that I have running water and electricity! I was prepared to go without for the next 2 years really I was. There is a chance that could still happen when I move to my next host family after my 10 weeks of training.
June 22, 2007~ We jumped right into language training at 9am. My host mother & brother walked me to school since I had no idea where I was supposed to go. At 2pm they promptly picked me up from school. School is held in the basement of a local NGO which is in very good condition. Since we are in the basement the classroom is a bit chilly which will be nice once we get to the heat of the summer. Did I mention that the temperature here is in the high 70s-80s and hardly any humidity! Not that I would brag but…..
June 24, 2007 Monday~ This was my first full day of class since arriving in Gori. We started the day at 9 and officially ended school day around 5. I know I could be a professional student but there is something to be said about trying to learn a new language and learning to live in a new culture all at the same time. The information is overwhelming and intense at times. I am definitely testing myself in all areas of my life right now and learning a lot about myself.
June 26, 2007, Wednesday~ (I am not sure if I have the days and dates correct) We had school today which ended early since we had guest speakers from USAID, Eurassia Foundation and Save the Children. After class I went to the market to look around and become familiar with what I could buy once I figure out my budget. At least with this budget I won’t have to worry about student loans, car payments, insurance etc. I just have to make sure I have rent money and water money for the most part!
I know I haven’t mentioned it yet but the food here is wonderful. The fruits and vegetables taste ten times better than they do in the states! The tomatoes are absolutely wonderful along with the cherries! I have been introduced to some new fruits that I have never seen or heard of in the states. I would love to tell you what they are but I have no idea how to spell them yet and since my ability to communicate is limited at this point…..
July 2, 2007~ Yesterday (7-1) was a very relaxing day, the first one that I have had in quiet some time. I went with several fellow trainees to a volunteer’s house that has been here for the last year for a spaghetti dinner. Don’t get me wrong I really like the cuisine here, but there is something about American food that you just can’t substitute. For example one day last week I went out for lunch with a group of PCTs, this was quiet the experience. First of all the menu is in Georgian, needless to say we can hardly say the alphabet let along put sounds together to construct words! We order a pizza. The pizza has tomato sauce, sausage, mushroom, cheese & mayo! The only thing I can say is that I have never had anything like that before. I did find out after the fact that you can order pizza without the mayo so next time….
I am sure that most of you are probably enjoying your long weekends right now, at the lake, doing housework, shopping, BBQing, spending time with friends and family…..you should know that I don’t get a long weekend or anything like that but we don’t have to go classes on Wednesday and the PC is hosting a picnic for us. So at least I won’t be studying for one day!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!! I hope everybody is enjoying their day off. This is the first time in years that I didn't get a sunburn maybe because I wasn't at the Lake? I did enjoy my time at the picnic. Afterwards I went over to a friends house to do mini pedicures! Don't worry my toes look fabulous once again minus the flowers.....
So long.....