On the Road Again

Lots of stuff on my mind. Last week my OA group and I met up and we established a few deadlines for our Video Project. I indicated to them that the group will not go on any trips unless deadlines were met. I then set up 2 very important meetings to get them rolling on our project. One was with the camera man for our video and the other was with the Department of Tourism who had loads of information for us regarding the castle. I reminded them all the day before, and they had help set up both meetings. The kids did not show, and only called to tell me they were not coming after I called them. Since I will be gone next week that puts the project back 3 weeks. I do have a fall back plan set up if the girls don't get their shit together. I asked one of the more mature participants who is not part of the "click" if she would take on the role and she said she would.

While I had just complained about the kids, I cannot blame them 100%. Today I went to the private school, a 1 mile walk each way to teach my 1 hour English class that I had spent 3 hours preparing for. As I walk up to the school, the school yard is empty, and there are no cars driving around dropping off kids. This is 4th time something like this has happened where I show up and there is a holiday or the schedule has been changed or the kids are on a trip etc..... I had recieved no word from the school director or anyone else. How can you blame the kids when the "Principals and Teachers and "Professionals" are the same way.

I will start teaching a new business class at the other HS in March. That will be a 6 week class with other stuff mixed in. Between my schedule and the many school holidays, That will conclude my business classes.

Today I leave to for Istanbul. I am going with my site mate Leslie to spend 4 days in Turkey, 2 days in Bulgaria, and 2 days in Macedonia. Life is difficult traveling the countries with a 23 year old woman. Drinking til 3-4 am takes its toll on a yes 47 year old mind/body.

Yes, a short time ago I mentioned Belgrade and Prague, now Sofia and Istanbul, but in my defence, I have to go now because we are not allowed to travel our last few months of service.

In Istanbul we are staying at a Youth Hostel but in Bulgaria and Macedonia we are staying with Peace Corps Volunteers. Now we will have inside track on cheap bars and places to explore.