February Update

Salutations All!

I changed the aesthetics of my site please feel free to provide feedback. The banner photos at the top are all photos I have taken between my village and the capital Chişinău. The last couple weeks have let my state of ennui subside. Here are the updates…

I started a leadership group at the school with a syllabus based on international news, a ‘country of the week’, and a website. The website is coming slowing, but feel free to take a quick look (www.gimnaziuviisoara.blogspot.com). The students have added a few poems and the legend of our village. Photos are going to be posted soon, but I want them to learn how to do use the interface so it is going a bit slower than I would like.

Whilst the war was raging in Gaza we had one discussion on the foundation of Israel which was very interesting. This week, because of the Khmer Rouge tribunals in Cambodia, we looked at photos I took while I was at Angkor Wat and I made green curry and coconut chicken for the students that participated.

My office is finally remodeled, and is in a somewhat efficient operation. The space is much more organized, finally warm, and about three times larger than our old space. I think the new efficiency of the environment will really help the organization streamline. I am still stumbling over an ACCESS and EXCEL project, but I have made it my goal for my time here to satiate the obsession I have to simplify the loan documents.

I am heading to Rome for a long weekend after taking the GRE next Tuesday. Courtland, and my aunt Edie are meeting me there for four nights. I can use an injection of parmesan raggiano, gorgonzola, Chianti, and a spot of good coffee in the morning. Our plan is to stay in Rome for the entire time with possible day trip to Tivoli. In short, it will be an excitingly simple and far from precipitated itinerary.

I am heading to Turkey next month on my mum’s spring break. We have a few day trips there too, but again, like Rome, are going to be staying the entire week in Istanbul. It will be my second time in Turkey, and I am more excited I think to go back, than I was nervous to go the first time! The food is simple, fresh, and beautiful there and surprisingly they have great beer and wine as well. I heard there are a few decent cheap tailors there, so I may be time to get a new suit.

I lost CNN International on my satellite, but I still have the BBC and France 24. My perspective on this new administration is maelstrom at best. You all should be glad I am not in the states preaching my politics. Anyone up for Moscow in June? Email me.