Flowers in the Horseshoe

Virágok a Patkoban (that is not Hungarian approved, but we'll assume it's correct)

I always feel a bit uncomfortable pulling out my big noticeable camera when in public places, but this week the patkó (the usually barren horseshoe shaped courtyard in town) has been filled with beautiful flowers for the upcoming All Saints' Day on November 1st. This is a very important day in my community where families bring flowers and light candles on the graves of their loved ones. School is shortened, and some students don't even come because they must go to a cemetery in another village. So, I grabbed my stalker lens to capture the horseshoe at this time of year. I walked up to the patkó trying to be discreet. It probably wasn't a good idea to wear a bright pink vest and pull out the zoom lens. But I did, and before I could take one picture, a man made a comment about my camera in Hungarian and asked me to take a picture of him. More friends eventually joined, they grabbed a tree branch, money was added, and we have photo. Needless to say, I was noticeable for all of my picture taking.

Every Day I'm Shufflin'

Let it be known what I actually do here in Romania! I teach English! Or try to. I haven't quite mastered the effective lesson plans just yet. I hear that comes with time. But for now, I think the only thing I'm really doing is improving my ability to make realistic sound effects, developing expressive facial contortions, and securing my future as a mime. At least my students can say the following...

"I don't like to learn, only English lessons."
That's right. 

"I listen to music every day. Evry day I'm a shufflin."
Oh really?

"I have a phobia!"
Of what!?!

"My favorite hobby is kissing with my girlfriend."
I know, I see you in the halls.

"I don't like cow meat."
...

While the lesson planning isn't so fun, I really enjoy my students. I like to think we have fun. If they don't understand what I am saying, at least they can laugh at my facial expressions, the noises I make, my attempts at dancing, and all the ridiculous things teachers do to communicate the meaning of a single word. Dictionary? No thanks. What can I say? The classroom is my stage...

A class trip with my 11th graders to a forest clearing.

My afternoons are spent with these cuties at an association in town that offers after school English and Romanian classes. It's nice to be able to teach such extremes. High schoolers who couldn't care less about learning, and the little ones who get excited over a straw. Here are some pictures from our pumpkin carving extravaganza!

Winter Hath Come

A little too quickly for my taste.

Fall. Don't blink.

Cow butt.

Frosty Sunrise. Yes, sunRISE.

Icy leaf.

Hey There, Buddy

I haven't really adjusted to my busy teaching schedule yet. It's not too many hours, but when you add all the walking, the 1-2 hour gaps, and the carrying of bags to and fro, it becomes taxing. I do enjoy coming home to this fella though, especially with his new do. I always feel better after rubbing his soft nose. I have been sneezed on, but that just shows how close we are.

Szilaj the wild pony.

There are many things that I am unsure of here in Romania. How to teach for example. What I should do after the Peace Corps. Etc. Etc. I have decided, however, that whatever my future holds it will include a horse. (Ponies are not made to carry adults... unfortunately)

Da Pie!

I'm getting fancy.

Ta da!

Thank you, Martha Stewart.