A Sort of Christmas

As promised, I've posted a few pics. Two are from Codlea. One from Piatra Neamt. The shot with people is the teachers' lounge after Thursday's Christmas concert. What a spread they put out! Tons of food, and lost of drinks. Yes folks, there was some drinking going on in school. It's just how they do it here. It's strange for an American like myself because a drop of alcohol anywhere near a school in the US is taboo. The shot with the houses is a street scene from Codlea. Magura mountain looms in the background. The other pic is of the old saxon church and fortress in the center of Codlea. 900 years old.

Well, I'm ready to leave for Codlea tomorrow morning. It's been a tough week as I was very sick with some sort of virus that gave me high fevers and really bad diareeha all week. I started feeling better yesterday and am about 80% today. I should be able to start eating normal food tomorrow. Thank god. If I have to look at another bowl of rice mush and plate of plain toast I'm going to lose it. Oh yeah, and I never want to drink mint tea again.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you loyal readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I know many who read this and I also hope that there are many others who do as well. So, for those of you who are loyal readers but haven't yet told me, please drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!

2005 has probably been the most challenging year of my life thus far for many reasons. I've experienced so much this year and learned a lot about myself in the process. I guess that this is what I wanted. Two things I have learned: 1) I love my country and will cherish the day I return and 2) The most important thing in life is family and friends. I do think I knew this before, but now I really feel it. When this experience is over, I don't think I'll be able to take these two things for granted ever again. I'm very lucky to be an American and am thankful for all of my family and friends. I love you all.

Naroc si Sanatate si Numai Bine
Craicun Ferecit!!!!!!!!!!!!