Day one and two

I have to say that flying isn't my favorite thing in the world. I tried to plan it out so that I could sleep on the plane, but I was unable to do so. I ended up staying up for 36 hours straight. I also almost missed my flight to Tirana because I had to wait in 2 passport check lines, and a visa line in Turkey. Luckily I met another packer fan during my layover in Chicago, so I had someone to keep me company during the wait and long flight. I didn't have a window seat into Tirana, so I was straining my neck to see outside. The mountains here are truly breath-taking. I must continue to live in cities that are near mountains.

I arrived at about 8pm there time and was directed to a hotel room, and then went out for a short walk to buy some water and visit and internet cafe to e-mail my mom that I had arrived safely. I came back to the hotel to find out I had free internet and was able to skype briefly with my mom. Sleeping was strange. I passed out quickly for 3 hours, then was awake for 3 hours, and then slept for 4 hours. Currently it is about 3pm (8am back home) and I feel exhausted and ready for more bed. Going to force myself to just stay awake until 10 or so at least so I can try to adjust.

I woke up this morning and had a delicious breakfast (the waiter was insanely attentive to my needs) including some delicious tomatoes and olives! On my way to look at an apartment, Jeff (the cordinator) bought me a machiato(like espresso with foam), and was surprised to see me drink it without adding any sugar. Then I looked at an apartment, which I will be living in. It is a fully furnished one bedroom with 2 balconies. Its located in a little plaza area about 10 minutes from the school. I also got to visit the school and see the classrooms. The classrooms all look the same, fairly small with smart boards and basic desks. The first grade teacher from last year left behind a lot of worksheet resources for reading lessons, so that will be helpful. I also found out I will be teaching one subject of 5th-year students. Then we walked to the center of the city just to look at shops and restaurants along the way. I was shown where I am able to buy peanut butter, but it costs a lot more here. Then we stopped and got a yummy pita sandwich from a fast food place. The sandwich was huge and only cost about $1.50. Generally Jeff said it is almost cheaper to just eat out than to buy food and cook for yourself.

Another teacher, Scott, arrived after this, and we went out for a few beers at a few different places. Beer cost about a dollar here, depending on what kind you want. We looked at two beautiful apartments, but they both cost way more money than the other one I looked at. Then we met another teacher from the school, Dorie, who is Albanian, and went out for dinner. Meatballs, greek salad, french fries, fried cheese, and bread. Then I headed home to bed.

Sleeping on the second night occurred in a similar fashion, except I was completely exhausted upon waking up.  I had some cappucino before looking at the apartment that Scott will be renting. We had some pizza for lunch and then Scott and I headed out on our own to visit "the Blokk" which is the more  fancy part of the city (lots of clubs.) We stopped to buy some phones and to look out of the revolving tower. We also stopped on our way home for gelato (70 cents.) I also bought an Albanian-English dictionary and some post card. (I'll send them as soon as I find out how to...) I took a siesta (to write this blog) and now I'm heading out to dinner somewhere.

My stomach is doing okay, but is a bit confused by the new schedule, and all the meat. Overall I'm doing okay emotionally, probably just because I'm too tired to think about anything other than what I must think about in the moment. Sorry this post is so long, hopefully soon they will start being more specific and less rambling.