Arrival in Georgia and First Days of Pre Service Training

I've always loved traveling. Road trips, small family vacations, or out of country adventures, I enjoy all the little things about them. Packing, anxiety of getting to places on time, rushing to catch connecting flights, and the touch-down of the plane, it's all so exciting. Even the waiting around serves to just give more time to be excited. This time around was no exception and with the length and significance of this trip, all those sensations were heightened. 

I got to meet all 32 of my fellow trainees (ALL will be future volunteers, I'm sure). In Philadelphia it was pretty much a meet and greet as well as learning the basics about what the Peace Corps is and what it means to be a part of it. My last American dinner was at Morimoto's - not too shabby if I do say so myself.

We travelled for a total of over 27 hours to finally arrive in Georgia. When I caught my first glimpse of snow-capped mountains was about the time I realized I am going to live here. This is going to be my home. 

We had our first cultural experience when we went to the grocery store to pick up last minute necessities (so booze). We got to see the freeway's view of Tbilisi, which was a very neat mixture of old and new, east meets west architecture. We then arrived to our training center in Bazaleti, which is relatively secluded and surrounded by mountains! I CAN SEE A MOUNTAIN WITH SNOW FROM MY WINDOW. 

We have been here in Bazaleti for the last 4 days learning about safety, policy, culture, and language. It's been really great spending time with all of these amazing people. The staff is super helpful, insightful, and friendly and I am thrilled with all the personalities of our group (G13 represent!). 

Today was and is going to continue to be the most exciting day out of PST (pre-service training). We found out our cluster, our PST town, and our host families for the first three months! I have  HUGE family. There are 10 yes TEN members in my house. Including a 1 and a 3 year old so I'll be able to communicate with someone at least haha. 

PST is supposed to be the most trying part of the entire volunteer experience, so I'm interested and anxious to see how it goes. 

TIME FOR LUNCH 

I will try to post more with pictures soon :) 

Naxvamdis! 

(Bye)