Just some of the mail I got this week.
Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear meeeee, Happy birthday to me!!! I am officially 24 years old. Don’t necessarily feel it. I can say with confidence that I’ll always be young at heart, or at the very least inappropriate.
So this is how my birthday week went:
Monday & Tuesday:
Last official summer days. Tried to settle back into site after traveling around on my trip.
Wednesday:
First Bell. It is a Ukrainian tradition to have the 1st graders announced and presented with gifts from the 11th graders who are the oldest in the school. Education officials made some speeches. At the end of it all, an 11th grader boy hoisted a 1st grade girl on his shoulder walked around while she rang the “first” bell of the new school year.
School year kickoff party. I went to a local restaurant with 26 teachers (I think there is 30 in all at my school) to celebrate another school year. We ate and drank for the first two hours and then hit the dance floor. At this point, some of my school teachers are a little tipsy and ready to bust a move. I satisfied them calling me to the dance floor with a little shakin’ what my mom gave me. I eventually requested Lady Gaga, “poker face” then followed. It was too funny to see teachers from late20s to late 50s getting their grooves on all at 3pm in a brightly lit banquet hall.
The Ukrainian circle that they love to dance in.
Thursday:
Got a small run in during drizzly weather in the morning. Then for the rest of the day organized my room and had a fabulous time doing that because yes mom I’m that anal. (I didn’t have school because my vice principle told me not to come in until Monday because the schedule wasn’t ready yet.)
Friday:
First dry day of the week so I took advantage of the sunshine by doing 3 weeks worth of dirty clothes by hand and then getting them out on the line.
I got into Lutsk by 5pm met up with my most local volunteers went out for some drinks then dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Drinks at Madagascar in a very African setting and then home to get a good night’s rest.
Saturday:
Chocolate pancakes for breakfast. A little second hand shopping. Gathering of volunteers coming into Lutsk at the cheapest/most tasty pizza place. Pre-gaming with birthday vodka. Awesome Ukrainian restaurant for dinner. Energy drink at our rented flat before the madness of a Ukrainian club. Bed 4amish.
Meet your very friendly Ukrainian Peace Corps Volunteers.
Sunday (my actually birthday):
Plenty of sleeping in. Ukrainian lunch. Turned in the key for our rented flat. Birthday Brownie surprise at Melissa’s apartment. Home at 7pmish for palmente cooked by yours truly and a movieathon before bed.
Today:
School for tea, cookies and candies with my teachers. Figured out my schedule with my vice principle. Got an amazing package of board games that will work awesome for ENG club from Tink. Now just hanging out and might possibly go for a walk since the sun is actually peaking through the clouds.
Thank you everyone who sent me a package, card, or face book message for my birthday. Being away from home isn’t preferred on birthdays but this one was definitely special in Ukraine. Miss you and love you all.
Me and My Best-y (Allison) here in Ukraine.
Highs of Birthday: brownies, being told I was very Liz Lemon, dancing, & great crew of people to spend it with.
Kate
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