For the first time, I have to split a month into two archive files -- Please check out the 4th of July information on the link shown in the Archive list... now it also includes the actual news article that was added after my friends were notified about that journal update!

Leaving Romania on Vacation - Budapest! -- July 27, 2008

This will just be a taste of my Budapest adventure with my Peace Corps friends. It was so nice to get a glimpse of Hungary and to finally see another Eastern European country. It was a wonderful getaway with terrific people, and I've become a convert to traveling with others instead of always alone. There were really no conflicts at all and everyone had a great time. As you can see from the photos below.
There are many more in the photo gallery!

Our fearless leader, PC Country Director Ken Goodson... and me with another Bunica (grandma)

Fullbright Commission -- Romanian University Students to USA

On July 10, I was asked to be a presenter for the Fulbright Commission in Bucharest, to be on two of the panels for Pre-departure Orientation for outgoing Romanian students who will be studying in the United States. We discussed living in the USA, cultural adaptations, American diversity, and other issues of interest to them. I was also able to visit the Consulate and Embassy, and to attend the Fulbright reception while I was there.

Below, with Mihaela Arsene, Director of Advising Services, and Dr. Dorina Tudor, Executive Director of Fulbright Commission in Romania