So, I made it:) My flights went well, I made them all, and my luggage all arrived in Budapest when I did! Emily met me in Charlotte and we flew out together. Waiting for our plane to leave in Charlotte was fun because there were all kinds of people flying to Munich and the Luftasa staff had fun accents. I got to talk to my mom and also to David for a little while before we left, which was really nice.
The flight was 9 hours long and they played two movies. I slept through Over the Hedge (the only 2 hours of sleep I got) and watched Take the Lead, which I now love and want to purchase. Emily and I didn't get to sit next to each other but I sat behind her and we talked back and forth the whole flight. I was a little cramped because my backpack was huge and wouldn't slide under the seat. It's ok though because I am glad to have all the stuff that was jammed in there. They fed us enjoyable meals and lots of hot tea! I love hot tea! Seeing the stars and moon out of the airplane window was so cool. I took pictures!
The first day was a little rough with jetlag and nausea. I felt pretty sick by the time we had been in Budapest for an hour and my body was all out of whack. They took us to our apartments and Emily started unpacking and decorating. I am so lucky to have such a roommate. She went through all the stuff that was left in our apartment and decided what to keep and throw away and then started cleaning and organizing a bit. I ended up taking a nap, which helped and didn't at the same time.
Everyone at the school is so nice and welcoming! They are always taking us places and making sure we don't need anything. We got a tour of the school and got to make some phone calls on the school's vonage phone. I love that thing. My classroom looks nice and there is plenty of stuff already in there for me to use. All the classrooms have one wall painted a color and mine is painted red! How perfect for the apples! Later that night the director of the school, David Welsh, had us over for dinner and he and his wife were so wonderful. We almost fell asleep by dessert time though. I definitely passed out soon after getting back to my apartment.
Oh, I have no bed yet. Yes, how interesting...
and our toilet is in a closet...ha.
Anyway, the landlord is bringing me a bed today (supposedly) and after two nights on the couch I am excited about that thought. My room is a bit small so I'll haveta do some strategic arranging but I know it'll be great.
Yesterday Lisa Welsh took us to IKEA and the Auchan (french walmart) and we stocked up on stuff for the apartment and food! That was wonderful but we were shopping from 11am to 5pm so we were worn out! We had lunch at the IKEA cafe and dinner at the KFC in Auchan. Today should be food from my kitchen:) I bought a hot pot, and a pillow and duvet (with cover). I also took photos of our apartment and everything in it. I'll post soon! It's interesting shopping here and not being able to read anything but the teachers at the school are so wonderful and they help us navigate. I had my produce weighed, which was eventful (only b/c it was not what I'm used to). At the grocery store they have three aisles for sausage!
OK, I can't think what else I wanted to write about and my head hurts. I haveta eat lunch and look at my class list!! So exciting. If I have left out info about something you wanted to know, tell me! Miss you guys!
Speaking of years ago. This was *edit* four years ago, tomorrow. (well give or take three days) It's kind of a small picture...but it was an actual print that I scanned. Of course this is Jared, Dan, and I after the staff banquet. I wish I could make it bigger! Oh well.
