So you are joining the Peace Corp?

Since I started telling people that I'm joining the Peace Corp, I've been getting lots of questions. Here are a few of the most common.

Where are you going? To Albania.

Where's Albania? Or is that in Africa? No, its not in Africa, that's Algeria. Albania is just North of Greece.

Is there an Albanian song? Yes, there is. My boss would be happy to sing it for you.

How long will you be there? 27 months. The first three months are training in Elbasan or a town near there and then the next two years, I'll be assigned to a site somewhere in the country.

Do you know where you will be located? Nope. One of the things that the Peace Corp constantly talks about is being flexible. Fortunately, I'm pretty flexible. But, it makes packing a challenge though!

What will you do with all your stuff? I'm getting rid of a lot of it and then the rest is getting stored in my parent's basement. Thanks Mom and Dad. If you are looking for any furniture, let me know because I have a number of good furniture pieces that are looking for a good home.

Why the heck would you want to do this? There are a lot of reasons and I've thought about this for a long time, but the bottom line is that I was at a point in my life where I could continue doing what I was doing and living where I was living or I could really make a change and do something completely different. I decided that because I don't have many responsibilities that I would do something different!

Is it safe? Of course this is a difficult question because there are no guarantees, but the Peace Corp tries very hard to keep its volunteers safe and Albania is pretty stable politically.

What did your mother say? The people who ask this question usually don't know my parents (who are extremely well traveled.) They both think it is very cool. Although I've heard through some of her friends that she is worried about me!

Do you get paid? Not really. Peace Corp pays for your flight and gives you enough money to live like a local which means I won't be saving much.

Do you know anyone who is going? No, but I do go with a group of about 30. So I'm sure I'll get to know them real quick.

Do they speak English there? No, they speak Albanian. Do you know Albanian? Not a word, but I will be learning.

What will you miss the most? The birth of my first nephew :(

Is that a picture from Albania? No, its from Old Forge, NY, but it can get really snowy up in the mountains of Albania so I though it fit.

That's all the questions for now, but if you post a comment question, I will do my best to answer it!