October is Here

Thursday, Oct. 1st

I think class on Wednesday went pretty well. Definitely different from the U.S. where most students come in the beginning of the semester and stop coming towards the middle and end. Here, no one comes in the beginning and then they start coming. I had 4 out of 14-17 show up, so it was a little strange. I have no idea how this class will go. Since this is more of a practical, skill-based class rather than a topical one (like women’s history), I am not sure how much information I have to really talk about for 2 hours in class each week. Yikes! I guess I will keep you updated on how it all works out.

All over the city there are these little old ladies, dressed very traditionally and selling small bouquets of flowers:

 On Thursday, I felt like I haven’t done much. After class on Wednesday, I decided to rework my syllabus a bit. I am not sure if it is any better this time, but I like it a little more. I also went in to the American Studies library to get my library card (good for all BBU libraries – each department seems to have its own library – very different!), but I forgot a small picture, so I will have to go back on Friday. I also went sign the contract for my apartment!!! I am so glad that this is working out, and I am excited to move in. The contract is signed for October 10th, which is next Friday or Saturday. But, it would be soooo nice to move in earlier. We’ll see what happens. So, I signed the 3 contracts today and gave the woman 200 lei. I need to come back on Friday with 745 lei and pick up my copy of the contract. The lei that I am dropping off is 900 in total, which equals 225 euros. That is half of the rent and the amount that I need to give as a deposit. Then, I will deposit 450 euros in her account before the 10th. I think I need to look at my bank account to move some money around!!!

The Romanian and European Union flags flying high in the city/village of Gherla:

Since going into town, I have been back at the hotel working on things on the computer. It was a beautiful day after the chilliness of yesterday, which was very nice. I even had my balcony door open for a little bit this evening while I was looking at university positions for next year. Right now, I am typing this out and watching “birth stories” on tv (yes, I know, the choices are not great). And, I am eating my fantastic convenience store dinner: paprika potato chips, chocolate and peanut cookies called dulcissimo, very salty sunflower kernels, and a lemon fanta (different countries appear to have different flavors – lemon in Romania is delicious, lychee in Cambodia was NOT delicious!). As you probably can guess, I am excited to be able to get into a place to make food for dinner. It is tricky at the hotel because there are not really restaurants around here either. I need to remember to bring something back when I go into town during the day so that I am not subsisting on potato chips at night!

On Friday I need to pick up my rent contract, get my library card (maybe check out a few books?!), pick up my debit card and internet banking info from the bank, and I think that is it. I probably will hang out at a coffee shop when I am finished with those errands until it is time to head over to dinner at another one of the Fulbrighter’s house.

And, I leave you with this image of some Romanian graffiti  :)