Weighing in at.....

A little over a week has past since I began packing. First challenge was to fit all of the clothing that you see below into these three bags to the right. With absolutely no time remaining the seemingly insurmountable task was finally accomplished Thursday February 18. 

After a week of sorting, eliminating and re-sorting and eliminating some additional items, I finally managed to pare done my luggage to a mere 40 lbs. over weight.  However, considering what I had started with 120 lbs. of luggage seemed slim and trim. 

 I on the other hand was not so slim and trim. After one breakfast, four lunches, and five dinners, and several lattes I was beginning to also feel 40 lbs overweight.  Little did I know that this was not the end of my food splurge.  After two more surprise parties and one late night Skyline chili I vowed to abstain from food for forty days and forty nights. 

 I did manage to get all of my multiple carry ons on despite the two carry on rule,  I managed to carry on one pillow, a binder, an 11x14 picture, a back pack, a computer and a roller carry on, and no one even blinked.  To continue my good luck the seat next to me was empty and the lady across the aisle saw my peace corps things and informed me one of her friends is serving in the PC in Guyana, He has been there for a year and she is sending him my e-mail so he can hopefully provide me with some good new comer advice. Is this a small world or what?  Also I happen to be one of the luckiest people I know. 

  

As you can see my fast lasted until the Philly steak and cheese. 

I have had an amazing past week. I have 

unloaded a truck load of things at my friend's

house and she has yet to complain. Every single

friend has met me at my convenience and friends

whom I wanted to see but it just did not work

out were amazingly understanding. I am really

blessed.

Today was the first real Peace Corp day.We all registered and had our first sign in.  We all

started to get acquainted and spent the evening together at Abner's ... the origin of my Philly Cheese.  The group is diverse in both age and geography.  Everyone is interested in getting to

know everyone.  Later some of the group went off to see some of Philly, but I had done that earlier today,  As planned I saw Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and climbed the Rocky steps., all 72 of them, 144 if you count coming down. The steps actually lead to the Art Museum. I was saddened to discover that Sly Stalone actually only did 5 of the steps and a stunt double did the rest, so much for hero's.  At least he looks good as a statue and the steps were fun.

Tomorrow we actually start learning what and where we will be for the next few months. I have learned that I have not been alone on the emotional roller coaster, but was unknown to me accompanied by all of my fellow PCV's.  Since it is now about 2:30 AM I think that it is time for me to sleep.  Less than 24 hours from now I will be on a plane to Guyana. More form there when I arrive.

Hope this post finds all well.  Will be back later.