I've Read She's Very Vermonty

Today was our second hub day in Elbasan. Any chance to see more of Albania is welcome.

As today was a hub day, again I got to see all of A21 in one room. (Usually I only see the 7 other folks who train with me at my site in Kuqan. The full Group A21 has about 46 people.) Again, I was impressed by the caliber of my peers.

For example, this is Kate. I hardly know her at all, but she seems interesting and cool. She's from Vermont. You can tell by her water bottle.

And yes, she has met Bernie Sanders.

Speaking of water bottles, I mistakenly left mine behind in Elbasan on our first hub day last week. But I got it back today.

And that is thanks to the Peace Corps staff. My sincere compliments to them. And I'm not saying that only because I know they read this blog. Just in casual conversation, last week one of my language teachers (Elvana) in Kuqan noticed that my water bottle wasn't next to me in class. I told her that I accidentally left it in Elbasan. So, without me even asking her, she made a couple phone calls or text messages about it; had a photo of the bottle sent to me, so I could identify it; and then had it ready for me to pick up today in Elbasan. And now I have it back. It's a little thing, yes, but all the PC staff has been very attentive and willing to help with anything I need, large and small. I am impressed!

Today we went over security protocols and some health topics, such as how to handle diarrhea and also some nutrition information. Peace Corps training is certainly thorough.

For me, the most memorable part of the hub day today was an extended gender role activity. The men and women were segregated. The women had to pretend that they were men, and vice versa. The "pretend men" were told to misbehave and be condescending or patronizing. The "pretend women" (which included me) had to put up with the pretend men's insufferable behavior. About 5 min. into it, I understood what was going on, and I wanted it to end. But it kept going. And going. It was a time that I was ultimately glad to have been nudged outside my comfort zone. On behalf of my gender, ladies, I'm sorry for all the crap you have had to deal with from us men. In any country. Ever.

Today I also found myself wishing for more time to explore Elbasan. Maybe next Saturday? It seems like there's a lot to see.