You're Duct-Taping What?

It feels good to be up and at-em after about 4 consecutive days of being in bed, courtesy of my sinus infection. Luckily, I felt better by Friday so I was able to go to the first District 2240 Orientation in Trenčin, Slovakia, about an hour from where I live in Martin. All inbounds (exchange students who came to Czechia and Slovakia through Rotary) would be staying Friday through Sunday morning, learning the rules and getting to know each other. It was really cool to be able to meet people who were going through the same thing I was, as well as people who were had different situations. I met people from Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Russia, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and of course, other Americans and Canadians. I stayed in a dorm room with 4 other girls, and surprisingly, it was a lot of fun. We all talked about our experiences with our host families, schools, and new friends (or lack thereof). Rotex ran the orientation, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the various Rotary terms, it's a group of young adults who have been on exchange and are interested in being involved in Rotary. I can't say they were particularly friendly or good at wrangling 72 teenagers, although they treated us like children. I was a little offended. I navigated airports and flew by myself to get here. I left my home and put my trust in complete strangers. I think I deserve a little more recognition, rather than being forced to count off so the Rotex could make sure we were all there. Oh also, in order to make sure we didn't sneak out of our rooms at night, they duct-taped our doors shut and checked them in the morning to make sure the tape wasn't broken. Besides being treated like a 12-year-old, the weekend was really fun. I made a few friends and enjoyed learning more about the culture of Czechia and Slovakia. We even took a little trip to Trenčiansky hrad (Trenčin Castle) and saw a wedding happen!

On Pondelok (Monday), Cande, Joao, and I went with my sister Barbora to a local hospital for a medical examination. In order for us to receive a long-term residence permit, we needed an exam to make sure we weren't carrying any infectious diseases. I knew they were going to take my blood, and from the moment I woke up that morning, I was conjuring up various ways I could get out of it. I will be the first to tell you that I am no less of a baby about getting my blood drawn here than I am at home. I think the doctor who took my blood was a little amused at my dramatics. She then handed me a swab and to my horror, told me (in so many words) to stick it where the sun doesn't shine. After that ordeal, I had to have a chest x-ray taken to make sure I didn't have tuberculosis (good news everyone- I don't). I had to go into a room completely topless with no covering. I was uncomfortable to say the very least. If I never have to go back there again, it will still be too soon.

Later that week, I had my first "sad day". I was tired for no real reason and I felt really lonely. Hardly anyone talked to me in school that day and I went home with a pretty hopeless attitude. I flopped on my bed and stared at my ceiling for an undetermined amount of time until my host mom knocked on my door. She asked if I wanted to go see a nearby castle with Barbora and Milan. I declined, saying I was really tired and sad and just wanted to sleep. She grabbed my hand and held it tight and reassured me that it was okay and that lots of people are supporting me. What would exchange be without a few bad days? She told me to go to the castle and get out of my head a bit, saying I would feel better. I started to get up and get ready until she knocked on my door again. She came in with with some chocolate I brought from Michigan and a horalky, which is one of my favorite Slovak snacks. I think she is an angel in disguise. Milan, Barbora and I started to drive to the castle but angry looking clouds made us change our mind. We headed to see if a historical Slovak village was open, but of course, it wasn't. We got back in the car and sat there, unsure of what to do next. Then rain started beating down on the windshield and all outdoor activities were out of the question. Milan started to drive while we thought of what to do. Long story short- we ended up getting McDonalds. I'm pleased but also slightly scared to report that it tastes the exact same as USA McDonalds.

On Saturday I went with Cande and Joao to a festival in a small town near Martin for Rotary. We dressed up in kroj, or traditional Slovak clothing, and spent the day making and selling fresh apple cider as a fundraiser for the Martin Rotary Club. I can appreciate the beauty and culture of the kroj, but I have to say it wasn't ideal attire to make cider, especially when I couldn't get it dirty. I had a lot of fun making the cider and eating various tasty baked goods, even when I think there were around 20 wasps circling me for the duration of the time I was there. I also got the opportunity to hold a beautiful barn owl and she was kind enough to let me pet her.

I really am experiencing things things this year I never expected to experience, both good and bad. You can decide which is which from this post. I'll leave you will the fact that today is October 1st, which means that it is officially the month of Halloween. And if you don't celebrate Halloween for all 31 days of October, then your life must be very sad. Unfortunately Slovakia doesn't celebrate Halloween, which means I'm going to have to celebrate all by my lonesome. Please go listen to the Monster Mash and hang up some decorations for me while I mourn the loss of my favorite holiday for 2019.