In Istanbul now. It's 3:33am, but here it's 10:30am. We're leaving for Baku at 1:30. The flight wasn't bad, I picked up some medicine from some fellow PCV's and I'm a true believer now in medicating oneself before such an endeavor. I felt absolutely wonderful. :) No worries here....

Now I'm tired. I'm kind of hungry, despite the yummy croissant on the plane. Knowing some Azeri helps with the signs in the airport. Travelling with 53 other people helps too.

Once we get to Baku we'll begin orientation until Sunday and then move on to our host families, where we'll stay for the next three months. This is where letters will come in handy :)

That's all I can write for now. Like I said, I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I'm in Istanbul.

HELLLLOOO!!! I made it to Philadelphia - completed a few days of training and in about two hours will head to JFK airport and onto Baku (by way of Istanbul) I haven't had email access, and I'm sure not to have it too much in the coming months.

I'll try to post as much as possible...

This time two weeks from now I will be on a plane to Philadelphia. What?
Everything is ready. I'm done purchasing various items which may or may not make my stay any more or less pleasant that it would otherwise be.

Here are some things on my packing list:

- bourgeois wool socks
- elitist-style laptop
- digital camera which includes settings such as "Baby" (1 and 2), "Pet", "Food" etc.
- iPod holding space for more songs than I could possibly listen to, or probably even
like
- Leatherman tool which includes useful items such as a saw, wire stripper and diamond-coated file

I think with these items I'll really fit in with the Azerbaijanis. I jest.

I'm also bringing some other things: a journal, some skirts, some pants, some shirts. My black peacoat, duct-tape (you never know), photo album, etc.

It's hard to comprehend that in three weeks I'll have been in Azerbaijan a week. I can't wrap my mind around it. I'm becoming more and more excited and less nervous. I feel as mentally and physically ready as I will be and look forward to spending time with friends and family until the big day arrives...

Next on the list:

Last day of work (10th)
Go up north (10th-13th)
Cedar Point (14th-15th)
Going Away party (16th)
Move out of apartment (19th)
Begin new life (24th and beyond...)