What I didn't realize about Peace Corps...

Happy New Year from Albania! (Or as we say here... "Gezuar vitin i ri!")

Over the course of the past month, I have been thinking more and more about my love/hate relationship with technology. When I applied to Peace Corps I thought I was going to live in a mud hut somewhere, isolated, with no wifi, no internet, no power. Life in Albania has been quite different. It has become rather passé to complain about things being "too good," and frankly there are benefits, advantages, downsides to any living situation. So why these mixed feelings? I guess it comes down to the old adage "wherever you go, there you are." It is so true. One can wish for a transformation to happen, seeking said change through a new look, new geographic location, countless resolutions to change, or even committing one's self to the care of others (read: bootcamp). Isn't it often the case that although it is easier to change one's address, it still doesn't change the underlying issue that "I am not comfortable with change"?

Okay, so I realize that I just changed the subject from "One" to "I"... I swear that I did that on purpose. I did it because I am guilty. I am guilty of seeking that which I had all along. I sought out far away places, with people seemingly different from the one's I know back home in the US, passionately learning about the local language and wanting so desperately to make a positive impact in my new home. I wanted not just to help transform another place, and hopefully make it better, I wanted to transform myself, make myself more worldly, understand the issues going on outside of my little bubble in San Francisco/Bay Area. I really feel like that transformation is happening, little by little. I am becoming aware that I am indeed a "people person," I'm a lot less concerned about what people think about me, I am more open about my intentions, and am learning how I can remain open enough to befriend someone I had just met. Yes. It happens. You will see if you come and visit. These are things that Albania has changed about me. I merely showed up for the transformation.

So back to the Tech gab. I felt like I had to get off the grid to make this transformation. I thought that I really wanted to disconnect for a while from my American life and dive headfirst into another. Well, I did. What I didn't realize was that whether or not technology is around, I have always had the chance to talk with others, to make friends, to make a positive impact. Technology (in excess or deficit) doesn't change who I am. I can choose to check my Facebook a hundred times a day, but that's just it - It's a choice. I can delete my account if I want. I may have been initially a bit disappointed that I didn't move into a mudhut with no power or wifi, but that doesn't mean I don't face challenges, or that I can't transform. On the contrary, freedom comes from within. If I start looking for validation in cyberspace, my outlook on life starts to get tied into another world. Just like Macklemore says, "Have you read YouTube comments lately?" It is frustrating and tragic. There is so much hate, bigotry, and vitriol in those little lines below the 'Tube. I simply have to shut it off. Besides, I have friends back home to email, and friends in Albania waiting to chat and have coffee. :-)

What I Discovered About Fitness In Peace Corps... ("Wait, Weight, Don't Tell Me!")

Staying fit in Peace Corps can at times be interesting (read: a challenge). I didn't know what to expect in regards to exercise, and I am still learning. It has been a hard road long before Peace Corps. Here’s why:

My gym days in 'Merica :-P

I wasn't the fittest kid growing up, in fact I was what you would call chubby. I didn't know anything about sports, exercise, or nutrition. I had a basic understanding of group sports and calisthenics from middle school and high school PE class, but nothing that would really motivate me to continue. Throughout my 20's, I learned little by little about all these things. Since I didn't play organized sports as a kid, I never learned the basics and had to learn all the do's and don'ts on my own. I suppose that my journey into fitness started during my Senior year of High School. I had been wanting to play football since Junior year, but after several discussions with the football coach, I soon realized that I should have started looooong ago. Of course, this may not be news to most people - but I was not aware, and thus had too late a start. I was kinda screwed straight from the gate. Although football was out of the question, he did suggest that I sign up for his weight training class; and that I did. At the age of 18, I began lifting weights. Though this commitment, I discovered a new passion.

Cut to me 14 years later, joining the Peace Corps. I knew things would be different. I had lots of questions: Will there be any fitness centers or gyms where I’m going? Will I be able to run outside safely? Will I lose my motivation?  How would I adapt?

Well, there is a gym in my town. Although the folks there are very friendly and try to maintain the equipment, it is more often than not in varying stages of disrepair, unfortunately. Better than nothing, right? I'm sure there are Peace Corps places where there isn't a gym for hours away, so I am so grateful. I have been working out there for the last 7 months or so. I am grateful that it exists, but must admit that it isn’t all roses. With very young kids running around, playing with the weights and equipment, (sometimes nearly injuring themselves!) I find it hard to maintain my desire to keep going back. It's hard to be around. I’ve even come in when a guy was smoking a cigarette while doing bicep curls! It’s the contrast you see here so frequently. I could go on, but I like to focus on solutions rather than problems. It's not my place to judge. But since it has been the only gym in town, I found myself going back. Adapt right?

My community gym

Running by the village of Togëz

Having been recently motivated by lack of money to actually afford the gym (more on volunteer "wages" later), I have taken to a habit I usually avoid – running outdoors (especially when it is cold). I’m a gym rat through and through (or gym bunny, which I guess sounds cuter LOL). But okaaaay. Whatev. I found out a few things: 1. It’s not so bad, if you don’t mind a little cold and a lot of onlookers along the way (the villagers don’t see jogging Americans coming through very often. hehe 2. I get to say hello to pretty much all the shop-owners along the way. 3. People get to see “the American” running – who knows? Maybe one day they will join me. :-)
 
My friend Arbi and I have written an outline plan to build a little mini-gym right here at the house. Sweet! Sure it will be basic, but we can make it work. A bench, some cement bricks for box jumps, a bar for pull-ups, parallel bars for dips, a set of free-weight dumbbells and barbells, and a couple gym mats – done! Oh, and of course, a clock. What I discovered about life in Peace Corps is that there are #NoExcuses for missing a workout.

Me and my buddy Arbi after a killer workout

TOP 5(ish) PACKING ITEMS FOR PEACE CORPS

Ok, so there is a weight limit on baggage. Did you know that? Well I didn't until I arrived at the airport. That being said, I definitely knew that the amount of stuff I could bring to Albania would be limited to how much I could physically transport all at once. After all, I have to get it there by myself first, right?? That being said, I had to decide on what to bring and what to leave behind. Here is a list of 5(ish) things (okay 6) that I am glad made the cut. :-)

5. INDEX CARDS– Yes, basic index cards. For the life of me, I cannot seem to find ANY in Albania. I’m kinda old-school when it comes to studying language, and really like to have actual paper flash-cards made to learn new vocab. I’m trying to go digital and switch to Anki, but I am so glad I had these ready when I arrived in country. 

4. RECHARGEABLE MINI-SPEAKER - $14 from Target – This little popup device comes in handy quite often. Having a slow day in the classroom? Why not start a circle dance? (heck, it’s Albania, you should ALWAYS find a way to incorporate circle dancing into your lesson plans!)  lol. What’s even cooler is that you can link these up to increase the volume, and if you twist them, they have a neat little “bass” function. Rechargeable through any USB port!

3. TOYS, TOYS, TOYS! – So back home I had a drawer, and in this drawer I had, well, a bunch of STUFF – knick-knacks, key-chains, thingy’s from conferences (you know, like pens, notepads, chotchkies), wristbands, and other souvenirs that would have never make their way out of said drawer. Well, why let these trinkets die a quiet death? Your baubles can bring a little joy to a kid out here in Albania. It may be an additional burden to carry, but well worth it once you see them smile. :-D (oh, and after returning home, we’ll have less “stuff” to unpack! Hehe (aww yeah!)

Me with a Halloween mask re-purposed for the "Penguin Dance"

2. RECHARGEABLE USB BATTERY - $20 from Radio Shack, this little sucker comes in handy during every long furgon ride. Works with any USB device and can be re-charged through a laptop or any other USB port. Love this thing!

1b. SNOW BOOTS – As a San Francisco native, I’m not used to actual “Seasons.” I am so glad to have these to protect my uber-sensitive California feet. I got my LOWA’s at REI on clearance for around $80. Thanks you Elliott and Sid your help in picking these out! 

 

1a. SLEEPING PAD - Thermarest "Scout" - A gift from my folks (thank you folks!), this has been so handy as most of the buildings in Albania are straight up concrete. When the time comes to crash on someone's floor, you will certainly be glad to have one of these. Oh, it's also great for yoga, meditation or stretching! Another MUST BRING. :-)

TOP TEN Discoveries as a Peace Corps Volunteer

Very, very important discoveries I’ve made as a Peace Corps Volunteer:

Today is "blocky veggie day"

1. Chopping veggies in different ways makes it seem like I’m actually eating something different every day…Look it up! It's like scientific and stuff.
2. My Shqip (Albanian) seems to be getting better but my English seems to be getting worse-r. :-P
3. Little acts of kindness among volunteers go a long way. :-)
4. When in doubt, laugh… and laugh LOUDLY! Sure people may think “oh great, the American has gone crazy” but that’s okay, crazy and happy beats grumpy and sane any day.  (at least that's what the voices in my head say...)
5. Peanuts are good - so very good. Nom nom nom nom…
6. Entertaining visitors is fun! – be they Ex-Pats, other Peace Corps Volunteers, family, friends, or travelers passing through. I’m like “Don’t leaaaaave!” (*tear*)
7. Using Facebook is like handling a double-edged sword. Motivation is great, but it can get lonely living abroad. Comparing one’s self to the best of others is dangerous (especially when you are not feeling your best.) Moderation is key. Having said that, it is also very important to support and cheer others on. (see item #3)

   

   Hedwig and Albania, together at last!

8. Sometimes you have to pat yourself on the back. Right? A lot of Peace Corps work goes on behind the scenes, and may not be acknowledged. With all that goes on, sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader! You don’t necessarily need an outfit, although it might help! :-D Mine would have epaulettes. hehehe
9. Although I joined Peace Corps expecting to get away from technology, internet, constant email, and smartphones, I have found myself in a country with ample wifi and smartphones galore. Lol I am grateful though, as these luxuries allow me to stay in contact with loved ones, share my experience with people back home, and access information to better serve in my community. Thus I can’t complain. Well, I could, but I won’t… too often. :-P
10. Every long bus ride is more fun with a musical accompaniment. My current favorites are: Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Chess, and Mamma Mia. It makes the sporadic vomiting, "interesting" smells and general overcrowdedness seem downright comical!

    

    Me doing a "I want a puppy" face... either that or I'm just bloated.

    
    

Mirupafshim,

-Jon

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