Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ice Gripping Boots

So, over the last week I've been going through all my paperwork, reading all of the PC manuals, handbooks, and information on Romania I received in my welcome packet. It is a ton of material, but I am so, so excited to learn more about where I'll be spending the next two years of my life!!

I was happy to see that cell phones are common in all areas of the country and service is reliable. Mail is very reliable as well (takes 1-2 weeks). However I did read that in the winter (November-March), I might lack heating, hot water and cooking gas...hellooo Peace Corps Experience!! :) Bring it on. I am definitely investing in a super warm jacket and sleeping bag as well as long underwear and extra thick socks.

Looking over the checklist the PC gave me, I noticed that "ice gripping boots" were under the shoe category. So this week I marched over to REI for my first pair of real, waterproof, ice gripping boots. The clerk informed me that I also needed "ice spikes" on the bottom of my boots, (because I'm going to be hiking glaciers?!) so with my new boots and ice spikes I walked around REI, and felt, for the first time, "Wow. This is happening...in 5 WEEKS!!" I walked out with the new boots, new thermal socks, and left the ice spikes for the pros. :)

One huge blessing--dear friends from Epiphany have given me a beautiful hiking backpack!! I was totally shocked and so thankful. I again thank you all for your support..I am so blessed to have you in my life.

More later...

2 comments:

  1. I would like to see a picture of the boots por favor! I have a friend of a friend who are in Bucahrest...more reason for me to come and visit you.

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  2. Ack! Regarding ice spikes: they don't shovel sidewalks here much and it becomes a skating rink just trying to get out the door. At least this year it was because we had a very unusually snowy winter in the southern and eastern part of the country. Some of us got yaktrax. If it's not too much trouble (ugh, hate to say it) bring the spikes. Or have them shipped later.

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