7 Feb...New look for the Quasi-Blog...in order to greatly accelerate my ability to update the blog over the dial-up connection I use here, I am separating the blog into several pages...this month we are on a blue and gray format, which is appropriate because I am trying to discuss the U.S. Civil War with my language and culture students. This class which is taught for students learning English is all young and female...but I chose things like the American Civil War, the Athens music scene, Jazz, the civil rights movement and Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath (including the snake infestation), and the death penalty as topics for the class--they go over great when I teach frat boys in Southern Politics, alas, young Moldovan women studying language have different sensibilities. I know for many of you, its hard enough to imagine my teaching any sort of language! I am practicing my pronunciation and diction carefully--maybe I will get better. Given that I chose "boy" topics for the class will make it a bit tougher--so I am rethinking it. I am very grateful to all of you who sent me literature to teach, that may work the trick! Anyone with any other ideas (especially "girl" ideas), PLEASE send me them. The class is called the American South: People and Culture. I will say that the students in the class have great spoken English skills.

My Political Science classes, on the other hand, seem to be going well and the students are laughing (mostly at times when I tell jokes). I find them bright and inquisitive and am enjoying interacting with them. I can hardly believe that one month ago right now, I was waking up and getting my things in order to leave. I have been in Chisinau for four weeks now and have a bit of a routine in place.

To get to ISPRI, I have to take a Micro-Bus or "Marshrutka" as they call them here (there are pictures to the left). They run set routes through the city and cost 2 lei (or 24 cents) to ride. These little buses are originally constructed to seat 12 people but they have been modified so that there is some "standing room." I counted 27 people on the one I rode back from school today! There must be a reward for which driver can drive the route the fastest, because they all drive incredibly fast--truly an adrenaline rush on the icy streets. That being said, I have been noticing more gray hair on my head, lately.

All is well and more snow is expected over the weekend.

Students in between classes at ISPRI 7 February 2006.

Marshrutkas like the ones I ride to school on...