More Philly

Dork alert!
I woke up early this morning for a run through Philly. After yesterday's rain, today's sunshine was welcoming. Though chilly, the weather made for a very clean and fresh smelling city. It was a pleasant stroll along the Schulylkill River banks. The dorky part of the run was my destination, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aka the Rocky stairs. And, yes, I ran up and down them multiple times while listening to Eye of the Tiger. Wow.

Nerd alert!
I spent the rest of this early morning visiting some historical sites of early America. Actually, it's a fitting way to say goodbye to America for the next 2 years.

The Liberty Bell (which is both symbolic and historical) and I - imitating a pose from the Dalai Lama when he visited the bell. It's a little blurry because I was fighting with all the other tourists to get close enough for a photo.

The Congress Hall, our nation's capital building until 1800. FYI - You can get some valuable historical information by following packs of middle schoolers on field trips.

I just gorged on a fabulous cheesesteak from a street vendor. Me and my full belly are headed to Peace Corps meetings for the rest of the day. Wish me luck meeting 60 new people in such a short time!

Philadelphia Flyer

I think the general populace splits 50/50 on this issue, but I really do love flying. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this, by conducting your own non-scientific, non-random, double-blind survey.) Besides the fact that it’s a technological marvel every time a huge chuck of steel converts speed and lift into actual flight, I love the heavenly views of the clouds. It’s impossible to describe to someone who’s never seen it. These textured dollops of fluff seem to go one infinitely into the horizon.

Of course, there is the potential for things to go wrong. And, trust me, I’ve seen Planes, Trains, and Automobiles dozens of times. It’s a hilarious film that takes travel delays to the extreme. If you can see the comedy in these kinds of misfortunes, you’re one giant step ahead in the game.

I’ll share some of my favorite travel tips with you.

1) Laugh it off (see above)
2) Earn rewards miles! Don’t change your spending habits, just consolidate the method with which you pay for things.
3) Bring snacks. Cranky, hungry whiners make for poor travel companions.
4) Podcasts are interesting, educational, fun, and portable means to entertain yourself for hours.

I was going to add something about packing light, but the glaring hypocrisy was too much for me. That’s it from this Philadelphia hotel room. I'm talking with my current roommate, venting about our travels. Kelner, out.

Jetplane Lessons

So now that I'm leaving on a jet plane for my great adventure, I feel like reflecting on what I've learned so far:

Saying goodbye sucks. That must be why people write sappy songs about it (not like that helps).

Packing builds character. 'Cut the fat.' 'Make tough decisions.'

NO ONE has heard of Kyrgyzstan.

We all take the internet for granted. Yes, all of us.

I think that I am way funnier than I actually am. I crack myself up.

The word 'peace' means many different things to different people. For some it's powerful beyond measure. For others, it's lost all of its significance and intent.

People can be much more generous with their enthusiasm and support than you'd think. Especially considering the current state of the economy and global relations.

Nostalgia is a confusing emotion, more akin to a medical condition. It's equally harsh as it is sweet, equally manipulative as it is endearing. Beware.

People all have their own reasons for over-indulgence. Those who are gifted enough can really rationalize anything. That's why a little self-control goes a long way.

Let go of fear. Do it. And then change becomes infinitely more exciting. It is that easy.

When The Cure sang 'Boys Don't Cry,' they were being ironic.

My back is going to be killing me after schlepping these bags across the planet. Even with the best intentions, packing 'light' eludes me.

You can only see the best in people when you're looking for the best in people.

So many more lessons to be learned...none more important than: the journey is the reward.

Mailing Address during Pre-Service Training

Looking for a pen-pal? Although mail service can be unreliable, I'd love to hear from everyone. Once I get there, I can also come up with a list for care packages if you need inspiration. I'd label the envelope/box with both languages if possible, although I'm not sure how necessary that is.

Кыргызстан,
ин. 722140, г. Кант
ул. Ленина 97, РУПС
аб. ящик № 22
Courtney Kelner

Kyrgyzstan,
722140, Kant city
97 Lenina Street, RUPS
Mailbox # 22
Courtney Kelner

I will be using this as my mailing address until June. Since mail can be long delayed, I wouldn't send me anything here after April. I should have an updated one by then anyway.

**Edit:(a fellow volunteer has compiled some further details to illuminate the postal process)

YOU MUST PUT BOTH THE RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH ADDRESS ON ALL MAIL

I am told it’s important to tell the postal clerk that the letter/package is to be sent to Kyrgyzstan. The expected time for non-air mail to arrive is 4 to 6 weeks. Air mail is supposed to make it in 4-10 days, but I have heard from current volunteers that it will take several weeks regardless.

SECURITY:
Regardless of the method (surface or air), mail passes through several countries and postal facilities. Mail – especially packages – sent from the U.S. is a favorite target for opening/pilferage and theft/disappearance but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of pilferage of packages. The primary one is to discourage opening by 1) making it hard and time consuming to open; and 2) making it hard to re-seal it (so that it isn’t so obvious that it was opened). The recommendation is to pack and seal the box (heavily) with tape. Using normal packaging tape and some durable “strapping” tape over it is best. Put an address label on it. Then wrap the box again with brown shipping paper and seal all seems with more tape. Obviously another address label is needed. Again, the idea is to make it look like it will be difficult to open (at all) and to reseal without it being obvious. The second suggestion is to place the symbol of Islam (the Islamic Crescent and Star - see above) on the package in several places. I'm told that this is particularly effective if the symbol is placed along the seams of the outer wrapping – so that it would have to be cut through in order to open the package. The last suggestion (from Peace Corps) for reducing pilferage or theft is to insure the package. I have no idea of the cost and haven’t heard from other volunteers if it has helped. If the USPS will insure a package and it’s affordable, it may make sense. At least the value of the contents could be recovered.

COST AND PACKAGE WEIGHT:
It may pay off to visit the Post Office and learn the “rules” from a postal clerk. Obviously, the costs are very high. I’ve been told that sending packages weighing more than 20 pounds is a huge problem and that it’s actually less expensive to send two lighter packages. Apparently the cost goes up drastically for a package weighing more and we’ve heard of the Postal Service refusing to accept packages over 20 pounds.