Almost finished.....

Ok-so here are some pics of what I've done to the apartment. It's not quite done, but I'm really happy with the look and feel of it. Lots of color and comfort.

Lubljana pics

School trip to Macedonia

The start of a new year

So things are starting to get settled here in Serbia; we've been in school for about a month and my things have arrived.
So far things are great. I've already visited Macedonia with the 8th graders on their class field trip. This afternoon I head out to Lubljana in Slovenia. A few friends and I are spending the weekend there. Not sure what this will entail, but I'm open to whatever adventures come my way.
I'll be posting pictures soon!

The new place in Belgrade

So here's the LONG overdue update/continuation of my blog. For those of you that don't know-after 3 years of teaching in Senegal and many travels around the world, I'm off to a new adventure teaching in Belgrade, Serbia. I just arrived yesterday with my cats Zerlina and Amie, but no luggage.

Today I took a stroll to the grocery store and got completely lost on my way back. Thankfully, the school driver saw me and brought me back. I don't really understand any Serbian, but I got the gist that he was saying it would take me 7 kilometers to get back to my house with the route I was going rather than two.

Anyways-uploading some pics of my new place. It's not much yet, but I can't wait to decorate when my shipment comes.

I'll keep you updated! and Take care!

Sunday scooter rides

I've gotten in the habit of taking long scooter rides on Sundays. The traffic is light and the weather is usually beautiful, so I take the scooter out to explore the city.  I often get lost, but it's a great way to discover new places and find my way around Dakar.  Only one did I get lost and run out of gas: it was a long, hot walk to the gas station, but now I'm sure to always keep the tank full.  Here are some pictures from this week's ride. 

This is the Place du Souvenir, right on the coast.  I generally start my rides, by going down the Corniche Ouest right along the coast.  It's a beautiful view and a great way to get to downtown Dakar from Ngor, where I live. 
Magic Land, the amusement park.  It's very "retro," complete with rides decorated in the popular motifs of the day, including Star Wars and Inspector Gadget. We went here on a Saturday with the 9th graders a few weeks ago.  The rides are old and a little scary, but it's right on the water and the views from the Pirate Ship are incredible 
Another of many notable monuments on the coast.  This is one of my favorites because of the connection with music. 
I believe this may be part of the Grand Mosque of Dakar, but am not entirely sure.  At this point, I was rather lost and ended up circling past here several times, but seemed unable to get out of this area.  I eventually found my way out when I discovered a Steers restaurant.  Having lived on Steers for months in South Africa, this was a delightful surprise and a chance for some good fast food.