SKYPE!!!

So for those of you who have experienced it with me, or travel a lot and know the importance of staying in contact with those you love, please prepare to be amazed by the wonders of SKYPE.

I have used to Skype several times now to call or chat with people, and let me say, I couldn't be happier.

Skype has allowed me to actually TALK with people internationally for free, call people's cell phones for about 2 CENTS a minute, and video conference. The sound quality is fantastic. Lovely. The best part is that my computer is already equipped with a microphone and speakers, so I don't even need a headset! (unless I want privacy of course, but I'm usually by myself in the office anyway) So together, Skype and Apple are making my world a better place. Normally, it would be unthinkable for me to call my Dad for 30 minutes using a calling card or SIM card. The resulting fees would be awful! I am not paid nearly enough to support a cell phone habit. Thus, this technology is helping me keep my sanity and a positive balance in my bank account.

Therefore, for those of you who do not have Skype yet, I would please ask you to download it at http://www.skype.com/.

It is FREE and they provide instructions, so there is no real reason NOT to do it... unless of course you DON'T want to talk to me :(.

Not a whole lot of funny experiences to note as of late. I do however find it humorous that clubs all over Bratislava play American music. "That isn't funny, places everywhere do that!" Yes, I understand, Hollywood will plague my life forever, but the funny part is when dancing I tend to lip sync to the music (or sing out loud, depending on the volume the DJ decides to thrust upon us). Apparently since I am doing it, others would like to join in. Watching people whose first language is NOT English try to lip sync to English songs is a joy that I cannot even begin to explain. It is SO CUTE. Probably as cute as when I am trying to imitate the sounds of their language when they try to teach me useful (or just plain fun) phrases.

Also, I am enjoying being the "American Girl" of the group. It is a source of humor for my fellow AIESECers. My friend Sarp makes fun of me because I have such a big smile. I told him its a trained reaction to seeing cameras.

Everyone asks me to help them with their English, and when reading Cosmopolitan, Vaida will ask what certain words mean. I love it. It makes me feel a sense of belonging and importance. I feel very lucky to have come here at this time so that I could experience this group of people. I know that if I ever travel around Europe, I have couches to crash on wherever I am. That is a comforting notion.