So we’re here.

Thirty AmeriCorps volunteers have arrived, in a small Alaskan community, during a pandemic.

Who does that?

Well, as it turns out, a bunch of evacuated Returned Peace Crops volunteers (eRPCV).

What AmeriCorps Alaska lacks in mandatory language training, mandatory homestays, and “new” cuisine, it more than makes up in flushing toilets, hot showers, and fast food restaurants.

Do I miss my Peace Corps pee bucket? Nope!

The 2009 romantic comedy “The Proposal,” starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, was set in Sitka. Most of the film was really shot in Rockport, Massachusetts. It’s a shame because Sitka is pretty amazing.

To be far, I’m still taking photos like I’m a tourist. Keep in mind that I’m taking shots of places that I see almost every single day. At least today, there was a pretty good sunset.

In other news, I’m keeping busy with my Peace Corps Close of Service (COS) chores. Peace Corps gave evacuated volunteers 180 days to complete medical and dental exams.

When I arrived in Honolulu, the city was under a stay home order. Now, I can actually schedule appointments, in Sitka. On Monday, I walked 13,000 to and from the hospital. On Thursday, I discovered the local bus.

After two days of sunshine, it’s raining again. It rains here a lot. I hope it pours all this weekend. It will be good sleeping weather. School opens next week. I need to rest.

Sleep, tea, and knitting! I’m bringing my former Peace Corps life to Sitka. Is that PC Goal 3 or 4? —GGT