Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the comments on my blogs, it is nice to know that people are reading what I am doing!
So I found out my site last Wednesday! I will be going to Aragatsavan in Aragasotn Marz. A marz is area in Armenian. It is located on the eastern side of Armenia, and my village is a border town with Turkey. I will be able to see Turkey from my community but can't visit due to the closed borders. Apparently PC people joke that it is the moon because it is very rocky and dusty. It is warm/hot in summer and has milder winters than everywhere else, but will still get snow on occasion.
I will be the second volunteer in that marz and the first EE volunteer! The paperwork says that they are interested in incoporating environmental topics into their school, either in the curriculum or in after-school activities. It seems very open right now, and I get to find out more when I have a site visit. In about two weeks, I will be going to my site for 4 days! I can't wait to meet my new host family! I have been told that they are very nice with a big house!
4th of July is coming up and we get to throw an American party for our village! I can't wait!
I will post more, but thought I would let you know some of what has been going on!
27 June 2009
18 June 2009
Official Post...
Friday, June 5, 2009
Ok. So first post in country… Here it
goes. For those anxiously waiting, it
has been amazing. Oh my, so much to tell and so little time. Right now it is about 11 at night.
Philadelphia- Staging
I met another PCT (Trainee) in the airport
and we hit it off immediately. We took a
shuttle from the airport to the hotel and talked the whole way. Once we arrived, we met another PCT and took
a walk. We walked to the Liberty Bell
but the line was long, we were hungry, and didn't have much time before we had
to be back for staging to begin. I had a
Philly cheese steak from a street cart and it was pretty good.
Staging was good, a little long, but
necessary. We went over a bunch of
different administrative things. We also
did an icebreaker so that we could begin to get to know each other. It is so interesting how people can get so
friendly so fast. I think it is because
we all have similar mentalities and are so excited that it is finally
happening. It was such a cool
feeling. To be in a room with so many
people that are going through the exact same thing, without having to justify
the decision to volunteer two years of your life… it is just a cool
experience.
After staging, we had the night off and had
a lot of fun. Next day, we were on a bus
to JFK and off to Vienna. A 14-hour layover in Vienna + Instant friends = A fun time! The
plane ride was brutal, but that is just because being on a plane for 8+ hours
is ridiculous. PC supplied us with day
rooms in case we wanted to nap or sleep the whole day. Since I slept maybe 20 mins on the plane, I
took a short hour nap and then went sightseeing with a friend. Then we came back for another short nap, grabbed
our stuff, and headed back to the airport to wait for our plane. We left at about 11 and arrived in Yerevan at 4:30 am. Talk about early…
ARMENIA!!!
HAYASTAN!!!
When we got off the plane and through
security, we collected our luggage and went through customs. There we met a bunch of PC staff and
volunteers. I couldn't help but
smile. I'll admit it, I was
teary-eyed. I can't really describe the
feelings of finally arriving. Surreal is
a good way to describe it. This has been
something that I wanted to do since I was probably 8. To have it actually happening is something
that can't really be explained. I still
think I am dreaming or that it will be over soon. I feel like it is another study abroad
program that will end in a couple of weeks.
After we all piled in the bus, we drove
about half an hour to a site with ruins. I am not sure of the name or of the age, but I will guess old. : ) I
think I heard 5th century but I also think I heard 8th century. Either way, it is old. We take a group picture and are allowed to
explore. In the background, I see
mountains, with get this… SNOW! I know,
snow! How crazy! Lucy, I'm pretty sure we are not in Florida anymore… hehe.
I walked around the site for a little bit
but a lot of us were all hungry/tired/cranky/jet-lagged/sick… SO we headed to
our hotel, which was pretty nice. There
I took a nap, sleeping through lunch, and then we took another trip. We visited another site and met some other
people. I don't want to ruin it for the
A-18s (the next group), so I will just say it was a cool experience.
Training Begins…
The first couple of days, we were placed in
a hotel. I think this was so that we
could adjust to Armenia while still being around our friends. We
had language classes each day and other administrative talks. We met with medical, security, administration,
and technical areas. I am in a language
class with 7 other people and two teachers. They are so helpful! At night, I
played cards (surprise, surprise, I know) with other people and my
competitiveness comes out. Luckily, we
were just playing Uno, so it wasn't too bad. I held back some too, although I think they understand how competitive I
can be.
The hotel days fly by quickly and it was
finally time to meet our host family. While we are in training, we live with a host family in a small village
close to Charentsavan, the main meeting place. The 7 others in my language class are all EE and we are all in the same
village. We have language classes
everyday in our village and go to Charentsavan about once a week. I can't wait to go to Charentsavan so that I
can buy some things that I need. (I know
how vain this is, but I actually need a hair straightener. Armenians are dressed so nicely that I feel
out of place with my hair in my usual mess.)
Host Family
Living with a host family is probably the
best experience so far. While at the
hotel, we had a little celebration that represented us entering the
community. Each PCT took a small piece
of bread and dipped it in salt and then ate it. We then met with our community and our family. My family consists of a mother, father,
brother and sister. They are in their
early teens and are super cool! They all
know a little bit of English, which really helped on the first day. I could only count to ten, say my name, say
it was nice to meet them, and ask how they were. I couldn't actually understand the response,
so it didn't help much. But there were a
lot of smiles and nodding, so it was a good meeting. They gave me red roses, which were absolutely
beautiful and are in my room now. It was
as if they knew how much I love roses! Obviously this was meant to be!
They have been amazing to me. Another trainee said this is the most
helpless he has felt but at the same time so supported. I ditto that comment. I feel helpless in so many aspects, language
(obviously) but even day-to-day things: washing dishes, taking a shower,
walking to school, etc… These are all
things that I know how to do but it is like I become helpless because I don't
want to do something that would offend them (like washing dishes) and I need to
be taught how to turn on the hot water so I can take a shower… all of these
seemingly simple tasks are much more than you think they would be. Add a language barrier and it is three times
as hard! But I have gotten through
it. I have successfully taken a warm
shower, washed the dishes without offending, helped clear the table, and had
conversations past how are you!
Different Country, Same Problem
So a pretty funny thing happened tonight
and was what actually inspired this writing time. Even though I am thousands of miles away from
home, there are so many similarities. The house that I live in is pretty similar to American houses. It is a lot bigger than I thought houses
would be. There are two stories: the
bedrooms are upstairs and the kitchen, living and dining room are
downstairs. We have electricity,
flushing toilets, a warm shower, and many modern luxuries: television, DVD
player, and surround sound.
While watching television tonight, dinner
was served. We moved from the couches to
the dining room table. My host-father
asked for the remote and we all started to look around. None of us could find it. We all got up and looked around at the
couches, the floor, behind the cushions, the kitchen, the table,
everywhere. My father eventually changed
the TV by walking up to it, but it was done reluctantly. We all laughed at the situation. I thought it was hilarious because it is not
just Americans that will spend more time looking for a remote than just walking
up to the TV and changing the channel. We eventually found it, it was stuck between the cushions.
But anyways… it has been awesome. Today I shared pictures of my family and they
loved it. They said everyone in my
family was beautiful and loved the wedding picture of the five of us. They said we all looked beautiful! So I thought I would pass on the compliment…
I have to go to bed now; I have language
class at 9 tomorrow. So far, everything
has been amazing. I can already sense
that this experience is life changing. I
have met some really cool people and have already developed friendships I know
will last a while. I miss home, family,
and friends, but know that I will see them soon. 2 years 3 months isn't that long. I know that these feelings will change and I
will go through different ups and downs, but for now, I am really happy.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 about 7:00 in the
evening.
So the most exciting thing happened… I got
a phone!!! Ahh! I know some of you will
scold me for getting a phone and being so connected to everything, but everyone
here has a phone. I am not using it so
much for calling home (although I will tonight!!!) but it is useful to use with
other volunteers. I would write my
number, but it costs dram to talk, so I am really only giving it to my parents.
Right now I am listening to Hairspray
soundtrack! Love it! Today we were in
Charentsavan for our whole group meeting. We went over more admin, medical, and security stuff. It was nice because we got to see everyone
else and catch. It was good to hear
other stories about host families, language classes, and any awkward/funny
stories.
We also were able to go to an Internet
café. I checked my yahoo email, which
took forever. I also was able to get on
facebook. I wasn't able to post on my blog
because of the time constraint. Yahoo
took forever, but facebook was pretty quick- go figure. I don't know if facebooking was the best idea
because it really made me miss home, friends and family. Although I haven't been gone that long, it
feels like it has been at least a month. I wouldn't say I was homesick as much as I am missing being up to date
with everyone. While home, I know what
is going on with everyone. I know that
will be a major adjustment while I am here.
This past Sunday we had the day off from
language. We had a team building
exercise as part of our training. It is
so that our village becomes closer and works as a team. While working on our team building, a little
boy in the neighboring yard started yelling at us. I don't know what he was mad about; our
trainers said he was saying we couldn't stay there. At first we ignored him and he left. But apparently he was still angry, so this
six year old decides to take the issue into his own hands. Next thing we see him on this killer trike
riding up a rocky road towards us and picks up a rock and continues to yell at
us. One trainer gets up and yells at him
to go home but he decides to throw the rock. The trainer starts walking towards him and asks him where his mom
is. This apparently is the trick because
he gets back on his trike and starts riding away from us. We all got a little kick out of that
because he was so young, yet so angry at us.
Another thing that happened while team
building is we got to go into the lavash factory. Lavash is a type of bread, although it is
more like a tortilla/chipati. It is
giant, about 3 by 1 feet. They showed us
how it was made and kept giving us free lavash. It was delicious!
After team building was wrapping up, the
little boy and his sister are walking around. We didn't know if he had gotten back up or was just bringing his
slightly older sister around to show her the Americans. She is picking flowers and then comes over
and gives us all flowers. She gives it
to all of the girls, except me because she ran out. She is adorable and is half shy, half wanting
to talk to us. Once the flowers were
handed out, they begin to walk away. Next thing, the little boy picks a flower and runs back and hands it to
me. He smiles and then runs away. It was adorable. Talk about mood swings though.
The children's house is right next to the
school and since that encounter, every time a PC walks by, they run to the gate
and say hi and ask us how we are. It is
so funny, but so cool. They are adorable,
and I can't wait to learn more Armenian so I can talk with them.
After team building, our EE trainer offered
to walk us to Charentsavan. This is
when I bought my phone and my…. hair
straightener!!! I am so excited. Even though I bought the phone on Sunday, I
wasn't able to use it until Tuesday because the shop that sold the SIM cards
was closed. But it was a nice shopping
trip, it was also nice to get away for the day even though we went back on Tuesday
for our central day.
The walk to Charentsavan is about a 30-40
minute walk uphill for the most part. I
am definitely learning how to walk the hills. On the way there, we walk through a giant field with so many different
wildflowers. It is absolutely
picturesque, with purples, yellows, whites, and spots of red poppies. I have taken a bunch of pictures but haven't
had the chance to upload them yet.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Today was our first day officially off with
nothing to do except homework. Armenians
have a six-day workweek with Sunday being the day of rest. Although, today was when everyone cleaned
their house, the street, did their laundry, and took a few naps. It was really relaxing. I did my first load of laundry. I am so lucky because my family has a washing
machine… Other villages that some PCTs are in don't get water everyday. It is interesting that a town, probably 20
minutes by car away, doesn't get water everyday, and my family was hosing down
the street to stop the dust from flying up. My village obviously doesn't have a shortage of water, but I wonder how
one village can have such an excess of water, where another only gets water
every three days. We haven't learned
about that yet, but will soon.
I am listening to my iPod right now and it
is on a random mix of songs. I have
heard some Armenian music and for the most part it is pretty good, but I know I
will miss the two years of new music. I would buy cds or request that cds of
new music be sent, but my cd drive on my computer has tapped out. It tapped out in the middle of Pride and Prejudice. Talk about depressing. It was right after Mr. Darcy says he loves Elizabeth and asks for
her hand in marriage. My favorite scene,
probably my favorite scene in any movie, and it cut out. But oh well… I know the movie by heart so I
just finished it in my head. I have
finished reading two books already. Even
though I have had down time enough to finish two books, I feel like I have been
incredibly busy.
This last week, our group has had some kind
of extra PC activity. We had interviews
about site placement, and we should find out our sites in 2 weeks. I am really excited to know where and what I
will be doing. It will be exciting to
also see who is placed around us! This
week we had another team building activity, which was awesome. Our group is really coming together well and
haven't entered the storming phase yet. It will be interesting to see when we enter it and how we, as a group,
manage our way through it.
We also had an optional PC cultural class
yesterday. It was in Charentsavan, so
our group walked there after class. That
was kind of a stupid idea because it was 2:00, hot and uphill. We were all sweating profusely before we even
arrived in Charentsavan. Although the
class started at 3:00, our group went first to get some food. We went back to Bella Café, which has this
amazing chicken dish. We call it the
chicken diaper because it is this pulled chicken wrapped in lavash type bread,
so it looks like a diaper. It is
absolutely delicious! The first time we
went to Bella Café, we got two plates of it and shared with the table. This time, we each got the chicken
diaper. Yum!
We showed up late to the cultural class,
but it was fine because we showed up right when they began to teach the
Armenian dances. If we were sweaty
before, we were sweaty then. But it was
nice because we got to learn some of the traditional steps and some of the
meaning behind the steps. So I now know
1 or 2 Armenian dances! Fun stuff.
After that, our group shopped around a
little and then met back at the café. There we sat and chatted with some of the other villages. Meeting up with people from other villages is
good because I was able hang out with people other then the ones I see
everyday. Although, I wouldn't trade my
group for any other group!
In language class, we have finished the
alphabet and we learned an alphabet song. 39 letters! Oh my! Language class is getting hard but I think it
is because I am not studying as much as I should. But I definitely am talking to my family more
than I have been. Today my host mom said
I am more like her sister than her child, and that she likes me! Always good to hear! I really like my host family because, for one
reason, they are so laid back. Other
families are a little bit more demanding of knowing where and when the PCT is,
but my family is very relaxed. But I
also tell them my plans and when I will be back, and have only been later than
I said once.
Ok. So first post in country… Here it
goes. For those anxiously waiting, it
has been amazing. Oh my, so much to tell and so little time. Right now it is about 11 at night.
Philadelphia- Staging
I met another PCT (Trainee) in the airport
and we hit it off immediately. We took a
shuttle from the airport to the hotel and talked the whole way. Once we arrived, we met another PCT and took
a walk. We walked to the Liberty Bell
but the line was long, we were hungry, and didn't have much time before we had
to be back for staging to begin. I had a
Philly cheese steak from a street cart and it was pretty good.
Staging was good, a little long, but
necessary. We went over a bunch of
different administrative things. We also
did an icebreaker so that we could begin to get to know each other. It is so interesting how people can get so
friendly so fast. I think it is because
we all have similar mentalities and are so excited that it is finally
happening. It was such a cool
feeling. To be in a room with so many
people that are going through the exact same thing, without having to justify
the decision to volunteer two years of your life… it is just a cool
experience.
After staging, we had the night off and had
a lot of fun. Next day, we were on a bus
to JFK and off to Vienna. A 14-hour layover in Vienna + Instant friends = A fun time! The
plane ride was brutal, but that is just because being on a plane for 8+ hours
is ridiculous. PC supplied us with day
rooms in case we wanted to nap or sleep the whole day. Since I slept maybe 20 mins on the plane, I
took a short hour nap and then went sightseeing with a friend. Then we came back for another short nap, grabbed
our stuff, and headed back to the airport to wait for our plane. We left at about 11 and arrived in Yerevan at 4:30 am. Talk about early…
ARMENIA!!!
HAYASTAN!!!
When we got off the plane and through
security, we collected our luggage and went through customs. There we met a bunch of PC staff and
volunteers. I couldn't help but
smile. I'll admit it, I was
teary-eyed. I can't really describe the
feelings of finally arriving. Surreal is
a good way to describe it. This has been
something that I wanted to do since I was probably 8. To have it actually happening is something
that can't really be explained. I still
think I am dreaming or that it will be over soon. I feel like it is another study abroad
program that will end in a couple of weeks.
After we all piled in the bus, we drove
about half an hour to a site with ruins. I am not sure of the name or of the age, but I will guess old. : ) I
think I heard 5th century but I also think I heard 8th century. Either way, it is old. We take a group picture and are allowed to
explore. In the background, I see
mountains, with get this… SNOW! I know,
snow! How crazy! Lucy, I'm pretty sure we are not in Florida anymore… hehe.
I walked around the site for a little bit
but a lot of us were all hungry/tired/cranky/jet-lagged/sick… SO we headed to
our hotel, which was pretty nice. There
I took a nap, sleeping through lunch, and then we took another trip. We visited another site and met some other
people. I don't want to ruin it for the
A-18s (the next group), so I will just say it was a cool experience.
Training Begins…
The first couple of days, we were placed in
a hotel. I think this was so that we
could adjust to Armenia while still being around our friends. We
had language classes each day and other administrative talks. We met with medical, security, administration,
and technical areas. I am in a language
class with 7 other people and two teachers. They are so helpful! At night, I
played cards (surprise, surprise, I know) with other people and my
competitiveness comes out. Luckily, we
were just playing Uno, so it wasn't too bad. I held back some too, although I think they understand how competitive I
can be.
The hotel days fly by quickly and it was
finally time to meet our host family. While we are in training, we live with a host family in a small village
close to Charentsavan, the main meeting place. The 7 others in my language class are all EE and we are all in the same
village. We have language classes
everyday in our village and go to Charentsavan about once a week. I can't wait to go to Charentsavan so that I
can buy some things that I need. (I know
how vain this is, but I actually need a hair straightener. Armenians are dressed so nicely that I feel
out of place with my hair in my usual mess.)
Host Family
Living with a host family is probably the
best experience so far. While at the
hotel, we had a little celebration that represented us entering the
community. Each PCT took a small piece
of bread and dipped it in salt and then ate it. We then met with our community and our family. My family consists of a mother, father,
brother and sister. They are in their
early teens and are super cool! They all
know a little bit of English, which really helped on the first day. I could only count to ten, say my name, say
it was nice to meet them, and ask how they were. I couldn't actually understand the response,
so it didn't help much. But there were a
lot of smiles and nodding, so it was a good meeting. They gave me red roses, which were absolutely
beautiful and are in my room now. It was
as if they knew how much I love roses! Obviously this was meant to be!
They have been amazing to me. Another trainee said this is the most
helpless he has felt but at the same time so supported. I ditto that comment. I feel helpless in so many aspects, language
(obviously) but even day-to-day things: washing dishes, taking a shower,
walking to school, etc… These are all
things that I know how to do but it is like I become helpless because I don't
want to do something that would offend them (like washing dishes) and I need to
be taught how to turn on the hot water so I can take a shower… all of these
seemingly simple tasks are much more than you think they would be. Add a language barrier and it is three times
as hard! But I have gotten through
it. I have successfully taken a warm
shower, washed the dishes without offending, helped clear the table, and had
conversations past how are you!
Different Country, Same Problem
So a pretty funny thing happened tonight
and was what actually inspired this writing time. Even though I am thousands of miles away from
home, there are so many similarities. The house that I live in is pretty similar to American houses. It is a lot bigger than I thought houses
would be. There are two stories: the
bedrooms are upstairs and the kitchen, living and dining room are
downstairs. We have electricity,
flushing toilets, a warm shower, and many modern luxuries: television, DVD
player, and surround sound.
While watching television tonight, dinner
was served. We moved from the couches to
the dining room table. My host-father
asked for the remote and we all started to look around. None of us could find it. We all got up and looked around at the
couches, the floor, behind the cushions, the kitchen, the table,
everywhere. My father eventually changed
the TV by walking up to it, but it was done reluctantly. We all laughed at the situation. I thought it was hilarious because it is not
just Americans that will spend more time looking for a remote than just walking
up to the TV and changing the channel. We eventually found it, it was stuck between the cushions.
But anyways… it has been awesome. Today I shared pictures of my family and they
loved it. They said everyone in my
family was beautiful and loved the wedding picture of the five of us. They said we all looked beautiful! So I thought I would pass on the compliment…
I have to go to bed now; I have language
class at 9 tomorrow. So far, everything
has been amazing. I can already sense
that this experience is life changing. I
have met some really cool people and have already developed friendships I know
will last a while. I miss home, family,
and friends, but know that I will see them soon. 2 years 3 months isn't that long. I know that these feelings will change and I
will go through different ups and downs, but for now, I am really happy.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 about 7:00 in the
evening.
So the most exciting thing happened… I got
a phone!!! Ahh! I know some of you will
scold me for getting a phone and being so connected to everything, but everyone
here has a phone. I am not using it so
much for calling home (although I will tonight!!!) but it is useful to use with
other volunteers. I would write my
number, but it costs dram to talk, so I am really only giving it to my parents.
Right now I am listening to Hairspray
soundtrack! Love it! Today we were in
Charentsavan for our whole group meeting. We went over more admin, medical, and security stuff. It was nice because we got to see everyone
else and catch. It was good to hear
other stories about host families, language classes, and any awkward/funny
stories.
We also were able to go to an Internet
café. I checked my yahoo email, which
took forever. I also was able to get on
facebook. I wasn't able to post on my blog
because of the time constraint. Yahoo
took forever, but facebook was pretty quick- go figure. I don't know if facebooking was the best idea
because it really made me miss home, friends and family. Although I haven't been gone that long, it
feels like it has been at least a month. I wouldn't say I was homesick as much as I am missing being up to date
with everyone. While home, I know what
is going on with everyone. I know that
will be a major adjustment while I am here.
This past Sunday we had the day off from
language. We had a team building
exercise as part of our training. It is
so that our village becomes closer and works as a team. While working on our team building, a little
boy in the neighboring yard started yelling at us. I don't know what he was mad about; our
trainers said he was saying we couldn't stay there. At first we ignored him and he left. But apparently he was still angry, so this
six year old decides to take the issue into his own hands. Next thing we see him on this killer trike
riding up a rocky road towards us and picks up a rock and continues to yell at
us. One trainer gets up and yells at him
to go home but he decides to throw the rock. The trainer starts walking towards him and asks him where his mom
is. This apparently is the trick because
he gets back on his trike and starts riding away from us. We all got a little kick out of that
because he was so young, yet so angry at us.
Another thing that happened while team
building is we got to go into the lavash factory. Lavash is a type of bread, although it is
more like a tortilla/chipati. It is
giant, about 3 by 1 feet. They showed us
how it was made and kept giving us free lavash. It was delicious!
After team building was wrapping up, the
little boy and his sister are walking around. We didn't know if he had gotten back up or was just bringing his
slightly older sister around to show her the Americans. She is picking flowers and then comes over
and gives us all flowers. She gives it
to all of the girls, except me because she ran out. She is adorable and is half shy, half wanting
to talk to us. Once the flowers were
handed out, they begin to walk away. Next thing, the little boy picks a flower and runs back and hands it to
me. He smiles and then runs away. It was adorable. Talk about mood swings though.
The children's house is right next to the
school and since that encounter, every time a PC walks by, they run to the gate
and say hi and ask us how we are. It is
so funny, but so cool. They are adorable,
and I can't wait to learn more Armenian so I can talk with them.
After team building, our EE trainer offered
to walk us to Charentsavan. This is
when I bought my phone and my…. hair
straightener!!! I am so excited. Even though I bought the phone on Sunday, I
wasn't able to use it until Tuesday because the shop that sold the SIM cards
was closed. But it was a nice shopping
trip, it was also nice to get away for the day even though we went back on Tuesday
for our central day.
The walk to Charentsavan is about a 30-40
minute walk uphill for the most part. I
am definitely learning how to walk the hills. On the way there, we walk through a giant field with so many different
wildflowers. It is absolutely
picturesque, with purples, yellows, whites, and spots of red poppies. I have taken a bunch of pictures but haven't
had the chance to upload them yet.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Today was our first day officially off with
nothing to do except homework. Armenians
have a six-day workweek with Sunday being the day of rest. Although, today was when everyone cleaned
their house, the street, did their laundry, and took a few naps. It was really relaxing. I did my first load of laundry. I am so lucky because my family has a washing
machine… Other villages that some PCTs are in don't get water everyday. It is interesting that a town, probably 20
minutes by car away, doesn't get water everyday, and my family was hosing down
the street to stop the dust from flying up. My village obviously doesn't have a shortage of water, but I wonder how
one village can have such an excess of water, where another only gets water
every three days. We haven't learned
about that yet, but will soon.
I am listening to my iPod right now and it
is on a random mix of songs. I have
heard some Armenian music and for the most part it is pretty good, but I know I
will miss the two years of new music. I would buy cds or request that cds of
new music be sent, but my cd drive on my computer has tapped out. It tapped out in the middle of Pride and Prejudice. Talk about depressing. It was right after Mr. Darcy says he loves Elizabeth and asks for
her hand in marriage. My favorite scene,
probably my favorite scene in any movie, and it cut out. But oh well… I know the movie by heart so I
just finished it in my head. I have
finished reading two books already. Even
though I have had down time enough to finish two books, I feel like I have been
incredibly busy.
This last week, our group has had some kind
of extra PC activity. We had interviews
about site placement, and we should find out our sites in 2 weeks. I am really excited to know where and what I
will be doing. It will be exciting to
also see who is placed around us! This
week we had another team building activity, which was awesome. Our group is really coming together well and
haven't entered the storming phase yet. It will be interesting to see when we enter it and how we, as a group,
manage our way through it.
We also had an optional PC cultural class
yesterday. It was in Charentsavan, so
our group walked there after class. That
was kind of a stupid idea because it was 2:00, hot and uphill. We were all sweating profusely before we even
arrived in Charentsavan. Although the
class started at 3:00, our group went first to get some food. We went back to Bella Café, which has this
amazing chicken dish. We call it the
chicken diaper because it is this pulled chicken wrapped in lavash type bread,
so it looks like a diaper. It is
absolutely delicious! The first time we
went to Bella Café, we got two plates of it and shared with the table. This time, we each got the chicken
diaper. Yum!
We showed up late to the cultural class,
but it was fine because we showed up right when they began to teach the
Armenian dances. If we were sweaty
before, we were sweaty then. But it was
nice because we got to learn some of the traditional steps and some of the
meaning behind the steps. So I now know
1 or 2 Armenian dances! Fun stuff.
After that, our group shopped around a
little and then met back at the café. There we sat and chatted with some of the other villages. Meeting up with people from other villages is
good because I was able hang out with people other then the ones I see
everyday. Although, I wouldn't trade my
group for any other group!
In language class, we have finished the
alphabet and we learned an alphabet song. 39 letters! Oh my! Language class is getting hard but I think it
is because I am not studying as much as I should. But I definitely am talking to my family more
than I have been. Today my host mom said
I am more like her sister than her child, and that she likes me! Always good to hear! I really like my host family because, for one
reason, they are so laid back. Other
families are a little bit more demanding of knowing where and when the PCT is,
but my family is very relaxed. But I
also tell them my plans and when I will be back, and have only been later than
I said once.
Anyways, I need to get back to language. I have a feeling we are going to have to sing the alphabet song by
ourselves tomorrow and I should prepare a little bit more.
A, B, G, D, Ye, Z, E, A, T, Jh, Ea, L, Kh,
Ds, Gh, Jh, M, Y, N, Sh, Vo, Ch, P, J, Rrr, G, V, T, R, Ts, U, P, K, Yev, O,
F
If you think I made a mistake and wrote the
same letter a couple of times, no worries. I didn't, they each have a semi-different sound. The B-P-P sounds are a little hard to
differentiate between the two Ps, but I will get it eventually.
Love to everyone! Hope everyone's summer is going nicely!
(Hopefully I will remember to bring my flash drive to Charentsavan so I can
actually upload these posts instead of just writing it on my computer…)
13 June 2009
First Post in Country
So far so good. This is going to be short because it is costing money to be on the internet and my longer post is on my computer in my village. I am currently two weeks in and am loving it! The language is hard, especially because it is a totally different alphabet but it makes sense in the fact that each letter has a specific sound and it doesnt change. Unlike english, where an 'a' can sound 3 different ways, Armenia has a letter for each sound.
But that is language... my host family is really nice. I have a mother, father, brother and sister. My brother and sister are early teens and love to play cards. It works out well. I have been having a lot of down time in the afternoon but will meet people to study or go on short hikes. And hikes they are... being from Florida going to a mountainous region has been quite 'fun'. But oh well... its good for me.
I will post more later, as soon as I remember to bring my flash drive with me...
Love you all! Hope all is well in the States or wherever you are!
Hajo!
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