All the little things people are to polite to ask...

Well, initially this blog was going to be designated to food and food storage in Armenia, but I have decided to expand it a little bit.

First though, I leave soon for a visit to my permanent site, so don't expect anything after this for about a week. I am very, very excited, and some of you should be expecting phone calls (We got paid today!)

Back to the topic. Let's tackle what I know everyone is thinking in the back of their heads but are far too polite to ask...how is the toilet situation? Well, it is pretty varied in Armenia from village to village and family to family. Yerevan is the only place where you are guaranteed a flush toilet (believe me I took full advantage during my trip there the other day!). In my family now, they have a sort of hybrid 'squatty potty', meaning there is a toilet bowl, but no actual seat. Some in my village do have seats though, so the potential is there...it just depends on what the family prefers. Most schools and public places have strictly squatty potties like the ones you are all imagining in your heads though...and it is best to carry your own supply of tissues, because toilet paper is optional.

Food is the most interesting topic for me. After we finish a meal, food is stored in two places. Sausage, vegetables, and soup (and ketchup) is hastily put into the refrigerator. Most potato dishes, pasta, cheese, and jams are stored in a designated food cabinet. And no, I have not been sick yet. It amazes me to be quite honest, but honestly, I think that maybe we are a bit over cautious with our food standards back home. My family has a standard size fridge, and it is usually full (we have lots of people!) but even in smaller families the same standards apply. My leftover pasta salad, for example, is kept in a pot on a shelf in our second kitchen, and will stay there for the next few days till it goes bad (There is no way it will all be eaten!).

Showering is an area where I got very lucky, my family has a tub and shower, like we typically have in America. The shower is the only place where there is hot running water (all other water, like for dishes, is heated on the stove). To get that hot water, you have to open the gas line, turn on the hot water heater, and then stick a match (and your hand) into the heater to light the burner. You then turn up the heater (and corresponding gas) to get the water to the desired temperature. Let me tell you, my wonderful tateak started my shower for me the first few weeks, it is only in the last couple that I have been brave enough to do it myself. Both my tateak and I were very proud of me!

Well...I am going to grab some food at the cafe and hang out with all my new best friends. Miss you all and love you lots! Thank you for the letters and cards, they keep me going!!!