Well, the fate gods smiled on me today, I found my flashdrive. I left it in the computer at the cafe yesterday when I put up the hiking pics. I walked in looking very sad, and when the guy handed it to me, I pulled an American and threw my arms up in celebrations. Armenians don't really do that, and all of the other people in the cafe promptly started laughing. I was ok with it though, I had my flash drive back.
That also means that I have now posted ALL of the pics from the festival on Facebook. There are lots of them...enjoy!
and I am sooo in trouble with my tateak for being late for lunch...ooops!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Welcome to my life...
I lost my flash drive. Working on finding it. Hopefully I will. I am going away for a few days and probably won't have internet, but will have it bright and early tuesday morning.
OH! and carved a pumpkin yesterday. It was great, made my day. My host mum got a kick out of it to.
56 days ladies and gentlemen, 56 days...
OH! and carved a pumpkin yesterday. It was great, made my day. My host mum got a kick out of it to.
56 days ladies and gentlemen, 56 days...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Post Incredible Weekend Blues and News
Well, obviously I was going to have a hard time coming down from such a great weekend. I was a little bummed, but got myself back on track after finishing my first scarf in Armenia!! Yay! I also had some really great people to call and talk to, who pulled me out of my slump.
On the plus side, I finished minimizing all of my photos, which means that I will be able to get them up on facebook soon. Very exciting. I am actually trying to do it now, but it is taking a very, very long time, and I am not sure it is working. We will see. If not, then I will definately do it tomorrow.
Since the kids are in Yerevan every day this week (for other festival activities), I have been trying to get some of my English and Armenian lessons planned for when I start teaching in November. My first lesson will be about HALLOWEEN. Thats right, I am bringing it here, exciting stuff. We will be decorating pumpkins (paper or real, not sure yet) and playing some Halloween themed English games. Which will be my frist official English lesson. I am ready for it.
I am also heading up to visit a Green Camp that one of my friends is running this week. My site mate and I hope to have one here in Dilijan next year, and it will be good for me to take a look at how it is done. I am staying there on Saturday (Halloween) night and will probably head to visit my friend David after. I am pretty excited to see all these volunteers and spend time with them.
Speaking of spending time with people, only 57 days until I come home!! woot woot! I cannot wait to come home. Both of my families here are planning on sending me home with all sorts of preserves that they have made. This will include the pasta I described making in Karenis, some pickled carrots and cauliflower, and lots ofI need to decide if being 'red lined' in Boston on Christmas Eve at customs is really worth it. I don't know, I change my mind every day. I think it would be sweet to bring stuff home, and mailing it would be awfully expensive. We will see I guess.
So, you should all be proud of me, I just used my limited Armenian skills to ask the owner about installing JAVA so I can load my pictures. With a lot of pointing and a little charades, he is now phoning a friend to ask him about it. OH, he is talking now, and I understand most of what he is saying, except for when he switches to russian. It is looking good. YES!!!! We are doing it, after all that conversation, I had to show him how, but it is installing as we speak. I am going to leave you know so it runs faster. I miss you all and love you lots! Enjoy the pictures!
On the plus side, I finished minimizing all of my photos, which means that I will be able to get them up on facebook soon. Very exciting. I am actually trying to do it now, but it is taking a very, very long time, and I am not sure it is working. We will see. If not, then I will definately do it tomorrow.
Since the kids are in Yerevan every day this week (for other festival activities), I have been trying to get some of my English and Armenian lessons planned for when I start teaching in November. My first lesson will be about HALLOWEEN. Thats right, I am bringing it here, exciting stuff. We will be decorating pumpkins (paper or real, not sure yet) and playing some Halloween themed English games. Which will be my frist official English lesson. I am ready for it.
I am also heading up to visit a Green Camp that one of my friends is running this week. My site mate and I hope to have one here in Dilijan next year, and it will be good for me to take a look at how it is done. I am staying there on Saturday (Halloween) night and will probably head to visit my friend David after. I am pretty excited to see all these volunteers and spend time with them.
Speaking of spending time with people, only 57 days until I come home!! woot woot! I cannot wait to come home. Both of my families here are planning on sending me home with all sorts of preserves that they have made. This will include the pasta I described making in Karenis, some pickled carrots and cauliflower, and lots ofI need to decide if being 'red lined' in Boston on Christmas Eve at customs is really worth it. I don't know, I change my mind every day. I think it would be sweet to bring stuff home, and mailing it would be awfully expensive. We will see I guess.
So, you should all be proud of me, I just used my limited Armenian skills to ask the owner about installing JAVA so I can load my pictures. With a lot of pointing and a little charades, he is now phoning a friend to ask him about it. OH, he is talking now, and I understand most of what he is saying, except for when he switches to russian. It is looking good. YES!!!! We are doing it, after all that conversation, I had to show him how, but it is installing as we speak. I am going to leave you know so it runs faster. I miss you all and love you lots! Enjoy the pictures!
Katie's Incredible Weekend: Pt 2
We finally made it home and shopped for some food for dinner. I had decided earlier that I was going to make some Mexican food for the other volunteers and my family. After catching some curious stares as the sweaty, muddy Americans speaking Armenian and shopping for food, we broke for showers, which were desperately needed. David and I had a great time making the tortilla chips, and the rest was as simple as chopping tomatoes and browning meat. Dinner was delicious, if I do say so myself. My family seemed to enjoy it, and there weren’t any leftovers. My host mother, sister, and tateak sat with us all for coffee. It was hilarious. I am pretty sure I haven’t laughed that much in a very long time. It was decided that one of the other volunteers was going to read all of our coffee cups and tell us our fortune. Someone, I think my sister, had a lot of stuff going on (read: teller rambling on), and in the middle of the telling my tateak announced pretty firmly that after that sentence the cup was finished, it was time for the teller to move on. I about died. The entire table, both Armenians and Americans, erupted into a laughter that lasted at least 5 minutes. It was a quick trip to back to my site mate’s that night, for a few hands of cards until David walked me home. I had an early morning (again, after a late night) and wanted to be nice and rested for the much anticipated Animal Carnival in Yerevan the next day.
Woke up, without hitting snooze, Sunday morning and cooked up some oatmeal before heading to school. It took us about 1 ½ hours to load all the costumes and all the kids onto the bus, and it was off to Yerevan for the Dilijan Sunchild Eco-Club. We had worked on these costumes for months, and you could tell that everyone was very excited for the big day to finally be here. It took us a couple of hours to get to Yerevan, and when we did everyone was stoked to scramble off the hot bus. A few of the mum’s brought us to Grand Candy for a funnel cake type food. I could feel my arteries clogging as I ate it, but I figure I had to eat it at least once while I am here. When we finished eating, we went back to the square where all the groups were congregating and everyone mingled until we were called a few hours later to get some lunch. We were one of the last to eat, and that made the changing clothes situation on the bus right after just a bit frantic and chaotic. But we did it; I even managed to get pictures of all the animals grouped together. They lined the individual groups up in groups of two, with some type of musical act in between each. We were lucky to be placed near a group of Germans, who were playing some great Brazilian beats the entire time. They were fantastic, and one of my favorite moments was when this little Armenian boy walked up to the drum as large as himself and just started wailing on it, much to the amazement of the large German man holding it. I think everyone was impressed.
When we finally started walking, it was incredible. Between the music surrounding us and the enthusiasm of the children and the crowds, you could tell that we were having an impact. We walked through Yerevan, stopping traffic and drawing crowds. Parents and newspeople scrambled to get pictures, myself included. I was very proud of all of the work my children had done, and it was clear to see the children were proud of themselves. It made the last few months of frustrations worth it.
We walked through Yerevan until we all congregated around three large animal sculptures made entirely of plastic bottles. It was impressive day, but the kids were hot and tired and getting cranky…it was time to go. We walked back to the meeting point and sat for a while waiting for the bus. After everyone was changed, I handed out dinner to all of the very tired children, and their just as exhausted parents. After eating, everyone was feeling much better, so we decided to walk to Republic Square to take some pictures before heading back to Dilijan. It was a gorgeous night, and everyone had a lot of fun. We even ran into some Philipino men, who just as enthusiastically wanted pictures with Armenians as the Armenians wanted pictures with them. After overcoming the initial shock (We are spoiled by the diversity in America), I played translator. Found out that most of the Philipino men thought I was Armenian with great English skills, and boy, were they shocked when I told them I was American. After giving one of the men my email address so he could send me the pictures, we all scrambled back to the bus for the long ride home.
On the bus I had time to sleep, but also to reflect on weekend. The big realization was that it was worth it. All of the frustration over communication issues, time schedules, and costume preparation was worth it. All of the every day frustration of missing my family and friends, the amenities of home, and having a normal life is worth it. Living in another country where I have control over so little, and deal every day with trying to fit and adjust is worth it. Just to see the sense of accomplishment in the children while they were walking in their costumes, to see the amount of people stopped on the street and watching us. I know that being there made a difference that day, even if it made just a few people think a little differently about their trash, or the environment around them. I was proud to be a part of that.
And as always…some shout outs:
Brit F- I miss you and I am here for you, even if I can’t call you every day. Much love lady.
Eric- You are a rock for me. Know that, and know that you are awesome and I love you.
Mem and Gramp- Thank you for the letters, they are one of the few regularly scheduled things in my life, and I cherish them. And yes, I will keep them all until I come home.
Mr. and Mrs. T – I, and my fellow volunteers, thank you for the candy, again. Keep an eye on the kiddies for me, and I thought, Mr. T, that I was in first place when I left? What happened to that?
Sarah Z- Did you get my letter yet??? Ugh.
Lor- Thanks for the talk, I needed it. Don't kill Rosco, and enjoy planning your wedding. It should be a good time, don't forget that!
Woke up, without hitting snooze, Sunday morning and cooked up some oatmeal before heading to school. It took us about 1 ½ hours to load all the costumes and all the kids onto the bus, and it was off to Yerevan for the Dilijan Sunchild Eco-Club. We had worked on these costumes for months, and you could tell that everyone was very excited for the big day to finally be here. It took us a couple of hours to get to Yerevan, and when we did everyone was stoked to scramble off the hot bus. A few of the mum’s brought us to Grand Candy for a funnel cake type food. I could feel my arteries clogging as I ate it, but I figure I had to eat it at least once while I am here. When we finished eating, we went back to the square where all the groups were congregating and everyone mingled until we were called a few hours later to get some lunch. We were one of the last to eat, and that made the changing clothes situation on the bus right after just a bit frantic and chaotic. But we did it; I even managed to get pictures of all the animals grouped together. They lined the individual groups up in groups of two, with some type of musical act in between each. We were lucky to be placed near a group of Germans, who were playing some great Brazilian beats the entire time. They were fantastic, and one of my favorite moments was when this little Armenian boy walked up to the drum as large as himself and just started wailing on it, much to the amazement of the large German man holding it. I think everyone was impressed.
When we finally started walking, it was incredible. Between the music surrounding us and the enthusiasm of the children and the crowds, you could tell that we were having an impact. We walked through Yerevan, stopping traffic and drawing crowds. Parents and newspeople scrambled to get pictures, myself included. I was very proud of all of the work my children had done, and it was clear to see the children were proud of themselves. It made the last few months of frustrations worth it.
We walked through Yerevan until we all congregated around three large animal sculptures made entirely of plastic bottles. It was impressive day, but the kids were hot and tired and getting cranky…it was time to go. We walked back to the meeting point and sat for a while waiting for the bus. After everyone was changed, I handed out dinner to all of the very tired children, and their just as exhausted parents. After eating, everyone was feeling much better, so we decided to walk to Republic Square to take some pictures before heading back to Dilijan. It was a gorgeous night, and everyone had a lot of fun. We even ran into some Philipino men, who just as enthusiastically wanted pictures with Armenians as the Armenians wanted pictures with them. After overcoming the initial shock (We are spoiled by the diversity in America), I played translator. Found out that most of the Philipino men thought I was Armenian with great English skills, and boy, were they shocked when I told them I was American. After giving one of the men my email address so he could send me the pictures, we all scrambled back to the bus for the long ride home.
On the bus I had time to sleep, but also to reflect on weekend. The big realization was that it was worth it. All of the frustration over communication issues, time schedules, and costume preparation was worth it. All of the every day frustration of missing my family and friends, the amenities of home, and having a normal life is worth it. Living in another country where I have control over so little, and deal every day with trying to fit and adjust is worth it. Just to see the sense of accomplishment in the children while they were walking in their costumes, to see the amount of people stopped on the street and watching us. I know that being there made a difference that day, even if it made just a few people think a little differently about their trash, or the environment around them. I was proud to be a part of that.
And as always…some shout outs:
Brit F- I miss you and I am here for you, even if I can’t call you every day. Much love lady.
Eric- You are a rock for me. Know that, and know that you are awesome and I love you.
Mem and Gramp- Thank you for the letters, they are one of the few regularly scheduled things in my life, and I cherish them. And yes, I will keep them all until I come home.
Mr. and Mrs. T – I, and my fellow volunteers, thank you for the candy, again. Keep an eye on the kiddies for me, and I thought, Mr. T, that I was in first place when I left? What happened to that?
Sarah Z- Did you get my letter yet??? Ugh.
Lor- Thanks for the talk, I needed it. Don't kill Rosco, and enjoy planning your wedding. It should be a good time, don't forget that!
Katie's Incredible Weekend: Pt 1
Well…I am very excited to tell you about the amazing weekend that I had, but I am equally disappointed knowing that there is no way I will be able to express how amazing it really was. Inevitably, I will forget some incredible detail, some feeling or just not be able to find the words that I need to tell you about everything. But I am going to give it my best shot.
Friday was the 23rd, Kellie’s 21st birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I being the complete space case that I am, thought about calling her at noon here, when it was 3am her time. So I did not call…then I got all distracted by the arrival of my friend David and some others who were coming to Dilijan for the weekend to go hiking. I did in fact remember, the next day unfortunately, and apologize again Kel, for being a lousy older sister on your 21st birthday. And I promise I will take you out for dinner and drinks when I visit in only 59 days.
Back to how great the weekend was. David and a couple of the other volunteers got into Dilijan around 5ish, and were met with a big smile and hug, and also coffee and dinner at my house. OH, and I should mention their enthusiasm when I offered up some Halloween candy I had received. When I presented David with my last Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, he joked that he was going to carry it close to his heart for a few weeks before eating it. Despite his emotional words, I am pretty sure it didn’t last 15 minutes. Dinner was a loud and full of laughter, as most get-togethers of PCVs tend to be. After David did the dishes for me, thanks again for relieving me of my duties ; ), we all walked to my site mate’s apartment, where the boys would be spending the night. We started to try and plan our hike, and got as far as a meeting time when the ladies called it a night and we walked back to my house. It was late enough for the street lights to be off (they do that in Armenia) and it did not take very long for me to fall asleep.
While the original plan was to get up at 9 and meet at 10, I hit snooze a solid 3 times before we were able to rouse ourselves. At 10:10 the men called and said they were fed and ready to go. We laughed, made some feeble apologies, and told them to pick up the lunch food and meet us at the house, because we were just starting to make breakfast. While my mother scoffed at the amount of food we were preparing, I explained that we were going to be hiking all day, and needed a lot of energy. And, in case you doubt, we ate it all (with a few spoonfuls handed to the newly arrived boys). After cleaning up, we went outside (looking truly American with our dirty boots and heavy packs), picked a mountain, and started walking.
After obtaining help from several strangers, we finally got to the base of the mountain in front of the one we wanted, and started going. There were a few roads, and some cow trails along the way, but we were mostly making our own trail. At one point, a very fun one if I might add, we were walking on the muddy edges of a stream, surrounded on both sides by the gorge walls. It was absolutely gorgeous. We went up and down 2 mountains, and ran into many amazing Fall scenes. David was enthusiastically pointing out mushrooms, while I would get distracted by the amazingness of where I was. We had one of those moments on the way down, where it hit us… We were PCVs in Armenia, hiking of the trail on a random mountain, taking in some of the most beautiful scenes we had ever seen.
I am not going to lie, it was a challenging hike. Due to the lack of trail, we did a lot of precarious ‘up’ climbing. Many times we had to lean all the way over onto our hands to keep our balance. My poor host mother was probably dismayed by the state of my nails when I got back. The hike also gave me a new appreciation for the balance of cows. We followed a lot of their small trails going around the mountains, and they were very, very narrow. Walking behind me, on a particularly steep hill, David even commented “I wish you would stop leaning so precariously over the edge, it would make me feel a whole lot better about this”. We had a laugh, which in retrospect probably didn’t help our balance, but defiantly helped our attitude.
The hike back was taken at a much slower and carefree pace. We stopped many times just to take in the scenes of the mountains, and I am not going to lie, we for sure were a little bit lost. Not sure if lost is really the word though, since we weren’t really following a path. After some scoping and meandering, we ran into an old Armenian man picking berries who led us down the road back into Dilijan. We tried to talk to him, but after a few words in Armenian, he would switch back into Russian. Oh well. On the way down the road, being lead by this sturdy old man, we ran into a few puppies and a little girl that was more than eager to talk to us and have us take her picture. Also, another man threw us some walnuts to snack on.
Friday was the 23rd, Kellie’s 21st birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I being the complete space case that I am, thought about calling her at noon here, when it was 3am her time. So I did not call…then I got all distracted by the arrival of my friend David and some others who were coming to Dilijan for the weekend to go hiking. I did in fact remember, the next day unfortunately, and apologize again Kel, for being a lousy older sister on your 21st birthday. And I promise I will take you out for dinner and drinks when I visit in only 59 days.
Back to how great the weekend was. David and a couple of the other volunteers got into Dilijan around 5ish, and were met with a big smile and hug, and also coffee and dinner at my house. OH, and I should mention their enthusiasm when I offered up some Halloween candy I had received. When I presented David with my last Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, he joked that he was going to carry it close to his heart for a few weeks before eating it. Despite his emotional words, I am pretty sure it didn’t last 15 minutes. Dinner was a loud and full of laughter, as most get-togethers of PCVs tend to be. After David did the dishes for me, thanks again for relieving me of my duties ; ), we all walked to my site mate’s apartment, where the boys would be spending the night. We started to try and plan our hike, and got as far as a meeting time when the ladies called it a night and we walked back to my house. It was late enough for the street lights to be off (they do that in Armenia) and it did not take very long for me to fall asleep.
While the original plan was to get up at 9 and meet at 10, I hit snooze a solid 3 times before we were able to rouse ourselves. At 10:10 the men called and said they were fed and ready to go. We laughed, made some feeble apologies, and told them to pick up the lunch food and meet us at the house, because we were just starting to make breakfast. While my mother scoffed at the amount of food we were preparing, I explained that we were going to be hiking all day, and needed a lot of energy. And, in case you doubt, we ate it all (with a few spoonfuls handed to the newly arrived boys). After cleaning up, we went outside (looking truly American with our dirty boots and heavy packs), picked a mountain, and started walking.
After obtaining help from several strangers, we finally got to the base of the mountain in front of the one we wanted, and started going. There were a few roads, and some cow trails along the way, but we were mostly making our own trail. At one point, a very fun one if I might add, we were walking on the muddy edges of a stream, surrounded on both sides by the gorge walls. It was absolutely gorgeous. We went up and down 2 mountains, and ran into many amazing Fall scenes. David was enthusiastically pointing out mushrooms, while I would get distracted by the amazingness of where I was. We had one of those moments on the way down, where it hit us… We were PCVs in Armenia, hiking of the trail on a random mountain, taking in some of the most beautiful scenes we had ever seen.
I am not going to lie, it was a challenging hike. Due to the lack of trail, we did a lot of precarious ‘up’ climbing. Many times we had to lean all the way over onto our hands to keep our balance. My poor host mother was probably dismayed by the state of my nails when I got back. The hike also gave me a new appreciation for the balance of cows. We followed a lot of their small trails going around the mountains, and they were very, very narrow. Walking behind me, on a particularly steep hill, David even commented “I wish you would stop leaning so precariously over the edge, it would make me feel a whole lot better about this”. We had a laugh, which in retrospect probably didn’t help our balance, but defiantly helped our attitude.
The hike back was taken at a much slower and carefree pace. We stopped many times just to take in the scenes of the mountains, and I am not going to lie, we for sure were a little bit lost. Not sure if lost is really the word though, since we weren’t really following a path. After some scoping and meandering, we ran into an old Armenian man picking berries who led us down the road back into Dilijan. We tried to talk to him, but after a few words in Armenian, he would switch back into Russian. Oh well. On the way down the road, being lead by this sturdy old man, we ran into a few puppies and a little girl that was more than eager to talk to us and have us take her picture. Also, another man threw us some walnuts to snack on.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New Pictures
put up some new pics on myspace today, but man, is it a hassle. More tomorrow, I am running late to work!
OH, and Mum, Sarah Z, and the Thorns..THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I got all 3 packages yesterday, and I will not lie, I cried a lil bit. Absolutly made my day!
Mum- unfortunatly the hairdryer is on the fritz, but my dad is working on it, the slippers are amazing, and the rings and lotion will be a hit!
Sarah Z- your card was awesome, and that lotion smelled amazing
Thorns- thanks for all the Halloween stuff!! I reluctantly am sharing the candy!
Mrs T- your letter was great..I loved the play by play of the cook out!!
I miss you all and love you lots!!
OH, and Mum, Sarah Z, and the Thorns..THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I got all 3 packages yesterday, and I will not lie, I cried a lil bit. Absolutly made my day!
Mum- unfortunatly the hairdryer is on the fritz, but my dad is working on it, the slippers are amazing, and the rings and lotion will be a hit!
Sarah Z- your card was awesome, and that lotion smelled amazing
Thorns- thanks for all the Halloween stuff!! I reluctantly am sharing the candy!
Mrs T- your letter was great..I loved the play by play of the cook out!!
I miss you all and love you lots!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
back to Dilijan...
Well, I have been back in Dilijan for about 3 days now, and am enjoying the relaxed pace of life, as well as the fact that I am not spending crazy amounts of money! But just a little ketchup:
Saturdays Bird trip to Martuni (near Sevan) was great! We saw a lot of birds, and I didn't do to shabby at identification. It also helped that most of them were waterbirds. My favorite views of the day were the Ruddy Shelduck and the buzzards, that was cool. The area was gorgeous. We had a picnic in the trees and the weather was very relaxing. A good time all around.
After, we were dropped of in Charentsavan and took a cab to Karenis. I was sooo excited to see my family again! It was my sister's birthday, so we had horavats (yum!). It was also funny because I am no longer living there, I have reverted back to guest, even though I am there daughter. At one point my host mother reached over my sisters plate to put more food on mine, and told me that I was hungry, and needed to eat. On the sly I slipped half the meat to my sister. It was funny. After all the guests had left, it was time to start making the pasta for the Winter. My mum broke out a tub, literally, and mixed an insane amount of dough (about 3 or 4x the size of my head) and then laid out a cloth tarp. The dough was placed on the tarp and covered, and guess what happened next...WE JUMPED ON IT. Yes, that is in fact the trick to 'kneading' such a crazy amount of dough. We all took turns jumping around on it, and it was such a great time!! oh, and when it was all 'rolled out', it had about a 5 foot diameter. I asked, and was told it would make about 20 kilos of pasta. I was also told that some was being sent to family in Russia, and to my family in America. I was sad when Sunday morning rolled around and it was time to leave for the hike.
My hike in Tzhakadsor on Sunday was amazing. The trail was beautiful, and the company was fun. We even saw a fox!! My first mammal wildlife in Armenia. We were all pretty excited. Also practiced our birding skills. Saw a lot of jays and a buzzard or two. The picnic was also amazing. PB&J sandwiches on wheat bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies. OH boy, were we all excited. It all caught up to me on the cab ride back to Yerevan, I slept the whole way.
Thankfully I only had to wait about 45 minutes for the marshutney back to Dilijan. I got home and started on my scarf (bought needles and yarn in Yerevan) and it was an early night to bed.
I was stoked to get back to work. Although my room is a mess, the costumes look amazing. Well..free internet time is over...more tomorrow!
miss and love you!
Saturdays Bird trip to Martuni (near Sevan) was great! We saw a lot of birds, and I didn't do to shabby at identification. It also helped that most of them were waterbirds. My favorite views of the day were the Ruddy Shelduck and the buzzards, that was cool. The area was gorgeous. We had a picnic in the trees and the weather was very relaxing. A good time all around.
After, we were dropped of in Charentsavan and took a cab to Karenis. I was sooo excited to see my family again! It was my sister's birthday, so we had horavats (yum!). It was also funny because I am no longer living there, I have reverted back to guest, even though I am there daughter. At one point my host mother reached over my sisters plate to put more food on mine, and told me that I was hungry, and needed to eat. On the sly I slipped half the meat to my sister. It was funny. After all the guests had left, it was time to start making the pasta for the Winter. My mum broke out a tub, literally, and mixed an insane amount of dough (about 3 or 4x the size of my head) and then laid out a cloth tarp. The dough was placed on the tarp and covered, and guess what happened next...WE JUMPED ON IT. Yes, that is in fact the trick to 'kneading' such a crazy amount of dough. We all took turns jumping around on it, and it was such a great time!! oh, and when it was all 'rolled out', it had about a 5 foot diameter. I asked, and was told it would make about 20 kilos of pasta. I was also told that some was being sent to family in Russia, and to my family in America. I was sad when Sunday morning rolled around and it was time to leave for the hike.
My hike in Tzhakadsor on Sunday was amazing. The trail was beautiful, and the company was fun. We even saw a fox!! My first mammal wildlife in Armenia. We were all pretty excited. Also practiced our birding skills. Saw a lot of jays and a buzzard or two. The picnic was also amazing. PB&J sandwiches on wheat bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies. OH boy, were we all excited. It all caught up to me on the cab ride back to Yerevan, I slept the whole way.
Thankfully I only had to wait about 45 minutes for the marshutney back to Dilijan. I got home and started on my scarf (bought needles and yarn in Yerevan) and it was an early night to bed.
I was stoked to get back to work. Although my room is a mess, the costumes look amazing. Well..free internet time is over...more tomorrow!
miss and love you!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Yerevan: Day 5
Well, I have been in Yerevan for 5 days now, and it is a blast here. An expensive blast, but one none the less. In my 5 days here I have had Indian food, French toast with REAL maple syrup AND bacon (something I don't eat a lot of in the states, but when it is not an option, it is craved), home cooked thai food (including some amazing homemade peanut sauce) and 1/2 a Wetzels Pretzel. I have also purchased a pair of trail shoes, and some leg warmers (for the upcoming Halloween party). I plan on getting a fall scarf tomorrow. I would like to find a purty yellow one, and mabye some socks, but we will see.
I have also experienced the crazy-packed streets of Republic Square during Yerevan's 2791st birthday on Sunday (pretty sure the entire population of Yerevan was there, no exaggeration) and even got a pin that flashes and says "I love you Yerevan" in Aremenian. Pretty great. I have ridden on a Soviet Era subway all by myself (with directions), gotten stuck in a very sketchy soviet era elevator (for all of 3 minutes before a nice Armenian man rescued me), and have gone dancing at one of the local clubs.
It may be needless to say, but I am not getting much sleep while I am here. I am staying at an apartment that belongs to a pilot from Spain, and a University student from Iran has been our main 'tour guide' and host. 2 other Americans are also here, both in the midst of world travels. 4 other PCVs are staying here with me, and a lot of other people have been through too, all very interesting to talk to. If we don't go out, we sit in and play cards, watch a movie, or listen to music. In all honesty, it has been absolutely amazing and totally worth the sleep deprivation.
The bird class is going pretty good as well. It has been a lot more interesting than expected, and I even bought a guide book because this is something I want to get more into while I am here. I guess gram pointing out all the birds to me in the backyard while I was little had some subconscious impact after all. While I breezed through waterbirds (for obvious reasons), raptors (despite their coolness) and forest birds are giving me issues. I'll get it though, and if not, I will only bring my kids to Sevan to check out waterbirds and pretend the rest don't exist! Tomorrow is the last day of class, and on Saturday we are supposed to go to Sevan for a bird watching trip, which will be nice.
On Saturday I am also going to head back to Karenis!!! I am very excited to see everyone, and will stay until Sunday morning. Sunday I am going on a hike with a few other PCVs and the Country Director. We won a hike and picnic during the auction at the end of PST. I am hoping for some PB and J sandwhiches, or mabye tuna fish. Either would be delicious! It is supposed to be good weather for our hike, and I am excited for breaking in my new trail shoes. I will be taking lots of pictures!
Well...I think we are going to make some grilled cheese before heading off to Kareoke tonight. I am sleepy, but got a small nap in. Hoping that I get my second wind soon, it is a school night!
I love and miss you all very much!
and to wrap things up...
Brit F - you rock. thanks for being on your game with everything! Sorry I was cranky last time, next time I call I will be in a great mood, I promise.
Brit C - enjoy the new house, I will call you soon...miss you and give Elijah a big ol' hug for me!
Sarah D - I miss you! give everyone a hug for me and have fun in school! I can't wait until I see you at Christmas! How's the puppy??
Mum- sorry I only call you on the bad days..I am going to try and call more on the good ones too, I guess except for when I am in Yerevan.
I have also experienced the crazy-packed streets of Republic Square during Yerevan's 2791st birthday on Sunday (pretty sure the entire population of Yerevan was there, no exaggeration) and even got a pin that flashes and says "I love you Yerevan" in Aremenian. Pretty great. I have ridden on a Soviet Era subway all by myself (with directions), gotten stuck in a very sketchy soviet era elevator (for all of 3 minutes before a nice Armenian man rescued me), and have gone dancing at one of the local clubs.
It may be needless to say, but I am not getting much sleep while I am here. I am staying at an apartment that belongs to a pilot from Spain, and a University student from Iran has been our main 'tour guide' and host. 2 other Americans are also here, both in the midst of world travels. 4 other PCVs are staying here with me, and a lot of other people have been through too, all very interesting to talk to. If we don't go out, we sit in and play cards, watch a movie, or listen to music. In all honesty, it has been absolutely amazing and totally worth the sleep deprivation.
The bird class is going pretty good as well. It has been a lot more interesting than expected, and I even bought a guide book because this is something I want to get more into while I am here. I guess gram pointing out all the birds to me in the backyard while I was little had some subconscious impact after all. While I breezed through waterbirds (for obvious reasons), raptors (despite their coolness) and forest birds are giving me issues. I'll get it though, and if not, I will only bring my kids to Sevan to check out waterbirds and pretend the rest don't exist! Tomorrow is the last day of class, and on Saturday we are supposed to go to Sevan for a bird watching trip, which will be nice.
On Saturday I am also going to head back to Karenis!!! I am very excited to see everyone, and will stay until Sunday morning. Sunday I am going on a hike with a few other PCVs and the Country Director. We won a hike and picnic during the auction at the end of PST. I am hoping for some PB and J sandwhiches, or mabye tuna fish. Either would be delicious! It is supposed to be good weather for our hike, and I am excited for breaking in my new trail shoes. I will be taking lots of pictures!
Well...I think we are going to make some grilled cheese before heading off to Kareoke tonight. I am sleepy, but got a small nap in. Hoping that I get my second wind soon, it is a school night!
I love and miss you all very much!
and to wrap things up...
Brit F - you rock. thanks for being on your game with everything! Sorry I was cranky last time, next time I call I will be in a great mood, I promise.
Brit C - enjoy the new house, I will call you soon...miss you and give Elijah a big ol' hug for me!
Sarah D - I miss you! give everyone a hug for me and have fun in school! I can't wait until I see you at Christmas! How's the puppy??
Mum- sorry I only call you on the bad days..I am going to try and call more on the good ones too, I guess except for when I am in Yerevan.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Kickin' it in Yerevan
Well, I have been in Yerevan for like 3 hours now. After my host mum and sister did my hair and got me all 'dolled up' and presentable, I took the Marshutney (by myself, even though my brother called ahead) and took a taxi to the apartment I will be staying in tonight. I was proud. I am staying in the apartment of a young guy that knows most of the EE volunteers, and he has a few roomates. One is mid world biking trip, and the other is traveling the world and doing volunteer stuff. It is pretty sweet! And don't worry Mum, there are a whole bunch of other EE volunteers staying here to. Man, this week is going to be absolutely amazing. We are going for waffles (with bacon AND maple syrup!!!) tomorrow before school, and are going to go dancing at some point this week. Indian food is on the menu for tonight. The bird class starts tomorrow, which will be fun. I just realized this is a huge run on...and it is just me being distracted. Too much going on, well..the last of us just got here and we are going to grab food. love you!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
oh Hayastan....
Well...I am going to start by saying that I was going to load a whole bunch of pictures to facebook today, but, as my luck (or yours) would have it, facebook has decided to not work right now. Slightly obnoxious, I guess it will be a few more days...
I am happy to say that for two entire days I was greep free. That was amazing. I could breathe through my nose (something I think we all take for granted), had my energy back, and didn't have to drink insane amounts of raspberry tea every day! I felt great, and then I woke up today. I could no longer breathe through my nose, I was forced to use a napkin as a tissue, and am coughing up a storm. Lovely. Even my host mother commented, "greep again?", I told her I didn't want to talk about it. And yes, Sarah Z, I can say that in Armenian! When I am finished with this post, I will be walking my sick behind to the store to buy another package of sandpaper-esq napkins, and pray to the Post gods that my Mum's package with the Puffs Plus with Lotion arrives in a timely manner.
Fortunatly for me my host mother's birthday fell on one of my 'healthy' days. It was a very good time. When I got home from work I helped her and one of our neighbor's to make these ravioli/periogie like pasta things. First, I watched my host mum grind the meat. It was beef and pork fat ground together. Don't ask about proportions, I really don't want to think about it. Then she rolled out some dough and put it over this honeycomb shapped cookie cutter thing. Our neighbor and I then filled each little hole with some meat, and another sheet of dough was placed on top. My host mum then rolled out all the freshly made pastas, which we later boiled. These little things (the name starts with a B, but I don't remember it) are actually one of the few things I eat matsoon (the popular yogurt) with. It is tasty enough to almost forget how horrible it is for you.
Her family arrived around 8:30, and we all sat down to eat around 9. The food was good, but what I really looked forward to was dessert. I had helped my mum to decorate her cake earlier in the day, and wanted to try it, but what I really wanted to get my hands on was the grapes. They looked amazing!! and they were...I will miss them in the winter time.
Speaking of..the weather here is still amazing. I will take a day of snow for a week of sun anytime. Despite the fact that my winter clothes have still not arrived..
In more exciting news, on Sunday I head to Yerevan for a week of bird training! While it is going to be very, very expensive...I am excited for a chance to spend time with all my EE friends again, and for a chance to explore. Also, the weekend after I will be going back to my old village for a few days and then for a hike that me and 3 other girls 'bought' during the PST auction. It is with the country director, and includes a picnic that may or may not have peanut butter or chicken salad. Lets cross our fingers for the former.
Work is still going ok. I have decided that teenagers are teenagers no matter what country they grow up in. Yesterday I stood on a chair to get their attention. They may think their new American is a little of her rocker, but you bet they listened to me (pretty much) after that. The language is by far the most frustrating part. I usually am the last one to find things out, and have a hard time getting across what I need to say. I have gotten to the point where I called my teacher before, but am trying to avoid that. What is amusing though is that there are certain children that get my crazy, gramatically incorrect, out of order Armenian and actually translate it into actual Armenian for the other children. My host mum does it with visitors sometimes as well. Thinking about it, it is pretty great.
I also have a running joke going with one of the young boys. He is one of those little boys that just looks like he would hurt himself. One day he picked up the box cutter and I told him to be careful about 8 billion times. Then, in some contorted Armenian I told him that I did not want him going home with just 9 fingers. Now whenever he gets the chance to use the boxcutter (or anything sharp for that matter), he comes and tells me he will go home with one less finger. Kids.
Oh, and pretty sure I might have horrified my host mum the other day when after a particularly harrowing day I said that I didn't want to have children. She didn't respond. I should also mention that at her birthday party one of the guests asked me if I was going home after 2 years or if I would stay in Armenia. I said I will be returning to America, of course. Then he said, "what if you get married?". I told him that if that happened, my mother would come to Armenia and not only kill me, but also my new husband. That caused a few laughs, and successfully changed the subject of the conversation...
well...the power died as I finished typing that last sentence yesterday..and a few things have changed since then. Most importantly...I GOT MY WINTER CLOTHES!! I was very excited, and my host mum went with me to lug it all home. It is now all put away neatly, and I feel like it came just in time because today is pretty chilly.
Also, work yesterday was a million and one times better. whew.
As always, a few shout outs:
Mem- the volunteer in Charentsavan just emailed me, I just got a letter that you sent on July 8th. I think the term 'snail mail' really does apply here!
Dad- thanks for the red hat, I am going to look very unstylish and American, but I will be warm!
I am happy to say that for two entire days I was greep free. That was amazing. I could breathe through my nose (something I think we all take for granted), had my energy back, and didn't have to drink insane amounts of raspberry tea every day! I felt great, and then I woke up today. I could no longer breathe through my nose, I was forced to use a napkin as a tissue, and am coughing up a storm. Lovely. Even my host mother commented, "greep again?", I told her I didn't want to talk about it. And yes, Sarah Z, I can say that in Armenian! When I am finished with this post, I will be walking my sick behind to the store to buy another package of sandpaper-esq napkins, and pray to the Post gods that my Mum's package with the Puffs Plus with Lotion arrives in a timely manner.
Fortunatly for me my host mother's birthday fell on one of my 'healthy' days. It was a very good time. When I got home from work I helped her and one of our neighbor's to make these ravioli/periogie like pasta things. First, I watched my host mum grind the meat. It was beef and pork fat ground together. Don't ask about proportions, I really don't want to think about it. Then she rolled out some dough and put it over this honeycomb shapped cookie cutter thing. Our neighbor and I then filled each little hole with some meat, and another sheet of dough was placed on top. My host mum then rolled out all the freshly made pastas, which we later boiled. These little things (the name starts with a B, but I don't remember it) are actually one of the few things I eat matsoon (the popular yogurt) with. It is tasty enough to almost forget how horrible it is for you.
Her family arrived around 8:30, and we all sat down to eat around 9. The food was good, but what I really looked forward to was dessert. I had helped my mum to decorate her cake earlier in the day, and wanted to try it, but what I really wanted to get my hands on was the grapes. They looked amazing!! and they were...I will miss them in the winter time.
Speaking of..the weather here is still amazing. I will take a day of snow for a week of sun anytime. Despite the fact that my winter clothes have still not arrived..
In more exciting news, on Sunday I head to Yerevan for a week of bird training! While it is going to be very, very expensive...I am excited for a chance to spend time with all my EE friends again, and for a chance to explore. Also, the weekend after I will be going back to my old village for a few days and then for a hike that me and 3 other girls 'bought' during the PST auction. It is with the country director, and includes a picnic that may or may not have peanut butter or chicken salad. Lets cross our fingers for the former.
Work is still going ok. I have decided that teenagers are teenagers no matter what country they grow up in. Yesterday I stood on a chair to get their attention. They may think their new American is a little of her rocker, but you bet they listened to me (pretty much) after that. The language is by far the most frustrating part. I usually am the last one to find things out, and have a hard time getting across what I need to say. I have gotten to the point where I called my teacher before, but am trying to avoid that. What is amusing though is that there are certain children that get my crazy, gramatically incorrect, out of order Armenian and actually translate it into actual Armenian for the other children. My host mum does it with visitors sometimes as well. Thinking about it, it is pretty great.
I also have a running joke going with one of the young boys. He is one of those little boys that just looks like he would hurt himself. One day he picked up the box cutter and I told him to be careful about 8 billion times. Then, in some contorted Armenian I told him that I did not want him going home with just 9 fingers. Now whenever he gets the chance to use the boxcutter (or anything sharp for that matter), he comes and tells me he will go home with one less finger. Kids.
Oh, and pretty sure I might have horrified my host mum the other day when after a particularly harrowing day I said that I didn't want to have children. She didn't respond. I should also mention that at her birthday party one of the guests asked me if I was going home after 2 years or if I would stay in Armenia. I said I will be returning to America, of course. Then he said, "what if you get married?". I told him that if that happened, my mother would come to Armenia and not only kill me, but also my new husband. That caused a few laughs, and successfully changed the subject of the conversation...
well...the power died as I finished typing that last sentence yesterday..and a few things have changed since then. Most importantly...I GOT MY WINTER CLOTHES!! I was very excited, and my host mum went with me to lug it all home. It is now all put away neatly, and I feel like it came just in time because today is pretty chilly.
Also, work yesterday was a million and one times better. whew.
As always, a few shout outs:
Mem- the volunteer in Charentsavan just emailed me, I just got a letter that you sent on July 8th. I think the term 'snail mail' really does apply here!
Dad- thanks for the red hat, I am going to look very unstylish and American, but I will be warm!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Soakin' Up the Last Rays of Sun...
Well, the keyboard on this computer is really, really obnoxious...and drivin me a bit insane, so this is going to be a short one.
The sore throat I woke up with turned in a full blown Flu, despite the ample amounts of rasperry tea that I drank. About the 3rd day in I made a comment to a fellow PCV that I would gladly trade my normal toilet for a squatty potty in exchange for just one, that's right, just one box of Puffs plus with lotion. I meant it to. Tissues are just not used here, everyone has a handkerchief. I thought about investing in one, but honestly...despite years of seeing my grandparents use them, I just can't do it. So what am i using instead?? napkins. thats right. napkins and the notebook paper tough toilet paper that is available here. If you saw my nose, you would understand my desperation for the Puffs with lotion. But vochich...the cold is thankfully on it's way out (cross your fingers for me).
The weather has been amazing here lately..after the freak snow storm that had everyone in a tizzy, the days have been super warm. I even had capris on yesterday and let my legs have a little sun!
Well...i can't stand this keyboard anymore...next time it will be longer i promise, and hopefully pictures...
I miss you all and love you lots!
Sarah Z- the swedish fish are gone, they made it 2 days, and i didn't share either. your box made me super happy...thanks!!!
Brit F- loved talkin to you the other day...very excited for your new apartment..you 3 will have fun, and i can't wait to be there when I visit in only 80 days...you should have a countdown on your fridge or something!
Lor- give me your days off when you get a chance, i'll give a call again. I miss you, and don't stress about the wedding! save your pennies..you have 2 years...
The sore throat I woke up with turned in a full blown Flu, despite the ample amounts of rasperry tea that I drank. About the 3rd day in I made a comment to a fellow PCV that I would gladly trade my normal toilet for a squatty potty in exchange for just one, that's right, just one box of Puffs plus with lotion. I meant it to. Tissues are just not used here, everyone has a handkerchief. I thought about investing in one, but honestly...despite years of seeing my grandparents use them, I just can't do it. So what am i using instead?? napkins. thats right. napkins and the notebook paper tough toilet paper that is available here. If you saw my nose, you would understand my desperation for the Puffs with lotion. But vochich...the cold is thankfully on it's way out (cross your fingers for me).
The weather has been amazing here lately..after the freak snow storm that had everyone in a tizzy, the days have been super warm. I even had capris on yesterday and let my legs have a little sun!
Well...i can't stand this keyboard anymore...next time it will be longer i promise, and hopefully pictures...
I miss you all and love you lots!
Sarah Z- the swedish fish are gone, they made it 2 days, and i didn't share either. your box made me super happy...thanks!!!
Brit F- loved talkin to you the other day...very excited for your new apartment..you 3 will have fun, and i can't wait to be there when I visit in only 80 days...you should have a countdown on your fridge or something!
Lor- give me your days off when you get a chance, i'll give a call again. I miss you, and don't stress about the wedding! save your pennies..you have 2 years...
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