AZ6.

This month, my Peace Corps group, AZ6, had our COS (Close of Service) Conference. This is the final event of Peace Corps service until the days we leave. We returned to the place where we started, the Aquapark. I remember the first night after we all eventually settled in to our buses on the way to the Aquapark. It was late, we were new, and all I saw was a dark nothing outside the window with brief glimpses of fire and oil rigs. Actually being back at Aquapark didn't hit a sentimental nerve, but being back with the people I started this whole stint with was nice.

My group is a truly special one. Of course, I'm bias, but I do believe, overall, we fit well together. I think we have all have a decent respect for each other and appreciate each individual's need. We enjoyed our time together, but we also knew how to do our own thing. We've come quite a distance from where we started and we've probably all changed to some extent - some more, some less. No matter what has transpired the past 2 years, this group has been my group and when I think about my service, I will think of these people.

I've probably said goodbye to a lot of my group without completely knowing it. We all leave at different times beginning early November. But, for the ones I haven't and won't, it will be quite neat to remeet them outside of Peace Corps.

Ming's Got a Mural.

When I was pleading for money in March for my 2nd year Environmental Project, it was mainly for what has just been completed in Mingechevir today... a mural.

I have had this in mind since I came to Azerbaijan to be a Peace Corps Volunteer. I didn't quite know what was going to be done, but I knew I wanted to bring a mural to wherever I was placed. And, now, it's done. There was a scare the morning of the first session because of an untimely rain (morning session was cancelled), but the rain eventually decided to stay in the looming clouds over our heads and give us some relatively cooler work days. This project has been one of my main focuses for the past year and now there's finally tangible evidence of the work. Awesome. This past week, there were 3 days completely dedicated to the mural and the completion of this project as a whole. My Azeri counterparts were all peaches and did the jobs they were supposed to do. Our artist was fantastic and accommodating, the Ministry connection's faith never failed and connected us to the right people in the Excom and media and Lale was exactly who she's always been to me - a patient, kind and supportive friend. I'm incredibly proud of this project and am glad to have been able to complete it. Now, on to the paperwork...

Below, you can see the progression of the sessions. I hope you enjoy. Thank you all so much, again, for your donations. Because of your funding, Mingechevir has its first legit public art.

A Break.

Annual Leave is a popular thing in the Peace Corps. Well, at least Peace Corps Azerbaijan. It always seems like someone is traveling about or going back to the States.

I've only dipped into my Annual Leave days twice since I've been here and they've both been for Georgia. If you keep up with me by any means, you know I love Georgia. But, now, I'm about to be off to other lands and am taking a massive chunk of my annual leave days - 30 of them.

So, here I am. Taking a break from all that is Azerbaijan, reconnecting with some old friends, seeing new places and, hopefully, returning rejuvenated to tackle the last parts of my final 2 major projects in the Peace Corps - one of which you can donate to here.

I'll be back eventually and will still have 8 more vacation days I can use for one last trip to Georgia.

Student Spotlight: Sama.

Sama (front) with Sabina (who I'm hoping gets FLEX next year) at Novruz.

I mentioned FLEX a long long time ago here. It's been since then we've been waiting on the results from all those kids who applied study in America. We got word not too too long ago and, of the 42 that made it through, I'm happy to report that one of my students, Sama, will be going to America before I even have the opportunity to return. I am so excited that she'll have this chance to learn more about herself in an unfamiliar world.

Sama is one of those girls that's just special. You meet her and she's worlds apart from the majority of her Azeri counterparts. She's worked with Peace Corps Volunteers for years and her overall attitude beams of little parts we've all instilled in her. She's the first to speak in conversation clubs, plays softball with the best of them (and can hit from both the left and right), is a GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) alumna and is game for not necessarily meeting gender roles and norms here. I'm lucky to have gotten to work with her so intensely during this whole FLEX process and she is the product of a wonderful family, dedication, and many many Peace Corps Volunteers. She's a Ming success story, to be sure.

Sometimes, there are people who get the opportunity to study in America, but might not be open to all that entails. I don't see that being the case with her at all. I can't wait to see her in America being what I think of as a 'normal' teenager.

WO goes International.

Whilst in Georgia, Aaron and I had the opportunity to take the Azerbaijan National Writing Olympics Winners' essays to the International Judging to go against Armenia, Georgia and Moldova in a fight to the death... with words, ideas, and pens as swords. We are Peace Corps, afterall.

We rolled into Peace Corps Georgia's office* and met with the WO staff of Georgia and Armenia while keeping in touch via gchat with Moldova for the judging. Our late morning/early afternoon was filled with us reading the best of the best. And, I'm happy to report that Azerbaijan kind of beasted the competition. Out of 11 titles, Azerbaijan took 5! Though, one of those 11 is a bit sketch as only Moldova has a 12th form... whatevs. 2 of those 5 Azeri winners were Mingechevir to boot! All in all, it was a successful day. Congratulations to all the winners, Azerbaijan and elsewhere. Armenia, Georgia and Moldova made for great competition and I'm sad I won't be able to witness this fabulous project expand in the future.

As mentioned in an earlier blog about WO, it truly was wild to experience this project on a whole other level. This was my last WO and I think it's safe to say it's been my favorite. It might even chalk up to being my favorite project I've worked with in country. We'll see. I do try to do a lot of cool things...

*the above picture is not of PC Georgia's office. Just a place in Baku that makes me laugh every time.

Whoa Whoa... WO?

To keep you visually stimulated, here's a picture Evan took while he visited over Novruz.

Don't be too deceived; I know it's pretty, but you can't see all the trash littered throughout.

Donate here to help with the Environment issues here.

There's this project I've been a part of since I became a volunteer in this lovely country. It's called the Writing Olympics, or WO for short (because we in PC like acronyms).

Essentially, at the very root of the project, it's a writing competition for school and university kids all around the country. Now, as this has been something I've worked more in depth with, I've found that it's a lot more than that. It's planning Creative Writing lessons, organizing Volunteers throughout the country and encouraging participation with them and their students, more emails, planning, and budget concerns than I could've imagined. But, seriously, it's not that bad, though it is pretty capable of causing some frustration and headaches.

Last year when I joined up, I was a Point Person for the volunteer group previous to the new ones coming in. Unfortunately before I came in to Peace Corps, Russia invaded Georgia and those volunteers were forced to leave because of the threat of it all. Azerbaijan and Armenia can't hold a competition together because of, well, let's put it mildly and say 'issues'. So, last year's competition was a National one, just within Azerbaijan. And Armenia, too, held their own National event.

This year, that's no longer the case. With fresh faces involved and Aaron taking over the Point Person/Event position, I've been able to label myself with the role of 'mentor,' though this is a whole new experience for me as well. The Writing Olympics this year is back to International scales. We have Armenia, Georgia, and even Moldova involved. We're growing... and I like it. 2 weeks from now, I'll be in the land of milk and honey that is Georgia to participate in the International Judging with Aaron and some volunteers from Armenia and Georgia that I've been in correspondence with since November.

This 2nd year mentality is no joke. It's incredible being able to see projects I work closely with expand. Most of the time, Peace Corps likes to tell us we'll never know how we effect things, so it's nice to be able to witness.

So It's Begun (Part 2)

It's happened. The event I surely knew was coming, but was successfully able to keep myself in denial about. My sitemate, Andrea, is currently on her plane ride back to America. Peace Corps has sent her back to the States (where she was on medical hold for 2 months December - February) to resolve her injured foot.

What?! I know. Trust me, I know.

Coming to Mingechevir last last December, I barely knew Andrea and wasn't sure how and/or if we would even get along. Luckily, my fears were based on pure ignorance and turned out to be not even remotely true. Andrea became a source of sanity for me. She became my go-to person. More so, she became what I would, in any world (Peace Corps or "normal"), call a genuine friend.

A big part of my Mingechevir has left, but I truly am fortunate to have had the sitemates I've had for as long as I have. It's going to be strange not finishing out my service with her and, in the short term, that aforementioned Environmental Project. All I can hope for is that she gets what she needs done to get her as fixed as possible. Well, that plus constant Skype dates.

A 2nd Year Project.

Now that I've been at site for over a year, I'm a bit more respected within the community. Well, at least with the officials (who are the ones that really make or break you big project wise). It has made my 2nd year significantly easier, but also quite a bit busier. When we first become volunteers, I think the majority of us realize our bigger projects are held for the 2nd year because of the trust gained within the 1st year of just being bumbling, looking for volunteer work foreigners.

I've been committing my 2nd year of service to a couple bigger projects and ones that I hold close to my heart. The biggest project currently on my plate is Mingechevir's Environmental one. This idea has been months in the making. In November, Sitemate Andrea and I sat down with the idea of an Art Contest (which is currently being held citywide) promoting the environment and youth's role in it. This idea seemed like it could fit in beautifully with a mural project I'd been toying with since I arrived in this country (the winner of the Art Contest will be the basis for the city's mural). From there it grew a little bit more to include an Environmental Club (which me and Sitemate Sean will be teaching), utilization of the local newspaper to feature youth, and perhaps a couple little gardens. While we're upping the antes this year around, we're not forgetting the yearly Clean Up that past Ming volunteers began and continued.

Here's where we need you guys' help. The costs of this project is around $550. This will include all the supplies we need, majority being for the mural. We've actually gotten quite a bit of support from the community in kind wise including rooms for the club, some free labor, a wall for the mural, newspaper space, and some other things. I have tried my best to not ask for donations in the past, but if you can give a little, it will be thoroughly appreciated. And! Your donation is tax deductible... right on time, yeah?

If you'd like to donate, click here.

Hungry for the Holidays.

I love the Holiday Season. This wasn't always the case, but it most assuredly is now.

This is my second and last Christmas I'll be spending in Azerbaijan. So, I'm kind of going as all out as I currently can. There's a small tree involved as well as other little decorations around the apartment. Yesterday I also did my first round of Christmas baking (motivated mostly by a neighbor's help in getting my electricity box to work again and wanting to thank them). I'm excited; I have some presents wrapped, garland up, Christmas movies ready, and am currently trying to perfect my Christmas '09 playlists. T'is the Season.

I found myself thinking about how my past few Christmases were before coming here. I honestly don't remember the day of very well... actually, not at all. But, I do remember the basic sections of life I was at. I think I'm able to remember that only because of the albums I had in rotation each year. I remember Holiday '05 (the old 111 Records catalogue and a Drive-Thru band sprinkled with various other bands I knew) because I was on the road all the time baking for and hanging out in seedy bars and decent venues all around NC with my band friends. That year, I spent the coldest night of my life at an old friend's house... that is, until I came here.

Holiday '06 (Lydia, Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, Band of Horses) had some of the same, but it also included working at Bath and Body Works, trolling through Gravity Records, and reading at Folks Cafe way too much. I remember '06 for providing an especially amazing Thanksgiving and, on Natalie's birthday, the 22nd, my first tattoo. That was also the Christmas Break of Atlas Shrugged. I think I calmed down a bit Holiday '07 (still Lydia, The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, Stars, Joseph Arthur) but I was still working a lot and stayed in Wilmington for the majority of the time. Cinematique, Thalian Hall, and spending time with Heather processing French Existentialism are my most vivid memories from that year. With all of these memories, I thought about who I was each of those years and how I barely recognize the person I was in '05... and how much I miss being that girl. There are so many people I wonder about from that chapter in my life, but I guess all of that is the cost of 'growing up'. Nevertheless, each of my past Seasons have held some memorable events.

My Holiday '08 and '09 will be forever instilled in my head as the ones I spent in Azerbaijan (provided I don't suffer from some sort of amnesia; knock on wood). Though they're probably not as eventful as the hustle and bustle of American consumerism and fueled with to-go Peppermint soy mochas, I think they're special nonetheless. '08 was my first not in the States and as an actual PCV. I pretended New Years trees were Christmas ones and I was good to go. It also may or may not have included a hat making party. This year, with me having a place of my own, I'm able to just be me and share my holiday with the Azerbaijanis I like the most. We'll bake Christmas goodies, watch old Christmas favorites, listen to Christmas music and I'll get to give presents! I think that for sure qualifies as a wonderful Holiday '09.

Hope to see all of you next Christmas! The thing, aside from being a RPCV, I'm looking forward to next year is meeting my niece. :)

The Year of 2 Thanksgivings.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Top 3, at the very least. I've always been fond of the day, but a few years ago I experienced a Thanksgiving that I will never forget. Ever since that lovely Thanksgiving I find that I look forward to the next one with much anticipation. Last year was my first Thanksgiving in Azerbaijan, but this year was my first real Thanksgiving in Azerbaijan. And, I had 2 of them! I definitely made up for my McDonalds Thanksgiving last year (though it was still nice in its own taste of America kind of way).

My first Thanksgiving was the Peace Corps' Thanksgiving - the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Almost all of my group went to Baku to celebrate at the Charge D'affaires' place. It was a wonderful and generous invitation for him to extend. Meredith, the Country Director, and he provided turkeys and drinks and all the volunteers brought everything else - potluck style. Everything was delicious. We were all also able to stay with American Embassy workers and families. I cannot even begin to express how amazing the family I stayed with was. They were warm, welcoming, friendly and truly American. I was finally able to be in a family dynamic again and I realized how much I miss it. My stay with the family was more incredible than I ever imagined it to be. Not only was it a slice of America family wise,

it was also a complete revisit to the amenities and lifestyle I once took for granted. For the first time in over a year, I was able to use a washer... and a dryer! I currently smell like Bounce fabric softener and it is glorious! It was spectacular to catch up with old friends, eat incredible food, spend some time in Baku, meet new people, and watch a fabulous talent show (that included a speedo, Disney tunes, and human pyramids).

Mingechevir also had our own little Thanksgiving on the actual day. We did another potluck event and I made stuffing and mac and cheese. There was a good amount of more great food and I am still full! It was nice to have a small event after our huge Baku get together and spend quality time with those I spend so much time with. We also had 2 guests, but it was still intimate and great. Not only did I get to eat more yummy food and hang out with people I enjoy, I was also able to Skype my family back home and see everyone! Everyone! I saw my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and the baby! It was the first time I was able to see the baby and my brother as a dad. It was nice to "see" them and spend some of both our holidays with each other, even though we're worlds away.

This year I have a lot to be thankful for. I've come a long way in a year even though, at times, it feels like I've gone no where at all. My support networks are strong and I know I have stellar people in both of my worlds, friends and family. Being with my American Embassy family, I realized I'm able to find wonder in the simple things that exist back home. I have beautiful people in my life in Azerbaijan ranging from my first host family to expat friends and, of course, my Peace Corps family. And, finally, I have an incredible amount of things and opportunities to look forward to in the future. Who knows where I'll be or what I'll be planning on doing a year from now, but I'm thankful for all the prospects - as scary as they may be.

Ah, To be an American High School Student...

I work with some really great youth.  Of the special few, 2 of the girls I've made really great relationships with the past year, with tons of practice and work, have made it to the 3rd round of FLEX.

FLEX?  What's that you ask?  FLEX stands for Future Leaders Exchange and it's a US sponsored program that sends youth from post-Soviet states to America to be a high school student for a year.  Through American Councils, youth all over these countries take tests to qualify for the opportunity.  The 1st round weeds out the ones who shouldn't even be in the room for lack of English knowledge.  The 2nd round is a quite a bit more difficult and only 15% of the original pool make it to the 3rd round to write more essays and interview.  From the 3rd round, only about 50 people from the batch will be invited to study in America and usually only half of that number are from the regions of the country.  Given my calculations, that would average 4-6 from each region testing site (where usually over 800 take the 1st rounds' test).

I've worked with my girls pretty intensely the past few months, beginning in July.  It began as a film and writing club, but has since moved to watching Gilmore Girls (and movies, still), listening to podcasts, and reading books in English.  They've wrote essays and/or short stories for every movie we've watched, we've discussed issues, reviewed grammar and have built vocabulary (I'm pretty confident that my girls are the only ones to correctly use extraordinarily in their essays - I'm leaving my mark).  We've posed question after question, situation after situation, for anything I thought could pop up on the tests.  I wanted my girls to be able to show everyone how great I know they are.  They wrote their essays Monday (one of which was one I posed to them as a timed assignment the day before) and one had her interviews today.  My other girl is interviewing tomorrow.

I'm so proud and lucky to be working with these girls.  And, what's really amazing about this program is if they make it through, I might be able to see them in my environment!  It's been such an incredible experience being there to support them throughout these testing sessions.  Not only has it been great seeing them come out of testings confident and smiling, but I've also been able to see other kids, too, with all of their hopes and dreams unfolding slowly in front of them.  I've been able to see supportive parents who want their kid to have an opportunity they've never imagined would be available.  I've made sure to tell my girls' parents how incredible it is for the girls to get this far and I think they know how big of a feat it is, at least I hope so.  This has been such a motivating experience.

We don't find out until Aprilish if they've been invited to go, but, no matter what, these girls have learned and experienced so much this past year.  And, if they don't make it, they'll definitely rock it out next year.  One of my strongest girls was a smidge too young to take the test this year, so they would be in good company...  

That Second Year Mindset.

With it getting dark 6PM or before, I find that I have a lot of time. Time to watch movies, listen to podcasts and music, read, lesson plan and reflect on my life past and present as well as attempt to try to plan for the future.

I know my posts as of late have been quite reflective on my past year here, but tonight's focal line of thought was about who I was over a year ago when I was still in Wilmington wasting away my summer days hanging out and drinking my nights away downtown. I can't say that fun wasn't had, but that time post college and pre Peace Corps was also something very heavy, uncertain, and confusing. Looking back on my photos from that past life of mine, I can barely recognize that lifestyle anymore and I've come to think when I'm back in that environment, that I don't think I'll take back to it. We'll see, of course, and there will most assuredly be many socially awkward encounters, but I don't see that type of life as mine anymore. I guess, when I really think about it and come down to one feeling about the entirety... I feel so much older than that person then. And, with that thought, a huge part of me feels incredibly absurd as I know how young it is I am and how much life I have yet to live.

I never really understood how people become old and I never thought I really wanted to find that out, but I'm seeing that it just happens. It happens when you're living out commitments and planning for the future ones. It happens when you're reflecting on the past just to realize another day, week, month has passed. Being here a year puts that into perspective for me. And, I know, next year, at this time, I'll be getting ready to jet set out of this popsicle stand in search of my next one.

We're at the point in our service that the next step is all on our minds. We need to take those GREs, think about what it is we want to pursue when we get back, hope that the job market is ready for those ideas of ours... we're figuring out where we want to go afterwards, be it vacation or to live... I feel like it's just one of those times where complete uncertainty just hangs above our heads. I can't speak for the whole of my group, but I know it's on the minds of the ones I've talked to. But, also, while we're in our own heads trying to answer those unpredictable and badgering questions, we're still volunteers. And, I think, having that distraction is incredibly beneficial.

Being here a year has taken its toll, but we're more able to realize what we're actually able to accomplish here and, honestly, life as a volunteer is easier. We're used to this life and we know what is and isn't possible in the environment we're in. I feel successful in the projects and relationships I've invested in. If I can be so content a year in, I'm hoping that by the end of it all I can feel like I've done a good thing and a service to my country, Azerbaijan, and myself.

My countdown has finally taken it's turn. It's no longer counting how many months I've been here, but how little time I feel I have left. Next thing I know it'll be 2010 and my year to go home... granted at the very end of it, but it's the year, nonetheless.

Softballin': Fall Fun.

I love softball.  

We play softball in Mingechevir and it is awesome.  This season was something a bit different... it was all AZ6.  The experience was tumultuous but, in the end, it proved successful.  Not only was it AZ6 running it in the country - in Mingechevir, it was only girls.  I know that doesn't sound like a big deal for all you people back home who're able to mingle with the opposite sex and enjoy the company of anyone you choose but, here, it's a big deal.  The season started off slow with bad weather and very low attendance, but the past 2 weeks were pretty incredible and we were able to gain some very valuable players.  We even named one of our favorite guys, Mensur, Captain!  

Today was the one and only Fall Tournament for this year.  Only 2 teams participated, but it was fun nonetheless.  Tim, Lucy, and Danielle traveled in (though Danielle had to take an emergency trip home) and brought much team spirit and support.  Rolling into town this morning was Gence bringing Mathias, Chris, Katie, Elmer and a really great team.  With my Cubs gear on and a strong team led by a new Captain, we played.

The first game was a close one and Mingechevir squeezed out a 16-15 win with only minutes left on the clock.  Mensur did fabulously guiding our team, creating a line up and manning the field.  We even had a new All-Star player, Allahverdi, shine through the sweetest slide into second I've ever witnessed!  My girls (Sabina and Sama) even came out and played quite wonderfully.  It was a tight game and Gence definitely gave us a run for our money!

The second game was very low in points for the first few innings and Mingechevir's defense was phenomenal - I am so proud!  We were leading that game 8-5 (I think) with only 15 minutes left when the whole game took a huge turn for the worse...  In true stereotypical Azeri male fashion, a group of guys show up and try to force us off the field even though there was another free field right across the way.  Things escalated very quickly and reached a very frustrating peak which included a bit of physical contact from the Azeri guys toward one of our Volunteers.  We were seriously being attacked... over a field.  Since it was near the end of the game, we decided to be the bigger people and leave, letting them treat the guests of their country so badly.  What gets my goat is that they pushed out the kids!  The kids!  Thanks guys for being so selfish.

We pushed aside our frustrations, bonded over the absurdity, and took our lovely group photos.  As angry as the last part of the day made me, I can't forget how incredible of a season it's been (even with the slow start).  I got to continue working and deepen relationships I made last season as well as create new ones.  These kids we worked with are truly the special ones, in my opinion.  They're the ones that make me want to be here and the ones I enjoy spending time with.  These are the kids I'll look back on with fond memories and wonder how they turned out while secretly hoping they're still the special ones who're polite, respectful, and full of untarnished life.  They are why I'm here and I'm better for knowing them.

If I Had Known Then...

Last week, I returned to Sumgayit.  It wasn't the first time since I got out of PST (Pre-Service Training) that I went back, but it was the first time I went back when a new group of trainees were also there.  The AZ7s have arrived and are going full force into cultural immersion in Sumgayit trying to learn the subtleties of the culture and gaining language and work skills to function as a volunteer.  

Going back was probably one of the strangest experiences I've had in this country.  It wasn't bad, at all, but it was incredibly surreal.  I was in the same exact place I was a year ago watching a new group go through what I and my fellow 6s went through.  It was odd being on the other side seeing them adapt to the 'wonders' of Sumgayit for their first real week and suddenly becoming qualified to lead a session at a Hub Day (and not playing Scrabble in the back row) and being a source to answer questions about volunteer life.  I guess we're officially not the newbies anymore.

With my return to Sumgayit was also my return to my old host family.  That was pretty much the one condition I had upon returning to facilitate a session.  I wanted to stay with my family.  Volunteers aren't supposed to go into Sumgayit when the Trainees are there; so, to be able to go back while they were there and do everything I wanted to do was nice.  In returning to my family, I essentially returned home.  A year ago, I was the bumbling quiet American girl in that house trying to communicate in baby phrases and barely making appearances out of my room. Not saying I'm not still that person in some ways... I definitely still pause in conversation, but it was easy this time around.  My family has a new Trainee staying with them this year and it was amazing to be able to serve as a translator and a guide of sorts for her.  I broke that family in for an American and seeing how comfortable she already seems to be... well, you can tell.  I can honestly say, full heartedly, that I love that family.  When I go there, I am in the company of a group of people that genuinely cares for me and enjoys my presence however bizarre it may be.  My dad still jokes with me about playing sports and is still proud when I tell him how games go and how many points I score.  My mom still brings up all those embarrassing stories of my first weeks in country while still being the most loving and animated woman I know here.  And, my sister still teaches me new things about my family and gives me fabulous back massages.  My days back home were incredible and filled with laughter, great food, fun stories, and, yes, a few misunderstandings, but it was cozy, familiar, and secure.  I also came home with 3 jars of my mom's murabbe (fruit preserves), so that was a bonus.

Since I was there on Sunday as well, I found myself at a familiar hangout - the Dove. The Dove is a spot where, every Sunday, you could find an American.  PST is filled with language classes, training sessions, studying, homework, and other tedious assignments.  Sundays were our only day off.  So, at the end of the week, some of us would play some soccer and/or grab a beer (or more) to unwind until we began another intense and tiring week.  I made a comment to the 7s there that it was surreal being in that same exact spot I probably was a year ago but with a whole new group of people.  As out of place as that is for me now, it was a good experience being able to go back and get to know the new group on a more social level in an environment I knew well.  

If I had known then what I know now I would've been able to get about and understand more, but I would have also lost the extreme optimism I had when I first came in.  It was surprising to see how into Peace Corps they are right now and it was a shocking experience for me to see how far away I've gotten away from that this past year at site. It was nice to be reminded of the excitement and enthusiasm that I might have lost.  I think it is extremely beneficial to take what I learned from this return to my Azerbaijani roots and return to site with a different attitude about my service.

So, thank you Sumgayit, family, AZ7s and new friends for those good days, the flood of old memories, and the needed mental refresher.  

Baku Goodbye Tour: Quiches and PCVs.

The next day consisted of lunch with a PCV pal, Amy, and hanging out.  For dinner, we went to Kent's and I got to spend more time with good company.  I had come up with the idea, too, to make a meal for the lovely Amy and Kim for being so gracious as to hosting me in Baku this week.  On the walk from Kent's, I asked Kim what she would want and she said something

 with eggs.  I let my mind wander for a few and thought it would be good to make a quiche.  It's easy, good, and a great brunch food that's light enough for us to all still be hungry at dinner time.  I thought about my amazing friend, Sarah, and her idea for a quiche and I ran with it tweaking where I saw fit.  I was able to spoil my friend and myself with cheddar, broccoli, and a Diet Dr. Pepper!  I'm still excited about how awesome it was.  Keep in mind, I haven't had cheddar since last September, same with Dr. Pepper.  I've only had broccoli twice since being here.  All the aforementioned products are hard to find here and, when you do, it hits your volunteer budget pretty hard.  

That night, we had the final goodbye dinners for Kim and Rob.  Rob left from the restaurant and Kim left early the next morning.  Sad face.  We saw Kim off at 5 am and I'm still coming to the realization I won't be seeing her next time I'm in Baku.  I already miss her a lot.  Goodbye Kim and Rob!

This was also the night of the big hoorah for the AZ5s leaving.  After dinner, dessert, and some lingering about, I headed to the party.  I ducked out early that night because of Kim's impending departure.  I got back and woke up at 4:30ish to say goodbye again and we all helped with taking her stuff down 6 flights of stairs.

I moved from Amy's after Kim's departure and headed over to a friend's to hang out.  It was a quiet day that consisted of a good lunch.  We made our way over to Finnegins for happy hour

 and met up with other volunteers.  Me and Laura snuck out to get apple pie where Bev and Natalie met us and I ran into new friend Evan and Pam!  Baku's a small place, apparently.  This was the majority of the AZ5's last night in town, so we said goodbyes and moved on. 

Sitemate Alexis' birthday was Thursday as was Philosopher's Lunch with Amber!  We trekked over to the Baku Roasting Company, a slice of America in Baku, hung out, chatted, and enjoyed coffee and American music.  I also got to see new friends Kent, Josh, and Evan!  Told you, small place!  I liked it!  I got jacked up on coffee, but was still, somehow, incredibly tired at Bev (and Alexis') dinner at Adams.  Indian food was yummy, but I was dead tired so me, Agsu Rachel, and sitemate Laura peaced out for soft serve at McDonalds.  It was a nice, quiet night and we watched the Bourne Ultimatum.  Or, more accurately, they watched it and I fell asleep a few times.

The rest of Baku was calm and lovely.  I spent quality time with Agsu Rachel and Jacksta, enjoyed sushi, salads, and sandwiches, saw new friend Evan (again!), worked (a little), had a softball meeting, said goodbye to the best 5 ever (Bev), and took the mental health break I needed away from Mingechevir and the 5 cats.  

Softballin'.

Sometimes what I call work here is something I would definitely be doing anywhere, especially in the summer. This season, I've been lucky enough to be able to put softball into my "work" schedule.  Best job ever.  

We just finished our summer season with 2 tournaments, one in Mingechevir and one in Gence.  Mingechevir's tournament was really great with a good amount of PCVs popping up and 3 teams.  We came in second there and Gence took the win.  But!  This past weekend, the final tournament, Mingechevir and Gence played a tight game and Ming took it home!  Hooray!  Apparently for the past 4 years Mingechevir has won the final "tournament," so it's fun to know we weren't completely defeated.  

This season really was pretty fantastic with all the usual ups and downs Azerbaijan holds for us.  I had a blast practicing with our guys, showing up at the stadium and proving that girls actually can play sports, and rocking out a pair of shorts during play!  We had amazing kids travel into Ming and our kids were able to travel in for a game, which really does make things a bit more exciting.  

As much as I do love playing softball, hanging out with the kids and PCVs, roasting/melting in the sun, and being able to yell as much and as loud as I want, I can't help but reminisce about the "old days" playing neighborhood games in the back yard, batting cages with my brother, and yelling at the TV every time the Cubs didn't do quite as well as I'd have hoped.

Bumpy roads to Baku

Time is flying lately!

Travel here always leaves me very tired and it takes me a couple days to recuperate from bumpy roads, hot vehicles, tested patience, and lack of any personal space.  In-country travel is a daunting task, but, typically, the destinations make it worth the troubles.

Last week, I was in Baku for medical and a PDM (Project and Design Management) workshop.  The medical was nothing big and provided me 2 days of vacation and good food in Baku.  I hurt my foot somehow, but it healed pretty nicely... pretty much right after I arrive in Baku.  So, I was in Baku for a couple days before the workshop which was, really, my real reason for being there.

The PDM conference was actually a quite pleasant and educational workshop.  The idea of this workshop is for volunteers to bring in a host-country national counterpart that one works on projects with.  I took my best Azerbaijani friend, Lale.  I wanted to take Lale for a few reasons.  One being the educational aspects of projects as well as understanding of the Peace Corps.  Another, more fun reason, is that I wanted to show her Baku, American styled.  

Though this is a small country, many people don't visit Baku to just visit.  When people go to Baku, it's for a reason and all down time is usually not as it's spent with families.  Our cultures, obviously, are incredibly different and we (volunteers) go into Baku for completely different reasons than Azerbaijanis would.  So, it was the first time Lale was able to be in Baku, walk around with friends (even in the evening!), and go to restaurants and try new foods.  She easily integrated into what Baku is for Americans and, I think, she thoroughly enjoyed that glimpse.  I was there for the first time she tried Indian and Mexican food, for those 3 days where everything she drank, pretty much, was cold and she didn't die and, inshallah, isn't barren, and for those secret friend things that brought us a bit closer.  I was there for that chunk of time where Lale experienced more freedom than she has ever been able to.  

We've talked a lot about this experience, before and after with thinking about and processing.  She had a blast, I had a blast, but the both of us were tired and needed to rest after the fact.  And, it was nice to be next to Lale on the bus on the way home and see how visibly happy we were to be home.