KZ in AZ

So it’s been over a week, but it feels like it’s been 3 months. I can’t believe how much Azerbaijani I can speak; it’s like an intense language boot camp here. I learn new things everyday (except Sunday) at school, my host family drills me on my words at home along with just tying to communicate with me and in my free time I study and do homework. I am also doing Community Economic Development CED projects and readings. Somewhere in there I am also doing daily life stuff like eating, showering, laundry (by hand in a bucket), and sometimes sleeping. This is interesting; the sleeping patterns here are way different. The community is up until 3am, including children playing in the street, and is up in the morning when I am getting ready. I am known as the girl who sleeps a lot because I go to bed at 12am and wake up at 6am. I am extremely tired with my schedule and have no idea how the Azeri’s manage it… I think my host family naps when I am gone!

I am enjoying myself, although I have already begun missing American spoils. The newness is wearing off and I am finding myself adjusting to this reality in many ways, some subconscious. I am writing this on 7/11 and will be going to the mountains to visit a 2004 CED volunteer to see what “a day in the life” is like. I am soooo siked as I want to see more of the country; especially the mountains!! I also want to see a volunteer in action to get a better picture of what life will really be like.

I am taking a lot of pictures but do not have a good way to put them online. I will be burning a CD of pictures and sending them to my family to post online for me. So when that happens there will be a link on the blog… don’t hold your breath I’m on Azeri-time!!

I really have no spare time, no alone time, I barley have time to write this blog in fact! However, it’s all great! I am learning a lot and having fun. I’m hoping when I am placed that I will be able to get to the internet cafés more OR EVEN get online with the laptop (fingers crossed) I’ll have to wait and see… in the meantime I hope all is well in the states!!!

I miss you all and hope you’re happy and healthy.