December 28, 2009
It is a beautiful night, cold but nice. I climb up to the roof top of my host family’s chicken shed and watch the moon. The moon is nearly full, its radiant orange light illuminating the dark alley down below me. Except an occasionally muffling voice coming from the end of the alley, the night is quiet. The moon has been my closest friend for many years. Tonight, she is watching over me again, like many many nights when I was sad and lonely. Tonight, I am not sad, and I am not lonely either. But I am alone…
Thursday, December 31, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Tutor
December 26, 2009
Even after the training, Peace Corps wants us to keep on learning the local language. Especially for volunteers, as such me, who did not received “Intermediate Mid” level (I got Intermediate low) at the final examine should hire a tutor and continue our lessons. We are allowed
to spend up to 40 AZN per month to hire a tutor. Today, I had my first lesson and for the 1st time, I enjoyed it.
My teacher is a young Azerbaijani man and he works full time as a translator. He speaks excellent English and the best thing is: he has patience. Having a private tutor, I receive 100% of my teacher’s attention. I raised questions that I was once afraid to ask. I make progress of my lesson at my own pace. At the end, I gained much more from the two hours session than I learned previously from the five hours class.
I am not expecting myself to speak fluently in Azerbaijani by the end of the two years service. However, I do believe that it is my duty, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, to master the language with the best of my ability. At the end, it helps me tremendously to gain the trust and respect of the people I serve. One more good thing about learning a new language, it slows down the aging of your brain! Anything anti-aging, I am for it!
Even after the training, Peace Corps wants us to keep on learning the local language. Especially for volunteers, as such me, who did not received “Intermediate Mid” level (I got Intermediate low) at the final examine should hire a tutor and continue our lessons. We are allowed
to spend up to 40 AZN per month to hire a tutor. Today, I had my first lesson and for the 1st time, I enjoyed it.My teacher is a young Azerbaijani man and he works full time as a translator. He speaks excellent English and the best thing is: he has patience. Having a private tutor, I receive 100% of my teacher’s attention. I raised questions that I was once afraid to ask. I make progress of my lesson at my own pace. At the end, I gained much more from the two hours session than I learned previously from the five hours class.
I am not expecting myself to speak fluently in Azerbaijani by the end of the two years service. However, I do believe that it is my duty, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, to master the language with the best of my ability. At the end, it helps me tremendously to gain the trust and respect of the people I serve. One more good thing about learning a new language, it slows down the aging of your brain! Anything anti-aging, I am for it!
Friday, December 25, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Christmas Day
December 25, 2009
There is no Christmas here and I still have to go to work. This morning, I was awaked by some loud noise. My host father did not go to the farm this morning. Instead, he and other man was killing a cow in the back yard. It was awful. See 
the pictures, I know, we do this in America too, but I never saw it happen and I do not ever want to see it again! 
There is no Christmas here and I still have to go to work. This morning, I was awaked by some loud noise. My host father did not go to the farm this morning. Instead, he and other man was killing a cow in the back yard. It was awful. See 
the pictures, I know, we do this in America too, but I never saw it happen and I do not ever want to see it again!
My Life in Azeraijan - Missing my Life Back Home
December 21, 2009
Four more days will be Christmas, and I could not help but thinking about my apartment and friends back in New York. I just remember how lovely the park in front of my apartment was every year this time. All the trees were decorated with thousands and thousands of little white lights. Under the pale moonlight, the snow on the ground reflected a dazzling silver color. I often peered through my apartment window and enjoyed the quiet night with a cup of hot tea or read my favorite book the “Arabian Sands”. Oh! I do miss my life back home…..
Most families here in Azerbaijan do not celebrate Christmas, but they do have Christmas tree. They decorate the tree not for Christmas but for New Year. My host sister explained to me how her family will celerate the upcoming holiday. First, they prepare lots of cookies, sweets and other Azerbaijani oily and unhealthy foods before the New Year. New Year day, their relatives come and visit. They sit, eat, talk, sleep, next day, eat again, talk more and sleep. Pretty much the same as we do in America, except some Americans will go to the gym afterward. Here in Azerbaijan, no one cares about gaining weight.
My host sister is excited that I will be around to meet all her relatives. Sometimes I do feel like I am her trophy, keep smiling to all her friends and relatives. A lot of times, she would ask me to sit in front of her friends and relatives and expected me to tell them about my life in America over and over again. At the beginning, it was ok, but lately, I find it quite tiring. To keep up with a smile and constantly being watched, I just want to hide myself inside my room and read my “Arabian Sands” for the seventh time….
I am going to miss next Christmas again, but the following year, I will be home for Christmas, of course with my loved ones and hopefully receive a big hug from “J”.
Four more days will be Christmas, and I could not help but thinking about my apartment and friends back in New York. I just remember how lovely the park in front of my apartment was every year this time. All the trees were decorated with thousands and thousands of little white lights. Under the pale moonlight, the snow on the ground reflected a dazzling silver color. I often peered through my apartment window and enjoyed the quiet night with a cup of hot tea or read my favorite book the “Arabian Sands”. Oh! I do miss my life back home…..
Most families here in Azerbaijan do not celebrate Christmas, but they do have Christmas tree. They decorate the tree not for Christmas but for New Year. My host sister explained to me how her family will celerate the upcoming holiday. First, they prepare lots of cookies, sweets and other Azerbaijani oily and unhealthy foods before the New Year. New Year day, their relatives come and visit. They sit, eat, talk, sleep, next day, eat again, talk more and sleep. Pretty much the same as we do in America, except some Americans will go to the gym afterward. Here in Azerbaijan, no one cares about gaining weight.
My host sister is excited that I will be around to meet all her relatives. Sometimes I do feel like I am her trophy, keep smiling to all her friends and relatives. A lot of times, she would ask me to sit in front of her friends and relatives and expected me to tell them about my life in America over and over again. At the beginning, it was ok, but lately, I find it quite tiring. To keep up with a smile and constantly being watched, I just want to hide myself inside my room and read my “Arabian Sands” for the seventh time….
I am going to miss next Christmas again, but the following year, I will be home for Christmas, of course with my loved ones and hopefully receive a big hug from “J”.
My life in Azerbaijan - Adventure to Baku
December 23, 2009
Today is holiday in Azerbaijan, so I take the opportunity to visit Peace Corps office in Baku. For the 1st time, I travel to Baku alone. My Azerbaijani is still very rustic, and my host sister does not think it is a good idea for me to travel alone in a big city. I explain to her, I grew up and lived my whole life in a city. I am not afraid to go anyway alone, PERIOD!
I have enough Azerbaijani vocabulary to travel.
- To Baku is Bakiye, bus station is: avtovagzal
- From Sumgayit is Sumgayitdan
- Get off is: dusmek Get on is: minmek
- To stop is: Saxlayin
Etc…..
First I take the minbus #14 to Baku bus station, then take bus #90 to Peace Corps office, simple as that. BUT, I do not know where to get off and do not know how to tell the driver where I am going either. I have the map with me but it is written English, so it does not help. No Problem, I call my teacher at the bus station in Baku and hand my phone to the driver. The driver gives me a smile and I just sit tight and wait for his sign. I arrive at the Peace Corps office safe and sound.
Azerbaijan people are very friendly and helpful. If you ask a question, someone will try their best to help you. The other day, I took a wrong bus and got lost somewhere (AGAIN!). A man overhead my question to a woman and he waved me to join him in his car. Of course, I would never get in a car with a stranger, so I just got the information from him and walked. He kept following me with his car to make sure that I would get to my street ok. Finally, I arrived at my street and said thank you, then he drove off.
I never felt unsafe here; Azerbaijan men have a very good manner. On the bus, I often see men offer their seats to women, elder people and children. If you ask them why they are so nice, they would respond with a strange look and say “by God, but why not, it is my duty!” See what I mean.
Today is holiday in Azerbaijan, so I take the opportunity to visit Peace Corps office in Baku. For the 1st time, I travel to Baku alone. My Azerbaijani is still very rustic, and my host sister does not think it is a good idea for me to travel alone in a big city. I explain to her, I grew up and lived my whole life in a city. I am not afraid to go anyway alone, PERIOD!
I have enough Azerbaijani vocabulary to travel.
- To Baku is Bakiye, bus station is: avtovagzal
- From Sumgayit is Sumgayitdan
- Get off is: dusmek Get on is: minmek
- To stop is: Saxlayin
Etc…..
First I take the minbus #14 to Baku bus station, then take bus #90 to Peace Corps office, simple as that. BUT, I do not know where to get off and do not know how to tell the driver where I am going either. I have the map with me but it is written English, so it does not help. No Problem, I call my teacher at the bus station in Baku and hand my phone to the driver. The driver gives me a smile and I just sit tight and wait for his sign. I arrive at the Peace Corps office safe and sound.
Azerbaijan people are very friendly and helpful. If you ask a question, someone will try their best to help you. The other day, I took a wrong bus and got lost somewhere (AGAIN!). A man overhead my question to a woman and he waved me to join him in his car. Of course, I would never get in a car with a stranger, so I just got the information from him and walked. He kept following me with his car to make sure that I would get to my street ok. Finally, I arrived at my street and said thank you, then he drove off.
I never felt unsafe here; Azerbaijan men have a very good manner. On the bus, I often see men offer their seats to women, elder people and children. If you ask them why they are so nice, they would respond with a strange look and say “by God, but why not, it is my duty!” See what I mean.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Horrible Living Condition
December 14, 2009
Yesterday, my host sister took me to visit her relatives and when we got to the area, I was totally shocked. The place reminded me of the broken and abandoned buildings in Harlem. From the outside, you would not imagine anyone living there. Maybe the homeless people will use it as a shelter. It was absolutely a horrible site. Inside the building, it was dark, wet and cold, like a prison. More accurately, it was like a dungeon. It was awful to know that there are actually people living in such a horrible, horrible condition.
To use the bathroom, I had to walk to the end of the building in the cold, entered into a dark alley, then another prison cell. I really did not want to stay there for long. That moment, I really wanted to leave and go back to the US.
I was sick, depressed and sad when I returned to my village.
Yesterday, my host sister took me to visit her relatives and when we got to the area, I was totally shocked. The place reminded me of the broken and abandoned buildings in Harlem. From the outside, you would not imagine anyone living there. Maybe the homeless people will use it as a shelter. It was absolutely a horrible site. Inside the building, it was dark, wet and cold, like a prison. More accurately, it was like a dungeon. It was awful to know that there are actually people living in such a horrible, horrible condition.
To use the bathroom, I had to walk to the end of the building in the cold, entered into a dark alley, then another prison cell. I really did not want to stay there for long. That moment, I really wanted to leave and go back to the US.
I was sick, depressed and sad when I returned to my village.
My Life in Azerbaijan - Peace Corps is not a Paradise!
December 13, 2009
All my friends are gone now, and I am alone here in this town. Today, I went to the bazaar alone with a sad mood. A few street vendors from the bazaar said “salam” to me. They stopped me and told me that they saw me on TV. Their warm smile made me feel a little better. After all, I still have a few friends left in town. After the bazaar, I decided to walk home. The weather was cold but the sun was out, so the walk was very pleasant. It took me 1 ½ hours to get home, but I totally enjoyed the walk.
Starting Monday, I will be working for the bank three days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. If the sun is out, I will walk home after work. I need this exercise. Peace Corps requires us to do some community service besides doing our daily work. My teacher introduced me to a lady who is involved with the orphanage. So while I am not working in the bank, I will visit those cute babies. One day a week, I also work for a clinic where poor people receive medical service. The organization needs an accountant, so I volunteer to help. Most of the doctors are European volunteers. It will be interesting to meet some of them. I hope by setting up daily and weekly routine, times will go faster.
Vivian called me last night and told me a bad news. Another Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) decided to quit. He was in the Baku airport last night leaving for the US. Another PCV is also thinking to leave. Whatever the reason they decided to quit, I respect their choice but I disagreed with their action. They should have mentally prepared for the hardship. Lack of hot water, heat, foods and privacy, even not being assigned to the village they wanted, those are not the right reason to quit.
All my friends are gone now, and I am alone here in this town. Today, I went to the bazaar alone with a sad mood. A few street vendors from the bazaar said “salam” to me. They stopped me and told me that they saw me on TV. Their warm smile made me feel a little better. After all, I still have a few friends left in town. After the bazaar, I decided to walk home. The weather was cold but the sun was out, so the walk was very pleasant. It took me 1 ½ hours to get home, but I totally enjoyed the walk.
Starting Monday, I will be working for the bank three days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. If the sun is out, I will walk home after work. I need this exercise. Peace Corps requires us to do some community service besides doing our daily work. My teacher introduced me to a lady who is involved with the orphanage. So while I am not working in the bank, I will visit those cute babies. One day a week, I also work for a clinic where poor people receive medical service. The organization needs an accountant, so I volunteer to help. Most of the doctors are European volunteers. It will be interesting to meet some of them. I hope by setting up daily and weekly routine, times will go faster.
Vivian called me last night and told me a bad news. Another Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) decided to quit. He was in the Baku airport last night leaving for the US. Another PCV is also thinking to leave. Whatever the reason they decided to quit, I respect their choice but I disagreed with their action. They should have mentally prepared for the hardship. Lack of hot water, heat, foods and privacy, even not being assigned to the village they wanted, those are not the right reason to quit.
My Life in Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan Wedding
December 15, 2009
Last night, my host sister took me to an Azerbaijan wedding. Peace Corps encourages us to take part of our host family’s social events, so we can have a better understanding of the Azerbaijan culture. During the training, I hardly had anytime to enjoy myself. Now I have some free time at night, so I was gladly to accompany my host sister to the wedding party with her two male friends last night.
When we arrived at the reception hall by 6:00pm, people already started eating. There were at least 40 big tables inside with lots of foods, fruits and drinks. The music was very loud. As my sister led me to the table, everyone in the wedding was watching us. There were people actually never ever saw a Chinese before, especially the one from the American whom they saw on TV just a few night ago. During the night, I was constantly being watched, which made me feel very uncomfortable.
The wedding was similar to that of the US. Azerbaijan people love to dance, especially dance with the traditional Azerbaijan music. Whole night long, old and young, male and female were dancing with the loud music. Azerbaijan culture does not allow female dance with a male stranger; and male usually dances with male and female dances with female. It was very strange to see two males dance together.
As the night progress, our table got more and more visitors, especially male visitors. My host sister is a young attractive Azerbaijan girl and I am a non-Azerbaijan woman with a friendly smile. First, it
was the male waiters, then the male relatives, the male friends, and at the end, the male strangers. I was not shy greeting them one by one and answering all their questions. As the night moved forward, our table was full of Azerbaijan men. I really did not mind them being there, just their cigarettes smoke that bothered me the most. By 9:00pm, I was ready to go, but my host sister and friends insisted that I should stay until the Azerbaijan National Meal; the “Plov” was served. The “Plov” was just rice with some dried fruits, served with meats. I think I like my Chinese fried rice better.
Finally, the modern rock music was playing and we danced into the night. By the time I got home, I was tired. I have not had so much fun for a long time since I left the US and “J”.
Last night, my host sister took me to an Azerbaijan wedding. Peace Corps encourages us to take part of our host family’s social events, so we can have a better understanding of the Azerbaijan culture. During the training, I hardly had anytime to enjoy myself. Now I have some free time at night, so I was gladly to accompany my host sister to the wedding party with her two male friends last night.
When we arrived at the reception hall by 6:00pm, people already started eating. There were at least 40 big tables inside with lots of foods, fruits and drinks. The music was very loud. As my sister led me to the table, everyone in the wedding was watching us. There were people actually never ever saw a Chinese before, especially the one from the American whom they saw on TV just a few night ago. During the night, I was constantly being watched, which made me feel very uncomfortable.
The wedding was similar to that of the US. Azerbaijan people love to dance, especially dance with the traditional Azerbaijan music. Whole night long, old and young, male and female were dancing with the loud music. Azerbaijan culture does not allow female dance with a male stranger; and male usually dances with male and female dances with female. It was very strange to see two males dance together.
As the night progress, our table got more and more visitors, especially male visitors. My host sister is a young attractive Azerbaijan girl and I am a non-Azerbaijan woman with a friendly smile. First, it
was the male waiters, then the male relatives, the male friends, and at the end, the male strangers. I was not shy greeting them one by one and answering all their questions. As the night moved forward, our table was full of Azerbaijan men. I really did not mind them being there, just their cigarettes smoke that bothered me the most. By 9:00pm, I was ready to go, but my host sister and friends insisted that I should stay until the Azerbaijan National Meal; the “Plov” was served. The “Plov” was just rice with some dried fruits, served with meats. I think I like my Chinese fried rice better. Finally, the modern rock music was playing and we danced into the night. By the time I got home, I was tired. I have not had so much fun for a long time since I left the US and “J”.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Swear in Ceremony
December 9, 2009
Today is our Swear in Ceremony; we officially become the Peace Corps Volunteers. I did not think that I would cry, but I did and so did most of my Peace Corps Trainees. When the American National Anthem was playing, we all got very emotional. For the first time, I deeply feel that I am an American. I represent the People of the United States of A
merican.
Standing next to me is the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Donald Lu, yes he is Chinese too. The lady is our Country Director Meredith Dalton. When I went up to the podium and received my certificate from Mr. Lu, I was proud, very proud! I have reached another turning point of my life and I have achieved what most of my friends back home never dreamed of. The pain and suffer I endured these past two months were completely forgotten. I knew there is no where else in the world I would rather be than staying here serving the people of Azerbaijan.
Our ceremony was broadcasted on every channel in Azerbaijan TV that night. My host family who attended my ceremony was so e
xcited when they saw me on TV. My seat was in the front roll and I got most of the exposure. Instantly, everyone in our town knew about this little “Cin” from American.
Today is our Swear in Ceremony; we officially become the Peace Corps Volunteers. I did not think that I would cry, but I did and so did most of my Peace Corps Trainees. When the American National Anthem was playing, we all got very emotional. For the first time, I deeply feel that I am an American. I represent the People of the United States of A
merican.Standing next to me is the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Donald Lu, yes he is Chinese too. The lady is our Country Director Meredith Dalton. When I went up to the podium and received my certificate from Mr. Lu, I was proud, very proud! I have reached another turning point of my life and I have achieved what most of my friends back home never dreamed of. The pain and suffer I endured these past two months were completely forgotten. I knew there is no where else in the world I would rather be than staying here serving the people of Azerbaijan.
Our ceremony was broadcasted on every channel in Azerbaijan TV that night. My host family who attended my ceremony was so e
xcited when they saw me on TV. My seat was in the front roll and I got most of the exposure. Instantly, everyone in our town knew about this little “Cin” from American. Monday, December 07, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - My sister in HongKong
December 6, 2009
My older sister called me from HongKong this morning and I was very happy to hear from her. After I told her that I need some warm clothing, immediately she sent me 2 packages. The mail is not cheap, and she alrea
dy spent over US$100 just to mail me the two packages. I am very grateful to have my older sister to look after me. Without her support, I would have never been able to join the Peace Corps.
When we were young, my sister and I were always together. People sometimes had mistaken us as a twin. I was born with a bad temper. Many times, when we fought, she often gave up and let me win. Sometimes I even made her cry…and I regret it deeply every time when I recall those moments. I wish she would hit me, do anything to punish me, but she never, just did not say a word and left me alone. It made me feel so guilty afterward.
As we are older now, I try my best me not to lose my temper with her. Even when she was wrong, I just kept my month shut. I often pray for her, I ask God to take good care of her. In exchange, I will give up anything God wants, even my life…. And I mean it too.
My older sister called me from HongKong this morning and I was very happy to hear from her. After I told her that I need some warm clothing, immediately she sent me 2 packages. The mail is not cheap, and she alrea
dy spent over US$100 just to mail me the two packages. I am very grateful to have my older sister to look after me. Without her support, I would have never been able to join the Peace Corps.When we were young, my sister and I were always together. People sometimes had mistaken us as a twin. I was born with a bad temper. Many times, when we fought, she often gave up and let me win. Sometimes I even made her cry…and I regret it deeply every time when I recall those moments. I wish she would hit me, do anything to punish me, but she never, just did not say a word and left me alone. It made me feel so guilty afterward.
As we are older now, I try my best me not to lose my temper with her. Even when she was wrong, I just kept my month shut. I often pray for her, I ask God to take good care of her. In exchange, I will give up anything God wants, even my life…. And I mean it too.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - My Hero Viviandir
December 6, 2009
Viviandir is the name I gave Vivian. “dir” in Azerbaijani means “is”. I just like to call her that, it also sounds like Vivian dear too. Vivian is really a tough lady even she cries all the time. These past few weeks, she managed to survive with no gas and showers. She told me her host family was out of gas for several days, and they only used the electric heater to do all the cooking and tea making. The mother would put the potatoes on top of the heater in the morning, so they would be cooked by the time the family had super. As for the tea, they would put the tea pot on top of the heater all day long. I still do not understand how they cooked the egg breakfast for Vivian in the morning.
No gas, means no shower, not even hot water to wash her face, but Vivian did not complain. Instead she made some jokes about her appearance. After losing so much weight, Vivian looked much younger and healthier compared to two months ago when I first saw her. I told her to color her hair and she would look even more desirable. I think Vivian is beautiful, inside and outside. Her family and friends back home should be proud of her. Vivian is a true survivor!
Vivian Dir, is a my Vivian Dear!
Viviandir is the name I gave Vivian. “dir” in Azerbaijani means “is”. I just like to call her that, it also sounds like Vivian dear too. Vivian is really a tough lady even she cries all the time. These past few weeks, she managed to survive with no gas and showers. She told me her host family was out of gas for several days, and they only used the electric heater to do all the cooking and tea making. The mother would put the potatoes on top of the heater in the morning, so they would be cooked by the time the family had super. As for the tea, they would put the tea pot on top of the heater all day long. I still do not understand how they cooked the egg breakfast for Vivian in the morning.
No gas, means no shower, not even hot water to wash her face, but Vivian did not complain. Instead she made some jokes about her appearance. After losing so much weight, Vivian looked much younger and healthier compared to two months ago when I first saw her. I told her to color her hair and she would look even more desirable. I think Vivian is beautiful, inside and outside. Her family and friends back home should be proud of her. Vivian is a true survivor!
Vivian Dir, is a my Vivian Dear!
My Life in Azerbaijan - Meeting the Vice Chairman of My Bank in Baku
December 3, 2009
Today, my CED manager took me and four other volunteers to Baku. The purpose of this 2nd visit to the capital is to see the bank which I will be working for the next two years. I was a bit nervous because I would be meeting my counter party and he is the Vice Chairman of the bank. He is the person I will be
dealing with and reporting to. I put on my best outfit (still with some wrinkles due to the traveling) and prepared some good questions the night before. I want him to like me, to be impressed by me and most of all, to have confident in me.
We arrived at the “Wall Street” area of Baku, the place remained me the 5th avenue of New York. As soon as we sat in the conference room, I felt like at AXA’s (the form company I worked for) “football” conference room again. After all, I had spent many days in the United States, having similar meeting in a big conference room like this one. I have to admit, I am comfortable with the corporate setting; even I hated that environment, especially the last three years working for QBE (the last company I worked for in the Wall Street area)
After a brief introduction of the current banking system in Azerbaijan, the Vice Chairman waited for our questions. During his presentation, I made lots of eyes contacts with him, trying my best to absorb the data and making notes on some interesting areas where I should raise my questions on. His presentation gave us lots of information about the current economy of Azerbaijan and especially how the bank operates in Azerbaijan. When he finished, I know I should not miss the opportunity to impress him so, I asked the first question, then the second, then the third and more…
Unlike my Peace Corp teammates, I was prepared. My questions mainly focused
on his presentation but added a few inquires about my future responsibilities with them. I think he was pleased with my questions and I did get a few envious looks from my teammates. After all, 22 years working for some of the biggest international companies in the United States, I have built my confident. By the end of the meeting, I felt like I have scored on my 1st interview and just waited for the 2nd invitation to come. I left the office with a big smile, then all the sudden I remembered, HELLO! I am just a volunteer! What the head am I thinking! I do not need to impress this guy, he cannot fire me nor can he not to hire me! But, anyhow, I am still impressed with myself
Today, my CED manager took me and four other volunteers to Baku. The purpose of this 2nd visit to the capital is to see the bank which I will be working for the next two years. I was a bit nervous because I would be meeting my counter party and he is the Vice Chairman of the bank. He is the person I will be
dealing with and reporting to. I put on my best outfit (still with some wrinkles due to the traveling) and prepared some good questions the night before. I want him to like me, to be impressed by me and most of all, to have confident in me.We arrived at the “Wall Street” area of Baku, the place remained me the 5th avenue of New York. As soon as we sat in the conference room, I felt like at AXA’s (the form company I worked for) “football” conference room again. After all, I had spent many days in the United States, having similar meeting in a big conference room like this one. I have to admit, I am comfortable with the corporate setting; even I hated that environment, especially the last three years working for QBE (the last company I worked for in the Wall Street area)
After a brief introduction of the current banking system in Azerbaijan, the Vice Chairman waited for our questions. During his presentation, I made lots of eyes contacts with him, trying my best to absorb the data and making notes on some interesting areas where I should raise my questions on. His presentation gave us lots of information about the current economy of Azerbaijan and especially how the bank operates in Azerbaijan. When he finished, I know I should not miss the opportunity to impress him so, I asked the first question, then the second, then the third and more…
Unlike my Peace Corp teammates, I was prepared. My questions mainly focused
on his presentation but added a few inquires about my future responsibilities with them. I think he was pleased with my questions and I did get a few envious looks from my teammates. After all, 22 years working for some of the biggest international companies in the United States, I have built my confident. By the end of the meeting, I felt like I have scored on my 1st interview and just waited for the 2nd invitation to come. I left the office with a big smile, then all the sudden I remembered, HELLO! I am just a volunteer! What the head am I thinking! I do not need to impress this guy, he cannot fire me nor can he not to hire me! But, anyhow, I am still impressed with myself My Life in Azerbaijan - Final is Over
December 5, 2009
I cannot believe our final language examination is over. I think I did ok and the teacher even gave me a “role play” test. I leant that only those who showed the ability to carry a conversation would be given a “role play” test. I think I did ok too on the “role play” test.
Looking back two months ago, neither one of us could really speak a full sentence in Azerbaijani. Today, all of us in various degrees; are managed to get around with enough Azerbaijani vocabulary. We have proven to ourselves that we can survive in this foreign land. However, our next bigger test would be even tougher. When each of us is dispatched to our wor
ksite, how are we going to survive without our teachers, without our Peace Corps friends? Some of us will be alone living in a small village with no one speaks a word of English. I worry about Andrew, the young man I become very fond of. He did not do well in the class, nor did he do well in his examination. But he is always cheerful; I hope he will stay alive by using his charm.
I cannot believe our final language examination is over. I think I did ok and the teacher even gave me a “role play” test. I leant that only those who showed the ability to carry a conversation would be given a “role play” test. I think I did ok too on the “role play” test.
Looking back two months ago, neither one of us could really speak a full sentence in Azerbaijani. Today, all of us in various degrees; are managed to get around with enough Azerbaijani vocabulary. We have proven to ourselves that we can survive in this foreign land. However, our next bigger test would be even tougher. When each of us is dispatched to our wor
ksite, how are we going to survive without our teachers, without our Peace Corps friends? Some of us will be alone living in a small village with no one speaks a word of English. I worry about Andrew, the young man I become very fond of. He did not do well in the class, nor did he do well in his examination. But he is always cheerful; I hope he will stay alive by using his charm.My Life in Azerbaijan - Goodbye to our Teacher
December 4, 2009
Today is our last language lesson, and our teacher cut the lesson short. She bought us cookies, drinks, and many snacks. We all love her and she has been a wonderful host representing Azerbaijan. Peace Corps did a good job hiring the most competence instructor for us. After today, she will return to her home or maybe leave for Turkey hoping to find a better job there. We all promise to pay her a visit if she decides to stay in Turkey. I told her, if she ever comes to New York City, she is definitely welcome to stay with me. I will return the same hospitability to her as she has given me here.
Only five more da
ys left, then I will say goodbye to Vivian and other Peace Corps Volunteers. They will be leaving for their permanent sites and some of us may never see each other again. Two months together, we have built our friendship and Vivian and I are inseparable everyday. I really do not know what to do without her. I know I will be lost (literally) without her. Vivian was joking with me and told me that I could give her a call anytime, and she would give me an instruction how to find my way home… and then she cried AGAIN!
I went home, hide myself under my blanket and cried…
Today is our last language lesson, and our teacher cut the lesson short. She bought us cookies, drinks, and many snacks. We all love her and she has been a wonderful host representing Azerbaijan. Peace Corps did a good job hiring the most competence instructor for us. After today, she will return to her home or maybe leave for Turkey hoping to find a better job there. We all promise to pay her a visit if she decides to stay in Turkey. I told her, if she ever comes to New York City, she is definitely welcome to stay with me. I will return the same hospitability to her as she has given me here.
Only five more da
ys left, then I will say goodbye to Vivian and other Peace Corps Volunteers. They will be leaving for their permanent sites and some of us may never see each other again. Two months together, we have built our friendship and Vivian and I are inseparable everyday. I really do not know what to do without her. I know I will be lost (literally) without her. Vivian was joking with me and told me that I could give her a call anytime, and she would give me an instruction how to find my way home… and then she cried AGAIN!I went home, hide myself under my blanket and cried…
Monday, November 30, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Serving the less Privileged
November 28, 2009
Vivian and I were invited to my host sister’s relative dinner last night. The family went out of their way to cook us a fabulous dinner. Compare to my host family, this family is quite poor. They live in a very sma
ll apartment, but I felt comfortable instantly by their friendliness, hospitability and generosity. They prepared lots of foods for us, and they even made us the American Pizza to please us. The mother was very kind to me, and her older daughter was running around all night to serve me and Vivian. It was a warm and touching gathering. I just wish that I had something to give them as a return for their cordiality.
The mother works part-time as a cook for restaurant and wedding party. Her younger daughter is a dress maker and her older daughter is single and currently unemployed. They are struggling to support each other. They probably can not afford to buy meats for dinner but they were willing to spend it on us. I am truly touched by their hospitability.
I like people who are down to earth, especially those who are poor but work very hard to strive for what they want. They maybe poor physically, but they are rich in spirit. I admire them. That night, it made it clear to me that I was much more suited to serve the less privileged, and not to work for the wealthy.
Vivian and I were invited to my host sister’s relative dinner last night. The family went out of their way to cook us a fabulous dinner. Compare to my host family, this family is quite poor. They live in a very sma
ll apartment, but I felt comfortable instantly by their friendliness, hospitability and generosity. They prepared lots of foods for us, and they even made us the American Pizza to please us. The mother was very kind to me, and her older daughter was running around all night to serve me and Vivian. It was a warm and touching gathering. I just wish that I had something to give them as a return for their cordiality.The mother works part-time as a cook for restaurant and wedding party. Her younger daughter is a dress maker and her older daughter is single and currently unemployed. They are struggling to support each other. They probably can not afford to buy meats for dinner but they were willing to spend it on us. I am truly touched by their hospitability.
I like people who are down to earth, especially those who are poor but work very hard to strive for what they want. They maybe poor physically, but they are rich in spirit. I admire them. That night, it made it clear to me that I was much more suited to serve the less privileged, and not to work for the wealthy.
My Life in Azerbaijan - Help around the House
November 29, 2009
I wish I had read the Peace Corps Surviving tips early so I would not have to get myself in this situation. I have been volunteering to do dishes for the family after supper. Lately, I notice that ana keeps as
king me to do other household things. The request sometimes is an “order” which makes me feel very uncomfortable. This past Sunday, she even asked my other American friends to do things for her. What got us all upset was: her three daughters were all standing there and supervising us. They did not even offer to help.
By accident, I read the Peace Corps surviving tips that night, and here is what Peace Corps points out: “Don’t clean your plate or your host will just give you another helping” Well, I guess it is too late now. I am going to stay with this family four more months and I will try to help out as much as I can, but if it gets to a point that I become a maid, then I will get very angry and have to kill somebody. That will be “J”
I wish I had read the Peace Corps Surviving tips early so I would not have to get myself in this situation. I have been volunteering to do dishes for the family after supper. Lately, I notice that ana keeps as
king me to do other household things. The request sometimes is an “order” which makes me feel very uncomfortable. This past Sunday, she even asked my other American friends to do things for her. What got us all upset was: her three daughters were all standing there and supervising us. They did not even offer to help.By accident, I read the Peace Corps surviving tips that night, and here is what Peace Corps points out: “Don’t clean your plate or your host will just give you another helping” Well, I guess it is too late now. I am going to stay with this family four more months and I will try to help out as much as I can, but if it gets to a point that I become a maid, then I will get very angry and have to kill somebody. That will be “J”
My Life in Azerbaijan - Visit Baku
November 28, 2009
Baku, the “forbidden city” for all Peace Corps Trainees, today, finally we received a permission to visit this biggest city in Azerbaijan, of course with the supervision of our teacher. We w
alked around the downtown area and visited many culture centers and government buildings. We also visited the Peace Corps Office.
I am not too impressed about Baku; however, I do like the ancient Europe buildings where most of the government buildings are located. Some of the luxury apartments facing the Caspian Sea are very nice. I can understand why so many Europeans are willing to invest their capitals here in Baku. If you have money, Baku is a nice place to live. Maybe because I grew up and live in a big city all my life, Baku does not appeal to me as a charming place. I maybe a little bias, Hong Kong; by far is the prettiest city I know. Nevertheless, I am pleased to see how proud the Azerbaijani is when they talk about their country’s histor
y and culture. My future work place is only about 30 minutes from Baku; certainly I will be spending a lot of time exploring this ancient city.
Baku, the “forbidden city” for all Peace Corps Trainees, today, finally we received a permission to visit this biggest city in Azerbaijan, of course with the supervision of our teacher. We w
alked around the downtown area and visited many culture centers and government buildings. We also visited the Peace Corps Office.I am not too impressed about Baku; however, I do like the ancient Europe buildings where most of the government buildings are located. Some of the luxury apartments facing the Caspian Sea are very nice. I can understand why so many Europeans are willing to invest their capitals here in Baku. If you have money, Baku is a nice place to live. Maybe because I grew up and live in a big city all my life, Baku does not appeal to me as a charming place. I maybe a little bias, Hong Kong; by far is the prettiest city I know. Nevertheless, I am pleased to see how proud the Azerbaijani is when they talk about their country’s histor
y and culture. My future work place is only about 30 minutes from Baku; certainly I will be spending a lot of time exploring this ancient city.
Friday, November 27, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Who is "J"
November 27, 2009
Few people read my blog and e-mailed me, asking me the identification of “J”. Most of my friend in CMCNY never heard of “J”, some even suspected it is one of the members in CMCNY. I made a mistake once dating a guy in CMCNY, after that I learnt my lesson. I will never ever do it again. There are just too many gossips in CMCNY.
I know “J” more than seventeen years. “J” is a special friend who has given me lots of pain, but lots of joy and sweet memories as well. During these past seventeen years, we did not see each other as often as I wanted, but we have a special bond. We know each other well and we feel absolutely comfortable with each other. I can say anything to “J” and “J” can do the same to me. I know I will be there for “J” and “J” will be there for me. I am very fond of “J” and that is all I am going to say about “J”. :)
Few people read my blog and e-mailed me, asking me the identification of “J”. Most of my friend in CMCNY never heard of “J”, some even suspected it is one of the members in CMCNY. I made a mistake once dating a guy in CMCNY, after that I learnt my lesson. I will never ever do it again. There are just too many gossips in CMCNY.
I know “J” more than seventeen years. “J” is a special friend who has given me lots of pain, but lots of joy and sweet memories as well. During these past seventeen years, we did not see each other as often as I wanted, but we have a special bond. We know each other well and we feel absolutely comfortable with each other. I can say anything to “J” and “J” can do the same to me. I know I will be there for “J” and “J” will be there for me. I am very fond of “J” and that is all I am going to say about “J”. :)
My Life in Azerbaijan - Thanksgiving in Azerbaijan
November 26, 2009
Well, today is Thanksgiving Day but we still have language class in the morning. However, we decide to cut the class short and have a nice Thanksgiving lunch in Carol’s place. Vivian is in charge of c
ooking the two chickens we brought from the Bazaar yesterday. On top of that, she will also make some biscuits and vegetables. Carol’s host mother prepares the Azerbaijan national meal – Dolma for us. As for desert, we request Mahira, our teacher to make us her sweet cookies which we all love to death.
Holiday is particular hard for some of our PCTs. Vivian was crying when I met her this morning at the school. She saw some turkeys on the road, which remained her of her family back in Taxes. But as soon as she starts cooking at Carol’s kitchen, she is happy again.
The lunch turns out to be wonderful. Although the chicken meat is a bit tough, the vegetables are absolutely delicious. I miss my vegetables and I keep eating and eating. I think I gain back all the weight I lost a month ago. The Dolma is very tasty too. It is the cabbage rapped with meat inside. I am not crazy about the Azerbaijani foods,
but there are a few dishes that I like. Dolma is one of them.
Two more weeks, we will all go on our separate way. Maybe this is our last meal together. I will definitely miss Mahira, our teacher. She is really a nice lady. We give her our group picture which I took in the class as a gift to her. I also give her the Statue of Liberty Lady magnet so she can remember this little “Ci” student from New York. I am going to do well in the final examination so she can be proud of me.
Well, today is Thanksgiving Day but we still have language class in the morning. However, we decide to cut the class short and have a nice Thanksgiving lunch in Carol’s place. Vivian is in charge of c
ooking the two chickens we brought from the Bazaar yesterday. On top of that, she will also make some biscuits and vegetables. Carol’s host mother prepares the Azerbaijan national meal – Dolma for us. As for desert, we request Mahira, our teacher to make us her sweet cookies which we all love to death.Holiday is particular hard for some of our PCTs. Vivian was crying when I met her this morning at the school. She saw some turkeys on the road, which remained her of her family back in Taxes. But as soon as she starts cooking at Carol’s kitchen, she is happy again.
The lunch turns out to be wonderful. Although the chicken meat is a bit tough, the vegetables are absolutely delicious. I miss my vegetables and I keep eating and eating. I think I gain back all the weight I lost a month ago. The Dolma is very tasty too. It is the cabbage rapped with meat inside. I am not crazy about the Azerbaijani foods,
but there are a few dishes that I like. Dolma is one of them.Two more weeks, we will all go on our separate way. Maybe this is our last meal together. I will definitely miss Mahira, our teacher. She is really a nice lady. We give her our group picture which I took in the class as a gift to her. I also give her the Statue of Liberty Lady magnet so she can remember this little “Ci” student from New York. I am going to do well in the final examination so she can be proud of me.
My Life in Azerbaijan - My friends back home
November 24, 2009
Many of my friends in US read my blog and they gave me back lots of feedback and supports. I really app
reciate you all being there for me. Every time when I received your e-mails or read your comments from my blog, I know I am not alone here. As I said in my blog, my life is getting more and more routine and structure. That means life here is passing very fast each day. On December 10, I will officially swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The US ambassador in Azerbaijan will come to our ceremony and gives us our Peace Corps Volunteer pin. I am looking forward to that day to come. It will be my other accomplishment.
Friends, to continue supporting me, I hope all of you will visit Peace Corps website and make your donation. Your money will be used to help projects we are doing here in Azerbaijan or projects that are needed in other part of the world where Peace Corps is served. Can I depend on you all?
Many of my friends in US read my blog and they gave me back lots of feedback and supports. I really app
reciate you all being there for me. Every time when I received your e-mails or read your comments from my blog, I know I am not alone here. As I said in my blog, my life is getting more and more routine and structure. That means life here is passing very fast each day. On December 10, I will officially swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The US ambassador in Azerbaijan will come to our ceremony and gives us our Peace Corps Volunteer pin. I am looking forward to that day to come. It will be my other accomplishment.Friends, to continue supporting me, I hope all of you will visit Peace Corps website and make your donation. Your money will be used to help projects we are doing here in Azerbaijan or projects that are needed in other part of the world where Peace Corps is served. Can I depend on you all?
My life in Azerbaijan - Another Famous Sitemate
November 24, 2009
I just found out yesterday that the lady who sits next to me in the class everyday is another famous lady in the US. Carol was a classmate of Mrs. Hillary Clinton. They both went to the same law school and Carol was only a year behind Mrs. Clinton. Carol told me that she supported Mrs. Clinton during her campaign and she would have been working in the White House if she was elected. Wow, I am impressed.
Before I came to Azerbaijan, I knew that I would be meeting a lot of interesting people and I am right. Most of my elderly Peace Corps friends have achieved many things in their lives. Vivian, a famous cook mentioned in the New York Times twice, Julie, a rich lady once ran a robotic company; Judy owned an art gallery, Anwar, a hotel owner, and now Carol, classmate of Mrs. Clinton. There are ten of us over 40 years old and one thing we all have in common i
s: we want to give something back to the world, either with our experience, knowledge or wisdom.
Back home, we all have a relatively comfortable life, some even have a very luxury life, but we are willing to give it up for two years. Some of our families and friends are still struggling to accept our decisions to join the Peace Corps. Even the people whom we are helping in Azerbaijan do not understand why we can work for no salary.
I think the concept of volunteering is a high level of human esteem or motivation. We do the volunteer work become it makes us feel good; make us feel we have accomplished another goal in our lives, or maybe more. I guess each of us will figure it out by the end of my two years service here in Azerbaijan.
I just found out yesterday that the lady who sits next to me in the class everyday is another famous lady in the US. Carol was a classmate of Mrs. Hillary Clinton. They both went to the same law school and Carol was only a year behind Mrs. Clinton. Carol told me that she supported Mrs. Clinton during her campaign and she would have been working in the White House if she was elected. Wow, I am impressed.
Before I came to Azerbaijan, I knew that I would be meeting a lot of interesting people and I am right. Most of my elderly Peace Corps friends have achieved many things in their lives. Vivian, a famous cook mentioned in the New York Times twice, Julie, a rich lady once ran a robotic company; Judy owned an art gallery, Anwar, a hotel owner, and now Carol, classmate of Mrs. Clinton. There are ten of us over 40 years old and one thing we all have in common i
s: we want to give something back to the world, either with our experience, knowledge or wisdom.Back home, we all have a relatively comfortable life, some even have a very luxury life, but we are willing to give it up for two years. Some of our families and friends are still struggling to accept our decisions to join the Peace Corps. Even the people whom we are helping in Azerbaijan do not understand why we can work for no salary.
I think the concept of volunteering is a high level of human esteem or motivation. We do the volunteer work become it makes us feel good; make us feel we have accomplished another goal in our lives, or maybe more. I guess each of us will figure it out by the end of my two years service here in Azerbaijan.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Our common problems
November 18, 2009
Right now I am in bed, wearing many layers of clothing in order to keep warm. My host family has a heater on the 2nd floor apartment. I usually keep my door closed to have some privacy, so my room is not warm enough. However, I am not complaining. Compare to Vivian, I am so much luckier than she is. Few weeks ago, her host family left Vivian alone in the house without any heat and gas. For four days, she
did not take a shower, no hot water and she only had apples and cold breads for dinner. Vivian has lost lots of weight!
Vivian is happy that she lost some weight but I am just afraid that if she continues to lose more weight, she will eventually get very weak and then sick. “Two more weeks, Chi, I am getting out of here, so I am not going to complain, only two more weeks!” Vivian has a positive altitude, but who knows what her next host family situation will be when she gets to her permanent site.
It is really not easy to be a Peace Corps Volunteer here in Azerbaijan. So far, e
veryone has suffered in various degrees. Sometimes, we have no electricity, some PCVs do not have enough food to eat, many of us do not have hot water for shower, and the heating system is not reliable or just not available at all. We are constantly feeling cold both indoor and outdoor. On top of that, we still have to worry about doing our laundries, catching up with our language lessons, preparing our CED homework, and last but not least, how to survive with our meager allowances from the Peace Corps.
Vivian and I try to save money, so neither one of us is willing to spend money. Simple things like, soda, cookies and snacks which cost more than 1 manat (US$0.82) seem like such a luxury items for us that we refuse to buy them. Some of the cheap cookies which I would never consider eating them in the States are now look so yummy. When I received the allowance, I would buy ten cookies and ate one a day until the next allowance came. Its sounds so horrible, I hope my family in HongKong will never read this journal, or my sister will come to Azerbaijan and take me home immediately.
I am not upset about the situation. I was expecting the worse. The life I am living now in Azerbaijan will only make me appreciate things more. I am experiencing how other people live. What I am seeing now may not be so pretty but it is the reality outside of the United States. When I return home, I will have a new altitude, new prospective, and definitely I will be a new person. Finally, I am proud to write my name as:
Chi S. Chan, CPA,
RPCV *
Azerbaijan 2009-2011
* RPCV: Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Right now I am in bed, wearing many layers of clothing in order to keep warm. My host family has a heater on the 2nd floor apartment. I usually keep my door closed to have some privacy, so my room is not warm enough. However, I am not complaining. Compare to Vivian, I am so much luckier than she is. Few weeks ago, her host family left Vivian alone in the house without any heat and gas. For four days, she
did not take a shower, no hot water and she only had apples and cold breads for dinner. Vivian has lost lots of weight!Vivian is happy that she lost some weight but I am just afraid that if she continues to lose more weight, she will eventually get very weak and then sick. “Two more weeks, Chi, I am getting out of here, so I am not going to complain, only two more weeks!” Vivian has a positive altitude, but who knows what her next host family situation will be when she gets to her permanent site.
It is really not easy to be a Peace Corps Volunteer here in Azerbaijan. So far, e
veryone has suffered in various degrees. Sometimes, we have no electricity, some PCVs do not have enough food to eat, many of us do not have hot water for shower, and the heating system is not reliable or just not available at all. We are constantly feeling cold both indoor and outdoor. On top of that, we still have to worry about doing our laundries, catching up with our language lessons, preparing our CED homework, and last but not least, how to survive with our meager allowances from the Peace Corps.Vivian and I try to save money, so neither one of us is willing to spend money. Simple things like, soda, cookies and snacks which cost more than 1 manat (US$0.82) seem like such a luxury items for us that we refuse to buy them. Some of the cheap cookies which I would never consider eating them in the States are now look so yummy. When I received the allowance, I would buy ten cookies and ate one a day until the next allowance came. Its sounds so horrible, I hope my family in HongKong will never read this journal, or my sister will come to Azerbaijan and take me home immediately.
I am not upset about the situation. I was expecting the worse. The life I am living now in Azerbaijan will only make me appreciate things more. I am experiencing how other people live. What I am seeing now may not be so pretty but it is the reality outside of the United States. When I return home, I will have a new altitude, new prospective, and definitely I will be a new person. Finally, I am proud to write my name as:
Chi S. Chan, CPA,
RPCV *
Azerbaijan 2009-2011
* RPCV: Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Thursday, November 12, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Site Announceent
November 10, 2009
Finally, my real Peace Corps life for the next 2 years has been determined. I will be working for the RabitaBank of A
zerbaijan. According to Peace Corps, it is the head office in Baku that requests my service, but since no Peace Corps Volunteer is allowed to work in Baku, so I will be placed in the Sumgayit branch. Sumgayit is the town I am living now, and it is the third biggest city in Azerbaijan. It only takes about 20-minute bus ride to get to Baku. Baku is very modern. It is the “Dubai” of Azerbaijan.
The population in Sumgayit is about 290,000. With the American standard, Sumgayit without any doubt is an unattractive city. Most buildings are old and ugly. The villages around the city are even worst. The only fine-looking buildings in the downtown area are the Palace of Culture and Trade Centre by the Caspian Sea. The highest apartment building is only 12 stories.
When I found out my placement, I was very disappointed. Some of my site mates also felt very bad for me. No one wanted to stay in Sumgayit. After the training, we are all looking forwards to leaving this place for good. I wanted to live in the mountain region so I can do some hiking, but now I will be staying here for two years. But I am an optimist person; I would like to look at the arrangement as the glass “half full”. There are many advantages for me to stay here working for the bank.
First, I do not have to move again! Most of the PCVs are still struggling to live with their host family here. When December comes, they have to do it all over again. They might find their situation is worst than what they are having now. I like and I am beginning to feel comfortable living with my host family. They are very kind to me. The family has accepted me as one of their own.
Second, working for the Bank will only add more credential to my resume. According to my job description, I will be working closely with the branch director, helping him to train staffs, improve their professional skil
l, do presentations on relevant topics at the head office and branch office, promote a better understanding of how US banking system operates. Most importantly, I will be reporting directly to the head office in Baku about the branch’s daily operation. All these responsibilities will only improve my professional skill, hopefully when I return to the US, I can find a job in the bank or even work for the US Treasury Department.
I still remember why I join the Peace Corps. I come here to help the people of Azerbaijan. If my skill has any value to them, I should be grateful that I can assist them. Flexibility, patience and a sense of humor are what I need to deal with any unexpected situation. I have faith in God, and so far he has been guiding me each step of the way. When times that I had reservation about my being here, God helped me to get through those moments, and of course, “J”, a life time friend being there to share my pain.
I am planning to visit Julie in Samaxi, do some hiking with her in the Spring. I will visit Vivian in Genja, she will show me all the cute babies in the orphanage. Two years will fly by so fast before I even have a chance to catch my breath…… I know it..
Finally, my real Peace Corps life for the next 2 years has been determined. I will be working for the RabitaBank of A
zerbaijan. According to Peace Corps, it is the head office in Baku that requests my service, but since no Peace Corps Volunteer is allowed to work in Baku, so I will be placed in the Sumgayit branch. Sumgayit is the town I am living now, and it is the third biggest city in Azerbaijan. It only takes about 20-minute bus ride to get to Baku. Baku is very modern. It is the “Dubai” of Azerbaijan.The population in Sumgayit is about 290,000. With the American standard, Sumgayit without any doubt is an unattractive city. Most buildings are old and ugly. The villages around the city are even worst. The only fine-looking buildings in the downtown area are the Palace of Culture and Trade Centre by the Caspian Sea. The highest apartment building is only 12 stories.
When I found out my placement, I was very disappointed. Some of my site mates also felt very bad for me. No one wanted to stay in Sumgayit. After the training, we are all looking forwards to leaving this place for good. I wanted to live in the mountain region so I can do some hiking, but now I will be staying here for two years. But I am an optimist person; I would like to look at the arrangement as the glass “half full”. There are many advantages for me to stay here working for the bank.
First, I do not have to move again! Most of the PCVs are still struggling to live with their host family here. When December comes, they have to do it all over again. They might find their situation is worst than what they are having now. I like and I am beginning to feel comfortable living with my host family. They are very kind to me. The family has accepted me as one of their own.
Second, working for the Bank will only add more credential to my resume. According to my job description, I will be working closely with the branch director, helping him to train staffs, improve their professional skil
l, do presentations on relevant topics at the head office and branch office, promote a better understanding of how US banking system operates. Most importantly, I will be reporting directly to the head office in Baku about the branch’s daily operation. All these responsibilities will only improve my professional skill, hopefully when I return to the US, I can find a job in the bank or even work for the US Treasury Department.I still remember why I join the Peace Corps. I come here to help the people of Azerbaijan. If my skill has any value to them, I should be grateful that I can assist them. Flexibility, patience and a sense of humor are what I need to deal with any unexpected situation. I have faith in God, and so far he has been guiding me each step of the way. When times that I had reservation about my being here, God helped me to get through those moments, and of course, “J”, a life time friend being there to share my pain.
I am planning to visit Julie in Samaxi, do some hiking with her in the Spring. I will visit Vivian in Genja, she will show me all the cute babies in the orphanage. Two years will fly by so fast before I even have a chance to catch my breath…… I know it..
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Test Results
November 2, 2009
I like my language teacher. She is a very nice Azerbaijan lady and she tried very hard to help me and Vivian. She even spent extra time to tutor Vivian and me. I am going to try harder this time. I am not a quitter. I know I can learn, I just need to try a little harder. I want to and I have to God please helps me!
Well, our language test result is in. I received “Low - medium” and Vivian got “Low - low”. I am a little disappointed. I
was hoping to get a “Low - high”. I have no problem remember words, just find it difficult to put together a grammatically correct sentence. Azerbaijani does not have proposition, instead it has suffixes, which is my main problem. Each personal pronoun receives a different suffix based on a vow harmony, location, direct object or tenses. Not only it sounds complicated, it is actually complicated. I need time to understand the grammar and the sentence structure better. Once I learn that, I will be able to put the sentence together logically, but my problem is time. All the Peace Corps Trainees agree, we just simply do not have enough time everyday.
From Monday to Saturday, we have class from 9:00am until 5:30pm. On top of that, we have projects, presentations, site visits and other home work to do. We only have Sunday off and most of us use that day to send e-mails home. Peace Corps put a lot of pressure on us to learn the local language. We are here only one month, it is a very short time period for anyone to learn and master the language. For the elderly trainees, language is their main hurdle. Some of them refuse to learn the language. Personally I think their attitude is wrong, nevertheless, I understand their frustration.
was hoping to get a “Low - high”. I have no problem remember words, just find it difficult to put together a grammatically correct sentence. Azerbaijani does not have proposition, instead it has suffixes, which is my main problem. Each personal pronoun receives a different suffix based on a vow harmony, location, direct object or tenses. Not only it sounds complicated, it is actually complicated. I need time to understand the grammar and the sentence structure better. Once I learn that, I will be able to put the sentence together logically, but my problem is time. All the Peace Corps Trainees agree, we just simply do not have enough time everyday.From Monday to Saturday, we have class from 9:00am until 5:30pm. On top of that, we have projects, presentations, site visits and other home work to do. We only have Sunday off and most of us use that day to send e-mails home. Peace Corps put a lot of pressure on us to learn the local language. We are here only one month, it is a very short time period for anyone to learn and master the language. For the elderly trainees, language is their main hurdle. Some of them refuse to learn the language. Personally I think their attitude is wrong, nevertheless, I understand their frustration.
I like my language teacher. She is a very nice Azerbaijan lady and she tried very hard to help me and Vivian. She even spent extra time to tutor Vivian and me. I am going to try harder this time. I am not a quitter. I know I can learn, I just need to try a little harder. I want to and I have to God please helps me!
Monday, November 02, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - My Exercise
October 31, 2009
The town I am living in is very flat. There are no mountains, not even a little hill for me to climb. I am lacking exercise. Once I feel better, I want to do some daily route exercise. The weather is getting cold and walking along the Caspian Sea is out of the question. 
If I go running around the neighborhood, the qonso (neighbors) will definitely think that I am crazy. I will get a lot of attention or maybe the police will come and take me to the mental hospital.
I need my exercise which is the only way to keep me healthy. Everyday, I spend 10 hours at school learning the language and culture lessons. When I return home, it is already 6:00pm. After dinner, my study hours last until 11:00pm. I am not active at all. Recently I figure out a way to keep myself fit. I use the stairs! My host family’s house has two levels. There is a little stairway leading up to the second floor. For the past few weeks, I have been using it as my exercise tool. I climb the stair every morning about 20-30 times until my heart starts beating fast.
At the beginning, my host mother and sisters all stared at me and they said something about my silly action. I could not use too many Azerbaijani words to explain what I was doing, so I just let them stared. After a week or so, they all got used to my daily routine. When the neighbor (they have lots of neighbors) comes to the house in the morning, my host family would say a few words to depend me. I just smiled to their neighbors and climbed my stair.
I am going to increase my climbing exercise from 30 times to maybe 50 times. That should keep me fit and heal
thy.
If I go running around the neighborhood, the qonso (neighbors) will definitely think that I am crazy. I will get a lot of attention or maybe the police will come and take me to the mental hospital.I need my exercise which is the only way to keep me healthy. Everyday, I spend 10 hours at school learning the language and culture lessons. When I return home, it is already 6:00pm. After dinner, my study hours last until 11:00pm. I am not active at all. Recently I figure out a way to keep myself fit. I use the stairs! My host family’s house has two levels. There is a little stairway leading up to the second floor. For the past few weeks, I have been using it as my exercise tool. I climb the stair every morning about 20-30 times until my heart starts beating fast.
At the beginning, my host mother and sisters all stared at me and they said something about my silly action. I could not use too many Azerbaijani words to explain what I was doing, so I just let them stared. After a week or so, they all got used to my daily routine. When the neighbor (they have lots of neighbors) comes to the house in the morning, my host family would say a few words to depend me. I just smiled to their neighbors and climbed my stair.
I am going to increase my climbing exercise from 30 times to maybe 50 times. That should keep me fit and heal
thy. My Life in Azerbaijan - Mid Term Examination
October 30, 2009
Time does go by so fast here. I have been here in Azerbaijan more than a month now. Tomorrow is our mid term language examination. I am very nervous about the test tomorrow. Each PCT is required to have fifteen minutes Azerbaijani conversation with our teachers. We will be graded based on our ability to interact with them, and depends on how well the conversation is carried out, we then w
ill receive a grade as high, intermediate, or low.
Vivian and I are the “weakest link” in the class. The other young PCVs are doing much better than two of us. Compare to Vivian, however, I am doing a little better than she is. Vivian always has a sense of humor. She told me that tomorrow she would just sit in front of the LCF, freeze, cry, and then plead for mercy. I know she did not mean it, so I told her, whatever she was planning to do, just try not to wet her pants and keep up with her grace. We both had a good laugh. Both of us study very hard and our teacher realizes that too. Our language teacher told us not too worries; just relax and try to have a casual conversation.
I was a straight A student in collage, but I did study very hard to get those good grades. Maybe I am getting older now. Trying to be the head of the class is no longer that important to me. I just want to learn some basis Azerbaijani so I can get by with my daily life here. I will relax, smile, then cry and beg for mercy tomorrow. J Vivian and I will receive the low for sure, just do not how low it will get, but who cares, we come here to help people with our heart, not our month.
Time does go by so fast here. I have been here in Azerbaijan more than a month now. Tomorrow is our mid term language examination. I am very nervous about the test tomorrow. Each PCT is required to have fifteen minutes Azerbaijani conversation with our teachers. We will be graded based on our ability to interact with them, and depends on how well the conversation is carried out, we then w
ill receive a grade as high, intermediate, or low.Vivian and I are the “weakest link” in the class. The other young PCVs are doing much better than two of us. Compare to Vivian, however, I am doing a little better than she is. Vivian always has a sense of humor. She told me that tomorrow she would just sit in front of the LCF, freeze, cry, and then plead for mercy. I know she did not mean it, so I told her, whatever she was planning to do, just try not to wet her pants and keep up with her grace. We both had a good laugh. Both of us study very hard and our teacher realizes that too. Our language teacher told us not too worries; just relax and try to have a casual conversation.
I was a straight A student in collage, but I did study very hard to get those good grades. Maybe I am getting older now. Trying to be the head of the class is no longer that important to me. I just want to learn some basis Azerbaijani so I can get by with my daily life here. I will relax, smile, then cry and beg for mercy tomorrow. J Vivian and I will receive the low for sure, just do not how low it will get, but who cares, we come here to help people with our heart, not our month.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Cold but I am warm
October 27, 2009
Yesterday, the weather took a 360 degree change. The day before, the temperature was at the 80s and suddenly, the wind picked up at night. Next morning, it rained and the temperature dropped to about 50 degree. Here in the small town of Jorat, heating system does not exist. The only way to keep warm is to wear layers and layers of clothing. Our town is next to the Caspian Sea, the wind bri
ngs in moisture from the Sea and it makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. I do not have an extra oz of fat in my body to keep myself warm so I have to dress like an Eskimo, drink lots of Isti Cay (hot tea) before leaving for school.
It usually takes me less than 10 minutes to walk to school, but that morning, the wind was really blowing hard. Even my host mother’s chickens refused to come out from their little hut to be fed. The birds were not singing that morning either. The wind was making everything miserable. On my way to school, I was nearly being blown off from the side walk. But when I reached the school, everything changed. I felt warm and happy right away.
By the entrance of my school, usually there are five NeNe(s) (grandmothers) sitting by the door to greet the school children. When I first arrived at the school in October, they all stared at me with a stone face. By nature, I am a very cheerful person, so I gave them a big Salam (greetings) and of course, no one understood my Azerbaijani. So I approached the oldest one, (in Azerbaijan, the oldest person usually receives the most respect) I held her hands and said Salam again to her. This time, she understood and gave me a big, big smile. After that morning, they all remember me and give me a ch
eerful greetings everyday.
That morning, as soon as they saw me walking in the wind, they all came out to the window and greeted me with some Azeri words which I could not understand. When I reached them, I was surrounded by them and they touched my hands, my shoulders and pull me inside. Since that day, I know I have five new NeNes who love me in Azerbaijan.
Yesterday, the weather took a 360 degree change. The day before, the temperature was at the 80s and suddenly, the wind picked up at night. Next morning, it rained and the temperature dropped to about 50 degree. Here in the small town of Jorat, heating system does not exist. The only way to keep warm is to wear layers and layers of clothing. Our town is next to the Caspian Sea, the wind bri
ngs in moisture from the Sea and it makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. I do not have an extra oz of fat in my body to keep myself warm so I have to dress like an Eskimo, drink lots of Isti Cay (hot tea) before leaving for school.It usually takes me less than 10 minutes to walk to school, but that morning, the wind was really blowing hard. Even my host mother’s chickens refused to come out from their little hut to be fed. The birds were not singing that morning either. The wind was making everything miserable. On my way to school, I was nearly being blown off from the side walk. But when I reached the school, everything changed. I felt warm and happy right away.
By the entrance of my school, usually there are five NeNe(s) (grandmothers) sitting by the door to greet the school children. When I first arrived at the school in October, they all stared at me with a stone face. By nature, I am a very cheerful person, so I gave them a big Salam (greetings) and of course, no one understood my Azerbaijani. So I approached the oldest one, (in Azerbaijan, the oldest person usually receives the most respect) I held her hands and said Salam again to her. This time, she understood and gave me a big, big smile. After that morning, they all remember me and give me a ch
eerful greetings everyday.That morning, as soon as they saw me walking in the wind, they all came out to the window and greeted me with some Azeri words which I could not understand. When I reached them, I was surrounded by them and they touched my hands, my shoulders and pull me inside. Since that day, I know I have five new NeNes who love me in Azerbaijan.
My Life in Azerbaijan - My famous PC Site Mate
October 25, 2009
Everyone is concerned about my health. This morning, my host sister takes me and
my site mate Vivian to the Bazaar. I can buy whatever I want. She insists to buy me some bananas. I love banana and I do miss it, but it is very expense here in Azerbaijan. Banana has to be imported to this country. Average Azerbaijani cannot afford to buy banana. I feel bad that my host family has to spend extra money to get me the banana.
After we get home, Vivian wants to cook me lunch. As we start talking about our past, Vivian begins to open up and reveals more secret about herself. Back in the US, Vivian was a famous cook. Her name was mentioned twice in the New York Times. She used to have her own Catering business in Dallas Texas. Her famous clients include Prince of Saudi Arabia, Lara Bush, Macy store, Henry Kissinger and Nancy Reagan. She was named as one of the best Caterers in the US by the New York Times. When she catered the party for Nancy Reagan, she had the secret service in her kitchen for two weeks!
I am very impressed about her story. I am more impressed that she decided to come here in Azerbaijan and wanted to help the people here. Vivian and I get along very well. We spend more and more time together studying, chatting, and cooking. Life in this poor village of Azerbaijan begins to seem gettin
g better everyday. This afternoon, she makes me a very simple vegetables dish. It is so delicious and healthy. Few weeks ago, she also made an apple pie for Kim, her host family and me. It was absolutely delicious! I ask her to start giving me cooking lessons, perhaps when I return to the US, I can cook for “J” and if he likes my cooking, maybe I can keep him for good.
my site mate Vivian to the Bazaar. I can buy whatever I want. She insists to buy me some bananas. I love banana and I do miss it, but it is very expense here in Azerbaijan. Banana has to be imported to this country. Average Azerbaijani cannot afford to buy banana. I feel bad that my host family has to spend extra money to get me the banana.After we get home, Vivian wants to cook me lunch. As we start talking about our past, Vivian begins to open up and reveals more secret about herself. Back in the US, Vivian was a famous cook. Her name was mentioned twice in the New York Times. She used to have her own Catering business in Dallas Texas. Her famous clients include Prince of Saudi Arabia, Lara Bush, Macy store, Henry Kissinger and Nancy Reagan. She was named as one of the best Caterers in the US by the New York Times. When she catered the party for Nancy Reagan, she had the secret service in her kitchen for two weeks!
I am very impressed about her story. I am more impressed that she decided to come here in Azerbaijan and wanted to help the people here. Vivian and I get along very well. We spend more and more time together studying, chatting, and cooking. Life in this poor village of Azerbaijan begins to seem gettin
g better everyday. This afternoon, she makes me a very simple vegetables dish. It is so delicious and healthy. Few weeks ago, she also made an apple pie for Kim, her host family and me. It was absolutely delicious! I ask her to start giving me cooking lessons, perhaps when I return to the US, I can cook for “J” and if he likes my cooking, maybe I can keep him for good. 
Life has its way to amaze me, my life here in Azerbaijan was harsh and difficult at one point, but now I begin to see the silver lining. I like it here.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
My life in Azerbaijan - The beauty of Azerbaijan
October 24, 2009
Today is a Culture Day, Peace Corps takes us to visit Azerbaijan ancient site called Qobustan. The place is located south of Baku along the Caspian Sea. Qobustan is full of Petrography and cave painting. According to the historical museum, this place is more than 5,000 years old. Once upon a time, this place was very green and full of human activities.
I have not done any hiking since I arrived here in Azerbaijan. As soon as we arrive at Qubostan, I feel alive. The mountain air, the hiking trail and the historical ancient ruins remind me the place I love: the Utah Desert. There are many human images, animal figures and various hunting weapons carved high up on the rock walls. In the afternoon, we move to another place which also reminds me another place in the US: the Yellow Stone National Park. There are lots of mud volcanoes.
Another interesting fact about Azerbaijan is: this country is rich with oil. Some places, the oil is so pure that it does not even r
equire any refining process. As soon as we enter to this “Park” (in Azerbaijan, the government has not yet set up any national park to protect its nature beauty), there is a hole on the ground which is covered with black shinning oil. The oil actually oozes out from underground to the surface. One of our PCV dips her figure to the hole and let us smell the oil. If this place exists in the US, it would have been destroyed.
There are many beautiful places that exist in Azerbaijan. Some of those places are still less known by the outside world. Because of that, they remain their natural beauty and have not yet been destroyed by human intervention. I am grateful that I am one of those handful people who can see those beauties before they are gone. On the other hand, if more people know about those places and come to Azerbaijan, it will bring in significant tourist income to the country and perhaps the life of Azerbaijani will be improved. I think the future of Azerbaijan lies on its people and only they have the right to decide what is best for their country.
I have not done any hiking since I arrived here in Azerbaijan. As soon as we arrive at Qubostan, I feel alive. The mountain air, the hiking trail and the historical ancient ruins remind me the place I love: the Utah Desert. There are many human images, animal figures and various hunting weapons carved high up on the rock walls. In the afternoon, we move to another place which also reminds me another place in the US: the Yellow Stone National Park. There are lots of mud volcanoes.
Another interesting fact about Azerbaijan is: this country is rich with oil. Some places, the oil is so pure that it does not even r
equire any refining process. As soon as we enter to this “Park” (in Azerbaijan, the government has not yet set up any national park to protect its nature beauty), there is a hole on the ground which is covered with black shinning oil. The oil actually oozes out from underground to the surface. One of our PCV dips her figure to the hole and let us smell the oil. If this place exists in the US, it would have been destroyed.There are many beautiful places that exist in Azerbaijan. Some of those places are still less known by the outside world. Because of that, they remain their natural beauty and have not yet been destroyed by human intervention. I am grateful that I am one of those handful people who can see those beauties before they are gone. On the other hand, if more people know about those places and come to Azerbaijan, it will bring in significant tourist income to the country and perhaps the life of Azerbaijani will be improved. I think the future of Azerbaijan lies on its people and only they have the right to decide what is best for their country.
My Life in Azerbaijan - Doctor's order
October 23, 2009
Since I came back from Ujar, some people from my group noticed that I am getting too thin. My clothing all seems too big. My pants no longer fit; my shirts are falling off my shoulders. I look at myself in the mirror and see my face becoming thinner. Even my host mother notices it after I returned from the Ujar. My site mate Carol is concerned so she tells our LCF. (LCF is responsible for our well being during the training) Therefore, today, my PST pays a family visit to my host mother. She wants to find out why I continue to lose weight.
I have not bee
n feeling well and gotten sick a few days since I arrived in Azerbaijan. My stomach does not agree with the water and foods here. In addition, the food here is just lack of variety. I am missing lots of vegetables and fiber on my diet. My host family is not feeding me enough good and nutritious foods, plus I am not crazy about the Azerbaijan cooking. It is too oily. Everyday, I go to school only with 2 small potatoes, a cucumber and an apple. Dinner, I eat very little if I do not like the food.
I am kind of embarrassed about the whole situation. My culture taught me to be humble when living with others. I should not demand for extra treatment while I am staying in other people’s home. If I do not like their foods, then I should just be hungry. I think that is how I have been dealing with my situation for the past few weeks. As a result, I lost more and more weight.
My host sister and I work out a plan. Monday, we will go shopping together and I will buy all the foods that I want. I can either do my own cooking or continue eat with the host family. I hope this plan will work, or I will end up less than 90 lbs by the end of the training.
Since I came back from Ujar, some people from my group noticed that I am getting too thin. My clothing all seems too big. My pants no longer fit; my shirts are falling off my shoulders. I look at myself in the mirror and see my face becoming thinner. Even my host mother notices it after I returned from the Ujar. My site mate Carol is concerned so she tells our LCF. (LCF is responsible for our well being during the training) Therefore, today, my PST pays a family visit to my host mother. She wants to find out why I continue to lose weight.
I have not bee
n feeling well and gotten sick a few days since I arrived in Azerbaijan. My stomach does not agree with the water and foods here. In addition, the food here is just lack of variety. I am missing lots of vegetables and fiber on my diet. My host family is not feeding me enough good and nutritious foods, plus I am not crazy about the Azerbaijan cooking. It is too oily. Everyday, I go to school only with 2 small potatoes, a cucumber and an apple. Dinner, I eat very little if I do not like the food.I am kind of embarrassed about the whole situation. My culture taught me to be humble when living with others. I should not demand for extra treatment while I am staying in other people’s home. If I do not like their foods, then I should just be hungry. I think that is how I have been dealing with my situation for the past few weeks. As a result, I lost more and more weight.
My host sister and I work out a plan. Monday, we will go shopping together and I will buy all the foods that I want. I can either do my own cooking or continue eat with the host family. I hope this plan will work, or I will end up less than 90 lbs by the end of the training.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Quitting the PC
October 16, 2009 – Quiting the Peace Corps
Well, it is official. Two people from our group decided to quit. Both claimed it was because of their he
alth problem. It is only the 2nd week of the training, some people already think about leaving. Some PSTs predicate, by the end of the training, there will be at least four more people exiting.
For whatever reason these individuals decide to quit, I understand their decision. Not many people can be happy to live the kind of life here in Azerbaijan, especially those who are so used to the material world and the comfortable lifestyle back home. Here in Azerbaijan, most of the towns and villages are poor. Every where you see, there are broken buildings, unpaved roads, dirty alleys, dusty roads and ugly buses, not to mention smelly toilets and dreadful neighborhoods. There are no street lights; water has to be boiled for drinking, electricity is not reliable and taking a hot shower may require lot of effort. Most of the stores only carry minimum supplies. The luxury things do not exist here in this small town of Jorat or any town in Azerbaijan except in the Capital - Baku. Try not to get sick too because there is not even one hospital or clinic around here in town.
Some days, life can be very lonely here. When you miss your
family, friends and the loved one back home; it is quite difficult to carry on. In order to continue serving the Peace Corps, it requires not just a few simple adjustments as Peace Corps suggested, but a lot more. Whatever the dedication and commitment you have few months ago before leaving for Azerbaijan, consider to multiple 10, 20 or even 100 times more. If you are not happy now during the training, you are going to be even unhappier when the real Peace Corps life begins. For those PCTs who already thinking about leaving Peace Corps, I urge them to end their misery now. Peace Corps definitely is not for everyone.
Well, it is official. Two people from our group decided to quit. Both claimed it was because of their he
alth problem. It is only the 2nd week of the training, some people already think about leaving. Some PSTs predicate, by the end of the training, there will be at least four more people exiting.For whatever reason these individuals decide to quit, I understand their decision. Not many people can be happy to live the kind of life here in Azerbaijan, especially those who are so used to the material world and the comfortable lifestyle back home. Here in Azerbaijan, most of the towns and villages are poor. Every where you see, there are broken buildings, unpaved roads, dirty alleys, dusty roads and ugly buses, not to mention smelly toilets and dreadful neighborhoods. There are no street lights; water has to be boiled for drinking, electricity is not reliable and taking a hot shower may require lot of effort. Most of the stores only carry minimum supplies. The luxury things do not exist here in this small town of Jorat or any town in Azerbaijan except in the Capital - Baku. Try not to get sick too because there is not even one hospital or clinic around here in town.
Some days, life can be very lonely here. When you miss your
family, friends and the loved one back home; it is quite difficult to carry on. In order to continue serving the Peace Corps, it requires not just a few simple adjustments as Peace Corps suggested, but a lot more. Whatever the dedication and commitment you have few months ago before leaving for Azerbaijan, consider to multiple 10, 20 or even 100 times more. If you are not happy now during the training, you are going to be even unhappier when the real Peace Corps life begins. For those PCTs who already thinking about leaving Peace Corps, I urge them to end their misery now. Peace Corps definitely is not for everyone.Monday, October 12, 2009
My Life in Azerbaijan - Lost in Azerbaijan
Today is Sunday, my site mate Vivian and I decide to take an hour walk along the Caspian Sea. We plan to meet at her host family at 10:00am. I am still not familiar with the neighborhood, so I leave my host family earlier so to give myself enough time to look for her house. The night before, I got the instruction from other PCV how to get to Vivian’s house, so I thought I remember.
My neighborhood has many small alleys and most of the roads are in a very bad condition. There are no street names, the address of all the houses are very confusing. The only way to find the way around is either to draw a very detailed map or to memorize all the landmarks. I am very bad in direction. I even got lost in Queens back home. The first week with my host family, I already got lost three times walking from the school to my host family. I know it is going to be an adventure to find Vivian house.
I turn left from my host family home and walk toward the Caspian Sea as instructed. Five minutes later, I find myself standing in front of a ruin building. The surrounding is totally unfamiliar to me. I try to find my way back to my host family, but all the alleys look the same. I cannot remember which alley belongs to my host family. Now I am completely LOST. I only know a few words of Azerbaijani and I do not even know my host family’s address. If I call my host sister to get me, I cannot even tell her where I am. Finally, I call Kim, the PCV who gave me the instruction last night.
Chi “ Kim, I am lost”
Kim: “Where are you?”
Chi “Don’t know, I am scared”
Kim: “Can you tell me some of the landmarks?”
Chi:”I stand in front of a ruin building and next to it, is a long old building look like a dormitory”
Kim: “What else?”
Chi: “Don’t really know?”
Kim: “Try to walk back to a paved road and I will come get you”
Chi: “I tried, I cannot find the paved road either?”
Kim: “ok, I will try to find you”
Five minutes later, Kim shows up at the end of the alley. I feel so STUPID! Well this is going to be part of my life in Azerbaijan :)
My neighborhood has many small alleys and most of the roads are in a very bad condition. There are no street names, the address of all the houses are very confusing. The only way to find the way around is either to draw a very detailed map or to memorize all the landmarks. I am very bad in direction. I even got lost in Queens back home. The first week with my host family, I already got lost three times walking from the school to my host family. I know it is going to be an adventure to find Vivian house.
I turn left from my host family home and walk toward the Caspian Sea as instructed. Five minutes later, I find myself standing in front of a ruin building. The surrounding is totally unfamiliar to me. I try to find my way back to my host family, but all the alleys look the same. I cannot remember which alley belongs to my host family. Now I am completely LOST. I only know a few words of Azerbaijani and I do not even know my host family’s address. If I call my host sister to get me, I cannot even tell her where I am. Finally, I call Kim, the PCV who gave me the instruction last night.
Chi “ Kim, I am lost”
Kim: “Where are you?”
Chi “Don’t know, I am scared”
Kim: “Can you tell me some of the landmarks?”
Chi:”I stand in front of a ruin building and next to it, is a long old building look like a dormitory”
Kim: “What else?”
Chi: “Don’t really know?”
Kim: “Try to walk back to a paved road and I will come get you”
Chi: “I tried, I cannot find the paved road either?”
Kim: “ok, I will try to find you”
Five minutes later, Kim shows up at the end of the alley. I feel so STUPID! Well this is going to be part of my life in Azerbaijan :)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Life with Peace Corps - Hunting for Internet
We have not had an internet connection since Monday, which is four days ago. Everyone is eager to e-mail home. During the week, our classes occupy most of our time. We have language training since 9:00
am and the class does not end until 5:00pm or 6:00pm. After dinner, we still have to study to keep up with our lessons. By the end of the week, we are all very tired. We miss our families and friends back home.
During the week some PCVs found out the nearest internet café and they went out at night to check out the location. I am a single girl, the Azeri culture does not allow single woman wondering around at night alone. My street has no street light, after dark it is very dark and I have not been allowed by my host family to venture out at night. This is another disadvantage living with a host family. Our freedom is restricted. Saturday afternoon after school, my cluster (CED group) decided to take a marsrutka (minibus) and go to town for a little fun. As soon as we found out the internet location, we all buried ourselves in the café.
It cost 0.20 – 0.40 AZN (US$0.25-$0.50) for 30 minutes. It seems cheap but if you only have 17 AZN per week as allowance, it does not seem cheap after all. I am an accountant and I know how to budget my allowance to live through the week. I will keep my spending into minimum in other areas, but internet access is important to me, no matter how expensive it is.
Finally, I sent out all my e-mails. Life seems lonely and hard right now in Azerbaijan but knowing that I have my strong supports from friends and family back home, I feel much better.
am and the class does not end until 5:00pm or 6:00pm. After dinner, we still have to study to keep up with our lessons. By the end of the week, we are all very tired. We miss our families and friends back home.During the week some PCVs found out the nearest internet café and they went out at night to check out the location. I am a single girl, the Azeri culture does not allow single woman wondering around at night alone. My street has no street light, after dark it is very dark and I have not been allowed by my host family to venture out at night. This is another disadvantage living with a host family. Our freedom is restricted. Saturday afternoon after school, my cluster (CED group) decided to take a marsrutka (minibus) and go to town for a little fun. As soon as we found out the internet location, we all buried ourselves in the café.
It cost 0.20 – 0.40 AZN (US$0.25-$0.50) for 30 minutes. It seems cheap but if you only have 17 AZN per week as allowance, it does not seem cheap after all. I am an accountant and I know how to budget my allowance to live through the week. I will keep my spending into minimum in other areas, but internet access is important to me, no matter how expensive it is.
Finally, I sent out all my e-mails. Life seems lonely and hard right now in Azerbaijan but knowing that I have my strong supports from friends and family back home, I feel much better.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
My Life with Peace Corps - Azerbaijan
I am glad; serving Peace Corps finally becomes a reality. My purpose of lif
e becomes more apparent on the date I accepted Peace Corps' invitation. For the next two years, I will have a new life and a new adventure. I am happy, really happy. I have the life I am longing for, I have my family to support my decision, I have friends to cheer me off and finally, "J", the love of my life, I have him to give me the comfort that I need the most…....I am really excited about what lies ahead.
Time to say goodbye to all my friends!
October 5, 2009 – Moving in to the Bahramov Family
Today I move in to my host family. The family consists of three lovely daughters and a grandmothe
r. My first impression of the Bahramov’s family is: very friendly. They keep staring at me and they talk endlessly about me. They welcome me to their home and bring all their friends and relatives to see me. They also introduce me to their many neighbors. The little boys and girls range from six years old to twelve years old from the nearby neighborhood all come to see this little “Chin” from the America.
I have my own little room with simple furniture: a small desk, two chairs, and a bed. The family seems to be living well; they even have a washing machine. The father is a farmer and the mother is working in a private organization
as an electricial engineer. The eldest daughter is studying in the University and wants to become a translator. She speaks English very well, which helps me a lot. The other sister is studying to be a doctor. The youngest sister also attends the university. The living condition is better than I have expected. I can even take a hot shower everyday! However, the minor discomfort such as lack of privacy, cleanness, and convenience are unavoidable. I do miss my apartment, my little cozy place in New York City.
I have to admit, living with a host family probably is the most difficult part of the whole Peace Corps experience, especially for an independent person like me. My host family is very eager to know me, but it is this eagerness that sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe. They watch me constantly, even when I am in my room studying. They come and go into my room as they please. Closing my bedroom door does not guarantee privacy. The only time I can be left alone is when I turn off my light and go to bed. This lack of privacy sometimes makes me depressed, but I constantly remind myself that I come to this country for a purpose; a noble purpose. I cannot and will not be discouraged by this little discomfort. If I can do this, I can go back home and do anything.
ctober 8, 2009 – The Language Training
I am glad
that I have done all my language homework before coming to Azerbaijan. The language training turns out to be very intensive. Our instructor speaks very little English which can be good and bad. She is extremely patient with us. The oldest person in our group has the most difficult time to learn the language. She struggles and I sense her pain. My progress is good since I already studies most of the lessons in New York, but to speak fluently will take more effort. Everyday I come home; I just lock myself inside my room and study.
I miss New York, I miss my friends, I miss hiking and I miss “J”. We had a wonderful time in Philadelphia, which made it very difficult to say goodbye to him. For all these years, my heart always has a special place for him. I donot know what our future holds, but I am certain more than ever that we will spend the rest of our lifes together, whether as a friend or more.
e becomes more apparent on the date I accepted Peace Corps' invitation. For the next two years, I will have a new life and a new adventure. I am happy, really happy. I have the life I am longing for, I have my family to support my decision, I have friends to cheer me off and finally, "J", the love of my life, I have him to give me the comfort that I need the most…....I am really excited about what lies ahead.Time to say goodbye to all my friends!
October 5, 2009 – Moving in to the Bahramov Family
Today I move in to my host family. The family consists of three lovely daughters and a grandmothe
r. My first impression of the Bahramov’s family is: very friendly. They keep staring at me and they talk endlessly about me. They welcome me to their home and bring all their friends and relatives to see me. They also introduce me to their many neighbors. The little boys and girls range from six years old to twelve years old from the nearby neighborhood all come to see this little “Chin” from the America.I have my own little room with simple furniture: a small desk, two chairs, and a bed. The family seems to be living well; they even have a washing machine. The father is a farmer and the mother is working in a private organization
as an electricial engineer. The eldest daughter is studying in the University and wants to become a translator. She speaks English very well, which helps me a lot. The other sister is studying to be a doctor. The youngest sister also attends the university. The living condition is better than I have expected. I can even take a hot shower everyday! However, the minor discomfort such as lack of privacy, cleanness, and convenience are unavoidable. I do miss my apartment, my little cozy place in New York City.I have to admit, living with a host family probably is the most difficult part of the whole Peace Corps experience, especially for an independent person like me. My host family is very eager to know me, but it is this eagerness that sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe. They watch me constantly, even when I am in my room studying. They come and go into my room as they please. Closing my bedroom door does not guarantee privacy. The only time I can be left alone is when I turn off my light and go to bed. This lack of privacy sometimes makes me depressed, but I constantly remind myself that I come to this country for a purpose; a noble purpose. I cannot and will not be discouraged by this little discomfort. If I can do this, I can go back home and do anything.
ctober 8, 2009 – The Language Training
I am glad
that I have done all my language homework before coming to Azerbaijan. The language training turns out to be very intensive. Our instructor speaks very little English which can be good and bad. She is extremely patient with us. The oldest person in our group has the most difficult time to learn the language. She struggles and I sense her pain. My progress is good since I already studies most of the lessons in New York, but to speak fluently will take more effort. Everyday I come home; I just lock myself inside my room and study.I miss New York, I miss my friends, I miss hiking and I miss “J”. We had a wonderful time in Philadelphia, which made it very difficult to say goodbye to him. For all these years, my heart always has a special place for him. I donot know what our future holds, but I am certain more than ever that we will spend the rest of our lifes together, whether as a friend or more.
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