November 28, 2010
This year, we, the AZ7s, were invited to have a Thanksgiving dinner in Baku. Including the Peace Corps staffs and the AZ6, there were n
early 100 people in the party. The event was held at the US Ambassador’s residence. Adam is our new ambassador. He arrived at Azerbaijan only a few months ago. He is a very nice man. Not only did he allow us to use his home to hold the party, he even ordered the Turkey from Brazil for us. Adam and his kitchen staffs were very graceful to make the party a success.
Since I arrived in Azerbaijan, I had not had a real decent American meal. I missed the turkey dinner with lots of side dishes. Like everyone in the party, I was looking forward to enjoying this evening. We were asked to bring a dish for the party. By five o’clock, most of the guests arrived and the dinner room was packed with foods. Besides Turkey, there were potato, bean, soup, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cookies, cakes, banana bread, corn bread, California rolls, and ice cream. I used to watch what I eat, but that night, I did not care. I stuffed myself so full that I was sure that I gained back all the weight I had lost.
This year, we, the AZ7s, were invited to have a Thanksgiving dinner in Baku. Including the Peace Corps staffs and the AZ6, there were n
early 100 people in the party. The event was held at the US Ambassador’s residence. Adam is our new ambassador. He arrived at Azerbaijan only a few months ago. He is a very nice man. Not only did he allow us to use his home to hold the party, he even ordered the Turkey from Brazil for us. Adam and his kitchen staffs were very graceful to make the party a success.Since I arrived in Azerbaijan, I had not had a real decent American meal. I missed the turkey dinner with lots of side dishes. Like everyone in the party, I was looking forward to enjoying this evening. We were asked to bring a dish for the party. By five o’clock, most of the guests arrived and the dinner room was packed with foods. Besides Turkey, there were potato, bean, soup, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cookies, cakes, banana bread, corn bread, California rolls, and ice cream. I used to watch what I eat, but that night, I did not care. I stuffed myself so full that I was sure that I gained back all the weight I had lost.
After dinner, it was a talent show. The young PCVs are really creative. They made up comical songs, love poems, and jokes to make the entire evening full of fun, laugh and love. For a moment, we temporarily forgot ourselves as a Peace Corps Volunteer, but a bunch of crazy Americans, enjoying the Thanksgiving with each other. Although our family and friends were thousand and thousand miles away, but tonight, none of us were feeling lonely for we had each other on this special holiday. I realized I have made so many friends and met so many amazing people this past year.
Vivian is my cl
osest PC friend. She and I had lots of fun cooking and traveling together. Suddenly, I realized, by next year this time, both of us will be on our separate way. I will be on my way for a long journey to South East Asia, and she will be home in America. Watching her cheering and smiling in the party, I could not help but feeling emotional. I sincerely wish her the best with her life after Peace Corps.After the party, Peace Corps arranged overnight accommodation for us. Vivian and I spent the night at the Embassy staff’s home. The couple and their baby live inside a compound surrounded by walls, a brand new house with three stories. Inside the compound, you would not think that you are in Azerbaijan. Compare to the old shabby apartment buildings outside the compound, inside, it is completely a different world.
Working for the US government oversea, American is given lots of special treatment. Their living standard is far better than that of the locals. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, we are not entitled to receive that privilege yet, but I am contented for what I have. Living outside of the compound and experiencing the Local daily’s life; that is the reason I am here.
For friends back home, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
