A group sits around a table full of food, laughing and clapping. I stand towards the outskirts of the group with my friend, a woman whose first home is also far away. We ask each other about our respective countries in a language neither of us was born into, with long patient pauses while we … More Peace Corps Armenia: Dancing and Lights
“Come for a walk with me,” my host sister said. I looked up from my homework. “Noritz?” I asked. Again? I didn’t catch the quick Armenian the first time. “Take a break,” she urged. “Ah, Hastgatsa,” I understood this time and shut my book. It had just poured outside, but the sky lit up a … More Peace Corps Armenia: Lingua Humanis
The sole of my hiking boot split clean off halfway home. I stopped walking and stared at the mangled boot in some sort of humbled disbelief, a thin song playing in old ear buds. I had bought the boots for four dollars at a thrift store in Northern Wisconsin. I had put at least 200 … More Peace Corps Armenia: With Dust in My Hair
Wondering what I’m up to? Bored and want to fight a goose? Look no further than this entirely autobiographic choose your own adventure blog post! START HERE: You are currently training to be a Peace Corps TEFL Volunteer in Armenia. You are living in a small village in a valley for training with a host … More Pre-Service Training Choose Your Own Adventure
I was planning on seeing my bad day all the way through, while I kicked a stone down the road in a pair of shoes not meant for distances measured in kilometers. These shoes are my only pair that have seen three continents. I got them in Norwich after I soaked my old favorites beyond … More Peace Corps Armenia: Raw Garlic is Spicy
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