Maggie's Journey to Armenia

Barev everyone!

The eight of us in my village have made ourselves an Armenian summer bucket list. I crossed off a few things last week.

1) Learn to milk a cow. I was so excited when my sister told me I could learn how to milk one. Then, I got up close and personal with the cow. Cows don’t take showers here. It is so much harder than it looks too! I was so happy to have tried it but am thankful it is not one of my daily chores. Then, a few days later, my sister had me milk it again. Afterwards, I restrained the goats and sheep (they don’t shower either) while she milked those.

2) Learn Armenian-style dance. Our LCST’s (Language, Culture, and Society Trainers) took us to Yerevan, the capital, on Friday night. We gathered with a couple hundred other Armenians and learned tradition Armenian dance…which is awesome. We had so much fun! Afterwards, we went to the Republic Square and watched the “dancing fountains” (like at the Belagio in Vegas…ok, like a step down from the Belagio Fountain).

3) Learn how to make coffee. Ok, I am not a coffee fan at all. In fact, I am a fully devoted Iced Grande Soy Chai fan to the core. Unfortunately, coffee is all I got…and it wins points with locals. I learned how to make coffee here and must be pretty good at it because my host father requests me make his 10pm cup nightly now.

In addition to these experiences, I have started a morning mostly walk/sometimes run routine here. I head a little ways out of town and on the way back have the glorious view of snowy Mount Aragot. It is such a great daily reminder that I am lucky to be here. Our language teacher is quick to remind us that Mt Aragot is the tallest Mountain in the “Republic of Armenia” but not in all of Armenia

***Fun Fact: Armenians must have a recessive red head gene because everyone once in awhile we see a red head. We have one red head boy in our village and three of us are red headed so I am happy that we upped the ratio.

P.S. RPCVS, we had our first trip and tour of the PC office in Yerevan and were able to see all of your photos on the wall.

Barev!
This past Sunday, my village had a holiday of sorts. The men woke up early to slaughter a family animal (usually a sheep) and the women prepared the house for family. We took my father’s marshutni to a church up the hill and lit candles in memory of family members. When we returned back to the house, I was greeted by twenty of my host extended family members. How overwhelming (and exciting).

This was my first, of I am sure many to come, celebrations here in Hayastan. I was able to see the toasting, the feasting, and even some dancing for the first time.

In addition to this village holiday, the World Cup started last week. This has been a way for me to bond with my host dad and brothers who are usually quiet around me. It also has been a great excuse for gathering with the other trainees and hear about life in other villages near Charentsevan. I thought life in the smallest (and newest PC village) would be rough, but I have had it easier than others. My host family remodeled a new bathroom when I arrived. On the other hand, we have not had any running water for the past week. I had my first bucket bath a few days ago and my first hand washed laundry experience today. Life sure is simple here. I am soaking it all in….now, if only that language would soak in as well!

-Maggie

Well, today is day two of my host family experience. I am living in a small village of 200-300 people in a “tun” with my host mother, father, sister, and her 3 sons. Although I can barely speak a lick of Armenian they know two vital things about me; I love cucumbers and ‘football’.

Although the language barrier can be tough, it proves for constant entertainment and fun new challenges. The people in the Republic of Armenia that I have met so far, are some of the most friendly and generous people that I have come across.

Armenia itself is breathtaking! Our first few days were spent in a hotel in a mountainous valley. Hikers and photographers would find Hayastan a worthwhile travel destination.

Our group of trainees, the A-18s, can barely believe we have only known each other for one week. Similar experiences and close proximity can do that to you I guess. Although I miss family and friends at home terribly, I look forward to making Armenia my new home for the next two years!