Humbled by Hayeren
Posted on 06/03/2010 06:32 pm by MaggieWell, 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!
06/06/2010 at 9:19 am
Hi Maggie! The blog is looking great. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures in Armenia:) Your village really is small! I was an A-12 in the Village of Saramej, near Spitak. We had over 2,000 people according to the numbers I saw(though I think that number included the guys were gone to work in Russia for most of the year.) I made some of my best friends in the Peace Corps. I hope you are adjusting well, enjoying local produce, and learning new things every day. Hajoghutsun!
06/09/2010 at 11:57 pm
I recall really bonding with my host “dad” during the World Cup games in 2006 – too bad Armenia isn’t playing this time!
06/10/2010 at 12:48 am
Barev Maggie!
I was with A-1 (not just a steak sauce, anymore!) way back in the day – 1992 seems like FOREVER ago! It’s great to read about your beginning adventures in Hyastan and maybe a way for me to try and keep all my memories alive. I lived with a family the whole 2 years in a little village called Nshavan in the Artashat Region. Great views of Ararat and lots of farming and vineyards all around. It was tough sometimes to live with a family after the independence I experienced in college, but my Armenian (speaking, not writing) was pretty great since the family didn’t speak any English. Be prepared for lots of marriage proposals from the moms (for their sons!) and constant questions about why your parents would let you go so far away by yourself. I always told the Armenian moms that I would marry their son in a heartbeat if he would cook, clean the house and change diapers when we have all those ‘Yerehahner’. That usually got them laughing and I could quickly change the subject to how I didn’t drink coffee, but would love a cup of tea. That usually left them disappointed since they couldn’t turn over my shot of espresso and ‘read’ my fortune in the dried coffee grounds.
It was a really amazing experience and still keep in touch with quite a few of my fellow PCVs from our group. My best advice is have fun and enjoy it b/c it will go by in flash, travel often (inside and outside Armenia!) and when you just can’t take it anymore go visit another PCV who can appreciate all of your complaints. Hajo!