So after that encounter with the family two weeks ago or so, I came to my present residence and stayed in my room for the following 24 hours! I cried a lot and did some thinking. I am not sure I came to any real conclusions, but I felt a little better afterward. I talked with my present hosts about it, and they said that I shouldn't worry about what the girls think as they are merely children. It would be so much easier to heed their advice if I didn't care so much about them.
Those at school are getting more and more complicated. Most still aren't talking to me, but it is all good. I am getting closer to my wonderful 4th and 6th graders. The teachers threw me a going away party, which was great fun! They seemed very concerned about whether I thought they were friendly or not. They have been, but this is just yet another clue in the puzzle of what I have done. It is an absolutely fascinating puzzle I have to solve .... I hope that I can keep the emotional part out of it from now on though.
My flight home was changed from Sunday to Tuesday. They finally gave me the itinerary this morning; talk about last minute! At least they are going to take me to the airport at 3am so I can get my flight. I hope it is early enough; everyone seems to think that it will be, so here's hoping! I can't wait to get back to the US; it will be good to see the family and then friends when I head to Atlanta. Hopefully all will go well and the cost of flying home isn't too expensive. I have two bags, and I am only allowed one. Extra baggage fees can be outrageous, but I should be able to just bring one back (though one has a broken zipper, so I may just need to get a new one, again!!)
I have decided to return to Georgia for the next semester. The pay is basically nothing (what does one expect from a volunteer position), but the students need me. The circumstance are crazy, many of them can't afford books, and trying to make the teachers and students aware of different ways of teaching is difficult, but it is so worth it. I just wish I knew how to make a little money to supplement my income to help pay bills. I am sure something will come up; it always seems to.
I also wish I knew Georgian! How much easier my life would be if I could understand and express myself to the people here. I have finally bought some material that will hopefully help. I can't wait to try it out. I hope I will make enough progress to be able to chat a little with people when I get back in January.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
More Drama
How do I always get myself into these messes, and what makes me think it will ever be any different? The funeral was on Tuesday, and the family was even more obviously cold to me than before. I stayed back as much as possible out of respect for them as I was unsure as to what was wrong. I attempted to ignore the hostile stares of the other people as much as possible. It seems that many of them could not understand why I was there, and why I would be upset at the death of my host brother. It was as if I was not supposed to care (and this seems to be the thought of my organization and the school principal as well).
At school things have actually gotten worse as well. The students who had stopped talking to me before are even more blatantly angry with me, and many of the others who were previously unaffected by whatever strange anger virus is permeating the school have fallen victim to it. Still no conclusive evidence as to what it could be as of yet; more tests need to be run.
I had a meeting with the principal two days ago in which she, instead of listening to what I had to say, attempted to apply salve and a band-aid by telling me there was no problem and that everything was perfect. This of course is one of the most frustrating things imaginable! Telling me that I am imagining it, and that I am just jealous (I think paranoid is the word we would actually use in English) is not any way to make me feel better. I asked about my being moved from my host family, and they said that it was the principal's and resource center's (something like superintendent, I think) decision. They said that the family knew that it wasn't my decision, so this was not a reason there would be a problem.
On what I thought would be a good note, Thursday I ran into one of the nephews of the host family, and he told me to come to the house the following day and see the family. I was hoping that either something was said, or that things would get cleared up; some of them did. The family asked me how I found out about the accident, why I left, and if I wanted to come back to live with them. When I told them that I found out from my program, they seemed very surprised. I told them about my phone call telling me about the accident and that I was told I had to leave. I also told them I had to call my program if I were to move back. I was very ready to move back in as I do miss them very much.
Then the girls came in. One had been there to greet me at the beginning, but had left. The other one arrived home, and both of them came in. The that was just arrived home greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, as the other one had. This has never been done before, but I hadn't thought anything of it when they did it due to circumstances. Now it feels like the kiss of Judas!
They all talked about wanting me to come back to live with them, but the girls couldn't look at me, one rolled her eyes at me a couple of times, and they fought over not having to sit near me. They attempted to be as far away from me as possible. I decided when I noticed this behavior that it was time for me to leave. I didn't say good-bye, and I will not call my company. I will not put myself in a situation where I am obviously not wanted and would make people uncomfortable. It isn't good for me, and it isn't good for them. I have done what I can do; I am giving up on the people here. If they wish to come and tell me what their problem is, I will listen, but I will not worry about it anymore: to me they are no longer worth my energy.
At school things have actually gotten worse as well. The students who had stopped talking to me before are even more blatantly angry with me, and many of the others who were previously unaffected by whatever strange anger virus is permeating the school have fallen victim to it. Still no conclusive evidence as to what it could be as of yet; more tests need to be run.
I had a meeting with the principal two days ago in which she, instead of listening to what I had to say, attempted to apply salve and a band-aid by telling me there was no problem and that everything was perfect. This of course is one of the most frustrating things imaginable! Telling me that I am imagining it, and that I am just jealous (I think paranoid is the word we would actually use in English) is not any way to make me feel better. I asked about my being moved from my host family, and they said that it was the principal's and resource center's (something like superintendent, I think) decision. They said that the family knew that it wasn't my decision, so this was not a reason there would be a problem.
On what I thought would be a good note, Thursday I ran into one of the nephews of the host family, and he told me to come to the house the following day and see the family. I was hoping that either something was said, or that things would get cleared up; some of them did. The family asked me how I found out about the accident, why I left, and if I wanted to come back to live with them. When I told them that I found out from my program, they seemed very surprised. I told them about my phone call telling me about the accident and that I was told I had to leave. I also told them I had to call my program if I were to move back. I was very ready to move back in as I do miss them very much.
Then the girls came in. One had been there to greet me at the beginning, but had left. The other one arrived home, and both of them came in. The that was just arrived home greeted me with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, as the other one had. This has never been done before, but I hadn't thought anything of it when they did it due to circumstances. Now it feels like the kiss of Judas!
They all talked about wanting me to come back to live with them, but the girls couldn't look at me, one rolled her eyes at me a couple of times, and they fought over not having to sit near me. They attempted to be as far away from me as possible. I decided when I noticed this behavior that it was time for me to leave. I didn't say good-bye, and I will not call my company. I will not put myself in a situation where I am obviously not wanted and would make people uncomfortable. It isn't good for me, and it isn't good for them. I have done what I can do; I am giving up on the people here. If they wish to come and tell me what their problem is, I will listen, but I will not worry about it anymore: to me they are no longer worth my energy.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The fragility of Life
Have you ever had days where you felt sad but didn't really know why? Unfortunately that is not the day I am having. I know exactly why I feel sad, though sad doesn't really begin to cover it.
This past weekend I went to Tbilisi to have a physical. It turned out there was a trip with the organization I work for, so I skipped the doctors and went with them instead. The dancing, the views, the people; it was all so much fun. I didn't make it back to Tbilisi in time to catch the mini-bus back to Bolnisi, so I staid the night. I got a call early in the evening from my host mom asking if I was alright. I thought it was a little strange, but she hung up and I figured she would call back if there were any problems. I was wrong.
It turns out that there was an accident at home and the 8 year old boy was killed. I heard about it the next afternoon as I was arriving back in Bolnisi. I received a phone call from a representative of the organization I work for stating that there had been an accident and one of the children in my host family had been killed. I was to pack my things and call him back as soon as this was done because the host family couldn't take care of me anymore. I am not sure what is proper in this case, but I don't like that I was whisked away so fast as if his death didn't affect me. I may not know what is proper, but I really didn't get the chance to say good-bye or any of that stuff. Perhaps all the other people there were family, and it was inappropriate for me to be there because I wasn't, but no one has yet to explain the situation. Perhaps they really did hate me and don't want me to be there for such an emotional and personal event. Hopefully I can find someone to explain the culture of it all to me. It doesn't help that the family and I were apparently having problems, though everyone else would know more about what they are than I do.
My life here has been a mess! I am not sure it is going to get any easier, but I am learning a lot and hopefully doing some good. I will try to keep you updated a little more now, but it hasn't really been easy.
This past weekend I went to Tbilisi to have a physical. It turned out there was a trip with the organization I work for, so I skipped the doctors and went with them instead. The dancing, the views, the people; it was all so much fun. I didn't make it back to Tbilisi in time to catch the mini-bus back to Bolnisi, so I staid the night. I got a call early in the evening from my host mom asking if I was alright. I thought it was a little strange, but she hung up and I figured she would call back if there were any problems. I was wrong.
It turns out that there was an accident at home and the 8 year old boy was killed. I heard about it the next afternoon as I was arriving back in Bolnisi. I received a phone call from a representative of the organization I work for stating that there had been an accident and one of the children in my host family had been killed. I was to pack my things and call him back as soon as this was done because the host family couldn't take care of me anymore. I am not sure what is proper in this case, but I don't like that I was whisked away so fast as if his death didn't affect me. I may not know what is proper, but I really didn't get the chance to say good-bye or any of that stuff. Perhaps all the other people there were family, and it was inappropriate for me to be there because I wasn't, but no one has yet to explain the situation. Perhaps they really did hate me and don't want me to be there for such an emotional and personal event. Hopefully I can find someone to explain the culture of it all to me. It doesn't help that the family and I were apparently having problems, though everyone else would know more about what they are than I do.
My life here has been a mess! I am not sure it is going to get any easier, but I am learning a lot and hopefully doing some good. I will try to keep you updated a little more now, but it hasn't really been easy.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Home Again!
Well, almost. I leave tomorrow morning. It has only been two weeks, when it was supposed to be four, but I am ready to finally to get back to Michigan. I will spend a couple of weeks there, and then I don't know what will happen. I am scheduled to fly back to Iraq on the 22nd, which means there is a lot of time in between.
I am in the process of attempting to get people who would like to be tutored online. If I could get enough clients, I would be able to do it full time and not have to worry too much about what I need to do and where I will be. I guess it is just another thing that will come in time.
It feels good to be getting back to someplace that I will semi-understand and be understood. It isn't bad here; it is actually quite beautiful. I would definitely come back. Perhaps next time it will not be alone!
I am in the process of attempting to get people who would like to be tutored online. If I could get enough clients, I would be able to do it full time and not have to worry too much about what I need to do and where I will be. I guess it is just another thing that will come in time.
It feels good to be getting back to someplace that I will semi-understand and be understood. It isn't bad here; it is actually quite beautiful. I would definitely come back. Perhaps next time it will not be alone!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tlaquepaque is a suburb of Guadalajara. I rented an apartment here and have settled in as if it were my new home. It is not really as quiet as I was hoping, but it does have a lot of the traditional Mexican way of life. The corner stores (on just about every block) have the basics one needs, and the restaurants are mostly fairly inexpensive as well.
I haven't done a lot of what I wanted while here, but that is fine. I have managed to relax a little, but not enough. I have had two interviews, and the third I have written off. I have been offered a job in China that I am uncertain if I will take. I guess we shall have to wait and see what happens.
Other than that, there is very little happening. Hopefully things will begin to perk up soon. I will be sure to let you know.
I haven't done a lot of what I wanted while here, but that is fine. I have managed to relax a little, but not enough. I have had two interviews, and the third I have written off. I have been offered a job in China that I am uncertain if I will take. I guess we shall have to wait and see what happens.
Other than that, there is very little happening. Hopefully things will begin to perk up soon. I will be sure to let you know.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Puerto Vallarta
My time in Puerto Vallarta was definitely not what I had anticipated. I made it to the hotel I had booked prior to arriving. Overlooking the city with a view of the bay, it gave one the feeling of being in a kingdom. The lack of hot water was hardly noticeable at all. This was all overshadowed, however, by the promise I made upon my arrival at the airport.
When I was exiting the airport, I was shown to the visitors desk to the right, where a nice lady who spoke very good English informed me of many of the things one can do in the city. She also set me up with a visit to a "local hotel" in an attempt to entice me to return. She provided me with transportation and such in exchange for my going and sitting in on a sales pitch.
I went to the sales pitch. The salesman was from Saskatchewan and was very nice. He didn't think too much of me to begin with, but as we talked, he became more interested. He even comped me two free nights at the "hotel" which turned out to be an all-inclusive resort. The grounds and room were very nice. The room was more like an apartment and with the free room service, I was completely spoiled! The internet was an extra $10/24 hours, but I was happy to pay for 24 hours as I didn't have to buy food or anything. The only thing that was missing was a place to do laundry.
The pool would have been wonderful if I were one who liked pools. There were two peacocks (actually one peacock and one peahen) that were roaming around the grounds. They also had the required cats for such a place as well. I was a little surprised by an iguana falling out of a palm tree, but other than that, it was quite peaceful.
When I was exiting the airport, I was shown to the visitors desk to the right, where a nice lady who spoke very good English informed me of many of the things one can do in the city. She also set me up with a visit to a "local hotel" in an attempt to entice me to return. She provided me with transportation and such in exchange for my going and sitting in on a sales pitch.
I went to the sales pitch. The salesman was from Saskatchewan and was very nice. He didn't think too much of me to begin with, but as we talked, he became more interested. He even comped me two free nights at the "hotel" which turned out to be an all-inclusive resort. The grounds and room were very nice. The room was more like an apartment and with the free room service, I was completely spoiled! The internet was an extra $10/24 hours, but I was happy to pay for 24 hours as I didn't have to buy food or anything. The only thing that was missing was a place to do laundry.
The pool would have been wonderful if I were one who liked pools. There were two peacocks (actually one peacock and one peahen) that were roaming around the grounds. They also had the required cats for such a place as well. I was a little surprised by an iguana falling out of a palm tree, but other than that, it was quite peaceful.
Monday, August 9, 2010
LA/Santa Monica/San Diego, OH MY!
How does one prepare for a trip that is going to be multipurpose and multi-locational? Perhaps I should have done a little more research or even just made some sort of plan before hopping the plane from Peru to LA. Of course when the trip actually started, I am slightly unclear, but I suppose it was back in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq as that is where I presently call home.
I arrived in LA on August 1st after a LONG trip from Peru. The flights themselves were relatively short, but I spent a grand total of 26 hours waiting in airports, plus the searching they always seem to decide is necessary for me. Perhaps I will look into getting the Global Entry Card to limit the amount I need to stand in line at immigration so I have more time for them to "randomly" search me further.
The first night was at a hotel near LAX. We got up early, rented a car, and drove to San Diego. The purpose of this trip was to go to the Animal Park, but this did not happen. When we arrived, our plans changed, and we ended up going to Tijuana instead. Of course for the other two days or so neither me nor my travel companion felt very well after.
Coming back to LA after 3 days was not a joy. Not only was the traffic heavy, but there were issues with the gas station as well! We stopped at the gas station two buildings down from where we needed to drop off the rental car. Apparently here in California, one must prepay for gas. You can do this either by going in and paying the attendant (either in cash or giving them your credit/debit card) or by using the machine outside to do the same. I ignored the 45 cent convenience fee they charged and chose to use my friend's debit card. Unfortunately I was either a little more tired than I thought, or merely not observant enough, and I put the card into the slot for the cash. Normally this is not a problem, but the slot accepted the card and wouldn't give it back. My friend had to go in to get the manager to come out to retrieve her card while I pulled around to a different pump to try again.
The second attempt fared much better. This time I went in, gave my credit card, returned to the car and pumped the gas. My friend got her card back, and we used it when we actually charged the card itself. All seemed to be going well until we reached the car. Somehow the doors had locked, and the keys were in the ignition!
I didn't panic too much as the rental place was just a couple of doors down. We walked past the McDonald's and tried to enter our destination. For some reason, contrary to the "Open! Please Come In..." sign, there was no one about. We went to the hotel to use a pay phone (our cells were in the car) to see if we could get someone there to help. They said they would be 20 minutes. We figured we could handle that and went to get something to eat and help pass the time.
We ended up waiting for over 2 hours for someone to come! They did give us the key we needed (they weren't sure if they even had an extra one at first), and all turned out alright. Fortunately, this was the only real adventure this trip brought for the two of us. My friend returned home, and I stayed in LA visiting friends and such after the Travel Writer's workshop I attended in Santa Monica....So much happening, so little time to write~
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A day at the airport
One has to wonder why they would willingly stay at the airport all day to catch a flight at night, but this is just what I did. I started in Cusco, Peru around 10:30am. I made my flight landing in Lima around 1:30ish in the afternoon. I waited in the airport for a flight that would leave around 10:55pm. This was the best option as I only had 12 soles left and it would take around 45 soles to go downtown (and Lima is not exactly a place I really wanted to hang out anyway).
I spent most of the day alone at the airport, but met an interesting woman from New York about 4 hours before the flight. She had been in a small town on an archeological dig for the past month. She studies bones! I told her I thought it sounded sort of dry, but I don't think she really believed me. A little while after meeting, we met two girls from Tennessee. They had been on a mission trip tod the jungle. More fascinating stories were exchanged! I couldn't believe how fortunate we were.
We hung out for the remainder of our time in Lima, and said our goodbyes while we waited in line to go through immigration in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 5:45am. While they went on their way, I made my way to one of the restaurants and ate breakfast. I had a long day ahead of me, and I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach it.
I decided that I would spend all 14 hours of my layover at the airport. I was thinking I may go crazy, but it gave me a chance to relax and make use of the free wi-fi that the airport here offers. I think all airports should offer free wi-fi; it can be a life saver for travelers who have forgotten information, need to contact with someone, or just to have something to do. It certainly made my day a lot less boring and a whole lot more productive!
So now you pretty much know what my day has consisted of: I ate breakfast, got online, chatted, looked up information, watched people, ate lunch/dinner, went online some more, and then I am going to go through security to wait some more. It may sound really boring, but it was just the relaxation I needed after having traveled so far. I am not sure what 11:00pm in LA will bring, but I will deal with that when I arrive.
I spent most of the day alone at the airport, but met an interesting woman from New York about 4 hours before the flight. She had been in a small town on an archeological dig for the past month. She studies bones! I told her I thought it sounded sort of dry, but I don't think she really believed me. A little while after meeting, we met two girls from Tennessee. They had been on a mission trip tod the jungle. More fascinating stories were exchanged! I couldn't believe how fortunate we were.
We hung out for the remainder of our time in Lima, and said our goodbyes while we waited in line to go through immigration in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 5:45am. While they went on their way, I made my way to one of the restaurants and ate breakfast. I had a long day ahead of me, and I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach it.
I decided that I would spend all 14 hours of my layover at the airport. I was thinking I may go crazy, but it gave me a chance to relax and make use of the free wi-fi that the airport here offers. I think all airports should offer free wi-fi; it can be a life saver for travelers who have forgotten information, need to contact with someone, or just to have something to do. It certainly made my day a lot less boring and a whole lot more productive!
So now you pretty much know what my day has consisted of: I ate breakfast, got online, chatted, looked up information, watched people, ate lunch/dinner, went online some more, and then I am going to go through security to wait some more. It may sound really boring, but it was just the relaxation I needed after having traveled so far. I am not sure what 11:00pm in LA will bring, but I will deal with that when I arrive.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Overdue update! Do I get a fine?
I have been going to write this ever since I got to Peru, but I have been both too busy and lazy to write it. As you know, I have finished my work for the summer in Kurdistan, Iraq, and I am now in Peru doing Spanish lessons. I am not sure what brought me to Peru perse, but I am glad I ended up here. I am specifically in the city of Cusco, which is where one first stops if they wish to travel to see Macchu Picchu. It is a nice city with lots to do, but it is also at such an altitude as to be troublesome to those not used to it. I think that my altitude problems have actually gotten worse since I have been here. I walk about an hour to school every morning, and the first week, I really had no problem. Lately I am really out of breath when I arrive. I am not sure why this is happening, but I was told that it is not really all that unusual.
Last weekend I went to Macchu Piccu and climbed up Hwina Picchu as well. I got an amazing overlook of the city itself. Getting up at 3am to hike there was well worth it (only 400 people a day are allowed to hike Hwiana Picchu)! Of course it was a long weekend for me as well. We hiked on Sunday, but left Cusco on Friday. Saturday, which was rainy, the two Russian girls I traveled with and I stayed in town and watched the festivities that were happening that particular weekend. They were celebrating the Virgen of Carmen. I am not really sure what it was all about, but they had bands (brass intruments and drums) playing outside the window of the hostel all night after having been playing all day!
The whole week to follow was not so good for my sleep. Having met 2 Ecuadorians, 2 Canadians, 2 Austrians, and 1 other American on the trip, I felt as if I were approaching the ark 2 X 2 (especially combined with myself and the 2 Russians). We spent the weekend together, ended up meeting each other again back in Cusco, and saying goodbye to each other when most left. This made for a lot of late nights combined with early mornings. The Ecuadorians left first, then the Austrians left. This made for a night that lasted until around 4:30am. Then the Russians were supposed to leave, and that made for a night that lasted until around 5:30am. They ended up getting stranded at the airport, however, and so we went out the following night to meet up with Couch Surfers from the community and commiserate the loss of thier trip to Brazil: 3:30am.
Tonight I will be on my way to Puno, a city on Lake Titticaca. It is about 500 meters higher that here, so I am not sure how that is going to effect me. I went ahead and paid to go on a tour (which I tend not to do) because the people from my Spanish class were going and asked me to go along. Hopefully I will finally take some pictures. There is so much more to write but so little time, and so little interest. Hopefully my next post will be more prompt....I am getting so bad at this!
Last weekend I went to Macchu Piccu and climbed up Hwina Picchu as well. I got an amazing overlook of the city itself. Getting up at 3am to hike there was well worth it (only 400 people a day are allowed to hike Hwiana Picchu)! Of course it was a long weekend for me as well. We hiked on Sunday, but left Cusco on Friday. Saturday, which was rainy, the two Russian girls I traveled with and I stayed in town and watched the festivities that were happening that particular weekend. They were celebrating the Virgen of Carmen. I am not really sure what it was all about, but they had bands (brass intruments and drums) playing outside the window of the hostel all night after having been playing all day!
The whole week to follow was not so good for my sleep. Having met 2 Ecuadorians, 2 Canadians, 2 Austrians, and 1 other American on the trip, I felt as if I were approaching the ark 2 X 2 (especially combined with myself and the 2 Russians). We spent the weekend together, ended up meeting each other again back in Cusco, and saying goodbye to each other when most left. This made for a lot of late nights combined with early mornings. The Ecuadorians left first, then the Austrians left. This made for a night that lasted until around 4:30am. Then the Russians were supposed to leave, and that made for a night that lasted until around 5:30am. They ended up getting stranded at the airport, however, and so we went out the following night to meet up with Couch Surfers from the community and commiserate the loss of thier trip to Brazil: 3:30am.
Tonight I will be on my way to Puno, a city on Lake Titticaca. It is about 500 meters higher that here, so I am not sure how that is going to effect me. I went ahead and paid to go on a tour (which I tend not to do) because the people from my Spanish class were going and asked me to go along. Hopefully I will finally take some pictures. There is so much more to write but so little time, and so little interest. Hopefully my next post will be more prompt....I am getting so bad at this!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Final Exam and last day of work
The long school year is over! Normally I would be doing summer school, but I elected to leave early when I first signed my contract. The management became quite perturbed about it as the time grew closer, but I stuck to my guns and managed to get them to pay me all the money they owed me. Perhaps I shouldn't have signed that renewal contract in April, but I did and there is nothing one can do about that now.
This week has been one of the most boring of my days here. I didn't have class, so I was stuck in the office for most of the time just reading or playing on the internet. It was definitely not as productive as it could have been! I did invigilate an exam or two during that time and help some students study for another one, so at least I was able to find something productive to do! That and I finished my portfolio I was required to do for the semester. I am still not quite sure what it is or why we are doing it, but I did it because it was supposedly required.
Today was the final exam for both my Intro and Advanced classes. The tests had some tricky questions on it, but a couple of students we were really worried about seem to have done well, though we need to wait for the final results to be sure. One of the requirements for the Intro students was to write an email. One student left without doing this portion. As it is a significant part of the test, one of the instructors went to ask why she didn't do it. "I don't like emails" came her reply. "We need to know you can do this," I told her. She didn't care; she was still insistent that she didn't like to write emails. "Then write a letter." My suggestion brought first a look of confusion and then a bright smile. "Ok. I will do that." She took the paper and went and finished the test. I hope she did well!
Today was also my last day of work. Saying goodbye to the students was hard for me, but I did it mostly quickly and quietly. I am excited to leave, but saddened as well. I have known some of these students since I came here in March 2009, and even the ones who came this past October have found their way under my skin. If I don't come back, I will miss them all very much; I wish them well!
I fly out of here on the night of the June 27th! Erbil -Beirut-Paris-Chicago-Saginaw! What a trip! I hope that the airlines can check my bag all the way through; it would save a lot of hassle in Beirut. I kind of wish I had a little extra time in Lebanon; it would be nice to visit some people and to see a little bit of the country. Ahh well, maybe next time. The days are getting closer and I am getting more and more nervous. Let us hope these moths die away and there are butterflies to replace them...though I could do without them as well.
This week has been one of the most boring of my days here. I didn't have class, so I was stuck in the office for most of the time just reading or playing on the internet. It was definitely not as productive as it could have been! I did invigilate an exam or two during that time and help some students study for another one, so at least I was able to find something productive to do! That and I finished my portfolio I was required to do for the semester. I am still not quite sure what it is or why we are doing it, but I did it because it was supposedly required.
Today was the final exam for both my Intro and Advanced classes. The tests had some tricky questions on it, but a couple of students we were really worried about seem to have done well, though we need to wait for the final results to be sure. One of the requirements for the Intro students was to write an email. One student left without doing this portion. As it is a significant part of the test, one of the instructors went to ask why she didn't do it. "I don't like emails" came her reply. "We need to know you can do this," I told her. She didn't care; she was still insistent that she didn't like to write emails. "Then write a letter." My suggestion brought first a look of confusion and then a bright smile. "Ok. I will do that." She took the paper and went and finished the test. I hope she did well!
Today was also my last day of work. Saying goodbye to the students was hard for me, but I did it mostly quickly and quietly. I am excited to leave, but saddened as well. I have known some of these students since I came here in March 2009, and even the ones who came this past October have found their way under my skin. If I don't come back, I will miss them all very much; I wish them well!
I fly out of here on the night of the June 27th! Erbil -Beirut-Paris-Chicago-Saginaw! What a trip! I hope that the airlines can check my bag all the way through; it would save a lot of hassle in Beirut. I kind of wish I had a little extra time in Lebanon; it would be nice to visit some people and to see a little bit of the country. Ahh well, maybe next time. The days are getting closer and I am getting more and more nervous. Let us hope these moths die away and there are butterflies to replace them...though I could do without them as well.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Calmness before the storm!
Once again I have been very busy and my daily posts are actually more like monthly. I can't help but get a little distracted with all the stuff I am dealing with here. Summer school was originally supposed to start the first week in July or so, but someone made the decision to make the ending dates for most of the classes at the end of May and the beginning of June. They are stagared throughout, so no one really knows when summer school starts anymore, and the students are confused about when they actually need to come to school.
My Advanced English class will go unitl the final on the 24th of June, unless we move it sooner. Then I will be able to leave as I am not teaching summer school this year. Of course this has just caused a huge problem with pay that should not have happened as they knew that I would be leaving early ever since I resigned the contract for this year at the beginning of this school year. What is one supposed do with these people?
I am officially supposed to return next year, but with this new problem, in addition to the old ones and the not having an air ticket home yet, I am not sure that I want to come back. I have been looking at other jobs just in case. It is a very difficult step for me because I really like these students as well as the area and don't really want to leave. The administration/management are just making a decision to stay very difficult. Perhaps this is some sort of test that is preparing me for something else later in life, though I hate to imagine what that could possibly be.
All in all though, I am really pleased to say that I am feeling quite peaceful and relaxed about the whole situation at the moment. I have been very stressed over it, but for some reason, this morning I awoke and was able to say "no matter what happens, it will be good. I am ok!" It feels good to be able to do that once again.
My Advanced English class will go unitl the final on the 24th of June, unless we move it sooner. Then I will be able to leave as I am not teaching summer school this year. Of course this has just caused a huge problem with pay that should not have happened as they knew that I would be leaving early ever since I resigned the contract for this year at the beginning of this school year. What is one supposed do with these people?
I am officially supposed to return next year, but with this new problem, in addition to the old ones and the not having an air ticket home yet, I am not sure that I want to come back. I have been looking at other jobs just in case. It is a very difficult step for me because I really like these students as well as the area and don't really want to leave. The administration/management are just making a decision to stay very difficult. Perhaps this is some sort of test that is preparing me for something else later in life, though I hate to imagine what that could possibly be.
All in all though, I am really pleased to say that I am feeling quite peaceful and relaxed about the whole situation at the moment. I have been very stressed over it, but for some reason, this morning I awoke and was able to say "no matter what happens, it will be good. I am ok!" It feels good to be able to do that once again.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Headaches and ethics!
Over one month has already gone by since Easter. I can't believe so much time has gone by and so much has happened to test me. Ever since the day that the person from the main office came from Lebanon and didn't answer the students' questions, I have been targeted for anything and everything possible. They seem to be looking for a reason to fire me, or at least to let me know that they have the power to do so whenever they see fit, so I need to make sure to keep my mouth shut. No more standing up for the students, and no more "feeding ideas to the students" as if they weren't able to come up with these ideas on their own. I can't believe that the person who is representing this educational organization here in Kurdistan seems to not only welcome the use of deliberate use of lies and deceit in business deals, but also thinks that the Kurds are stupid hick who don't have enough brains to know when they are being treated unfairly! It is so disheartening.
You probably know that I tend to be fairly laid back in the sense that I don't really care how people treat me for the most part. However, when you start picking on people I have been placed in a position of authority over, as limited as it may be, I take it more personally than anyone could have believed possible. I advocate for my students not because they are stupid, but because their English rhetorical skills are not quite to the level needed to do it themselves. Add this to the culture of being respectful of people in positions of power (respectful seems to equal not asking questions), you have a recipe for people who are able to be taken advantage of.
I don't know if I will be allowed to come back next year, or if I even want to. I have been thinking about it all day (and many days previously). As problematic as this place is, these students need someone to speak for them when possible and to help them make it through this unfamiliar environment. If I can bring myself to just educate the students and help them fight from behind the scenes, perhaps I can make a difference here even with them tying my hands. Or perhaps I can find a way to leave the company and still stay in the area to help. I think there are possibilities if I think a little outside of the box and take some risks. I am not sure what is going to happen, but I will be sure to let you know.
You probably know that I tend to be fairly laid back in the sense that I don't really care how people treat me for the most part. However, when you start picking on people I have been placed in a position of authority over, as limited as it may be, I take it more personally than anyone could have believed possible. I advocate for my students not because they are stupid, but because their English rhetorical skills are not quite to the level needed to do it themselves. Add this to the culture of being respectful of people in positions of power (respectful seems to equal not asking questions), you have a recipe for people who are able to be taken advantage of.
I don't know if I will be allowed to come back next year, or if I even want to. I have been thinking about it all day (and many days previously). As problematic as this place is, these students need someone to speak for them when possible and to help them make it through this unfamiliar environment. If I can bring myself to just educate the students and help them fight from behind the scenes, perhaps I can make a difference here even with them tying my hands. Or perhaps I can find a way to leave the company and still stay in the area to help. I think there are possibilities if I think a little outside of the box and take some risks. I am not sure what is going to happen, but I will be sure to let you know.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Now that I have taken my shower and decided that there is nothing open today either, my mind turns to the events of yesterday. It was a very long day filled with students, coworkers, and food. It was Easter and a beautiful day for the picnic we went on.
Of course the Easter festivities started on Friday. The science instructor, a Palestinian Muslim, decided to throw an Easter party for the faculty at her house. While an Easter ham was absolutely out of the question, we did have some wonderful food. I am not sure what it all was, but it did include bread, hummus, a yougurt/cucumber dip, some baked bread with thyme on top, watermelon, and applesauce that I made and brought. (The applesauce was actually a big hit!!) After the food was eaten we talked and the others dyed eggs!
It was fun watching them dye the eggs and compete for the best egg decorated. A couple of them colored the eggs like the Kurdish flag, one did a mountain scene. The prize for the ugliest egg went to the one that was supposed to be an Al-Quida member. Very nicely done, but a little overly political for me.
The next day was one of relaxation and reclusiveness. I went nowhere and did pretty much nothing other than relax and realize just how unmotivated I have been lately! I really need to find a way to solve that problem.
Then Easter Sunday. I woke up at 5:30am because I was excited about the coming excursion. We were being picked up at 8:15am to be taken to the university in order to meet the students and travel to our destination. The students were supposed to all be there by 9am, but some didn't show up until 20 after! I guess this is something I should have expected, but it wasn't any easier.
The trip to the picnic site was deafening. We took two small buses, each with loud radios that blared Kurdish music all the way there. The music was blaring, people were clapping, and some were standing up and dancing. While this is not generally done in the US, this is a very common event here in Kurdistan. They even managed to get me to indulge in a little bit of lack of normal common sense and do a little dancing as well (and I really hate dancing!).
The food was some of the best I have ever eaten. We had kabob, fruit, and briani (both Arabic and Kurdish style). The rice was quite filling, as was the required bread that comes with almost every meal. After the loads of food they forced me to eat, the science instructor hid the eggs we died on Friday for her daughter and her two friends. It was quite fun watching them looking for the eggs, especially after they had decided to go swimming in the stream and almost lost their shoes. They weren't too good in the finding of the eggs, and they needed lots of help. Even when we all decided to help, we still came up one egg short! We should have seen this one coming, I suppose; it was the Al-Quida member! Even when we knew where the eggs were hidden, we could not find this one. Perhaps it is understandable that there are so many real ones still unaccounted for!
Then we went to a different location. The two buses got split up, causing a bit of tift among a couple of the faculty. We did manage to finally get them back together and then stop off at another location for more food and dancing! When I finally got home, it was 9:15pm! I was so tired, but definitely not hungry. Today is a day off, but I have to go back to work tomorrow. There is much on the list of things to do; hopefully it will result in some final decisions. I will keep you posted.
Of course the Easter festivities started on Friday. The science instructor, a Palestinian Muslim, decided to throw an Easter party for the faculty at her house. While an Easter ham was absolutely out of the question, we did have some wonderful food. I am not sure what it all was, but it did include bread, hummus, a yougurt/cucumber dip, some baked bread with thyme on top, watermelon, and applesauce that I made and brought. (The applesauce was actually a big hit!!) After the food was eaten we talked and the others dyed eggs!
It was fun watching them dye the eggs and compete for the best egg decorated. A couple of them colored the eggs like the Kurdish flag, one did a mountain scene. The prize for the ugliest egg went to the one that was supposed to be an Al-Quida member. Very nicely done, but a little overly political for me.
The next day was one of relaxation and reclusiveness. I went nowhere and did pretty much nothing other than relax and realize just how unmotivated I have been lately! I really need to find a way to solve that problem.
Then Easter Sunday. I woke up at 5:30am because I was excited about the coming excursion. We were being picked up at 8:15am to be taken to the university in order to meet the students and travel to our destination. The students were supposed to all be there by 9am, but some didn't show up until 20 after! I guess this is something I should have expected, but it wasn't any easier.
The trip to the picnic site was deafening. We took two small buses, each with loud radios that blared Kurdish music all the way there. The music was blaring, people were clapping, and some were standing up and dancing. While this is not generally done in the US, this is a very common event here in Kurdistan. They even managed to get me to indulge in a little bit of lack of normal common sense and do a little dancing as well (and I really hate dancing!).
The food was some of the best I have ever eaten. We had kabob, fruit, and briani (both Arabic and Kurdish style). The rice was quite filling, as was the required bread that comes with almost every meal. After the loads of food they forced me to eat, the science instructor hid the eggs we died on Friday for her daughter and her two friends. It was quite fun watching them looking for the eggs, especially after they had decided to go swimming in the stream and almost lost their shoes. They weren't too good in the finding of the eggs, and they needed lots of help. Even when we all decided to help, we still came up one egg short! We should have seen this one coming, I suppose; it was the Al-Quida member! Even when we knew where the eggs were hidden, we could not find this one. Perhaps it is understandable that there are so many real ones still unaccounted for!
Then we went to a different location. The two buses got split up, causing a bit of tift among a couple of the faculty. We did manage to finally get them back together and then stop off at another location for more food and dancing! When I finally got home, it was 9:15pm! I was so tired, but definitely not hungry. Today is a day off, but I have to go back to work tomorrow. There is much on the list of things to do; hopefully it will result in some final decisions. I will keep you posted.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The first day
Vacation started off fairly smoothly. I passed the morning by packing and then visiting a friend. I figured this meant everything would go smoothly, and then I got to the airport. I went through the first two security points, checked in, went through passport control, and waited for them to announce the flight. Then, as I was going through the final security scan into the gate, the workers stopped me. They took my shaving gel, toothpaste, and small container of hand sanitizer.
I am not sure why they were so adamant about taking these things as they were, according to the website, allowable on the plane. It looks like that from now on, I will be unable to travel with only one bag, at least if I want to take anything on the plane with me.
The flight itself was uneventful. We went up, we landed. Of course we were an hour late, but that is nothing new from this airline. Normally I wouldn't have cared that I was an hour late, but I was planning on meeting someone at the airport in Istanbul and catch a train to Thessaloniki, Greece. Upon arrival to the airport, things went smoothly. I found Meredith very easily, and we boarded the metro.
We exited the metro to transfer to the tram. Unfortunately, we needed to buy another token in order to achieve this transfer. We didn't have enough money for the two of us, so Meredeth pulled money out of the ATM so we could purchase a couple of tokens. We hurried and boarded the first tram we saw. After the first couple of stops, I realized we were going in the wrong direction, so we got out and waited for one going in the other direction. We road back to where we started and waited to move on to the next station. Finally the tram started moving...in the wrong direction!
We got off at the very next stop, caught the next tram back, and got out. I was very grateful that as long as we didn't leave the gate, we wouldn't have to pay for anymore tokens. I just couldn't figure out why this tram didn't go where the sign said it would. We walked up to the turnstiles and looked around. Off to the right was another tram! We rushed onto that one and made it to the train station.
We ran into the train station only to find our train had left 5 minutes earlier! I looked at Meredith and asked her where she wanted to go. We decided that we would go to Belgrade. They were unable to sell us a ticket to Belgrade, so we went to Sophia, Bulgaria. We then got something to eat and waited for the train.
The train ride was long and uneventful. When we stopped at the border, passport control took Meredith's and my passports. He told me to go into the office and wait for him. I waited for what seemed an eternity. Finally he came from the train with only our two passports. The passport control guy stamped them and we were on our way. 9:30am Sophia!
I am not sure why they were so adamant about taking these things as they were, according to the website, allowable on the plane. It looks like that from now on, I will be unable to travel with only one bag, at least if I want to take anything on the plane with me.
The flight itself was uneventful. We went up, we landed. Of course we were an hour late, but that is nothing new from this airline. Normally I wouldn't have cared that I was an hour late, but I was planning on meeting someone at the airport in Istanbul and catch a train to Thessaloniki, Greece. Upon arrival to the airport, things went smoothly. I found Meredith very easily, and we boarded the metro.
We exited the metro to transfer to the tram. Unfortunately, we needed to buy another token in order to achieve this transfer. We didn't have enough money for the two of us, so Meredeth pulled money out of the ATM so we could purchase a couple of tokens. We hurried and boarded the first tram we saw. After the first couple of stops, I realized we were going in the wrong direction, so we got out and waited for one going in the other direction. We road back to where we started and waited to move on to the next station. Finally the tram started moving...in the wrong direction!
We got off at the very next stop, caught the next tram back, and got out. I was very grateful that as long as we didn't leave the gate, we wouldn't have to pay for anymore tokens. I just couldn't figure out why this tram didn't go where the sign said it would. We walked up to the turnstiles and looked around. Off to the right was another tram! We rushed onto that one and made it to the train station.
We ran into the train station only to find our train had left 5 minutes earlier! I looked at Meredith and asked her where she wanted to go. We decided that we would go to Belgrade. They were unable to sell us a ticket to Belgrade, so we went to Sophia, Bulgaria. We then got something to eat and waited for the train.
The train ride was long and uneventful. When we stopped at the border, passport control took Meredith's and my passports. He told me to go into the office and wait for him. I waited for what seemed an eternity. Finally he came from the train with only our two passports. The passport control guy stamped them and we were on our way. 9:30am Sophia!
Ahh...the Pain!
Now that I am back from vacation, I have to get back into work mode. I am not so sure I was ready for work on Wednesday and Thursday, but it went alright. I have been exhausted, and I did nothing all day yesterday. But I feel much better about things here since I left.
Of course, I have to write a little about my vacation, but I am having a bit of a problem concentrating. I am having severe tooth pain. It seems that my wisdom tooth is pushing on my others; perhaps it wasn't so wise to keep it in. It has been causing headaches as well.
My roommate's brother is a dentist, so perhaps the beginning of next month, I can go to him and get this taken care of. I hope that it isn't too expensive; there is just no way that I can take this pain for too much longer.
Of course, I have to write a little about my vacation, but I am having a bit of a problem concentrating. I am having severe tooth pain. It seems that my wisdom tooth is pushing on my others; perhaps it wasn't so wise to keep it in. It has been causing headaches as well.
My roommate's brother is a dentist, so perhaps the beginning of next month, I can go to him and get this taken care of. I hope that it isn't too expensive; there is just no way that I can take this pain for too much longer.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What to do?!
I finished marking exams and found that only one of my students actually answered the essay question correctly. It seems that all the others misunderstood, or didn't understand at all, the word "deserve". Due to this, the highest grade they are supposedly able to earn is a 4 out of 20. This just seems a bit unfair to me. As the exam was a reading and writing exam, I feel that they should get a bit more if they were able to construct the essay in a coherent manner. I can't help but think that they shouldn't be held accountable for a word that was not taught to them.
I guess I need to talk with the dean (or someone) about this. They may all just get failing grades because of this. I guess we shall just have to wait and see.
The class is going great besides that though. We are now lessening the number of books we have to get through, so I have more time to work and practice the material. The class is only 9 students so we can do more group work. Things are definitely looking up.
I guess I need to talk with the dean (or someone) about this. They may all just get failing grades because of this. I guess we shall just have to wait and see.
The class is going great besides that though. We are now lessening the number of books we have to get through, so I have more time to work and practice the material. The class is only 9 students so we can do more group work. Things are definitely looking up.
Teaching pluses
The days have been filled with weirdness and such. We have started to implement changes in how we are doing things. We are now able to give back the tests and go over them with the students so they can learn from them (we are all happy about that), and we have learned that the books we are using are not meant to be used until the next class. Quite the interesting bit of information.
In addition to all of this, I was told by one of my students that she was accepted into the Iraqi Youth Leadership Program! If all goes well at her interview at the embassy in Baghdad, she will be going to Washington, DC for six weeks this summer to interact with other Iraqis and Americans in a program that emphasizes cultural exchange. I am so excited for her. It was very exciting to be a part of her getting into this program.
My part of the process was quite small, but the sense of accomplishment or helpfulness (or whatever it is) is intense. For the first time in my life, I wrote a recommendation letter. She is a great student and very deserving of this opportunity, so it was easy to write a glowing report, but to know that I had a part in it, no matter how small, makes me feel good. I just hope she is able to take advantage of it.
In addition to all of this, I was told by one of my students that she was accepted into the Iraqi Youth Leadership Program! If all goes well at her interview at the embassy in Baghdad, she will be going to Washington, DC for six weeks this summer to interact with other Iraqis and Americans in a program that emphasizes cultural exchange. I am so excited for her. It was very exciting to be a part of her getting into this program.
My part of the process was quite small, but the sense of accomplishment or helpfulness (or whatever it is) is intense. For the first time in my life, I wrote a recommendation letter. She is a great student and very deserving of this opportunity, so it was easy to write a glowing report, but to know that I had a part in it, no matter how small, makes me feel good. I just hope she is able to take advantage of it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Still alive and well!!
Another Tuesday. This is the day of my split shift. Unfortunately, the time that I have off is useless for anything. I can't really go home and accomplish anything, so once again, I basically sit at the office and try to finish work that I normally wouldn't be able to do. I really don't know if my brain has something against concentrating when it is supposed to, but it seems to be the case.
I am having loads of fun with my classes now. The Advanced students are doing things that "real" university students are supposed to be doing, and my Intermediate students are nontraditional students and therefore more focused and serious. I have sat in on the math class, a couple science classes. These have been both fun and informative. I have reaffirmed some of my ideas that I have, but of course, this doesn't allow for the fact that I have no power to do anything except suggest.
I am learning so much here, and I may actually decided to spend another year here in hopes that things improve. (I was supposed to have made that decision by yesterday, but they don't have the new contracts for us to look at yet. I was informed that they are reevaluating the pay, which will be a HUGE plus.) I still look at other positions locally and in other places as I like to keep my options open and to dream, but I will not make a final decision until they finally present a contract.
We were told that all of the complaints we have been having about not being listened to, and that they were trying to run things from Lebanon while not really knowing what is going on here have all been heard. It seems that they have actually been looking to us to help them in the planning and implementation of everything. They realize that they need our help because we are the ones here and, therefore, the ones who know what is going on. I am not sure where, but somewhere along the line, this message has not been getting through.
My sleeping and eating habits have not really gotten much better. I know they are bad and need to be improved; I just hope that I am able to do that. I drink too much coffee, but it puts me to sleep, so it doesn't cause quite the problem one would expect. This probably has to do with the needing of various vitamins and minerals that I am not currently getting, but I am working on it. Fruits and vegetables are my friends!
All in all, I am doing well. Vacation is coming and I can't wait! I get to meet up with a friend, go to a teacher conference in Athens, hopefully go to Sophia, Bulgaria, and then tour around Istanbul, Turkey again. There will hopefully be other stops on the way, but we shall see that when the time comes. Here's to hoping~
I am having loads of fun with my classes now. The Advanced students are doing things that "real" university students are supposed to be doing, and my Intermediate students are nontraditional students and therefore more focused and serious. I have sat in on the math class, a couple science classes. These have been both fun and informative. I have reaffirmed some of my ideas that I have, but of course, this doesn't allow for the fact that I have no power to do anything except suggest.
I am learning so much here, and I may actually decided to spend another year here in hopes that things improve. (I was supposed to have made that decision by yesterday, but they don't have the new contracts for us to look at yet. I was informed that they are reevaluating the pay, which will be a HUGE plus.) I still look at other positions locally and in other places as I like to keep my options open and to dream, but I will not make a final decision until they finally present a contract.
We were told that all of the complaints we have been having about not being listened to, and that they were trying to run things from Lebanon while not really knowing what is going on here have all been heard. It seems that they have actually been looking to us to help them in the planning and implementation of everything. They realize that they need our help because we are the ones here and, therefore, the ones who know what is going on. I am not sure where, but somewhere along the line, this message has not been getting through.
My sleeping and eating habits have not really gotten much better. I know they are bad and need to be improved; I just hope that I am able to do that. I drink too much coffee, but it puts me to sleep, so it doesn't cause quite the problem one would expect. This probably has to do with the needing of various vitamins and minerals that I am not currently getting, but I am working on it. Fruits and vegetables are my friends!
All in all, I am doing well. Vacation is coming and I can't wait! I get to meet up with a friend, go to a teacher conference in Athens, hopefully go to Sophia, Bulgaria, and then tour around Istanbul, Turkey again. There will hopefully be other stops on the way, but we shall see that when the time comes. Here's to hoping~
Saturday, February 13, 2010
My First CS Meeting in Kurdistan
I have been a member of Couch Surfing for almost three (3) years. During that time I have attempted to stay active by at least meeting up with people if not actually surfing their couch. The couch surfing experience has allowed me to meet some interesting people, some of whom I still stay in contact with, and to experience things I never would have otherwise.
Even with such a positive view toward CS, last night was the first time I managed to get together with the group here in Erbil. They have met previously, but for one reason or another, I have been unable to get myself to go. Last night I had nothing else to do, and I had already told one of the visitors that I would attempt to go. At the last minute, I almost decided to just go to bed instead, but I knew that I would regret this later on... As much as I deal with people constantly, I am still very uncomfortable when it comes to meeting new people or dealing with groups. They say it gets easier with time and exposure, but all that seems to get easier is my ability to cover up my feelings while I am there. This is still a good thing as it allows me to have a great time instead of just wishing that I were there, but it is tiring and scary as well.
The meeting itself was actually a BBQ. We went to the hosts apartment, and he grilled chicken and beef kebabs on a little grill and we ate those and two or three kinds of salad (pasta and fatush) and, of course, hummus! Apparently fatush and hummus are required at all Lebanese eating gatherings. There were a wide range of people there. There was the Lebanese host, two Kurdish doctors (a psychiatrist and a generalist), a Polish woman who is teaching French, a social worker and NGO volunteer from Czech Republic, an English teacher from Ireland, and 3 of us English teachers from the US (Michigan, Cincinnati,Ohio, and San Diego, CA). There was also a former economist turned traveler from New Mexico. She has been traveling for two years now.
The eating and conversation from all was wonderful. We finished up the main dinner with desert. It was two people's birthdays, so we had a small cake and a lot of ice cream. As there were no candles, the two birthday people had to simultaneously blow out a lighter. Not nearly the same, but fun nonetheless. We also got to smell the flowers that they brought...they look like a type of daffodil with smaller leaves; don't know what they really are called :(
I rode home with the psychiatrist, and he told me about his place and how he wants to have another gathering in the mountains sometime in the spring. The mountains are beautiful, and it would be such a relaxing time. I hope it happens! We also got to talking about his research in PTSD. As we talked, I mentioned my interest in both the fact that the Iraqi Minister of Health, being a psychiatrist, is interested in implementing talk therapy in addition to just medication, and that I wanted to find out more about how psychology impacts education especially in post conflict areas. To this he responded that his friend and colleague is the head of the Iraqi Psychiatric Association and lives and teaches here in Erbil. Not only that, but he teaches in an Education college. He said he may be able to help me get a meeting with him in order to get more information or be pointed in the right direction.
I find this to be a wonderful opportunity that I may have. We shall see if it happens or not, but I will keep it in mind as something to continue to look forward to. This and the visit to the Social Work program that the university here has implemented. I need to take a look at this as well. So many things to do, and so little time to do them in!
Even with such a positive view toward CS, last night was the first time I managed to get together with the group here in Erbil. They have met previously, but for one reason or another, I have been unable to get myself to go. Last night I had nothing else to do, and I had already told one of the visitors that I would attempt to go. At the last minute, I almost decided to just go to bed instead, but I knew that I would regret this later on... As much as I deal with people constantly, I am still very uncomfortable when it comes to meeting new people or dealing with groups. They say it gets easier with time and exposure, but all that seems to get easier is my ability to cover up my feelings while I am there. This is still a good thing as it allows me to have a great time instead of just wishing that I were there, but it is tiring and scary as well.
The meeting itself was actually a BBQ. We went to the hosts apartment, and he grilled chicken and beef kebabs on a little grill and we ate those and two or three kinds of salad (pasta and fatush) and, of course, hummus! Apparently fatush and hummus are required at all Lebanese eating gatherings. There were a wide range of people there. There was the Lebanese host, two Kurdish doctors (a psychiatrist and a generalist), a Polish woman who is teaching French, a social worker and NGO volunteer from Czech Republic, an English teacher from Ireland, and 3 of us English teachers from the US (Michigan, Cincinnati,Ohio, and San Diego, CA). There was also a former economist turned traveler from New Mexico. She has been traveling for two years now.
The eating and conversation from all was wonderful. We finished up the main dinner with desert. It was two people's birthdays, so we had a small cake and a lot of ice cream. As there were no candles, the two birthday people had to simultaneously blow out a lighter. Not nearly the same, but fun nonetheless. We also got to smell the flowers that they brought...they look like a type of daffodil with smaller leaves; don't know what they really are called :(
I rode home with the psychiatrist, and he told me about his place and how he wants to have another gathering in the mountains sometime in the spring. The mountains are beautiful, and it would be such a relaxing time. I hope it happens! We also got to talking about his research in PTSD. As we talked, I mentioned my interest in both the fact that the Iraqi Minister of Health, being a psychiatrist, is interested in implementing talk therapy in addition to just medication, and that I wanted to find out more about how psychology impacts education especially in post conflict areas. To this he responded that his friend and colleague is the head of the Iraqi Psychiatric Association and lives and teaches here in Erbil. Not only that, but he teaches in an Education college. He said he may be able to help me get a meeting with him in order to get more information or be pointed in the right direction.
I find this to be a wonderful opportunity that I may have. We shall see if it happens or not, but I will keep it in mind as something to continue to look forward to. This and the visit to the Social Work program that the university here has implemented. I need to take a look at this as well. So many things to do, and so little time to do them in!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It seems I finally have time to write once again. It seems that my energy is normally sapped by teaching and just basic living, and I have little left for things like writing and such. This week, however, has been a little different.
All this week I haven't had to actually teach any courses. The students have taken their finals and are on break until this Sunday. We are still waiting their results to see if they will need to repeat of if they can move on, but this is normal. During this time of no studentness, I have been sitting in my office trying to accomplish things that need to be done. Some of them personal, some professional, and one or two actually for this particular job. I would like to plan for my first lesson, but the books have yet to arrive, so doing this is not yet possible. Ahhh if only I could just be a little more proactive.
One may think that I am really enjoying this week without the students here, but truthfully, I feel extrememly weird being at an educational institution when there are no students. I have never liked the feeling as a student, a visitor, and now as a worker. It just seems wrong to have to take in such a site. I am looking forward to seeing the students once again on Sunday and trying to teach them things which may or may not be over their head (tough to tell when you don't know what it is).
I am looking forward to the weekend though. I am planing to go on a trip to another city here in Kurdistan. I haven't really been anywhere in all the time that I have been here, and I feel it is about time that I go out and explore the area a bit more. All I need to do is locate the taxis or buses that go. I was told an approximate cost, so I need to change some US dollars into Iraqi money so I can pay without too much difficulty.
Other than that, there is absolutely nothing happening here. It seems as if I really have no life here, and that is probably the case. I am busy applying for jobs and looking for programs to help me further my education. Hopefully I will settle upon something soon as I have to in order to do it. Who knows, I may end up spending another year here at this institution wathcing the students who started progress yet another year closer to graduation. Will I end up staying the four years that it will take for this to happen? Perhaps that is what is in the cards. I guess we shall see what happens with the applications I have already sent.
All this week I haven't had to actually teach any courses. The students have taken their finals and are on break until this Sunday. We are still waiting their results to see if they will need to repeat of if they can move on, but this is normal. During this time of no studentness, I have been sitting in my office trying to accomplish things that need to be done. Some of them personal, some professional, and one or two actually for this particular job. I would like to plan for my first lesson, but the books have yet to arrive, so doing this is not yet possible. Ahhh if only I could just be a little more proactive.
One may think that I am really enjoying this week without the students here, but truthfully, I feel extrememly weird being at an educational institution when there are no students. I have never liked the feeling as a student, a visitor, and now as a worker. It just seems wrong to have to take in such a site. I am looking forward to seeing the students once again on Sunday and trying to teach them things which may or may not be over their head (tough to tell when you don't know what it is).
I am looking forward to the weekend though. I am planing to go on a trip to another city here in Kurdistan. I haven't really been anywhere in all the time that I have been here, and I feel it is about time that I go out and explore the area a bit more. All I need to do is locate the taxis or buses that go. I was told an approximate cost, so I need to change some US dollars into Iraqi money so I can pay without too much difficulty.
Other than that, there is absolutely nothing happening here. It seems as if I really have no life here, and that is probably the case. I am busy applying for jobs and looking for programs to help me further my education. Hopefully I will settle upon something soon as I have to in order to do it. Who knows, I may end up spending another year here at this institution wathcing the students who started progress yet another year closer to graduation. Will I end up staying the four years that it will take for this to happen? Perhaps that is what is in the cards. I guess we shall see what happens with the applications I have already sent.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Strangely difficult day!
It seems I really don't know how to keep posting. I guess it has to do with the lack of excitement in my life, though I really should be used to that by now. Basically I go to work, teach, come home, surf the internet and try to reconnect with friends from around the world, and go to bed. There is little variation in it all.
The past couple of days, however, have brought me a bit of frustration. The Western Union was finally open again after almost a month of being closed, so I went to attempt to send money home so it would be available to pay my bills. I handed the person my money, my Western Union card, and the slip that said where the money was to go. He imputed all this information and hit send. Unfortunately, the amount he had typed in was $1000 more than what I had indicated that I wanted to send. He told me that since the bank was closed, he was unable to change it, and that I should come back the next day between 8:00am and 1:00pm. He said that 3pm would be alright as well. I expressed my dismay at this and inquired about the possibility of sending it in a different transfer and then voiding the other one the following day. He said this was not possible. He told me he was very sorry, and that I would have to return the next day.
While I was not happy about it, I realized that there was nothing that I could do. I went home a little upset, but ready to return the next day to get it sorted out. So, around 11am I again went to the Western Union. I walked in and a different man was working. I started to tell him that I had come in yesterday, but he stopped me and told me enough of the information to let me know that he knew who I was and why I was there. He then told me to come back at 3 o'clock! Saying that I was upset at this would be like saying the ocean in moist or that the sun is slightly warm. I was absolutely livid! I managed to break the chain that the pen they have is connected to, and I slammed my fist on the counter. This is, of course, no way to behave, but I didn't think about that at the time. He said he was calling the cops and went to the phone to do just that. I left, slamming the door behind me.
At around 2:30pm, I received a call from the Western Union worker. He asked if I could come then. Of course, I had to teach from 3 - 5, so I couldn't. He said that the bank closed at 5, but that it would be ok. Then at 3:45 he calls again to ask if I could come at 4. I told him I had to work until 5. "The banks close at 5." "Yes," I replied, "I know that." "So, you can come at 4?" "No, I have to work until 5." "Oh. That is a problem." Silence for a couple of seconds. "Tomorrow is holiday. Saturday is holiday. We open Sunday." "Fine. I will come on Sunday." I hung up the phone with a huge sigh.
I went back to my class and finished teaching. At 5pm it was time to go home so I went to the van and waited. While I was waiting for the driver, I get a phone call: the Western Union guy again. "When are you coming?" Perplexed, I respond, "Today? You want me to come today?" "Yes. What time can you come?" "I can come in about 15 minutes." "What time?" "5:30." "Can you come at 5?" "Yes!" Even though it was after 5 already, I had to say yes. By this time I was quite exasperated. "Good. I will wait for you then."
I was so excited to hear this. I wasn't sure what he was going to be able to do for me, but I assumed it must be something as he called me and asked me to come. I arrived there around 5:20 or so. He saw me, waved hello, took the two print outs he had waiting, stamped them, and handed them to m. "Is this correct?" I looked at them and assured him that they were. I signed one and gave it back to him. He told me to look at the screen while he attempted to pull up the information. And we waited, and waited....the internet had once again gone down! I fell on my knees and groaned. "Don't worry. The money is already in America." He gave me my receipt and told me to have a nice day. I looked at the slip, and sure enough, the money had been sent at 2:57! He had sent the money trusting that I would come back that day to be able to cover it. I was very grateful that he did this.
The evening was made even better by an outing with the other two English teachers and the Science teacher and her daughter. We went to the Chinese restaurant which serves what turned out to be very good Chinese food. So, what was a rather rough day, turned into a good one. It is good to have things end on such a good note.
The past couple of days, however, have brought me a bit of frustration. The Western Union was finally open again after almost a month of being closed, so I went to attempt to send money home so it would be available to pay my bills. I handed the person my money, my Western Union card, and the slip that said where the money was to go. He imputed all this information and hit send. Unfortunately, the amount he had typed in was $1000 more than what I had indicated that I wanted to send. He told me that since the bank was closed, he was unable to change it, and that I should come back the next day between 8:00am and 1:00pm. He said that 3pm would be alright as well. I expressed my dismay at this and inquired about the possibility of sending it in a different transfer and then voiding the other one the following day. He said this was not possible. He told me he was very sorry, and that I would have to return the next day.
While I was not happy about it, I realized that there was nothing that I could do. I went home a little upset, but ready to return the next day to get it sorted out. So, around 11am I again went to the Western Union. I walked in and a different man was working. I started to tell him that I had come in yesterday, but he stopped me and told me enough of the information to let me know that he knew who I was and why I was there. He then told me to come back at 3 o'clock! Saying that I was upset at this would be like saying the ocean in moist or that the sun is slightly warm. I was absolutely livid! I managed to break the chain that the pen they have is connected to, and I slammed my fist on the counter. This is, of course, no way to behave, but I didn't think about that at the time. He said he was calling the cops and went to the phone to do just that. I left, slamming the door behind me.
At around 2:30pm, I received a call from the Western Union worker. He asked if I could come then. Of course, I had to teach from 3 - 5, so I couldn't. He said that the bank closed at 5, but that it would be ok. Then at 3:45 he calls again to ask if I could come at 4. I told him I had to work until 5. "The banks close at 5." "Yes," I replied, "I know that." "So, you can come at 4?" "No, I have to work until 5." "Oh. That is a problem." Silence for a couple of seconds. "Tomorrow is holiday. Saturday is holiday. We open Sunday." "Fine. I will come on Sunday." I hung up the phone with a huge sigh.
I went back to my class and finished teaching. At 5pm it was time to go home so I went to the van and waited. While I was waiting for the driver, I get a phone call: the Western Union guy again. "When are you coming?" Perplexed, I respond, "Today? You want me to come today?" "Yes. What time can you come?" "I can come in about 15 minutes." "What time?" "5:30." "Can you come at 5?" "Yes!" Even though it was after 5 already, I had to say yes. By this time I was quite exasperated. "Good. I will wait for you then."
I was so excited to hear this. I wasn't sure what he was going to be able to do for me, but I assumed it must be something as he called me and asked me to come. I arrived there around 5:20 or so. He saw me, waved hello, took the two print outs he had waiting, stamped them, and handed them to m. "Is this correct?" I looked at them and assured him that they were. I signed one and gave it back to him. He told me to look at the screen while he attempted to pull up the information. And we waited, and waited....the internet had once again gone down! I fell on my knees and groaned. "Don't worry. The money is already in America." He gave me my receipt and told me to have a nice day. I looked at the slip, and sure enough, the money had been sent at 2:57! He had sent the money trusting that I would come back that day to be able to cover it. I was very grateful that he did this.
The evening was made even better by an outing with the other two English teachers and the Science teacher and her daughter. We went to the Chinese restaurant which serves what turned out to be very good Chinese food. So, what was a rather rough day, turned into a good one. It is good to have things end on such a good note.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Back from Jordan and Ukraine!
The past couple of weeks I have been out of range of the internet. There were a couple of days that I was able to get online, but that was it. I had left Erbil and headed to parts mostly unknown, though also a little bit a familiarity. First I went to Jordan, a very nice, though expensive, country. I visited Petra (where they filmed some of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, the Jordan River, and the place of Jesus's Baptism. There are many places in Jordan that are religious sites, and I visited a number of them.
Amman, the capital, is where I stayed. The hostel at which I staid cost about $8; so at least that wasn't very expensive. It wasn't too difficult to find cheap places to eat either, so I managed to manage my money very well there. Then I moved from the warmth of Jordan to the chill of Ukraine. Odessa,located on the Black Sea, was my next stop.
It is normally not overly expensive in Ukraine, but I took this opportunity to make sure I spent as much as I could without ever actually acquiring anything. I felt like I was in that one movie or something. I ate out almost every night, I rented an apartment for $50/night, and I went bowling and ice skating, both somewhat expensive things in Ukraine. I also paid more in transportation costs than I actually had to as I took a taxi wherever I went. This wouldn't have been nearly as bad except I was paying for my friend as well. It can get really costly when you are paying for two or three people.
I found Odessa to be extremely relaxing, so much so that I would actually consider living there long term. I was able to do a lot of typing that I had never been able to do before, and I was able to just do nothing and be alright with it as well. I am contemplating going there this summer to do a little studying and writing and then going to wherever I am to go next. I just have to wait and see what will happen with that one.
Leaving Odessa was very difficult. The city was crying as I rode to the airport in the taxi. The plane didn't seem to want to let me leave either: we were delayed five hours due to technical problems. Of course this meant that I missed my connecting flight in Istanbul by about two hours. Turkish Airlines normally has another flight at 11:35pm from Istanbul to Amman, but they canceled that one. They offered to fly me to Baghdad, "Erbil, Baghdad, they are the same thing!" I was not very happy with this extreme lack of knowledge of geography and happenings so close to where they fly. I told them that I was not so sure I was allowed to fly into Baghdad, So they put me on the flight to Damascus that left at approximately the same time as the canceled Amman flight. As this was only three hours or so away, I was quite pleased.
So, three hours later I was on my way to Damascus. We were slightly delayed, so we caught a fireworks show as we were taking off. It was a wonderful way to bring in the new year! When I made it to Damascus, I was told I had to wait until 5:00am to check in. I went and lay down on the seats and tried to get some sleep. This was not working too well, and at about 3:00am an airline worker came and got my information. He said that there wasn't any room at the transit hotel, but he could allow me access to the Executive Lounge! I could eat and drink anything they had there, and I was able to use a semi private bathroom, and the couches and chairs were so much more comfortable than those in the general area. I was almost convinced to buy a membership to these types of places! I wouldn't have to worry about a hotel room for long layovers, I could have a great place to stay if I am delayed. It may just pay for itself in comfort and food and beverages. It is definitely something I just may attempt to figure out soon.
The eight hours I spent in Damascus didn't seem like quite as much then. But when I arrived in Amman, the waiting was tremendously tedious! I arrived at about 9:30ish in the morning. I got my ticket changed and was directed to stay in the international terminal until my flight, at 1:30am! I started going crazy at about 4pm. I got up from where I was sitting and went to see if they had any idea of where they were going to tell us our plane was to leave from first. As I was walking, I ran into the science teacher and her daughter! Finally someone to talk with. Not too much longer after that, the person whom I met on my way to Amman the first time showed up. So, we all ended up sitting in Starbucks for much of the rest of the night playing cars, drinking coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and just talking. It helped pass the time, especially when this flight was delayed until 3:00am and then 6:00am. We were told we would start loading at 6:00am, and we went through the final screening before one is allowed to get on the plane, and we sat. We didn't finally board until 8:00am! I was not a happy camper, but I think i was at least a camper! Thank goodness for chocolate, Starbucks, and friends. I don't think I could have asked for a better situation to be stranded in.
When I got home, my new friend came to my place to wait and find out how she was going to get back to the city she lives in here. She slept on the couch while I watched television; I was much too tired to sleep, and even too tired to tell I was tired. I finally went to bed around 11:00pm. The next day I woke up and figured that it was around 9am. I looked at my clock and it said 3:40pm! I had to check my computer and my cell phone before I believed that it was true. I had slept longer than I had though possible, and I felt great! I didn't have to work until today, so there was nothing to worry about. I was going to go to the bank to get the rest of my pay, but by that time the bank was closed. Of course it was good that I didn't go because I learned today that they are going to bring the money to us tomorrow in cash. A very interesting development I must say.
Not much else is happening that I know of, though I am sure there is a lot happening that I am not sure about. I will try to keep you updated.
Amman, the capital, is where I stayed. The hostel at which I staid cost about $8; so at least that wasn't very expensive. It wasn't too difficult to find cheap places to eat either, so I managed to manage my money very well there. Then I moved from the warmth of Jordan to the chill of Ukraine. Odessa,located on the Black Sea, was my next stop.
It is normally not overly expensive in Ukraine, but I took this opportunity to make sure I spent as much as I could without ever actually acquiring anything. I felt like I was in that one movie or something. I ate out almost every night, I rented an apartment for $50/night, and I went bowling and ice skating, both somewhat expensive things in Ukraine. I also paid more in transportation costs than I actually had to as I took a taxi wherever I went. This wouldn't have been nearly as bad except I was paying for my friend as well. It can get really costly when you are paying for two or three people.
I found Odessa to be extremely relaxing, so much so that I would actually consider living there long term. I was able to do a lot of typing that I had never been able to do before, and I was able to just do nothing and be alright with it as well. I am contemplating going there this summer to do a little studying and writing and then going to wherever I am to go next. I just have to wait and see what will happen with that one.
Leaving Odessa was very difficult. The city was crying as I rode to the airport in the taxi. The plane didn't seem to want to let me leave either: we were delayed five hours due to technical problems. Of course this meant that I missed my connecting flight in Istanbul by about two hours. Turkish Airlines normally has another flight at 11:35pm from Istanbul to Amman, but they canceled that one. They offered to fly me to Baghdad, "Erbil, Baghdad, they are the same thing!" I was not very happy with this extreme lack of knowledge of geography and happenings so close to where they fly. I told them that I was not so sure I was allowed to fly into Baghdad, So they put me on the flight to Damascus that left at approximately the same time as the canceled Amman flight. As this was only three hours or so away, I was quite pleased.
So, three hours later I was on my way to Damascus. We were slightly delayed, so we caught a fireworks show as we were taking off. It was a wonderful way to bring in the new year! When I made it to Damascus, I was told I had to wait until 5:00am to check in. I went and lay down on the seats and tried to get some sleep. This was not working too well, and at about 3:00am an airline worker came and got my information. He said that there wasn't any room at the transit hotel, but he could allow me access to the Executive Lounge! I could eat and drink anything they had there, and I was able to use a semi private bathroom, and the couches and chairs were so much more comfortable than those in the general area. I was almost convinced to buy a membership to these types of places! I wouldn't have to worry about a hotel room for long layovers, I could have a great place to stay if I am delayed. It may just pay for itself in comfort and food and beverages. It is definitely something I just may attempt to figure out soon.
The eight hours I spent in Damascus didn't seem like quite as much then. But when I arrived in Amman, the waiting was tremendously tedious! I arrived at about 9:30ish in the morning. I got my ticket changed and was directed to stay in the international terminal until my flight, at 1:30am! I started going crazy at about 4pm. I got up from where I was sitting and went to see if they had any idea of where they were going to tell us our plane was to leave from first. As I was walking, I ran into the science teacher and her daughter! Finally someone to talk with. Not too much longer after that, the person whom I met on my way to Amman the first time showed up. So, we all ended up sitting in Starbucks for much of the rest of the night playing cars, drinking coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and just talking. It helped pass the time, especially when this flight was delayed until 3:00am and then 6:00am. We were told we would start loading at 6:00am, and we went through the final screening before one is allowed to get on the plane, and we sat. We didn't finally board until 8:00am! I was not a happy camper, but I think i was at least a camper! Thank goodness for chocolate, Starbucks, and friends. I don't think I could have asked for a better situation to be stranded in.
When I got home, my new friend came to my place to wait and find out how she was going to get back to the city she lives in here. She slept on the couch while I watched television; I was much too tired to sleep, and even too tired to tell I was tired. I finally went to bed around 11:00pm. The next day I woke up and figured that it was around 9am. I looked at my clock and it said 3:40pm! I had to check my computer and my cell phone before I believed that it was true. I had slept longer than I had though possible, and I felt great! I didn't have to work until today, so there was nothing to worry about. I was going to go to the bank to get the rest of my pay, but by that time the bank was closed. Of course it was good that I didn't go because I learned today that they are going to bring the money to us tomorrow in cash. A very interesting development I must say.
Not much else is happening that I know of, though I am sure there is a lot happening that I am not sure about. I will try to keep you updated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)