Second Day in Akunk

              

We moved out of our resort. There were a few things I’d neglected to mention about the hotel. Despite the name resort, this is relative to Armenian standards. My roommates and I lived in the 4^th floor. We lugged all of our suitcases up the stairs. Our toilet had no seat…for all of you fellow APECers, this reminded me of Ms. Lopez’s story of putting a chain and lock over her beloved toilet seat. The room I was placed in had a limited supply of water (5 gallons?). So we had to be really efficient when we showered. Also an interesting thing I learned that I had also noticed in other foreign countries is that the standard that we are used to in the states is not consistent (e.g. width or length of the steps on staircases). We also had to lock the door from the inside when we want to close the door either from within or outside…does that make any sense?

We had received a few helpful clues before we were immersed with our host families. I’m going to share a few tidbits I thought was funny or interesting:

1.      Do not wear the clothes you wore outside in bed

2.      As a woman, do not give out hugs particularly to men. Handshakes are more acceptable. Women may give you a kiss on each cheek. (men and women interaction are very sensitive here)

3.      Even though running water may be limited in many villages, electricity and internet access is very available

4.      Meals and eating is a very cultural thing, I should also mention that toasting and taking shots of homemade vodka (60% and more) is very common too.

5.      Because Armenian culture is very collective, it is uncommon for anyone to want privacy. So I have been warned that I should tell my host family that I want to get some rest, sleep, or studying done if I want some alone time.

6.      In addition, it is considered really rude to not share something that I have. For example, if I have some of my favorite candy from home, I need to offer it if they see me. But if I eat in secrecy, I need to make sure to dispose of all evidence (wrappers and chocolate traces on my face!)

7.      Males and females cannot just hangout alone. This would be detrimental to anyone’s reputation (unless they are married of course).

8.      Armenians are fashion savvy. They would dress up just to visit neighbors. So I have to dress in my business casual if I want to convey that I have respect.

9.      OOOh, women who are seen drinking beer from the bottle is an invitation; smoking in public is also a sign for men. Even more strange is if she is seen standing alone even at a bus stop.

So I arrived in Akunk, my host mom came to pick me up. Despite all of the disclaimers about the big spectacle of the first day, mine with my family was pretty mellow, for which I am really grateful. I was able to unpack and take a nap. A few of my colleagues went sight seeing and another witness a killing of a cow. I was actually surprised by the stark contrast of my expectations and the reality of things. I expected the bare essentials. I had envisioned a simple bed in a small room and maybe a desk. Boy was I surprised to see a huge tv in the living room, hot water, a washer, a refrigerator, oven, toilet, and even the luxury of space. I’ve been told that Akunk due to its close proximity to Yerevan (the capital), it is a little better off, than most of the villages in Armenia. I’ll be in Akunk for the next 10 weeks, however, I need to maintain my low standards. I feel so spoiled compared to the rest of Peace Corps living conditions world wide. I am immensely appreciative. I’ll be sharing an internet modem with 12 other trainees. We have decided to divide into groups of 4’s to rotate the modem around. This is so that we can efficiently share the bandwidth. One of trainees suggested that if we added a metal colander to the modem, we can make it a little faster, kind of like a bigger antenna or dish. I’ve learned so much about the Armenia culture and it’s only my second day. I can’t wait to see what I’ll understand by the end of training. My host sisters have strong resemblance to the Kardashians (did I spell that correctly, obviously I never paid attention to this kind of pop culture). They are so sweet! I’ve learned how to count, say most basic phrases, basic foods, animal names, simple greetings, and locations. I also learned the difference between English as a Second Language and English as a Foreign Language (it is easier to learn ESL because learning takes place outside of the classroom setting, such as Spanish in San Diego, whereas learning Chinese in San Diego might be a little harder). My day looks like this

A.     7am Exercise

B.     Shower

C.     Breakfast

D.     9am Armenian class

E.      1pm Lunch at home

F.      330-530 pm Technical training (teaching training)

G.     Down time to study or to socialize with the family

H.     Dinner

I.       Family bonding

J.       Studying a little bit before bed

K.      Sleep

L.      Repeat

We go to the Peace Corps official training site once a week, this is where we meet up with the other PCT’s from the other 4 villages for more general training. After this training period, we have a language competency test and if we pass with no other complications, we are sworn in.  I miss and love everyone back home! My thoughts during the day would float back to you. I hope you are all doing well! Feel free to comment about my amateur blogging or questions! <3 phiphi