At approximately 1:30am on 7 July 2008, our plane landed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to begin what has been to this point THE experience of my lifetime. And I expect my second year to be even better. While still fully American, changes in my lifestyle will be readily apparent to those who see me next year in America. How could I not change to some degree? Being immersed into a new culture, I will naturally emerge with some of it clinging to me.
How much has my Peace Corps experience changed me? I think the change has been a gradual movement along a continuum I was already treading. In Brooklyn, I lived a comparatively spartan lifestyle. I didn't have cable (before or after Penney), high speed Internet or an iPod. I bought an iPod a month before leaving and it was stolen here. What should that tell me? I didn't frequent expensive restaurants or dress in the latest styles. Over here I rarely go a cafe and my complete wardrobe can fit into a large suitcase. My biggest luxury in New York was the occasional Broadway show and having my laundry done for me. Now, I watch unknown, but very talented local singers and dancers and wash my clothes by hand. I began volunteering one day a month while living in Brooklyn. Then one day a week. This summer I'm teaching 25 hours a week. Living in Kyrgyzstan, then, has simply validated to a greater magnitude the personal choices I'd made in New York.
So, what would my ideal life look like? I've composed a short list of my major “wants” and a few lifestyle changes. They've become so as a result of being in the Peace Corps. I'm hoping the universe is in agreement with me on them.
I want to teach English and/or Playwriting to non-native speakers wherever I live.
I want to be immersed in new cultures every few years until I meet someone who will make me want to stop.
I want only enough money to live modestly and be able to travel a little.
I will not wear shoes in the house.
I will eat food with my hands whenever possible.
I will make my own jam.
I yearn to live a simple life but still want to live in large cities because of the energy and cultural possibilities they offer. Is simple big-city living an oxymoron? I truly hope not.
One of my students lives by the motto, “Life is a dream, experience it.” I have realized a few of my major ones (have a play produced, see a bit of the world, find a few lifelong friends) and many of the minor variety. For these, I'm thankful. My list of dreams is different than it was a year ago. The new ones are smaller in scale and much more personal in nature. But they'll be no less gratifying when realized.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Zamir, Is That You?
Written on 28 June 2009
Standing in front of the university yesterday, I saw a familiar looking man walking toward me. Sure enough, it was my friend, Zamir, back for the summer from his studies in the Czech Republic. I didn't recognize him immediately because, to paraphrase Sir Paul, “he's not half the man he used to be.” He said he lost weight because of the stress of a new country, languages (Czech and English) and studies. I'm beginning to think it happens to men as some sort of biological phenomena. Anyway, he looked great and his English is improved to the point that I didn't have to repeat myself at all during our conversation. That was not the case before he left in February.
Standing in front of the university yesterday, I saw a familiar looking man walking toward me. Sure enough, it was my friend, Zamir, back for the summer from his studies in the Czech Republic. I didn't recognize him immediately because, to paraphrase Sir Paul, “he's not half the man he used to be.” He said he lost weight because of the stress of a new country, languages (Czech and English) and studies. I'm beginning to think it happens to men as some sort of biological phenomena. Anyway, he looked great and his English is improved to the point that I didn't have to repeat myself at all during our conversation. That was not the case before he left in February.
Summertime, and the Livin' Is Easy
Written on 28 June 2009
Before I left for my vacation, I wondered how in the world I'd keep busy this summer. Most of my students return to their villages—they live with relatives in the city during the school year—and others have jobs. How would I find enough of them to fill my idle hours? Turns out, they found me. So many did that I've had to say no to a few because I want enough time to write a new play and some more episodes of the radio series.
The best way to describe what I'm doing this summer would be to say I'm running a finishing school. Two of my students are university teachers who need to score well on the TOEFL test so they can qualify for programs to study abroad. Most of the rest speak English well and are working on their proficiency, also in an effort to study abroad. I see four Technical College students three times a week. They fall into the beginner group, but are very motivated and a pleasure to teach.
I am teaching 24 hours a week this summer. During the school year I taught 18. Because all but my TC group are one-on-one classes, I'm able to tailor the classes to the individual and that's how I like to teach.
Before I left for my vacation, I wondered how in the world I'd keep busy this summer. Most of my students return to their villages—they live with relatives in the city during the school year—and others have jobs. How would I find enough of them to fill my idle hours? Turns out, they found me. So many did that I've had to say no to a few because I want enough time to write a new play and some more episodes of the radio series.
The best way to describe what I'm doing this summer would be to say I'm running a finishing school. Two of my students are university teachers who need to score well on the TOEFL test so they can qualify for programs to study abroad. Most of the rest speak English well and are working on their proficiency, also in an effort to study abroad. I see four Technical College students three times a week. They fall into the beginner group, but are very motivated and a pleasure to teach.
I am teaching 24 hours a week this summer. During the school year I taught 18. Because all but my TC group are one-on-one classes, I'm able to tailor the classes to the individual and that's how I like to teach.
School Project Update
Written on 28 June 2009
Here is latest report for the fund raising project for my school (TV, DVD player, computer, printer).
Project Cost : $1146
Amount Raised 300
Amount Still Needed $ 846
If you have an extra $10 or $20 (and I realize some people don't), giving it to this project will help innumerable students in their efforts to learn English.
It's easy to donate. Go to www.peacecorps.gov and cliack on the Donations link (about 4 o'clock on the page). Then you type my last name where it asks for Volunteer Name. You may be prompted to type it again and use the country drop down menu. Choose Kyrgyz Republic. My project name is English Language Resource Center. Click on my project and donate. Thank you.
Here is latest report for the fund raising project for my school (TV, DVD player, computer, printer).
Project Cost : $1146
Amount Raised 300
Amount Still Needed $ 846
If you have an extra $10 or $20 (and I realize some people don't), giving it to this project will help innumerable students in their efforts to learn English.
It's easy to donate. Go to www.peacecorps.gov and cliack on the Donations link (about 4 o'clock on the page). Then you type my last name where it asks for Volunteer Name. You may be prompted to type it again and use the country drop down menu. Choose Kyrgyz Republic. My project name is English Language Resource Center. Click on my project and donate. Thank you.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Turkey Tidbits
Written on 21 June 2009
--I was surprised to see women in traditional Muslim attire sitting in the park smoking cigarettes. I also saw some younger women, traditionally dressed, cuddlin' and smoochin' with their boyfriends/husbands as they sat on park benches.
--Seems like everybody—at least everybody I encountered over the course of two weeks—can converse in English to a certain extent. Many are fluent. Now, since I spent most of my time where tourists typically stay, that could be expected. But, I also walked in non-tourist neighborhoods and talked to shop keepers. Most of them spoke English, too. And since there are myriad English language schools in Istanbul, there has to be a desire for the Turks to learn it. Someone told me his version of why this is.
Turkey exports goods to many countries. Clothes, shoes, carpets, food products. If sales person has customers are in China, France, Russia and Germany, for example, the odds are low that they will be conversant in all those languages. So, the language they could all have in common is English. The universal language for business. I was told that many Turkish companies foot the bill for their employees to take lessons.
--We ran into 4 volunteers from Kyrgyzstan. I also saw many young Americans traveling in groups of 3 or 4. I have a feeling many of them were PC Volunteers from other Central Asian or Eastern European countries. Turkey is centrally located and easy to visit. You buy your 90-day, multiple entry visa at the Istanbul airport for $20. How much easier can it get?
--Turkey is notorious for credit card fraud. I had to email Citibank with the dates of my stay so they wouldn't automatically close down my debit card. Many banks, if they don't know you'll be in Turkey, will do just that if they see a transaction from there. I had to use an ATM twice and because there are Citibanks in Istanbul, I knew I'd have no problems.
--I don't mind growing old. Honest, I don't. But, I don't need to be reminded of it. Three times I was asked if Chris was my son. Excuse me?!
--I never thought I had a universal look, but perhaps I was mistaken. Three times I was approached by salesmen with “Habla Espanol?” Two guys asked me if I spoke English. I was also taken for Australian and Greek. The best one though, was the guy who stopped his car to ask me for directions. He asked in Turkish.
--I was surprised to see women in traditional Muslim attire sitting in the park smoking cigarettes. I also saw some younger women, traditionally dressed, cuddlin' and smoochin' with their boyfriends/husbands as they sat on park benches.
--Seems like everybody—at least everybody I encountered over the course of two weeks—can converse in English to a certain extent. Many are fluent. Now, since I spent most of my time where tourists typically stay, that could be expected. But, I also walked in non-tourist neighborhoods and talked to shop keepers. Most of them spoke English, too. And since there are myriad English language schools in Istanbul, there has to be a desire for the Turks to learn it. Someone told me his version of why this is.
Turkey exports goods to many countries. Clothes, shoes, carpets, food products. If sales person has customers are in China, France, Russia and Germany, for example, the odds are low that they will be conversant in all those languages. So, the language they could all have in common is English. The universal language for business. I was told that many Turkish companies foot the bill for their employees to take lessons.
--We ran into 4 volunteers from Kyrgyzstan. I also saw many young Americans traveling in groups of 3 or 4. I have a feeling many of them were PC Volunteers from other Central Asian or Eastern European countries. Turkey is centrally located and easy to visit. You buy your 90-day, multiple entry visa at the Istanbul airport for $20. How much easier can it get?
--Turkey is notorious for credit card fraud. I had to email Citibank with the dates of my stay so they wouldn't automatically close down my debit card. Many banks, if they don't know you'll be in Turkey, will do just that if they see a transaction from there. I had to use an ATM twice and because there are Citibanks in Istanbul, I knew I'd have no problems.
--I don't mind growing old. Honest, I don't. But, I don't need to be reminded of it. Three times I was asked if Chris was my son. Excuse me?!
--I never thought I had a universal look, but perhaps I was mistaken. Three times I was approached by salesmen with “Habla Espanol?” Two guys asked me if I spoke English. I was also taken for Australian and Greek. The best one though, was the guy who stopped his car to ask me for directions. He asked in Turkish.
Personal Trainer
Written on 21 June 2009
Occasionally over the years I thought about getting a personal trainer. I never did. I said it was because of the cost—in reality, had I reallocated some of my “entertainment” dollars, I probably could've afforded one—but the primary reason was sloth. Not anymore. I've shed “lazy man” and on Monday, I start a fitness program. My trainer will be the physical training teacher at the college. He's 48, in excellent shape and very knowledgeable.
Why am I doing this? A couple of reasons. One of the bi-products of losing over 20 pounds, was losing muscle mass. I want some of it back. And I can use the equipment for free.
Occasionally over the years I thought about getting a personal trainer. I never did. I said it was because of the cost—in reality, had I reallocated some of my “entertainment” dollars, I probably could've afforded one—but the primary reason was sloth. Not anymore. I've shed “lazy man” and on Monday, I start a fitness program. My trainer will be the physical training teacher at the college. He's 48, in excellent shape and very knowledgeable.
Why am I doing this? A couple of reasons. One of the bi-products of losing over 20 pounds, was losing muscle mass. I want some of it back. And I can use the equipment for free.
Water Update
Written on 19 June 2009
I forgot to mention this in the last email. Two days after I left to go on vacation, our water was turned back on. Two months without running water. On Sunday I rook a shower. Then another on Thursday, but I think that's overdoing it, like I really didn't need one. I'll try one every five days, maybe that'll feel better. Funny, in the States, I used to feel filthy if I didn't shower every day. Talk about life style changes.
Oh, and I heard the guys who fixed the pipes ripped off the owners of the apartments. First they bought too much pipe and then overcharged to replace the old. To top it off, they were supposed to use the extra new pipe to replace additional old piping that led to each of our apartments. Of course, they never did. And I've heard no one has the brass to confront them about it.
I forgot to mention this in the last email. Two days after I left to go on vacation, our water was turned back on. Two months without running water. On Sunday I rook a shower. Then another on Thursday, but I think that's overdoing it, like I really didn't need one. I'll try one every five days, maybe that'll feel better. Funny, in the States, I used to feel filthy if I didn't shower every day. Talk about life style changes.
Oh, and I heard the guys who fixed the pipes ripped off the owners of the apartments. First they bought too much pipe and then overcharged to replace the old. To top it off, they were supposed to use the extra new pipe to replace additional old piping that led to each of our apartments. Of course, they never did. And I've heard no one has the brass to confront them about it.
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