replacement interviews

Just met with my Peace Corps program manager, two department heads, and the dean to talk about my replacement. Hard to believe a new volunteer is starting to make their packing list to leave in a month for Kyrgyzstan. How fast and slow two years has gone....

Kyrgyzstan Teacher Conference

Recently, I found out that my teacher training team has won a $6000 grant to have the annual FORUM Teacher Training Conference in Karakol. In March 100 teachers from around Kyrgyzstan will come to our town for a two day conference focusing on English teaching methodology. This is a huge undertaking and I'm excited and intimidated on what it entails. When I came to Kyrgyzstan two years ago, never did I think that I would be co-directing a country wide conference. This is the icing on the cake of a successful two year project.

First but not the last attempt at a Russian aerobics class

When a friend asked if i wanted to go check out the local gym, I couldn't say no. I've been running and doing yoga on my own, but there is something about exercising with others that is addicting. When I walked into the studio, I really felt like I was in America. Well, except for the lady using that jiggly belt thing that was advertised to "melt off the pounds" in the 1960s. I really can't even follow an aerobics class in English, never mind Russian but it was so much fun to share something with locals that goes beyond language. Classic 80's jazzercise moves and box stepping to "Pump up the Jam." Ya tak ustala!

Do people in Kyrgyzstan celebrate Christmas?

The majority of people in Kyrgyzstan are Muslim so don't celebrate December 25th... and Russian Orthodox chruch celebrates Christmas on January 7th. In Kyrgyzstan, New Years is this kind of combo Halloween, Christmas, New Years holiday where everyone gets together with their families, eat tons of good food, give small gifts, and then celebrates with their friends after midnight. I spent the night with my host family and felt truly lucky. In the past, I've always run around on December 31st, trying to find something to make the New Years memorable... but usually just end up disappointed. This year, I stayed at home with people who love me and finally found everything I was looking for. Welcome 2010!!