7/10 -- Site Visit

This will be a short entry since I'm writing from my new supervisor's home computer. Very kind of her to let me use it. All I was trying  to ask was which internet provider is best here, Vivacell or Orange. It seems like Orange gets the popular vote, so I'll try to arrange a time to purchase a flash modem. THEN I'll be able to update all you beautiful readers more often. But for now, you're stuck with my periodic updates.

So... second "survey says" moment of PC. I know my permanent site!
I'm placed in Armavir Marz, the region directly west of Yerevan. As per PC rules/regulations, I won't state my specific site. But, close friends, I'll probably tell you personally.

So currently all the A19ers are visiting their permanent sites. We're meeting directors, counterparts, new host families, and various community members. My site is relatively close to Yerevan and our PST villages. This is a huge plus. It'll make traveling around and out of the country so much easier (you pretty much have to go through Yerevan to get anywhere). On the downside, I am the ONLY PCV in this marz. No joke. I'm the first out of all Armenia volunteers! I think this is largely due to the nuclear power plant located nearby. PC Washington dictates that no volunteer can be placed within a certain distance of power plants. Needless to say, that limits this marz's options. There is another A19er a bit north of me, maybe 30 minutes? Apparently there are also some A18ers nearby. Of course they're both visiting the States right now. Go figure. I was the only one on site announcement day (the 6th) without an 18er to greet me. Boo!

The village itself is very large, about twice the size as my current one. It's flat, dry, and pretty dusty. VERY hot. Right now that's unfortunate, but luckily it means mild winters. No multiple layers of long johns for me! Everyone I've met so far is VERY nice. I have two counterparts with whom I'll work. They're both young (20s-30s) and very friendly. Their English is pretty good, but they're very interested in improving. The school is quite old, but they have some good resources--about ten computers with internet, for instance. The director is interested in me creating an English Language Center with books and other English resources (hint hint - I'll probably be asking for donations later). Also active in this community is COAF -- the Children of Armenia Foundation (Fund?). I'm not sure exactly what they do yet, but a representative called me yesterday (within twenty minutes of my arrival) to welcome me. She spoke great English, so that seems promising.

I was a little disappointed about my placement at first. I'm fairly isolated from other volunteers. It's not the lap of luxury like my current village (example: no running water for this chica). However, I think I have a lot of great opportunities here work-wise. I plan on becoming something of a work-a-holic in the non-summer months. Hopefully I'll be able to, y'know, make some Armenian friends as well. Fingers crossed!

Well that's all for now... I really should get back to socialization!

Keep the comments, emails, etc. coming. I love hearing from you all.