Can't handle my emotions.

Okay. I'm exhausted- physically and mentally drained. But I'm absolutely thrilled to be cuddling with my pupster Scuppers back in the US. Details to follow. For now: sleep. 

Hike Down The Vorotan

So, I intended to go on a 6 mile run down the Vorotan river today- but about half way through it turned into more of a hike than a run. Turns out that particular path isn't exactly runnable. I'll have to find a different route for my marathon in August. But, it was super pretty. Here's a shot I took on the hike of near-by village Aghitu (called Aghuti by it's residents) from across the river gorge with Ishkhanasar in the background.

I Made A Video

I spent most of the day today making a video demonstrating for the new group of volunteers how our water filters are assembled. Actually- I only spent about an hour making the video (about 30 minutes to prep and film, and then another 30 to edit and process), but then spent the rest of the day trying to get good enough internet to upload the darn thing to YouTube. But I got there in the end, and I guess that's what matters. 

I'll Never Really Fit In Here

The students at my school were taking a timed test in which they had to assemble and disassemble an assault weapon in school today. I was particularly taken by the part where they all were jamming magazines into the gun while pointing the barrel directly at their seated classmates in front of the table. Something of my thoughts must have shown on my face, because on of my counterparts treated me to a 15 minute explanation of why it was important for children to know how to use guns. It's days like this when I feel completely alien in this country. 

Brunch

For weeks now, Sam has been extolling the virtues of American-Style Brunch to our friend Karine. This weekend, we finally brought those conversations to fruition with a homemade brunch with Karine, her family, and the Sisian-area PCVs. Sam was our head chef, and with a little bit of help from the rest of us, he created a masterpiece: scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms, fried potato pancakes, made-from-scratch breakfast sausage, and the piece de resistance, fresh-from-the-oven homemade biscuits. It was a really fun morning, and I think that the food was much appreciated by all.

Stairway to Work

In a continuing series of "things I see on my way to work", here we have the stairway I take to get to School #4 from my house. It's less of a deathtrap than it appears in the picture, but I'll admit to avoiding it at night or when there's snow accumulation.