365.Give.or.Take.

As of two days ago, Oruc and I officially made it back to Azerbaijan with many interesting stories and fantastic memories to share with friends and sitemates who are eager to hear about our impressions of America—though, needless to say, most people are far more interested in his thoughts than mine! I am so grateful for everyone who shared their time with us during our short stay. Many PCVs advise against going home during service—many because they believe that they wouldn’t come back if they did go! As with all things Peace Corps, I have found that there is not a single answer. I found my time at home to be refreshing, albeit busy. I was able to catch up with friends and family-an exercise that made me feel as though I wouldn’t be all that far behind everyone else when I got home in terms of news, gossip, and updates. Still, a year is a long time and I must confess that I did feel a bit glum at the prospect of leaving again just when I had begun to feel so at home. Nevertheless, trips to the casino, various restaurants and coffee shops, visiting old stomping grounds, and brought a smile to my face and it certainly was exciting showing them to Oruc on his first trip to the States. At present, I still feel slightly disorientated but am confident that I will get a chance to stretch my legs as the New Year holiday draws to a close.

Despite extended delays in both Moscow and London, we were able to make it back to Ganja to ring in the “Yeni Il” with Peace Corps and Fulbright friends. After chocolate, pickles, and other delectable appetizers, a group of us bundled up and headed to the city center in front of the executive power office in downtown Ganja. As previously noted, because the vast majority of Azerbaijani people confess Islam as their religious heritage, the people of Ganja do not celebrate the Christmas holiday. However, due to the close proximity of Russia and a number of other predominantly Christian countries, the traditions that Americans would probably associate with Christmas can be found alive and well here…in order to greet the new year! Hence, the city center of Ganja had several “New Year’s trees” set out for the occasion with “Şaxta Baba” (Father Frost) and Qar Qız” (Snow Girl) in tow. Like the United States, there are fireworks…Unlike the United States, the party was BYOFH: “bring your own fire hazard.” As the clock struck twelve and everyone around wished each other a happy new year, I was ducking in order to dodge a small explosion whose pyrotechnic wonder had landed just short of my head. In the twinkling of an eye, it seemed as though all the children in the crowd (as well as the adults) had gotten a hold of sparklers, roman candles and exploding earth-bound poppers. This event was certainly not the Epcot Firework Spectacular. Still, all ended well and as we walked back to Tors, observing the gleeful children turning cartwheels in the street, was compelled to give thanks for the blessings that have come to me in 2010 and those which hopefully will come with the next year.

As they say in Azeri, “bayramınız mubarik!” (Happy Holiday!) I hope that everyone had a lovely time ringing in the year 2011. As my friend, Tor says “I believe that this year will be even better than last year because I am going to make sure of it.”