This is my second attempt to publish a blog, and am really not excited about typing it again. SO i am in Barda where the weather is finally nice and not a scorchign 105 degrees. So far i am happy here. I have a really nice host family, which leaves me alone when I need to be and treats me like one of them. My 11 year old host sister is precious and i kind of enjoy her company. THe mom and the dad totally understand that i am having a hard time adjusting and missing home and are really supportive. I don't want to jinx the situation, but so far so good.
The town itself is not bad either. I have everythign i need in walking distance from me. I even found an internet cafe which so far hasn't charged me for my surfing. THe people here are much nicer than those of Sumgayit. SO far, neither me nor Sarah have had problems with men harrassing us like we did in Sumgayit and the locals have been nothing but helpful. I don't doubt that i will run into the occasional asshole, but so far the majority of people have been lovely.
At school things are moving along too. The conditions really are miserable, but the teachers and students are really nice. I am currently just observing classes and have to make my schedule and pick counterparts by the end of next week. I think i am going ot stick to teaching 5, 6, and 7th grade because they are still the ones who care about learning English. THe classes are basically a mess, there is little dicipline, the teachers don't lesson plan, and the students speak little English. I really think i can make a difference now that i have seen what i will be up against.
So this is it for now. This weekend Sarah and I are going to Baku which will be a nice change to my DVD watching marathos i have every night. The picture is of my school. You can see the tin classrooms and the two miserable building that are home to the refugees. There is no bathroom on the premises or running water.
