Take me out the the Ball Game!

So as many of you, My sitemates and I are bringing the Azerbaijan Peace Corps Softball League to Quba. I know there are many of you out there (more than I probably even know) who have contributed to the cause. I want to thank those who have contributed! It really means a lot to those involved, to be able to engage the children in our communities.

We held our 1st practice this past Saturday, and while the team is still small, it is growing. We are working hard on getting some young, female players as the concept is a little foreign here, but we'll get there. Last Saturday, my 3 sitemates and I were joined by an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, AZ7) for an afternoon of sun and learning to bat. I thought I would share a few pictures from our 1st practice!

This little guy is too young to play in the league, but we let him practice anyway

His name...Attila...yes really

So again, a BIG thank you to our contributors and an advanced thank you to new contributors :).

Some more info on the League...

The Azerbaijan Interregional Softball League (AISL) has been one of Peace Corps Azerbaijan’s largest projects, with more than 200 youth participants from all over the country. It is a project that has allowed the Azeri youth to compete in a friendly environment, exhibit community pride, and travel their country. In addition to teaching the rules and skills of the game, the main goals of the league are to promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, respect, and gender equality.

Donating is very simple and can be done online by visiting our PCPP (Peace Corps Partnership Program) grant at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=314-091  . Our goal is to raise $9,616 by May, the start of our 2012 season.

 **Donations are Tax Deductible!

Welcome to my Peace Corps Mansion

So, some of you know that I was hunting for my own place. It's not an easy thing to do in a town where you're the foreigner, and living alone isn't understood. I went on a quest to find the perfect Peace Corps house...which quickly turned into any house. Relying on my language skills, and the helpful community network that dominates culture here, I finally found my sanctuary.

My House!

My Front Door

My landlady's house (view from my front door)

My Stray Kitty (Yes I feed them bread)

My Stray Kitties (they come to visit me)

My state-of-the-art toilet

My Shower, new floor being put in

The Bedroom

Living Room (view from the Bedroom)

Living Room (view from the Kitchen)

Kitchen

Kitchen

Novruz Bayram - Bayramınız Mübarək!

Novruz is quite possibly the biggest holiday in Azerbaijan. It celebrates the coming of Spring, and takes place on the 4 Tuesdays in March, culminating on the finally Thursday. Each Tuesday, or Chershenbes, celebrates one of the elements. It includes a series of traditional meals, as well as fun activities and games for children.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novruz_in_Azerbaijan - For more reading

Novruz Concert in Quba

Novruz Concert in Quba

Arguably the most important aspect of the Novruz holiday ( and any other holiday in Azrebaijan) is an array of delicious foods and sweets. For a few recipes and more information try http://www.azcookbook.com/

The Khoncha which is a holiday tray filled with treats

The səməni - its sprouts symbolizing new life and spring

Salat

Dolma (Grape Leaf)

Shora

Shakarbura

Pakhlava

Fire Jumping... It is tradition to make a wish and then jump over the fire 3 times.

My Host Siblings (Left to Right) Sadiga, Ferhad, Amina & Me!

My Host sister Sadiga & I

My Host brother Ferhad Jumping

I made my wish, here I go!

My Host sister Amina Jumping

My friend Josh who lives in Ucar, jumping

Part of Novruz is making all sorts of wish and fortune telling games. 

Listening at neighbors... Women listen at the doors of their neighbors. If they hear positive talking, then it means their future will be good.

Amina listening

Trying to listen

My host sisters

Many Games to be played...

Egg cracking game

Clearly my brother won

If you toss the shoe, and it ends upright, your wish will come true

You drip candle wax into a bowl of water, it will "spell out"
 the 1st letter of your future fiance's name

Won't tell you what letter I got ;)

You take a piece of your hair, and put a ring on it.
Then you dip it in a glass of water 3 times and hold still.
 You start counting and the number you have when the ring
 stops moving is the age when you will get married.

I also went to visit my host family from training, back in Ceyranbaton (my village).

My Training (PST) Host Mom, Sister & Dad

Helping Ata (Azeri word for Father) cut the meat for Kebabs!

My Host sisters (Gunel - Left, Vusala - Right) & I!