Not taking credit, but...

15 Zaq students passed the first round of FLEX testing! Woo-hoo!

An Americna Councils student exchange program, FLEX [link] provides the opportunity for high school students to spend 1 year attendingan American high school. A very competitive program, students participate in a series of test, interviews, and essay skill excercises. Each year, les than 50 Az young people are selected for the program, with less than 1,000 former FLEX students hailing from Azerbaijan. If I have not already mentioned it, my host bro is a former FLEX student (and so is my host cousin).

At any rate, I think this program is awesome and I am blown away by the number 15. Kudos definitely go to Natalie & D-man, the newest RPCVs from Zaq. Their convo clubs, prep classes and general presence prepared these kids - and look what happened! 15!

New Visitors

I just received word my blog would receive some special visitors and I thought I would write a quick hello and introduction to Peace Corps, my service, and me! Sorry if this is a repeat for anyone. Think of it as a recap if it gets too...repeative (read annoying).

So...where should we start? Well, let me lay out my blog for you. This should help you and my dad find out all there is to know about me and my stint as a PCV.

Who's Löki? Nome is Home [link] can tell you.

What to know how I got into Peace Corps? Visit The PC Process [link].

Interested in how a PCV lives? Check out The PC Life [link].

How does it feel to be a PCV? I got that in The PC Experience [link].

Got an odd question or two? Frequently Asked Questions [link] may be your best bet.

And finally, how can you show your Löki Love [link]?

A Real Vacation

Like most Americans, my idea of a vacation was going to some exotic place (or a normal place chock full of relatives) and trying to cram every sight-seeing, touristy event into an already over-booked schedule.

Well, my friends, my days of American vacationing are over. After spending 12 months serving 24/7 as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I had the opportunity to take an Azer-Vacay (which consists solely of slow walking). A couple friends and I hopped the border to Tbilisi and ate and drank our way through 4 wonderful days of absolute relaxation.

Holy cowpokes, was it amazing! Don't get me wrong, I perused a few tourist shops, gazed a a few unique and beautiful sights, and sampled the delicious local cuisine. Still, for the first time in my 26 years, I took a true vacation. I got to admit, Azerbaijanis are on to something here.