Holiday Travel Adventures

PICTURES: The first is of Linda, Bill and Dorothy at the Mingachevir reservoir. Second the reservoir with the mountains in the background. Third is of the beautiful river running through the center of Mingachevir, and note the fantastic river walk – outstanding. Fourth, I could not resist a shot of the public toilet with the semi-private door. Bill has a better picture with me inside looking out at everyone with the door closed. Finally, even the most beautiful spots on this earth has to have a few turkeys.
We had another busy week following Thanksgiving. We were very fortunate in that Matt and Andrew called on Thanksgiving evening after we had published the last blog. It was good to hear their voices.
During the Qurban bayram (Sacrifice Holiday) Linda and I traveled to Barda to visit with our friends Bill and Dorothy Colcord. We left our home about 10:00 a.m. and arrived at Bill and Dorothy’s a little after 2:00 p.m. which means it was a great trip, and we did not have to wait long for bus connections.
When we arrived at their home there were 2 of the younger Volunteers finishing up a Scrabble game with Dorothy. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent in great conversation and good food. Bill and Dorothy are much like us and receive many delicious offerings from the U.S. Linda had brought a Duncan Hines Brownie Mix and they turned out perfect. We also learned a new use for lavash, which is a flat bread much like a flour tortilla. We cut the lavash into squares or diamonds, coat with a little olive oil, season, bake 3 minutes on each side, and then we have cheap warm chips – tasty.
On Saturday we all four traveled north and east to Mingachevir. Mingachevir is celebrating its 61st year as a city. A new city it is very clean, has wide streets, and has a reservoir which also produces hydro-electric power. There is the large reservoir with mountains in the background. The river then runs through the center of the city. It has become quite the Azerbaijan tourist spot. Mingachevir is one of the choice assignments for Volunteers. There is abundant housing, clean, great bazaar, hotels, and good restaurants by Azerbaijan standards. The weather can get a little cold in the winter, but there is water recreation in the summer. The reservoir is a beautiful shade of blue.
After returning in the early evening (we cannot travel outside of site except during daylight due to road and mass transit conditions) we again enjoyed good conversation, food, and then movie time. Dorothy had access to a projector and Bill connected his laptop. Bill projected the movie A Christmas Story, which if you can believe they had never seen. Yes, the movie A Christmas Story about Ralphie and Red Rider BB gun, they had never viewed this masterpiece of the cinema. I, on the other hand, recited the dialogue along with the actors.
Dorothy and Linda went to sleep while Bill and I enjoyed the second feature, Pretty Woman.
Sunday we returned home and Monday was still the holiday, so Linda spent the day washing, cleaning, and I ground meat, shopped, and defrosted the fridge. All in all a great holiday was had here in Azerbaijan.

Recently Linda broke a tooth, but was in no pain. She contacted the Peace Corps Medical Officer, Fuad, and he arranged a dental appointment for her. Since we are due for an annual examination and cleaning, Fuad made an appointment for both of us. The dental work is contracted to a group named American Dental Transplant Clinic. The dentists are graduates of dental schools in the United States. The clinic has the latest technology. The x-rays are digital and are viewed within seconds. Linda had her tooth repaired, but we both need further work done. I will have a couple of fillings and a root canal. Linda will have a couple of fillings, but one is complicated. We will keep everyone posted, but the dental care is impressive.

When I went to the post office after the holiday, all the Hopewell cards had arrived for Linda. In all she received 25 birthday cards – thanks to each and every one of you. Linda and I are back at work until the Azerbaijan World Unification holiday on December 31, and then the New Year celebration.

Next week a picture of our Christmas tree! Thanks to Betty Woollums for giving us the inspiration, and Betty Matheney for sending all the old Christmas cards which we are using for decorations!