Copper Craftsment

We have less than 6 months left of our service in Azerbaijan. We have been in Azerbaijan now for 20 months, and our focus is upon wrapping up our work.
For Linda the conclusion happened in many ways this week. Due to the flooding refugees and other factors, school is over for this academic year. It is a bit sad because at the end of school there is a graduation ceremony called “Last Bell”. Those finishing secondary school this year will not have the “Last Bell” experience. School attendance is mandatory through the ninth form (grade). After the ninth form, the best students prepare for the University attending the tenth and eleventh form. For better students they may attend trade and career schools called colleges. The rest of the students begin looking for work or husbands.
Linda is planning several activities for the summer, but her main responsibilities at School Number 9 are over until next September 15. The beginning of the school year is chaotic and usually the schedule is in flux until about the first week in November. So, essentially Linda’s greatest contributions in the classroom and teacher training have been completed.

The pictures highlight our time in Lahic looking at the copper and metal working shops. Lahic area is known for its copper, silver, and bronze work, but especially copper.
Last posting had a picture of Kamal whose father and uncle have a copper works shop. Kamal’s grandfather was a copper artisan, and someday he will be also. Kamal’s family are very good promoters and businessmen. Kamal’s father works on the historical preservation of Lahic, and Kamal’s task is to find tourists and give them personal attention as to the sights and interests of Lahic.
The craftsman pictured is not Kamal’s father, but one of the first shops we entered. The work begins early every morning and literally is from sunup to sundown. The tourist season is very important to the economy of Lahic. It is listed in the Lonely Planet book, and many people make a daytrip from Baku, Ganja, and Mingachevar.
Linda is pictured holding copper earrings purchased from the man beside her. He told us these were his work. He was a good salesman, and we purchased a couple of other souvenirs.

The level of the river Kura is still the major issue facing the people of Azerbaijan currently. We went to the river in the old city on Sunday and were not ready for what we saw. We will post pictures in the future.

We leave for Turkey on June 14, and will return on June 24. We are planning on posting on the blog, June 5 and 12, then as soon as we can after we return.

We cannot express our gratitude enough for all the care packages we receive. If you are planning on sending a package, please do not mail until after June 15. Any package mailed after June 15 should not arrive until after we return from Turkey.