tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17921997172152890782011-08-12T14:19:18.745+03:00A journal of my adventures in Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer (2008-2010).Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-23342639261405369382010-11-12T14:16:00.000+02:002010-11-12T14:16:40.888+02:00

I put together this small presentation to express my gratitude for the teachers and students at Gymnasia N. 7 in Novoukrainka, Ukraine. This video is approximately 20 minutes long. Hope you enjoy seeing the faces of our school! Love NataliePeace Corps Volunteer(2008-2010)

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-17928169336119951132010-09-25T10:10:00.000+03:002010-09-25T10:10:53.733+03:00

With the first three weeks of school under my belt, I finally feel back into the routine. I'm working with a new group of 4th graders (4th grade is usually the youngest I teach), and after each lesson with them, I'm reminded of how much of an actress I really am in the classroom - their excitement, but limited experience with the English language, make for interesting lessons! I was also shocked

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-35839998158016317052010-09-06T12:30:00.001+03:002010-09-07T17:55:34.692+03:00

As Gymnasia N. 7 seeks to expand its connections with the world, we have been working on an application to work with a company called "Global Gateway" which seeks to 'bring an international dimension to education'. Our school will be linked with other schools around the world to learn more about how students study in other countries, and of course about their local traditions, customs, and

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-59450759576696728312010-09-02T16:36:00.001+03:002010-09-02T16:40:25.484+03:00

Summer has officially ended... time to pull out the 'professional' clothes, plan lessons each day, and spend more time with students! FINALLY! I had a fabulous summer, but I'm definitely ready to get back into the routine of school. In preparation for school, I've been at school nearly every weekday to meet with teachers, work on grant projects, and catch up on the latest happenings in each

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-11112235863589335202010-08-22T20:38:00.008+03:002010-08-22T21:34:39.683+03:00

Printed Thursday, August 19 by the Kyiv PostMark RachkevychUkraine is home to the world's largest contingency of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers.They are jokingly referred to as the "Posh Corps," but they also could be called ambassadors of peace. They carry cell phones, have running water in their homes and a McDonald's restaurant is usually not far away.They're U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-55737406056625198632010-08-18T18:59:00.011+03:002010-08-18T22:03:32.740+03:00

Traveling with Lena has been full of adventures, interesting conversations, and a chance to get to know Lena on a new level. Just a reminder, Lena is my counterpart - or the person in my community whom I work with most closely. I am so thankful to have an awesome counterpart that I get along with so well...View from our hotel... I absolutely loved being at the foot of the mountains. Another Peace

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-50162929066372068952010-08-05T14:22:00.007+03:002010-08-12T11:32:42.682+03:00

Lena and I have been traveling together... I wanted to share some pictures from our adventures:More pictures and stories coming soon...Love Nat

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-73144092453965653452010-07-26T15:06:00.003+03:002010-07-26T15:18:51.144+03:00

Eastern Europeans with HIV: Help us!July 21, 2010Associated Press VIENNA (AP) - Eastern Europeans with HIV are urging their governments and the international community to take immediate action to fight AIDS in their region.The activists - from Russia, Ukraine, and Estonia - say their politicians don't care that more than 3,000 people will die this week alone from the virus and that access to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-76933940260373221442010-07-15T16:56:00.013+03:002010-07-17T10:52:51.533+03:00

After returning from my travels with Mal and David, I returned to Novoukrainka to a new site mate! Another Peace Corps volunteer was assigned to the community I live in, so we met as soon as I returned. We have spent three weeks and I've definitely enjoyed sharing space with Lynae! We are both helping each other transition in different ways - I'm showing her around, introducing her to my support

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-15315162239756440852010-06-20T11:25:00.010+03:002010-07-04T01:28:35.820+03:00

Spending a week in Egypt with Mal and David was incredibly refreshing! The resort we stayed at in Sharm El Sheikh had two beaches we could travel to - one with snorkeling in the Red Sea and the other was a more 'chill' beach, where we could enjoy huge floating beds in the water, rent paddle boats with slides, or just relax with watermelon and a beer :). One of the excursions we went on was a

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-19241544216727280472010-06-08T11:17:00.005+03:002010-06-08T11:44:20.938+03:00

There are many exciting plans to look forward to this summer, but wrapping up the school year and celebrating with senior students makes me realize that my service committment in Ukraine is almost finished. I really can't believe it has almost been two years since I missed my airplane from Portland to the Peace Corps Orientation (in Philadelphia). I have appreciated being adopted into my site

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-20208382016143495712010-05-21T20:45:00.007+03:002010-05-28T13:35:30.280+03:00

Beginning with Victory Day (May 9th), I was invited to a neighborhood concert. The audience consisted of five enthusiastic grandmothers, three sets of parents, some youthful bystanders, and me. Here are some fun pictures from the celebration:All the performers at their finest!Saying goodbye to volunteers who have fulfilled their service commitment has always been one of the most difficult times

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-80310191521972880032010-05-05T18:04:00.014+03:002010-05-05T23:07:52.556+03:00

Twice each year, my oblast hosts a "Softball Weekend" - which reaches out to Peace Corps volunteers, the local community, and an orphanage. It consisted of a round robin softball tournament on Saturday with Americans and Ukrainians, an "All Star" game on Sunday (Ukrainian team vs. American team), and all the softball participants donating money to a local orphanage to purchase expressed needs

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-79262892665370486932010-04-21T18:43:00.004+03:002010-04-21T18:51:10.506+03:00

Came across this video and fell in love. Appreciating the thousands of awesome things around me is a constant struggle, but so essential to my well-being.One of my "awesome things" is the support I have received throughout my Peace Corps service. Thank you to family and friends who continue to send emails, arrange Skype dates, put together amazing care packages, and meet me in new places around

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-19602851051886395942010-04-19T22:09:00.000+03:002010-04-19T22:16:31.729+03:00

It was wonderful receiving a surprise visit from another person from the states a few weeks ago! Ingrid was visiting from Moscow, Idaho as part of a teacher exchange program. Not only was I able to meet with her, but also the teacher (from a different school) who was hosting her. This was a great connection to make and I enjoyed the company and conversation throughout our dinner together.This

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-37830630987742206812010-04-06T10:34:00.017+03:002010-04-06T22:15:59.947+03:00

Yes, the focus of my trip in Italy was consumption. Consumption of wine, delicious food, and gelato. I had a fabulous time with Brian and Justin - they were awesome traveling companions! I may have made a mistake the night before I left by dancing at a night club in Kyiv until I had to depart for the airport (but hey, it saved me the cost of a night in a hotel and I spent time with friends). Once

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-58821433144305815392010-03-10T13:33:00.010+02:002010-03-10T15:49:05.944+02:00

Two friends and I decided to board a bus headed for Chisinau, Moldova (the capital). We stayed two nights in a great little hostel and made our way around the city. Here are some pictures from our trip:When we first arrived, we checked in to our hostel, familiarized ourselves with the city map, then headed to "Bier Platz" - a German restaurant. Yep, we ate seafood at a German restaurant in

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-90936059437564040892010-03-04T13:53:00.003+02:002010-03-04T15:04:47.966+02:00

Living abroad can be exciting, full of new adventures and people, and a time to focus on my personal growth. However, with a low command of the Russian and Ukrainian languages, I am finding that sometimes I forget there is an entire world apart from my daily existence. Until it comes crashing down…My life did not come crashing down by any means, but the last couple weeks have brought about some

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-11938790133771450412010-02-20T10:38:00.007+02:002010-02-21T03:35:24.985+02:00

Always new happenings to report for a Peace Corps volunteer - I'm not sure where to begin! At the beginning of the month, Kirovohrad Oblast hosted our English Olympiad competition for 9th-11th graders. Nine of my students participated in this competition (because they placed in the regional competition) and we ended up taking four of the nine possible places. Below is a picture of some of my

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-36914769841481192002010-01-27T06:50:00.023+02:002010-02-05T08:13:20.197+02:00

Traveling home for Holly and Darren's wedding allowed me to reunite with so many friends and family, take care of some much needed shopping, and most importantly, support Holly in the days leading up to the ceremony. Here's my favorite picture of the recently-married couple:Holly and Darren had a large wedding, with nearly 250 people in attendance! The bridesmaids wore adorable light blue dresses

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-87342325481736370282009-12-24T18:11:00.007+02:002009-12-24T22:31:23.483+02:00

…by video from Novoukrainka (specifically, my 4th grade class) Happy Holidays from Ukraine!I’m looking forward to my trip home next Thursday (I begin the journey on Sunday). Today was our first day back from quarantine. It felt so good to be back! The roads were full of slush and school was cold, but it was so energizing to see my students again.On Saturday, I’ll head into Kirovohrad for a

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-13440486464097746122009-12-15T21:06:00.004+02:002009-12-18T13:25:25.209+02:00

Why: To experience daily life in Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer through pictures, stories, and video that I have prepared with my community and school to share with you. When: Thursday, January 7, 2010 beginning at 6:00pm Where: Washington State University Vancouver campus (Undergraduate Classroom Building, Room #1) Click here for a map, directions, and parking information. Hope to see

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-43714986580877596442009-11-25T18:06:00.002+02:002009-11-25T18:13:25.717+02:00

Well, it has been two weeks since my last blog entry… really, only two weeks? I have so many stories to share! Wonderful news: my SPA grant was funded for a Multimedia Resource and Training Center in our region! You can read more about this grant on my other blog. Throughout this process, I have been impressed with the staff’s enthusiasm for this project and their willingness to share these

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-16869141511334260922009-11-11T23:46:00.001+02:002009-11-11T23:48:16.191+02:00

It’s time for some honesty: I have been having a rough time in Ukraine lately. No, nothing out of the ordinary has caused my optimism to disappear; in fact, I can’t quite put my finger on the cause of my perpetual sour mood. So, I’ve made a list of possible reasons and will try to communicate each of them. Throughout this blog, I feel that I’ve maintained a fairly positive attitude and it has

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-89346129012308541212009-11-04T07:17:00.000+02:002009-11-04T07:17:00.625+02:00

It has been almost a month since my last posting. I'm not quite sure what is holding me back from posting... I'm just having a difficult time right now. Just a quick update for you: all is well with me, the school year is flying by, and I had a fabulous birthday last Thursday - complete with many friends, cake with candles, and my new coat (thanks mom and dad for sending it in my care package).

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-16791389720104426952009-10-10T23:30:00.001+03:002009-10-11T22:38:11.220+03:00

Last week, I went on two "excursions" with my students. Not the typical school field trips we would take in the states, but I really enjoyed this time with my students! On Wednesday, we went to a collective farm to dig up carrots for our school cafeteria. Apparently, the students work in the fields quite a bit in September to allow the school heavily discounted veggies. Each student was assigned

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-71123835334329028752009-10-07T22:17:00.000+03:002009-10-07T22:17:51.072+03:00

Last week, I had a scheduled appointment time with my Regional Manager, Zhanna, to visit my site. During her visit, she wanted to see me conduct a demo lesson and check out my new apartment. As I was walking to school at 7:45am last Wednesday, I was slightly nervous to have someone observe and critique my lesson. I had thought through the material, I had built my students' knowledge to this point

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-90776231747337219732009-09-24T00:50:00.010+03:002009-09-24T01:01:34.093+03:00

As of this week, I have been living in Ukraine for one year. It's amazing how quickly time flies! I have had so many adventures and challenges along the way...I have also appreciated this time on my own - especially to have the chance to reflect and find a more balanced perspective on life. There are many lessons and ideas I will bring back to the United States with me, and some things that I

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-18783394889081698592009-09-15T13:03:00.005+03:002009-09-15T13:43:02.139+03:00

My Tuesday morning started off by jumping out of a train. Really. You see, I was up in Kyiv for the day to attend a meeting (which I'll explain later). Because of my newfound appreciation for traveling by train, I boarded the 3:25pm Kyiv-Odessa train. However, I depend on the provodnik, the person whose sole responsibility it is to wake passengers up before their stop, give us bed sheets, and

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-38444495949176356722009-09-03T19:05:00.000+03:002009-09-03T19:11:56.957+03:00

Tuesday, September 1: First Bell CelebrationsThe first of September marks the first day of school across Ukraine. Except, rather than having actual lessons, it is a day to celebrate the new academic year. We met in the Palace of Culture where we recognized students with achieved high grades last year, introduced new teachers (my school has two new teachers), awarded teachers for their work in

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-54444458960717712662009-08-31T19:08:00.005+03:002009-08-31T19:28:08.096+03:00

By CLAIRE ST. AMANT Tysmentsya, Ukraine After graduating from college in 2008, I joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Ukraine. I'm not sure where I meet more people who know less about what exactly the Peace Corps is—here or back home. In Ukraine, people I meet either think that I'm a secret agent (our language-training classes now include the phrase "I am not a spy") or that I was forced to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-54887111048869626522009-08-25T19:36:00.020+03:002009-08-25T22:47:04.964+03:00

Well, I've finally been able to catch my breath from traveling. Last night, I was riding train number 696 (the Kyiv to Odessa train) and my scheduled time to arrive was 11:15pm. At 11:30pm, I woke up and wondered if we were running late because the providnik (1 person per boxcar who wakes you up when your stop is approaching) hadn't jolted me out of my sleep. I quickly walked to his sleeping

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-2456925525842365122009-08-16T21:13:00.004+03:002009-08-17T01:43:21.499+03:00

WARNING: This is the longest blog I have ever posted. Please be warned, it could take you an hour to make your way through all the pictures, videos, and senseless ramblings that I've posted here. You can't say you weren't warned... :)Before I launch into an account of my traveling adventures, I want to give you a housing update. I met with two teachers from school the day after I returned to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-35528773701505993242009-07-18T23:36:00.027+03:002009-07-19T20:47:17.754+03:00

After traveling from Poland for 21 hours, which included rides on one airplane, two buses, one taxi, two marshrutkas (15 passenger van), and one subway, I unloaded my heavy suitcase and backpack from the marshrutka this morning at 9am. My thought as I was walking to my front door: "Good to be home!" However, these thoughts of happiness quickly dispersed when I walked in to find all of my

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-75665534402214755812009-06-22T20:08:00.007+03:002009-06-22T22:19:36.543+03:00

Really? Only five days until Mom and Dad pick me up at PDX? Even though I'm nervous about coming home, my packed suitcase is next to the door. Yeah, you might say I'm excited to see everyone I love...But before I'm swept up into my three week trip outside of Ukraine, I wanted to share my summer schedule and a few pictures.Summer in Ukraine is fabulous! I look forward to shopping at the market to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-54371964027037391872009-06-03T22:32:00.003+03:002009-06-04T07:50:08.273+03:00

On Friday, May 29, the official last day of school, we had a concert at the Palace of Culture. I was prepared this time and dressed appropriately for the occasion (PHEW!). When I arrived at the Palace of Culture, Vika (far left, the music teacher), Lena, and I snapped some photos before heading into the concert hall.Ivana, my Ukrainian tutor's daughter, sat next to me at the concert. Isn't she

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-54043323066922393402009-06-01T10:08:00.007+03:002009-06-01T14:01:35.466+03:00

Last week, I attended Dima's 8th birthday party! I searched my town for a gift and ended up deciding on a set of Superman Walkie-Talkies, which were definitely a hit!Here are some of the kids that were at the party (from left to right) Petya, Bogdan (Dima's brother), Nastia, Tolya, and Sasha.Here are Dima's godparents, Olya and Kolya.Viala (a neighbor) and Oksana (Dima's mom)Dima's parents, Volva

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-23207803948424925992009-05-26T10:47:00.015+03:002009-05-27T05:16:32.158+03:00

Last Wednesday, as soon as I reached school, I was surprised to find students and teachers in their "Sunday best" clothes for the awards ceremony at the Palace of Culture. I was embarrassed because I was in jeans, a nice shirt, and my favorite blue flats. Lena, my counterpart, told me I was fine and I hoped to hide once we sat down.Before the awards ceremony began, I took some photos of my

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-12825402248166455802009-05-13T15:55:00.004+03:002009-05-13T16:44:46.292+03:00

Thought you would enjoy this video of some students performing parkour stunts...(see previous post for some background information about parkour).These are all local students, including three of my students, and it was filmed in Novoukrainka.Hope all is well!Love,Nat

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-89673279969036359922009-05-10T11:29:00.005+03:002009-05-10T12:07:31.367+03:00

After traveling for a week to Kirovograd and Kyiv, I was feeling anti-social and didn't want to leave my apartment on my first day back. However, I received a phone call from a student who asked, "Natalie, where are you? We are playing football at the stadium, come play with us." Ok, ok, I forced myself to brush my hair and headed out the door.After a soccer game in the rain and a discussion with

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-34312864361002831172009-05-04T20:54:00.003+03:002009-05-04T21:07:47.224+03:00

Happy Birthday to You!Happy Birthday to You!Happy Birthday dear Dad!Happy Birthday to You!Just wanted to send my dad some love on his birthday and share a few updates...Right now, I'm in the Peace Corps office in Kyiv trying to tie up some loose ends of a presentation I will conduct tomorrow. I will attempt to lead a discussion with new Peace Corps volunteers, who are currently in training, about

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-25780599045524925962009-04-17T10:33:00.002+03:002009-04-20T18:52:19.127+03:00

Spending time with students has been a lifesaver for me. Now, with the weather finally warming up, everyone is spending more time outside, including me. Here are some pictures of my downtime in Novoukrainka:April Fool's Day 2009: We had a competition at school, which included each class acting out funny skits and wearing silly costumes.Picture of me with students from my 10th form.Here comes the

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-26512194017907469012009-04-01T21:15:00.005+03:002009-04-02T23:26:44.926+03:00

We caught a bus at 8am on Wednesday, March 25 to Essaouira, Morocco. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, these days were definitely relaxing and a time for me to reflect and indulge (think: lots of seafood and the spa!).When compared to Marrakech, people here seemed much more relaxed. Molly bargained with some stall workers to get a good deal on the seafood. We actually saw the fishermen walk right up

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-7386560932290864402009-04-01T17:59:00.017+03:002009-04-02T23:08:13.744+03:00

Imlil, Morocco - at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains...this was my favorite part of the trip. It felt like home and the mountains were gorgeous. People were friendly and it was nice to meet a Peace Corps Volunteer currently serving in Morocco.Monday, March 23: Molly, Grace, and I were picked up from our Riad in Marrakech to start the 1-hour drive to Imlil. We stopped along the way to get some

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-58826305369965299542009-03-31T00:12:00.015+03:002009-03-31T01:44:08.657+03:00

My Highlights in Marrakech: FOOD and weather (hmmm...I'm sensing a pattern...)As soon as we arrived in Marrakech in the early afternoon on Sunday, March 22, we had to barter to get a taxi (nice work, Molly!). We finally arrived at our Riad after trying to navigate our way through the tiny streets filled with market vendors. It was hectic...but we finally found our way to this cute little place.

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-10585110176564766012009-03-30T22:24:00.015+03:002009-03-31T00:11:30.855+03:00

My Highlights in London: FOOD and weather (and yeah, I guess the sights, too)Friday dinner: Indian Food - I had prawn biryani with vegetable currySaturday breakfast: carrots with hummus and cheesebread (while watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace)Saturday lunch: fish and chips in Trafalgar SquareSaturday dinner: calamari and a spinach salad with avocadoAfter a long day of

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-1529549790173878572009-03-16T22:09:00.008+02:002009-03-17T00:15:11.530+02:00

It's Monday evening and I have all my clothes laid out for London and Morocco! I am so excited to see new places...here is my itinerary:Thursday, March 19: after lessons, I will catch a Marshutka (shuttle bus) to Kirovograd. I am planning to have dinner with other volunteers in my oblast at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant.Friday, March 20: I'll catch a bus from Kirovograd to Kyiv at 7am and I

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-53990603519651842542009-03-05T22:12:00.012+02:002009-03-05T23:21:47.202+02:00

Since moving to Novoukrainka, I have constantly been trying to make a mind map of the town layout. Each day, I discover something new about town (today, it was the hair salon). Here's a little walking tour of Lenina Street and the places I frequently visit (beginning the farthest away from my house):Here is the bus stop in front of the market. Last weekend, I was thankful to buy lightbulbs to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-51581292747479983552009-02-25T19:26:00.007+02:002009-02-27T07:55:27.160+02:00

Hello from NovoUkrainka!Time in Ukraine plays tricks on me...I can't believe I have lived in Ukraine for five months already, yet, often times, the days never seem to end! I haven't taken many pictures since my last blog entry, so I will make this a little March resolution.I did move in early January to a great apartment. It's in the center of town, only a short walk to school, and in a "safer"

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-9835827508558020252009-01-14T16:57:00.002+02:002009-01-14T17:16:20.822+02:00

Hello All,I finally have an address! What can you send me? Here is a list of ideas useful for teaching:1. Postcards (from your travels)2. Interesting articles from magazines or newspapers that would encourage discussion in the classroom3. Anything in English (brochures, maps, etc.)Here is my address:Natalie BrusseauPO Box 27Novoukrainka, Kirovogradska Oblast27100UkraineI've almost finished my

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-29361630096311454272009-01-03T15:00:00.007+02:002009-01-03T16:20:09.392+02:00

Ok, so I know it has been awhile since I updated my blog! Here is what I have been doing for the last couple of weeks:Preparing for winter...yes, I was able to buy a coat (basically a sleeping bag with a zipper and the stylish fur around the hood):My landlord is a police officer, so she invited me to the concert to honor Ukraine's police force. The girl playing the piano (on the right), Sasha, is

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-66972112049135650962008-12-09T17:25:00.020+02:002008-12-12T23:04:38.626+02:00

I will miss my training site - Baryshivka. This small town, with a population of 15,000 people, was welcoming and patient with me.Here is one of the little shops I liked: The Coca-Cola shop. It was sort of like a mini-mart. The lady who worked here was always helpful.This is a common site in the towns in Ukraine. There are many wild cats who roam around the garbage cans. It is sad to see, but I'm

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-10020817839741262532008-11-29T18:59:00.004+02:002008-11-29T19:09:42.160+02:00

I am thankful for...(in no particular order)1. my supportive friends and family2. my Thanksgiving Dinner: pasta, garlic bread, and a delicious apple pie3. Thanksgiving Games: UNO and Spoons4. Marsick (the family cat) finally loving me (pictures to prove it)5. my demonstration lesson (teaching proficiency test) went fairly well...I actually had to teach this lesson on Thanksgiving day with third

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-48051886427549859412008-11-17T18:08:00.003+02:002008-11-17T18:14:54.715+02:00

My cluster hosted a Methodological Session for current Ukrainian English teachers. We showed them new ways students can interact and practice English in the classroom: fun learning with a purpose!Take care!Natalie On a side note: I had my Site Placement interview today with the country director and site development officer. I think the interview went well, and I'm excited to find out my

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-17275860076297467962008-11-17T18:03:00.003+02:002008-11-17T18:07:47.106+02:00

Last Saturday, I participated in a soccer tournament in Kyiv with current PC volunteers and trainees. My team ended up winning the tournament (granted, there were only four teams, but I'll take the win!). It was refreshing to run around and support our Environmental Working Group (sponsors of the event)...I sure miss my soccer teams in Vancouver!

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-1098617137679808352008-11-17T07:46:00.004+02:002008-11-17T07:54:24.826+02:00

Wanted to share this host family picture!My mom, Tania works for an insurance agency that is based out of Kyiv. She works at the local office in my small town and the company rents from the cultural center. (She is always giving me a hard time about not wearing warm enough clothes!)My sister, Ania, is a student in Kyiv. She studies Business and speaks English very well. (My sister tries to take

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-21138399113993003082008-11-17T07:34:00.002+02:002008-11-17T07:46:03.450+02:00

Wanted to get some more pictures up! Here we are, at 6:30am local time...we took a Taxi to a nearby village to watch the election results live (we were shocked that the election had already been determined when we arrived). We were able to see McCain's concession speech and Obama's victory speech - both LIVE. Throughout our celebrations, we also had the mayor of the town (pop. 2,000) join us...

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-65862742124414607412008-11-01T22:36:00.004+02:002008-11-01T22:59:50.115+02:00

I had to post some pictures from my tour of the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. This cathedral was actually built in the 11th century (in the flowers in one of the pictures, you can see the year construction began). We toured the inside, which, unfortunately, cameras were not allowed inside. but the walls were covered with colorful paintings from the history of the church. Throughout the cathedral,

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-3208845018240626422008-11-01T22:09:00.006+02:002008-11-06T19:23:13.395+02:00

Happy Halloween! Believe it or not, I was actually invited to a Halloween party in Ukraine. All of the PC trainees in my group went to this party hosted by the House of Culture (extracurricular establishment for students). I had to throw a costume together with the clothes I brought...so I ended up as a ninja! The decorations were great - with hanging body parts from the ceiling, carved pumpkins

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-46538982165813047332008-10-29T17:00:00.018+02:002008-11-01T20:34:27.969+02:00

Well, I have some good news! I am officially half-way through my training! Training is a grueling time because we have 8-12 hour days. It is draining, but the time is going by so fast!I have included some pictures of my latest visit to Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine). It is a beautiful city and I am planning to have a date with Kyiv every weekend!While in Kyiv, I went to an Irish Pub, the perfect

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-6179849385011188002008-10-18T21:41:00.003+03:002008-10-18T21:43:40.621+03:00

Happy Saturday!I can't believe I've completed my third week in Ukraine! It seems like I only arrived a couple days ago. I had my first experience with teaching English to 7th grade students. I taught two classes Thursday on the topic "Cooking Methods." Not an easy subject, especially trying to help students differentiate between cooking methods such as roasting vs. baking and simmering vs.

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-49568379964325216852008-10-07T20:19:00.004+03:002008-10-07T20:36:24.108+03:00

I wanted to share some pictures from the closing ceremonies of the local sports Olympics for children last Saturday. These Olympics were held over the past week across many nearby cities and focused on orphans and children from single-parent homes. It was a great celebration, complete with fireworks, dancing, and even a miniature train! We received official invitations from the mayor, so we felt

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-7872538165652487792008-10-07T19:16:00.008+03:002008-10-10T20:13:29.086+03:00

Pryveet! (Hello in Ukrainian)Well, I have been living with my host family for a week now and it has been an experience to remember! I have a wonderful room (you can see from the pictures above)! You can see my room and the view I have from my large window. We have a nice kitchen where mama cooks all sorts of yummy meals (my most interesting meal was borshch with rabbit, which was quite delicious!

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-63597668694682079402008-10-03T19:56:00.005+03:002008-10-03T20:18:11.867+03:00

You have to check out the yummy midnight snack I had last night! My mama (host mom) came into the office where my host sister and I were talking. She sat down and I was shocked to see my mama RIP off the head of this fish. It takes a long time to take off the skin and take out the bones, but finally, I was able to eat the meat. It reminded me of smoked salmon. Apparently, this snack is popular to

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-22853443344412619692008-10-03T18:48:00.003+03:002008-10-03T19:55:05.999+03:00

Hello There!I have officially been in Ukraine for six days now and it is amazing! The people have been so hospitable and kind. We did have an interesting situation with our group's luggage...it did not quite make it on our second flight so there were over sixty of us that were unable to pick up our checked baggage in Kyiv. Oh well - we did receive it in 1-2 days, but it was quite an adventure (

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-58702878052935575082008-09-27T08:09:00.000+03:002008-09-27T09:01:05.932+03:00

Pictures from top to bottom:1 and 2. Pictures of City Hall in Philly - I was able to walk through the middle, sit down, and drink my soy steamer (yum yum) on Thursday morning3. the Market - AMAZING! It is about three blocks from our hotel and it is fabulous! So many different foods to try and it was packed. I didn't want to take a picture with a lot of people in it, so I had to find a quiet row.

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-451086922899727832008-09-24T13:20:00.000+03:002008-09-27T09:02:17.560+03:00

Hello All,I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of my summer!1. Starlight Run with friends (we were the wedding party from the Runaway Bride and chased the bride during the entire race)2. South Dakota Trip - fun people, beautiful scenery (and cabin), wacky Flintstones Theme Park (like out of a horror movie), historic train ride through the Black Hills, and my grandma riding a horse!3. My

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-44332056018968322652008-09-24T12:22:00.001+03:002008-09-24T13:19:37.449+03:00

Goodbye Pictures from top to bottom:1. Dad and Grandma2. Kelsey, Bola, and Kristin competing in a competitive badminton game (they won!)3. Me with Meghan (friends since 3rd grade) and Jason (their children: Aiden and Owen), and John4. Race for the Cure 2008 - with Cindy, Duran, and Holly5. Soccer Team says "Goodbye" - Go Lexi's All-Stars!6. Last "Goodbye" with Helen, Cindy, and Jessica7. Goodbye

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792199717215289078.post-78891203940036499112008-09-19T08:38:00.001+03:002008-09-19T08:54:18.759+03:00

Hello,This is my first time blogging. I'm trying it out to see what I can do. Here are some pictures of Mallory and me. We sure had a fun time taking these pictures - and we think they turned out great!I've been packing for my move to Ukraine to serve in the Peace Corps. Here is my schedule:September 24, 2008 at 8:45am: Leave PDX for Philadelphia for stagingThursday, September 25-Friday,

Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15509045709738348633noreply@blogger.com5