Monday, January 19, 2009

Black January

January 20th is a day of remembrance and recognition in Baku and all of Azerbaijan because it marks the end of a the terrible events that occurred in January of 1990. The loss of innocent civilians' lives-- when Soviet troops entered Baku under "false pretenses"-- is remembered and the people are honored.

I have attached some informational sites- so that you all can read up on the events.... of course these are just some of the many sites out there on 'Black January'.

January 20th
Black January

After visiting Shahidlar Khiyabani (Martyr's Cemetary)-- I understand the meaning behind this day of mourning and the its importance to the people here-- ultimately the events that occurred in January of 1990 solidified Azerbaijan's desire to separate from the Soviet Union. AND in 1991 Azerbaijan declared its independence.

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What time is it Ms. Clancy??

What is the time difference Miss Foster??

Georgian Cuisine

I was recently in Tbilisi, Georgia for a basketball tournament, and while there we took the students out to a traditional Georgian restaurant. Georgian food is excellent! There are a lot of spiced mixes with vegetables, breads with cheese and beans (Khatchapuri), and specialty sodas. They also specialize in meat dishes, or dishes that have meat in them. Khinkali is a noodle type thing that surrounds a mixture of meats soaked in spices, which simmers and forms its own broth. Farhad, one of the senior players, demonstrates the proper way to eat Khinkali. I wasn't able to master the "proper way", but I did enjoy it!

Hey Madison! Do you remember this??

I am so glad that I saved these... good memories!

Students from BIS (Baku International School)

The students in these photos are from all over the world. I am teaching some American, Polish, Japanese, Romanian, Azeri, Turkish, and Russian students. They are very animated and love the camera--- like most students/teenagers do.