Peace Tree

Hello Madison,

I just wanted to share some photos of the last project my homeroom has taken on.... they made a PEACE TREE. They are celebrating differences in cultures, religions, peoples, countries, traditions, and customs by learning about and promoting peace. The tree was made on Friday (the 13th of all times), but the learning and symbols of peace that will adorn the tree started in October of 2008.

It would be great if you could participate with us! I thought that having all of you help would be such a wonderful symbol of the unity between cultures and a great way to make the ties between Madison and BIS stronger. Your job would be to create an ornament of some sort that represents or could represent peace or a symbol of love and unity. Somewhere on or attached to your peace ornament should be an explanation of why that is a symbol of peace, what it means, and the significance that it holds. You will also want to put your name it or a picture, so that you will be well represented at BIS, in AZERBAIJAN.

Talk to Miss Foster about this project... I know she will help you along.

PEACE OUT! :)

GoogleEarth... shots of Baku

My brother was trying to pinpoint my exact location on GoogleEarth last night-- and in the process, he sent some pictures. It was difficult for me to get him close to my place because of the language differences (spellings and such aren't quite the same)- but we managed. To really see the pictures (because I know they are small)-- click on them and they should enlarge.

This is a picture of my street. When you find the white "C" shaped buildings, you have found my apartments. If you take the road directly in front of my apartments to the right-- all the way to the end of the picture-- you will find my school. It is pretty amazing that I was actually able to locate those two places from above-- because I can barely find them from below!! :)



This is a bit closer... but of the same area...



This is even closer... but it is of my school-- the school is to the left of the big patch of trees, right on the corner.

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.

Winter Break Ends...

Well, I am sure you are all adjusting to being back in school and beginning your new year on the right foot! My students haven't returned yet.... we officially start on Monday. I have to tell you, it is a little hard to go back after such a long vacation-- but I am looking forward to hearing all about the trips and celebrations the students participated in.

Many of my students returned to their home countries for winter break-- Romania, Japan, Russian, etc.... so I am excited to hear their stories and see their pictures. I am also looking forward to sharing my new experiences-- I traveled to The United Kingdom (London) and Ireland (Dublin). The world is our oyster-- travel when you can because it is amazing!

If I understood Miss Foster correctly... I should be talking with you guys sometime on Friday. Hopefully, you have started the new year off right and are able to participate in the conversations-- I look forward to hearing all about your cold, wintery weather and all about your holidays.

... Thanksgiving Events...

Just wanted to share some of the photos of our Thanksgiving... because we were in school!! Thanksgiving is an American Holiday, so we had to celebrate with each other while at work-- it was a different experience.

What do you think?

Now that you have seen some of what Ms. Clancy sees during her day, what are your thoughts? Do you have any questions for Ms. Clancy? Would you like know how to say hello and good-bye in Azeri or Russian? Be thinking of some questions for Ms. Clancy when we talk to her on Friday. Remember to get your homework done so that you are able to talk!

**Do you remember how to post a comment? If not, let me know and I will show you how again.

Ms. Clancy...

Hello, hello... I know you are all dying to see where I live and what it is like, so I am going to start with my apartment.

I have to tell you that I was prepared to come to Baku and live in a HUT! I truly thought that I would have a house with dirt floors and have to befriend bugs! The buildings aren't in the best condition on the outsides, so as we were making our way to my apartment, the hut kept flashing before my eyes. However, after making our way through the dark entrance way to the lift (elevator), I realized I wasn't going to be have to deal with dirt floors because I was going to be living on the 11th floor of the building!




My apartment is amazing (even though it doesn't have heat).






I live about 10 minutes (walking distance) from school, which is really convenient for me. Although, walking in the upcoming cold weather is not going to be fun to deal with in the mornings, or the evenings! I could catch a "bus" to school, but the buses that go by the school don't make a return route (toward my apartment). So, I walk. It is quite an interesting walk too. I see something new everyday! The guys at the meat market are warming up to me as well, always saying "Salam" and good morning in Azeri.