Recently, I had a major reminder of how a day can turn around in a flash. Chalk it up to Willie Nelson and the mud.
First, I was really happy with the number of teachers who came to an English teachers club meeting at the college. I suggested it because they told me they were looking for the opportunity to speak English more often. Of course, a couple of them came just to check it out. They were reserved at first, but one was enthusiastic when she saw one of the discussion suggestions was “Fun” including music, books, etc. She then told us how much she likes Willie Nelson, and the Beach Boys! Who knew I’d find a teacher in Azerbaijan who shares my taste in music.
Most of them were excited when we talked about forming a Sirvan chapter of Azeta (the Azerbaijan English teachers Association.) Several volunteered to help me make contacts at nearby schools to recruit teachers there. One of them even suggested we go to a couple of schools right after the meeting. Fortunately, it is possible to just drop by at schools here, so we did. We were ushered into the directors’ offices and several English teachers were summoned to talk to us. They were receptive, and promised to share the word with other English teachers.
I was excited, the whole day was going so well. I said good by to my colleague, and headed home to freshen up before an appointment I had with the Director of the college.
That’s when it happened. Splat, I slipped and fell in the mud. My good coat was covered in mud, my pants, my shoes, my purse and my computer bag. Mud is olmazz in Azerbaijan. It is forbidden. You cannot go anywhere with mud on your shoes, not to say your clothing. A couple of students from the nearby Turkish lycee, helped me up, and insisted on walking me home.
Then it was a sprint to see if I could get the mud off anything before I had to leave for my appointment. I managed to salvage my purse and boots, and change my other clothes. I had to wear a thin rain coat instead of my now muddy wool one. I hustled back to the college, where the director said something about my clothes. My language isn’t great, but I think he asked why I was wearing such a thin coat in freezing weather. I couldn’t begin to explain.
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