I'm heading to Jalalabad city today for my second round of fieldwork. Tomorrow, my Research Assistant and I will drive to Kolot village, which is very near to where I lived as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bazar-Korgon. We'll stay there for two weeks, living with a family in the village and leading research exercises. The work is fun and rewarding, but not without its challenges.
I've become accustomed to the comforts of life in Bishkek. I like to shower daily and eat a varied diet. I enjoy running at the stadium and working out at the gym. I like using a washing machine. In the village, I don't have access to such comforts and I quickly tire of bread for every meal (cue my Research Assistant kissing the bread three times to ensure it that I mean no disrespect). But, the discomfort is outweighed by the pleasure of being incorporated into a family and getting to know people that I would never meet otherwise.
My internet access in the village is limited to a slow and expensive USB modem, so I limit my use of it to emergencies like emailing my parents and checking Facebook. Don't expect any updates for the next couple of weeks!
I've become accustomed to the comforts of life in Bishkek. I like to shower daily and eat a varied diet. I enjoy running at the stadium and working out at the gym. I like using a washing machine. In the village, I don't have access to such comforts and I quickly tire of bread for every meal (cue my Research Assistant kissing the bread three times to ensure it that I mean no disrespect). But, the discomfort is outweighed by the pleasure of being incorporated into a family and getting to know people that I would never meet otherwise.
My internet access in the village is limited to a slow and expensive USB modem, so I limit my use of it to emergencies like emailing my parents and checking Facebook. Don't expect any updates for the next couple of weeks!
