Another Training?

About a month ago I was asked by PC Staff if I wanted to attend a training on diversity and I accepted. I had no information on what to expect besides it will be in Pristina and take a whole day. So when the day came I was excited to see what exactly would be the topics of discussion and how those discussion were going to be facilitated. The Intercultural Competence, Diversity & Inclusion (ICD&I) Training was given by facilitated by two Peace Corps Staff members from Washington, and I couldn't have even expected what had occurred after. 

We arrived to the hotel the day before our training, so we could meet the facilitators and get to know them a little. Both facilitators are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and seemed really interested in getting to know who we were and where we stood as currently serving volunteers. The day of the training we began with a slideshow, simply outlining what they did as PC HQ Staff and what the purpose of their work was. We began with an activity describing the difference between equity and equality; the difference being quality is that all people get the same thing (not necessarily comfortable or fitting) and equity is getting the same thing but it is comfortable and effective. The activity was switching shoes of participants to show the differences. We also learned participated in activities where we identified pictures that defined our values and self descriptors, an activity called freeze and also a conversation activity where we talked about single stories and things which made us uncomfortable. in addition to activities our sessions included watching a TedTalk by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, and discussing topics such as approaching differences, how to properly identify culture differences (i.e. Power distance, context culture, communication etc.)

Throughout all of these sessions and activities there were shifts in the feeling of the room. We were really able to be vulnerable with each other and realize that everyone is fighting a battle, rather it appears physically or not. Because the room involved volunteers from a variety of minority groups, LGBT, Racial and religious differences, it allowed us to get different perspectives, and have some uncomfortable conversations. I want to applaud Peace Corps for creating this initiative and allowing volunteers and staff to come together and learn how to better addresss the needs and wants of a variety of volunteers, rather than just one specific type of volunteer. Not only does it assist volunteers, but it helps to allow staff to recognize their own prejudices etc. 

One effect of our training, for me, was  being left with an influx of emotions that I hadn't dealt with up to that point, or even realized that I was experiencing. I discussed my emotions, problems, and solutions with staff and I could see how they could also identify better with me after their diversity training, which was awesome!. 

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to learn, grow and experience with my fellow volunteers. Attending the training also helped me to understand how our various experiences in various communities affects each volunteer adn our outlooks. Most importantly1 Week and 3 days until my 1 year anniversary of arriving in country! We are getting there!

Don't sleep on yours (life) because there's beauty in the struggle - J. Cole

Pushim Fever

Having recently returned from my spring break I felt a strong desire to share my experiences and travel pictures. For break, I traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece and Belgrade, Serbia. Both locations offered something completely different and provided me with a small glimpse into the benefits of my Peace Corps experience thus far and a greater appreciation for living abroad.

Greece’s second largest city and so called Gastronomical capital, Thessaloniki is a university town with a rich multicultural and ethnic makeup. We arrived to Greece and were surprised by the look of the city. We imagined those pretty postcard pictures we saw online describing Thessaloniki (Thess as it is called among us volunteers) and were greeted with a mix between central and western European scenery. Many buildings, much graffiti and recognizable store brands greeted us after spending hours driving through plush (beautiful and CLEAN) green space. We both looked at each other a little confused suggesting we couldn’t be in the correct location, but we were. What greeted us was similar to what you would see in America before you enter a downtown area – the “less desirable” areas of a city. However once we walked further toward the city center the views changed and a bustling city full of cafes, lots of shopping (YAY) and beautiful people. Thess is not a stereotypical Greek city, it is more European in style the islands and areas further south, this is my guess, is where you will find that Greek experience. We stayed in a downtown apartment close to the sites and shopping areas. We spent the first day at the mall, saw a movie and sat a small music bar. Throughout the rest of our 4 days in Thess we indulged in sweets, seafood, Greek foods, lots of walking and enjoying the views, sounds and breeze that was Thessaloniki. It was very surprising in Greece that an overwhelming majority of people spoke English and quite well at that. Coming from a country where many do not it was surprising to expect English form various merchants, wait staff and people on the street.

While traveling into and out of Greece we saw a UNHCR refugee camp near the Greek border. Rows and rows of tents, and a big banner stating this was a refugee camp. The crisis going on in western Asian and North African countries has a true impact – on people. They aren’t just refugees, illegal immigrants, and displaced people. They are HUMANS! There were also HUMANS sleeping in a public park near the Belgrade bus station. It was heart breaking to see brown women, men and children stranded. Stuck in a state of unwavering not knowing what happens next and nowhere to go. So I urge everyone to not let these victims to become stigmatized in your mind as law-breaking, moral-less, resource hungry or even terrorists. They are everyday women children and men escaping a situation in which they have been targeted and are simply looking for peace and security. I plan on trying to do something to do my part in supporting my fellow brothers and sisters, as should you.

When we departed from Thessaloniki, we had a 12-hour day of travel to get to Belgrade, capital city of Serbia. We traveled from Thessaloniki, to Skopje – had a 1 hour layover, then Skopje to Nis, Serbia – switched buses and went from Nis to Belgrade. Because of border disputes with Serbia and their lack of recognition for Kosovo’s independence one cannot travel thru Kosovo to Serbia but must go around through Macedonia.

We spent two days in Belgrade, the first we spent just enjoying walking around and going to the Lake there where we just laid on the rocky “beach” and stood in the water – as it was too cold to enter. We also did a bar crawl which ended at a house bar which gave us a sample of the nightlife in Belgrade – it was packed on a Thursday night and people were ENTERING the space at 3am, when we were leaving. Belgrade is known in Europe to have one of the best nightlife experiences, especially in the summer, when we were told we need to return, to experience the boat clubs they have that will allow you to experience a Serbian Sunrise on the banks of the Danube or Sava river (both of which wind their way around the city) and where you won’t dock until 7am. The second day we did a free walking tour where we saw various sites around the city and were given an early morning shot of Rakia in traditional Balkan style. We also visited the Serbian /national Bank where you can take a few free look at the museum and have your picture taken and placed on Serbian Dinar (complimentary also). We ended our last day with McDonalds (Way to be American – but to our defense: 1- I find McDonalds abroad more delicious {I don’t eat them in the states} and 2- we have no chain fast food in Kosovo, only doners).

Somethings I found very interesting about Spring break were the politics still occurring between Serbs and Albanians. On one government building we saw signs referring to the Kosovo Liberation Army and western multi-state organizations and their dislike of them. We also got a small insight into the views Serbians have of Kosovo and the effects the conflict (or lack thereof) had on them. It was very interesting that on the free walking tour we attended, the guide was a displaced Serbian from Kosovo. Because of the acts occurring in Kosovo during the late nineties her family migrated from Kosovo to Belgrade and she spoke briefly on that experience. She did mention though that she would like to return and visit her former home where she still has family members. These few chance encounters have definitely further peaked my interest to returning to Belgrade and other Serbian cities to experience their culture, people and hear their stories.  Other things learned were the appreciation I now have for knowing a language, even if basic, in Kosovo. It was frustrating not really knowing how to communicate to Greeks and Serbians in their native tongues and I felt bad not knowing even some greetings – BUT I now have that down. I feel one should know at least basic greetings in the native tongue for whatever destination you are visiting as a sign of respect and appreciation. Secondly, I am grateful and proud of the progress I have made in Albanian (think I’ve said this before – Oh well) . I don’t feel (as) lost or uncomfortable, but on the flipside not knowing the language made the yearning for anonymity to return. In Kosovo, as a PCV, I have no anonymity and I know what people around me are conversing about, usually me if I am in their presence in public, and it definitely takes a mental and emotional toll to always prepare yourself to mentally get aggravated with people constantly talking or inquiring about you yet not to you (Albanian culture isn’t direct like American culture). Also, I am a planner but I have learned how to go with the flow more (I’m sure my parents and friends will appreciate that when I return).

My travels have opened desires to further explore this melting pot called the Balkans and see what other adventures are out there for me to experience. I will definitely say the two cities I visited were never on my list, but now I have added even more locations to an ever growing travel list that would have never made it unless I would have been serving here in Kosovo so Cheers, Gezuar (Albnian), Ziveli (Serbian) and Stin yeia mas (Greek) to more travel destinations and learning experiences!

 Greece Pictures

 Boardwalk in Thessaloniki

 

White Tower

 Sitting on the Boardwalk

 Thessaloniki street

Ruins in the city center

 

Old Market stalls

Greek Tavernas

 Street View

 Arch of Galerius

Rotunda

 

 View from the Monastery

Belgrade Photos

Bohemian street

 

 Bakjrali Mosque

Belgrade Street View

 Entrance to Belgrade Fortress

 View looking toward the Danube and Sava rivers that meet in Belgrade

Looking toward the city from the Fortress

 

Sava River

 National Theatre

 Sign on a government building accusing Kosovo Liberation Army and NATO of wrongdoings.

- Ashley

Cka ka te re?

 

C'ka ka te ri, is a phrase asking what's new with you? Such a phrase here in Kosovo is typically met with hitch/asgje which means nothing. Well, I am proud to say something HAS been up, and that something is In-Service language training i.e. Albanian.... (cue the dun dun duns) Language IST is a way for Peace Corps to help refresh your Albanian language, as well as try to fine tune and provide new information to assist with grant terminology. So I received an e-mail informing me of the sessions and information needed but was taken aback when reading the disclaimer that sessions will be only in Albanian. Now I started to freak out! I am far from the most confident Albanian speaker, and typically sound like a child when speaking (think grammatical errors and the lovely uh, uh, uhs) so this was not comforting to me. As I arrived in Peja with about 9 other cohorts (we had trainings in different areas around the country to focus on smaller groups - thanks PC for that consideration) I figured I would just take the bull by the horn and take my language instruction as is and if its a fluke, so be it - Hey I gave it a try. To my surprise, lessons were understood, I got the gist of information provided and even caught on to some jokes - take THAT Albanian. Now let's not get hasty, there were moments filled with "Watchu say Willis?" and the lovely "brain check out" but they were far between and I exceeded my original expectations. Looking back on the training I had to give myself a break. Albanian is a difficult language, but I am conquering it, enjoying the process and constantly trying .... (OK usually trying - its tiring to think and talk constantly in this language)! Most credit has to go to my tutor, who has helped me learn my language learning style, laughed with me through my blunders but most importantly made me feel like it is possible - and gaining a friend in the process hasn't hurt. So with that aside, training was cool, and now I only have two weeks until Spring Break!

Also, in "New News", we had teacher's day last week and it was an interesting thing to see my students put on performances and display their various talents. After the performances, my director gave a short speech and distributed flowers, and I even got one! It was so sweet I thought I was misunderstanding when I heard my name called and the kids broke into thunderous applause (literally) and I was really honored they gave me flowers. It was a sweet gesture!

Lastly, I guess other new news is it is OFFICIALLY summer vacation planning time! Awesome because my lineup is pretty much finished, and it is panning out to be a fun, busy and passport stamp filled summer! This isn't even including the trainings I hope to participate in with the new group of volunteers who will be here in less than 3 short months! I can't believe our 1 year in country anniversary mark is approaching! It goes to show you, time flies when you're having fun, or at least teaching haha! Enjoy your weekend and I would love feedback on topics readers would like to hear about!

Tung!
~Ashley