Preparing in the desert
Salam!
I am in Chandler, Arizona right now preparing for the journey to Turkmenistan by learning the beginnings of the Turkmen language (e.g. questions, letters, numbers, salutations, and phrases). I have also been spending as much time outdoors in Phoenix's 100+ degree heat to get used to it. Turkmenistan has a very comparable climate to Arizona, with some days of 110+ degrees.
In the course of my studies I have come upon some great reading materials that you should take a look at if you are interested in finding out about Turkmenistan, Peace Corps and Central Asia generally:
The Lonely Planet Guide to Central Asia
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/turkmenistan/
Thubron, Colin. "The Lost Heart of Asia." Perenial Press 1994.
This book is the tale of an explorer from England and how he traveled by air, car, camel and foot around Central Asia. The first two chapters of the book are about people and landmarks in both Ashgabat, West Turkmenistan, and the historic ruins of Merv in Eastern Turkmenistan.
Banerjee, Dillon. "So you What to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go" Ten Speed Press 2000.
A book that I read over and over during the course of the application process.
Here are some pictures that I have taken in my days here in Arizona.
I have made my final travel arrangements. I will be flying out of Arizona on September 28 and will be back in DC from the September 29-October 2. I fly out of DC to Frankfurt, I have a six hour lay over there and then I fly to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. I am scheduled to arrive in Turkmenistan on October 4. Let the adventure to begin.
If you would like to get in touch with me before I take off, just post a comment on this blog with your name email and phone number and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Sag bol, pronounced thag-bowl, (Thanks)
I am in Chandler, Arizona right now preparing for the journey to Turkmenistan by learning the beginnings of the Turkmen language (e.g. questions, letters, numbers, salutations, and phrases). I have also been spending as much time outdoors in Phoenix's 100+ degree heat to get used to it. Turkmenistan has a very comparable climate to Arizona, with some days of 110+ degrees.
In the course of my studies I have come upon some great reading materials that you should take a look at if you are interested in finding out about Turkmenistan, Peace Corps and Central Asia generally:
The Lonely Planet Guide to Central Asia
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/turkmenistan/
Thubron, Colin. "The Lost Heart of Asia." Perenial Press 1994.
This book is the tale of an explorer from England and how he traveled by air, car, camel and foot around Central Asia. The first two chapters of the book are about people and landmarks in both Ashgabat, West Turkmenistan, and the historic ruins of Merv in Eastern Turkmenistan.
Banerjee, Dillon. "So you What to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go" Ten Speed Press 2000.
A book that I read over and over during the course of the application process.
Here are some pictures that I have taken in my days here in Arizona.
I have made my final travel arrangements. I will be flying out of Arizona on September 28 and will be back in DC from the September 29-October 2. I fly out of DC to Frankfurt, I have a six hour lay over there and then I fly to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. I am scheduled to arrive in Turkmenistan on October 4. Let the adventure to begin.
If you would like to get in touch with me before I take off, just post a comment on this blog with your name email and phone number and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Sag bol, pronounced thag-bowl, (Thanks)
posted by Schirm 2605 | 6:23 AM
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