More From the Peace Corps Welcome Book - Part II

Economy - In 2004 (time for an update? The book also mentions bringing cassette tapes – that probably needs an update too) the per capita Gross National Income was $1120 (compared to $41,400 in the U.S.). One dollar equals 400 drams (will I say dirham? That’s what it was in Morocco! I think 400 will be easy enough math…). Chief crops are grains, vegetables and fruits (this reminds me – Lonely Planet said the apricots were delightful and the chickens all free-range). Livestock includes sheep, goats, chickens, pigs and cattle. Minerals include copper, zinc, aluminum and molybdenum, but no oil. There’s a dam for hydroelectric power and a (non-Chernobyl-design) nuclear plant that meets most of the country’s power requirements.

Major industries are mechanical engineering, mining, chemicals, textiles and building materials. Current exports include cut gems, jewelry, scrap metal, copper, molybdenum, textiles, cognac, fresh fruits, processed agricultural products and some machinery. Most of the large factories that supplied the Soviet Union are closed, with little hope for revival (I find this stuff interesting – maybe the Foreign Service would be a good next step for me after all!). Possible replacements for this heavy industry are tourism (see below), wool carpets (!), gold jewelry and other items attractive to tourists (and then there’s Homeland Handicrafts!). There are high-quality wines, apricots, cherries, apples and berries. Fruit juices, cheeses and wines have been developed for export. Information technology is also a growth sector.

The picture is of a carpet, all right – from Morocco. When I was in Chicago last week, I opened one of the boxes that have been there since 2008 and gave this one to Edie and Fred. I love this rug! It made me happy to see it. Morocco seems long ago and far away, but also still very much a part of me. Now I’ll add Armenia! It’s hard to believe that I’ll be over there in just a few days, getting started on a new chapter…

Culture – Armenia has incredible ancient ruins, fortresses, churches and monasteries, Neolithic sites (!!!), and fascinating places such as the “Armenian Stonehenge” (must find out more about that!). Performing arts, including ballet and symphony, are well-developed. I remember reading about a bunch of interesting museums in Lonely Planet, most of which are in the capital. There’s a strong musical tradition, with many children taking lessons or attending music school. Social life revolves around food, music, singing and dancing. On weekends, Armenians love to stroll with families and friends. In summer, sidewalk cafes appear on every corner and in every shady spot. Armenians relax at these cafes late into the evening. Chess and backgammon are popular, and boys and girls play basketball, soccer, tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

Cuisine – a mixture of European and Middle Eastern. Some of the best fruits and vegetables (another mention of those apricots! – and tomatoes) found anywhere are available in Armenia during the summer. During the long winter months, cabbage, potatoes and meat are mainstays. Typical drinks are tan (made of yogurt, water and salt), homemade fruit juices, Armenian and Georgian wine, and Armenian brandy and vodka. Armenians are noted for endless toasts (but we do not have to feel compelled to drink a lot to appease our hosts!). No mention of coffee vs. tea, but I would think it’s a coffee place. Note – I went to a Lebanese-Armenian restaurant in Los Angeles last week. See travelsintheoffseason.blogspot.com for details! May as well get in a little cross-promotion.

This all sounds good to me! I’m excited about going! And about sharing my experiences with you! After all, the Peace Corps has three goals –
1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
This blog – in addition to keeping loved ones informed – is a Third Goal activity.

While I’m on the subject of the three goals (may as well throw in the mission – world peace and friendship) – I should mention the passing of Sargent Shriver, the first director of the Peace Corps, earlier this week. Maybe I will devote an entire post to him!