mullingsandmusings

Browsing Archives of Author »Andrea Boyer«

New Uses for Old Things

September 20, 2012

In the past seven months, I have been confused by many occurrences. Interestingly enough, cultural differences are typically not the main culprit. Sure, I’ve had my share of surprises in terms of what I’m eating, where I’m going, and how I’m getting there, but overall, I’ve kept up. It’s in the comfort of my own […]

Red Light, Green Light

July 28, 2012

Do you remember that movie Corrina, Corrina? Maybe not. Well, in the movie, Whoopi Goldberg’s character has this magical ability to turn red lights green by blowing on them. Just a little puff of air and the waiting is over. Sometimes when I’m sitting at red lights, I try this technique. (To be honest, it […]

Glass Dishes and Plastic Swords: A Day at the Zoo

June 20, 2012

To me, the zoo has always been a magical place. I didn’t get to visit very often when I was a child, however, as it was at least an hour’s drive away and expensive, which means that I enjoy it even more as an adult. So when my co-teacher mentioned her thought of taking some […]

Strawberries and Sugar

May 23, 2012

Standing with my Georgian brother, Nika, in the middle of a neighborhood bebo’s strawberry field, picking strawberries barefoot in the mud, as a toothless woman empties a handful of the red fruit into my palms, surrounded by the Caucus Mountains and peach orchards while the clouds allow a few raindrops to escape, and I know […]

Armenia…TLG Vacation Spot

May 7, 2012

One thing I never thought I’d say…”I spent my Easter in Armenia.” Although it was an entirely unexpected vacation spot, I really liked Armenia. I thought it was beautiful. I thought it was old and interesting and full of history. I’ll admit that I was a bit overwhelmed by the fact that I felt like […]

Delivering a Piece of Home

May 3, 2012

I should mention before this post even begins that I haven’t tried receiving packages via the regular Georgia postal system. Granted, I’m not sure that such a thing exists outside of marshutka drivers willing to stop along the side of the road, but I’ve been told it’s there. At the same time, I don’t have […]

Georgian Internet Cafes: Emails amidst Counterstrike and poker

April 17, 2012

In preparing to come to Georgia, I had the illusion I would Skype with friends and family once a week, I could look up lesson plan ideas whenever necessary, and I could keep in touch with the outside world via Facebook and news websites. When I think back on those times, I just laugh. My […]

Just Wait and See

April 14, 2012

In my village, approximately 7 people speak English, including my co-teachers, the English teacher who had a baby, and me. I don’t know what the level of English was in the past in my school, in my family, or in my village. I do, however, know the level of English that exists today. In my […]

A Girl Named Michelle and Men’s Dance Shoes

April 7, 2012

I’ve always thought I could be a great dancer. Given the chance, by this time I could be touring foreign lands to reveal my amazing dance skills. However, I was not given the chance. I’ve never been to a dance class, and the only practice I’ve had is when I prance around the house in […]

Never Underestimate The Consequences of Boredom

March 30, 2012

For many TLG teachers, life in one of Georgia’s thousands of villages has become part of the experience. No longer do cows blocking traffic, chickens becoming dinner, horses pulling logs, water disappearing, and families living in the pechi room bother us; it’s part of the routine. Throughout the winter, however, I have encountered a part […]

Cygnets and Alphabets

March 29, 2012

If you are a teacher for any amount of time in Georgia, you will quickly become aware that various levels of English exist within one classroom of students. In a class of 28, I have 8 students who do not know the alphabet, 12 who are indifferent, 5 who know how to yell “Hello!” when […]