This is the week, my friends. I have been waiting (sometimes not so patiently!) for this day to arrive. I'm starting 2 new English clubs this week. I will teach beginners on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour and 1/2 and I will teach Intermediates/Advanced on Mondays and Fridays. The people in my classes come from our ch. family and I encouraged them to invite their friends who don't believe so that it will be an outreach. My first class of Intermediates went very well today. It was so refreshing to teach at this level because we could actually have a good dialogue instead of me just point to a picture of an apple and saying "This is an apple. The apple is red." The Intermediate class will be a great chance to discuss spiritual topics! I'm excited about the possibilities, so please remember me as I'm still gaining experience as an English teacher. Also, please remember our group as I'm hoping it will truly be an outreach...not just a club for the regular people from our ch family.
Cultural tidbit: Today we ate khash. I don't know why....they just said that in the winter you have to eat khash. So...i did. And the whole time I was eating I kept trying to forget what it actually was.
Khash is bone marrow soup. The main ingredient in khash is cow's feet, The feet are cleaned, kept in cold water in order to get rid of bad smell, and boiled in water all night long, until the water has become a thick broth and the meat has separated from the bones. The dish MUST be served hot. Also, you can add salt and/or garlic according to one's tastes. Dried lavash (certain kind of bread) is often crumbled on the soup. Khash is served with with pickles, picked peppers, radishes, cheese, and fresh greens. The meal was topped off with mineral water.
This strange soup was consumed at around 10:30 this morning. I did not finish my entire bowl and I did not eat the feet, but I did get quite a bit of broth down. When I couldn't eat any more I asked, "Am I Armenian now?!" They all laughed, said yes, and clapped. After we were finished, I brushed my teeth and brought a candle over to the office because the whole place smelled so strongly!
4 comments:
Wow! Congrats on getting the soup down! And what a great outlet, teaching. I will be lifting that up!
Eww gross!
I'm really impressed that you ate/drank khash. What a true cultural experience! I wonder who started that "tradition"? Tofu was enough for me. I know your English as a second language classes will provide wonderful opportunities to get to know the people better. Be patient!
I'm a little late commenting here so I already know that your ESL classes are going well so far. Keep sharing your language and faith with your students.
Wow.... after bone marrow soup, sandwiches must seem like a breeze for you. Even if it is often gross, trying other culture's food is kinda fun. Since moving to Nor-Cal I've been priviledged to try things like Mediterranian, Indian, Mexican (authentic style), Chinese (authentic style; Dim Sum is great), Japanese (I love sushi!!), & Iranian foods. It's a blast.
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