Category Archives: straight-talking sister

Peace Corps: One Year In

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Liz Barron

I am serving my country abroad, and my country is America. I can’t quite believe it myself. The words conjure pictures of soldiers, brave and resolute in uniform, or Ambassadors, smooth and sophisticated. I am neither of these, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Anniversary, Armenia, BBC, Blessings, Caucausus, creative writing, Education, friendship, Fundraising, gratitude, Happiness, life lessons, love, National Poetry Recitation Contest, Peace Corps, straight-talking sister, Teaching, Things that gladden the heart, Things that make a difference, travel, work | 5 Comments

Knickers, twisted

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Liz Barron

If there is a nuclear accident here in Armenia I could be in more trouble than most. First, I have managed to lose — or simply failed to pick up–the very expensive, giant horse pills which Peace Corps issued, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, clothes, Embarrassment, errors of judgement, laundry, Mother/daughter dynamic, Nuclear power, personal failings, Social niceties, straight-talking sister, travel, Underwear, Village life | 1 Comment

Learning to Travel Light

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Liz Barron

My straight-talking sister, having requested an update on my whereabouts, texted me just one word: gypsy. My guess is that she did not mean this in a “respect for the Romanies”, or even a “banjo-playing, gaily- coloured flounces, and horse-drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Armenia, clothes, know thyself, packing, Peace Corps, personal failings, shopping, straight-talking sister, travel, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Two Fat Ladies Ride Again

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Liz Barron

“Wrap up warm” she said “and don’t forget stout shoes.” I grimaced. So far, it didn’t sound like my idea of a treat. Then she tried to lend me her boyfriend’s fleece, and tutted when she saw one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Great weekends, joy, personal failings, sporting achievements, straight-talking sister, travel | 6 Comments

Why Armenia?

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Liz Barron

My sister fears that I will spend my old age gibbering incontinently in her outhouse. My decision to leave the world of employment in favour of two years unpaid in Armenia has caused her to sputter more than usually loudly … Continue reading →

Posted in Armenia, know thyself, Peace Corps, personal failings, straight-talking sister, travel | Comments Off on Why Armenia?