After the long and arduous process of coming up for a title for this blog, I am headed to Armenia. I am no-refund-ticket-in-hand and am ready for my three day flight. The purpose of this trip, besides sunning myself and drinking brandy, is to work for the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. The Caucuses are a unique, sometimes tumultuous and politically amorphous region trying to find its way. There are very real and substantial changes happening in all aspects of Armenian society and for the next few months I'll be able to play a small role in this process.
I've been fascinated with the region for years; up until now, this fascination has been fueled only by books and pictures. Now, thanks to the ABA, the Savage Endowment for International Relations and Peace, the Northwest Institute for Conflict Resolution, friends, family and colleagues this fascination will become an adventurous reality in mere days.
What this trip aims to be:
This trip will also be a series of firsts:
All said and done, I am excited about this summer, this position and the region. The job will allow me to interact with and teach local attorneys. While this sounds like something I'm not qualified for (I'm not), I've been reassured that I am (we'll see). I will also have the chance to work with independent judiciary and government transparency projects and anti-human trafficking efforts. All of these programs are already in the works and I will simply do what I can to aid these great efforts.
As I try to find my way through the region's ancient streets, craggy mountains and tangled legal system I hope this blog will encapsulate my adventures from this summer. Any and all feedback is welcome. And so everyone knows, my phone will not function this summer; please, find me on Skype. Thank you for reading!
I've been fascinated with the region for years; up until now, this fascination has been fueled only by books and pictures. Now, thanks to the ABA, the Savage Endowment for International Relations and Peace, the Northwest Institute for Conflict Resolution, friends, family and colleagues this fascination will become an adventurous reality in mere days.
What this trip aims to be:
- A way forward. Law school, now two-thirds done, has often been a systematic approach to what I don't want my career to be. Forever fascinated with judiciaries, policy, and post-Soviet nations, I hope this job will offer me a possible glimpse into my post-school future.
- Monastical. The whole region is littered with old Byzantine and Orthodox churches and monasteries. It's like the world's oldest tourist trap.
- Most importantly: A new experience. In every way possible this will be different than what I've grown accustom to. This is why I love travel and this is why I’m interested in working with developing nations that are invested in a stable future.
This trip will also be a series of firsts:
- Syringe travel pack. I was convinced that this was a necessity. Even after my three days in a Chinese hospital, I was weary.
- The Armenian language. I've got no clue. Once, I heard a guy named Ben yell, "Hello, friend" in Armenian. This wasn't a teachable moment, but to show how unprepared I was.
- My favorite: Political Emergency Insurance. This came with the job in case my tenure is tripped up by any unplanned coup, revolution or governmental abdication of any sort (except the peaceful, democratic kind).
All said and done, I am excited about this summer, this position and the region. The job will allow me to interact with and teach local attorneys. While this sounds like something I'm not qualified for (I'm not), I've been reassured that I am (we'll see). I will also have the chance to work with independent judiciary and government transparency projects and anti-human trafficking efforts. All of these programs are already in the works and I will simply do what I can to aid these great efforts.
As I try to find my way through the region's ancient streets, craggy mountains and tangled legal system I hope this blog will encapsulate my adventures from this summer. Any and all feedback is welcome. And so everyone knows, my phone will not function this summer; please, find me on Skype. Thank you for reading!
