Famous

I have had friends at Türkel TV (our semi-local TV station with its studio in Tovuz but which broadcasts to I would guess about 1/3 of Azerbaijan) for a while and last winter we filmed a show called "English for All" a few times.  It was my LCF Nuranə, me, and 2 of my sitemates (Josh and Beth).  We PCVs took turns going in to teach a lesson with Nuranə, but we only made 3 episodes.  The station has decided to start filming again, and this time in their newly built studio.  I went in yesterday and this time they even sent me to their stylist for hair and make-up (I'll tell you right now that Azeris like to wear a lot more make-up than I do, but I let the guy do his thing).  In addition to English for All though, the station has been eager to have me do a whole bunch of other things for them.  This week Beth and I went in on Wednesday and were guests on their live morning show.  They asked us our thoughts about Azeri culture and about our lives here in Azerbaijan.  We even had one person call in, although his question was only would we marry Azerbaijani guys (so typical...and funny because the host had actually already asked us that!).  And now the station also wants me for a new show they are making, Banu-çiçək, which from what I understand is going to be sort of an Azerbaijani version of The View.  We are going to have bunch of women sitting around talking about women and our "world."  We are going to film the first episode this week and the topic is going to be the treatment of children.  They also want to film some other clips of me, first showing me teaching my kids first aid (to show that there are important health lessons we should be teaching our kids) and second showing me at an Azerbaijani wedding.  So basically what I'm saying is soon I'm going to be an Azerbaijani celebrity and the Azeri paparazzi are going to be following me around the village, obviously!

But regardless of how often I am on our little regional station, my fame will never compare to my friends whose music video you have to see.  It has become a huge sensation in Azerbaijan and you should totally watch!

Baku State of Mind