12.31.2009

new years






Video: Me at the New Year's party, dombra included.
Pics: New Year's party.

The Kazakh celebration held at my apartment was kinda hilarious. The dudes and I took multiple shots of whiskey while the gals talked in the kitchen. After eating beshbarmak and at each interval of the night, people passed the time by looking through photo albums (at a party).

I showed them pictures of America and one guy asked, “Why is everyone's noses big?” I responded, “No, no, no, that's just me and my family.”

Then all of a sudden, after a peaceful and restful photo browsing session, they blast music in the apartment and all gather in a circle in the hallway and dance. I was caught off guard. A pair of guys danced together in the center, while people clapped and danced, too. My host/roommate was dancing while wearing her apron.

There were multiple toasts given. No one ever finishes a drink, alcoholic or not, because that implies you don't want to accept anymore beverages (generosity) from the host. We had American rap playing in the background.

Around 2am the dudes were getting into some conflict outside with other guys while the girls turned off the lights of the apartment to peek out the window and listen. When the guys returned the women kept silent about the tomfoolery. It was another example of how immature guys are and the patience, talent, and strength women have here. We went to bed at 3:30am.

The next morning at 9am I got a call saying I must see the mayor. So I went to a New Year's children's performance and when I was leaving to get my coat from some office, I walked in on a circle of the mayor and officials making toasts with champagne. So of course I had to join for a bit and then depart.

12.27.2009



For Christmas, I helped out at my friend's school's Christmas celebration. Hearing that I was coming they decided to make me dress up as Santa and be one of the main judges. It was hilarious cuz at one point after announcing the winner, they blasted Beyonce club remix songs and all the children danced with (and around) me in some wild mosh pit.

I started going to (and will soon assist with) the official English Club at an American Corners organization in the city. It was refreshing because many of them were near my age and appeared to have interests beyond their daily routine (something I run into too much in my village). I foresee maybe forming some good friendships and connections through this place.

I was on the bus the other day and group of young kids and teens got onto the bus. They were wearing colorful rag clothes (something you'd see straight out of a stage play about peasants). They made a big spectacle of running around, trying to trip each other, punching each other – and then they got off without paying. It was strange. Maybe they were orphans. I wonder if it's common in KZ for people in these circumstances to get free access to public transportation. Or maybe they made a spectacle so people wouldn't mind them not paying because they'd be relieved to see them gone.

12.23.2009

happy holidays

my routine (in pictures)















A couple new things have become part of my routine. I've been reading a fairy tale a few nights a week (and love how dark and melancholy some are – I recently read “The Fir Tree” and it made me wanna weep). I've also been having solo dance sessions with my i-pod, in the dark in my room, which puts me in a good mood. I also think I'll start going to a free yoga class on Sundays (I probably wouldn't in the US, but it was kinda fun last week - it was a good mix of moms, teens, and dudes – and a lot of the stretches were really erotic.

My school has shortened classes and in-between breaks a bit because the school is so cold.

12.19.2009

So . . . most people I meet think I'm Turkish, which I guess is better than them assuming I'm American. Maybe it's just because I speak a little Kazakh. I remember how -certain- Americans would sometimes foolishly think my siblings were Arab or Mexican because they had a summer tan.

It's usually -5 degrees Fahrenheit and it simply hurts sometimes. I try to get two week's worth of food when I shop now to avoid being outside too much. But it's honestly not too bad. It's like those few cold days in Michigan when you can feel your boogers freezing.

I haven't found a language tutor yet, but I've found that I get good language practice when I go to the local pub to prepare lessons and have a beer. People all have questions and they're all really friendly.

I finally started my discussion club and our first topic was Love and Dating. The students are pretty cool. I burned them a CD of my music and we plan to go on some field trips maybe. They think it's ridiculous for an American to want to come to their country.

12.16.2009

songs....

these songs are popular here now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwTpr-XFdqQ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Z3YrHJ1sU&feature=fvst
Video: My students say hello.


December 16th was the Kazakhstani day of Independence. About a hundred people gathered outside in front of city hall to watch Kazakh dancers, students singing, and awards being given out. I had to memorize and recite a brief speech in Kazakh to the crowd with a microphone. It was not too bad. I was awarded a stuffed camel doll. It was hilarious, though, watching these people stand in the freezing cold (I was with them). Everyone kept slightly walking in place to keep their blood flowing. I just couldn't understand why they'd gather outside when it's 0 degrees.

My school has no heat so I (and other teachers) have already started to wear scarves and gloves while we teach. I see my breath when I teach. Jealous?

I'm really tired today. I had to make multiple trips carrying buckets full of our leftovers to a nearby friend's apartment for their cow to eat. I still don't know about my living situation. People are afraid to give me updates and explain the details to me. I think I'll be able to stay here in this perfect apartment for a maximum of 4 months (under new conditions). I was talking about eventually living alone in later months and some people said there are no available apartments nearby. This could turn into a problem because I'm not interested in looking for another family in May. I'd like my own place.

The photos in the previous post are of this backstreet boy-ish band of Kazakhstan that I saw. I met them backstage, which was kinda cool, though the venue was basically a high school auditorium and the singers had beer bellies.

12.12.2009








Video and Pics: Some of my classes, my school, and some pop group I met, called “Jigitter (boys)” .

It turns out my living situation may have to change once again. I'll have more updates later. I feel like a foster child.

12.05.2009


my roommates

new place...



Video: My roommate playing the dombra.
Pics: My new room, kitchen, and my roommates.
So...after a few weeks of being uncomfortable in my home, I decided to find a new family. I now live in a 3rd floor apartment with a young couple who work at my school: Gulzira is an English teacher and Meirambai is a military teacher. I have a cute room that overlooks the Kazakhstani steppe and has a balcony. I use the cold balcony as my fridge and as my clothes dryer. The situation is ideal because I'm treated like a roommate and not a child. She'll be showing me soon how to make bread from scratch.
A few nights ago I went out with 6 male teachers. It was the dude-iest night of my life - hilarious. Two nights later I went out dancing with 6 female teachers and it was really fun. There isn't that awkward inhibition with dancing that I usually see back at home. The crowd doesn't often see people dance like me (stupid style), so I was kinda a hit for a night. And every guy I meet for some reason asks me to go with them to a “women sauna”. Weird. Anyway, I'm finally starting to hang out with people my age. And next month I plan on starting a Discussion/Debate Club with my 11th graders where we talk about juicy topics, so that could be really fun.
And remember when I never waited to hear your “goodbye” before hanging up the phone? It was quick (3-2-1- bye). Well, here, I only ever hear an “OK” before people hang up. It's even quicker and without a “goodbye”, so be prepared to witness poorer phone etiquette when I return.
Lastly, I want to say that the mayo here is like twice as fatty. Mark was right. I'm gonna be addicted (at least I'll maybe gain a few more pounds now). . . .