Photos:
Touching the handprint of Kazakhstan's prez, the cowboy themed party in Aktobe, Halloween Day at an American holiday-themed summer camp with other buds in Balkash, Baiterek tower in Astana (capital), frisbee at a city park, hangin at the embassy on July 4th, and playin at the beach in Balkash (that's Johnny).

Summer here is so fun. It's gorgeous here - hot summers , like Michigan, but with less rain and humidity. Across the street there are tons of gardens and a river thats sweet to swim in during the day. When I'm sweaty after playing frisbee in the city, and return at night, I just flop in the river and wash up. It's peaceful. I've got some buds that I hang with some nights. I've been gettin really into 17-19th century American history (and, eek, the TV show, Glee).