Settling In

The Yanks have invaded Kokshetau! I don’t think this city has ever seen so many Americans walking their streets. There’s Maureen & Sean (TX), Jenny & Darryl (OH), Steve & Mechelle (GA), Joan (CA), and Bill & Jill (WI). We get some stares, but Bob and I don’t feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. In fact we think the greatest thing about traveling is realizing first hand that while we may look different and have different customs and ways of living, everyone really is the same underneath, with similar hopes for a happy, good life.

Because there are so many WPA families here right now, we have been in a hotel since arriving (our sitting room and "kitchen" are pictured), but will be moving to an apartment on Sunday. There is no washing machine there but a local woman will do laundry for us (about $4 a load but baby clothes are no charge) and we think we will try to buy a microwave to make cooking a little more convenient. We are looking forward to being able to unpack the suitcases and feel a little more settled. Plus the apartment is very close to the Viola market which is good for food and drinks, and the cottage where two of the families are staying.

Last night we went to the local “pick-up store” (a small grocery store where you can actually roam the aisles and select things for yourself as opposed to the more common stores where the merchandise is located behind glass or on shelves and you have to ask the staff to get you what you want) for my daily supply of Coke Light. A young woman who works there shyly approached us as we looked at the beer selection and asked if we needed help; sensing that she really wanted to practice her English we asked her advice on beer, cookies and dark chocolate – so much for losing weight while here - and ended up with a few more things then we originally went for, including a personal interaction that left us (and her) smiling.

Yesterday was also our first day without a nap – which is a pretty big milestone in getting over jet lag. Of course this morning I woke at 4:00 am so we may still have a ways to go. Oleg, the main driver and “get things done” guy here (we tease him that he’s really the Mayor and he usually responds “not yet”) says drinking a little vodka everyday helps your body adjust to the food, and so far I think he’s right as my nightly cherry juice and vodka has kept me feeling pretty good!

I wish we could update everyday but the dial-up internet connection is very touchy and sometimes just won’t work at all. I’ll do my best to provide you all with stories, insights and more pictures of the cutest boy in all of Kokshetau! Know that we love your comments and emails and that while we miss you all, we are safe and happy and having a great time on this adventure!