6 months away from home, away from America, away from New York-- and so much has happened. Hurricane Sandy invaded New York and it made me really concerned and worried being on the other side of the world. I wish I was there to go through everything with my family and friends. I am glad to hear that for the most part everything was ok for most individuals. I hope that everything will return to normal soon for those that were affected badly
The winter here is cold and it had already snowed in early October. I don't know if my winter clothing (the ones I wear for the winter in NYC) can stand the cold, but if not...it gives me the more reason to shop.. if such items are available. One main problem here is not how cold it is but how warm it is indoors. Many buildings, apartments, and homes don't have heat inside making the cold much worse. Don't worry folks, I will take care of myself. This also gives me a good chance to test out the HEAT-tecs from Uniqlo as well as the Underarmour heatgears.
It was my birthday a month ago and a few friends celebrated with me at a local restaurant. I had the honor to have brownies and American cake because we have some skilled chefs here (my friends and American colleagues). ; ) My host family, the one I live with from May-July, also celebrate with me when I visited them. So apparently when it is YOUR owns birthday, you have to buy the cake, invite the people and arrange everything. Complete opposite from the American way.
Frustrating that my Russian language is not at the level I would like it to be. I have been practicing but sometimes I realize that I can't even correctly pronounce the word. And because of my Asian roots, I am frequently mistaken as Kyrgyz in this country. People in the stores, bazaar, at the bus stop and many other places all try to speak to me in Kyrygz. Over and over again. Little did they know is that I don't speak Kyrgyz... I speak Russian. I don't blame them because I think I would do what they are doing. What are the chances that a Chinese girl knows Russian.. Quite Slim.
Going off topic--- global warming. A month ago I attended a training session for promoting Environmental awareness in Kyrgyzstan. Even though I was never environmental friendly, I think otherwise now living in KG. Being the fact that I can't recycle a coke bottle or properly dispose of aluminum cans is starting to bug me. I search for the blue bins (for cans and aluminums recycle) and then the brown can (for paper recycle).... none of the those exist. Many litter bugs in the country : ( . Most people in this country are still wrapping trash in plastic bag and then burning them. The toxic fumes enters the atmosphere-- eventually becoming the air we breathe. Burning trash also increases the overall temperature of the environment. Being that KG is surrounded by mountains ~90%, the ice on the glaciers serve as water reseviors during the winter time. If temperature continues to increase.. the ice will melt and KG will lose this valuable resource. I hope that there will be an improvement to this situation.
Thanksgiving spent in Kyrgyzstan. No turkey but I did have many many delicious dishes made by the fellow volunteers whom know how to utilize the local ingredients. I know that many of us traveled to visit our family and friends and had spent some quality time with them. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving feast and had a warm gathering with your loved ones.
On Nov 12th. It was officially my 6th month mark in KG. Not to count but that would mean I am 21 months away from my Peace Corps Service from ending. Originally I thought that 2 years would be a long time... but I guess my thoughts are wrong.
This blog is a bit late but there will be one coming shortly afters.
Hope you all enjoy reading! Thanks for keeping up with me and providing me the continuing support. : )
Write soon.
Pictures to come soon too!
