This is one confusing day. There is a 10 hour difference between GR and Almaty. We left at 0330 for Frankfurt. We had a 2 hour layover in Frankfurt and got home at 4 PM Saturday.
We were exhausted and after unpacking headed to bed. Jet lag is setting in.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Monday and another cool morning. Ice man came in the afternoon. GG and GGM drove to my grandparents in Hubbard Lake. They caught 5 chickens, 28 lbs. GG said they donated 2 chickens at $0.28 per pound. This last statement makes no sense.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Friday August 28, 2009
Today is our last day in Qyzylorda. We are scheduled to fly out at 4 PM. This is our last visit to Akerka at the baby house. The next time we see her will be in the USA. Today she walked all over the place. I was happy to see how active she was. Tasha will stay one more day.
After our visit we make our last stop at the coffee house. Nancy and I finished packing and then at 2:30 our driver picked us and took us to the airport. The flight left at 4 PM and arrived in Almaty at 6. Our flight to Frankfurt will leave at 3:30 AM Saturday. It was a long wait but I had my kindle so I finished 1 book and started another.
Some observations on our stay in Qyzylorda.
After our visit we make our last stop at the coffee house. Nancy and I finished packing and then at 2:30 our driver picked us and took us to the airport. The flight left at 4 PM and arrived in Almaty at 6. Our flight to Frankfurt will leave at 3:30 AM Saturday. It was a long wait but I had my kindle so I finished 1 book and started another.
Some observations on our stay in Qyzylorda.
- Although the area looks poor, the cafes and bazaars were full. No one appears to be missing any meals.
- I understand that the Qyzylorda is in the heart of the oil exploration area. A large housing project was being built for the Canadians that are assisting in the exploration.
- How come we did not see any motor cycles or scooters. Malaysia was loaded with scooters.
- Qyzylorda is the most Muslim province in Kazakhstan. However, the women did not appear to follow the Muslim dress code. High heels, tight fitting jeans and bare midriffs were evident everywhere. Our visit was during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Although Qyzylorda is hot and dry, mosquitoes were everywhere.
- We were always blowing fuses in our apartment. The family that we visited said that when the reservoir behind the power dam became low, power was rationed. Daily outages were normal.
- Soviet style architecture is not award winning.
- The people were polite but no one smiled.
- The lack of guns on police officers was surprising. We felt very safe in Kazakhstan.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cool Sunday and the Ossineke team beat Nicholson Hill, 6 to 5. Twelve people attended the evening church service.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thursday August 27, 2009
We got up early so that we can be at the baby house by 0730. Akerka was better today than yesterday. She even let me play with her. Every morning Tasha gives her cheerios and juice. Lately she has really been drinking the juice. I think it is the sugar. At 0830 we drive to Lisa and Mikes house. This is the couple that had us over for dinner on Sunday. They had arranged to have a driver and translator take us to Turkistan. Actually the translator is Lisa's 18 year old housekeeper and the driver is the housekeeper's brother. They are blue eyed Russian and very nice. Sergi, our driver, has a 4 door Fiat with a 5 speed manual transmission. No air conditioning. The ledge over the back seat is missing so the translator is sitting in the trunk. I get a front seat and Tasha and Nancy get the back seat.
Turkistan is about 280 k from Qyzylorda. We are travelling on the major east west highway in Kazakhstan. The road is 2 lane bituminous surfaced and in fair shape. Karen said she drove this road and averaged 40 mph. Sergei drove 130 kph (80 mph). He was a world champion tailgater. No one passed us. I was very impressed by his driving skills. It was a great drive. The area around Qyzylorda is desert but further west we encounter vast grass land areas. There are no fences in Kazakstan. We must slow down for herds of sheep, cattle, goats and of course Camels. Donkeys that are used to pulls carts also have free range. The only road kill we saw was a camel. The truck traffic was intense. All tractor trailer rigs have a pup. Sergei passed them all. About half way Sergei pulls off the road and heads south on a two track mud trail. He is taking us to a old decaying walled city. Most of the walls are gone but we got a good idea of what it looked like. Several worker were making an attempt to reconstruct a living area. We took several pictures. The walled city, built in 200-300 BC, was on the old Silk Road.
Our goal is to visit the Turkish Mosque in Turkistan. Turkistan, the city, looks better maintained than Qyzylorda. The streets are in better condition. I think because Turkistan gets more rain than Qyzylorda we noticed more green areas. The Mosque we are visiting was built by the Turks in the 12th century. I was a little worried going to a Mosque after all the news stories out of Iraq. However, none of the women were wearing the burkas (sp?) and we even had a nice English speaking guide take us through the Mosque. It was very interesting. The grounds surrounding the Mosque were well maintained. A large rose garden lined the walkway to the Mosque. The ride back took 3.5 hours. Sergei should get on the NASCAR circuit.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cool Saturday. GG went to the garden and picked 1 bushel of corn for Laura. Apparently Laura canned some worms for Floyd Moore. GG drove to Alpena in the afternoon to see McNeal (surveyor) for Popperwell.
Turkistan is about 280 k from Qyzylorda. We are travelling on the major east west highway in Kazakhstan. The road is 2 lane bituminous surfaced and in fair shape. Karen said she drove this road and averaged 40 mph. Sergei drove 130 kph (80 mph). He was a world champion tailgater. No one passed us. I was very impressed by his driving skills. It was a great drive. The area around Qyzylorda is desert but further west we encounter vast grass land areas. There are no fences in Kazakstan. We must slow down for herds of sheep, cattle, goats and of course Camels. Donkeys that are used to pulls carts also have free range. The only road kill we saw was a camel. The truck traffic was intense. All tractor trailer rigs have a pup. Sergei passed them all. About half way Sergei pulls off the road and heads south on a two track mud trail. He is taking us to a old decaying walled city. Most of the walls are gone but we got a good idea of what it looked like. Several worker were making an attempt to reconstruct a living area. We took several pictures. The walled city, built in 200-300 BC, was on the old Silk Road.
Our goal is to visit the Turkish Mosque in Turkistan. Turkistan, the city, looks better maintained than Qyzylorda. The streets are in better condition. I think because Turkistan gets more rain than Qyzylorda we noticed more green areas. The Mosque we are visiting was built by the Turks in the 12th century. I was a little worried going to a Mosque after all the news stories out of Iraq. However, none of the women were wearing the burkas (sp?) and we even had a nice English speaking guide take us through the Mosque. It was very interesting. The grounds surrounding the Mosque were well maintained. A large rose garden lined the walkway to the Mosque. The ride back took 3.5 hours. Sergei should get on the NASCAR circuit.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cool Saturday. GG went to the garden and picked 1 bushel of corn for Laura. Apparently Laura canned some worms for Floyd Moore. GG drove to Alpena in the afternoon to see McNeal (surveyor) for Popperwell.
Wednesday August 26, 2009
The wind continues to blow. We have a light breakfast and at 0820 the driver picks us up to go to the baby house. Akerka continues to surprise me. Every day in every way she seem to get better and better. Her walking is improving and she is smiling and making more eye contact. We get to spend 1.5 hours with her. After our session we ask the translator for a good restaurant. She gave us the name of one and said the owner spoke English. It was too far to walk so the driver would pick us up at 5:40.
We walked back to the apartment. We again had coffee at my favorite cafe. I should mention that hamburgers appear to be a big item on the menu. After lunch we headed for the bazaar (again) to purchase more gifts. Tasha and Nancy each purchased items for their friends. I must admit I am getting tired of bazaars.
Every afternoon we spend some time reading. This afternoon is no exception. I have 5 books on my Kindle and so far have read 2. I did take a walk this afternoon and was able to figure out the downtown area.
Promptly at 5:40 our driver picks us up and drives us to the recommended restaurant. It was only about 4 block from the apartment and could have been an easy walk. No one in the restaurant spoke English. Also the menu did not have pictures. However, Tasha had a guide book that Karen had loaned her and we were able to place our order. Tasha and I had to lamb stew and Nancy had a chicken kebob. The meal along with 2 beers and a bottle of water cost us $14. We walked home.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cool Friday and GG sold Lauri B eight dozen ears of corn for $0.80. GG worked in post office in the afternoon. After supper GG drove to Popperwell with deed, he is looking over abstract. (I think GG is trying to sell a piece of property.)
We walked back to the apartment. We again had coffee at my favorite cafe. I should mention that hamburgers appear to be a big item on the menu. After lunch we headed for the bazaar (again) to purchase more gifts. Tasha and Nancy each purchased items for their friends. I must admit I am getting tired of bazaars.
Every afternoon we spend some time reading. This afternoon is no exception. I have 5 books on my Kindle and so far have read 2. I did take a walk this afternoon and was able to figure out the downtown area.
Promptly at 5:40 our driver picks us up and drives us to the recommended restaurant. It was only about 4 block from the apartment and could have been an easy walk. No one in the restaurant spoke English. Also the menu did not have pictures. However, Tasha had a guide book that Karen had loaned her and we were able to place our order. Tasha and I had to lamb stew and Nancy had a chicken kebob. The meal along with 2 beers and a bottle of water cost us $14. We walked home.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cool Friday and GG sold Lauri B eight dozen ears of corn for $0.80. GG worked in post office in the afternoon. After supper GG drove to Popperwell with deed, he is looking over abstract. (I think GG is trying to sell a piece of property.)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday August 25, 2009
Boy what a difference a day makes, yesterday was hot and today it is cool and extremely windy. Dust is everywhere. We visit the baby house at 1030. Today Akerka starts to walk. She takes several steps and receives cheers from the family. I was very encouraged by her walking. I thought perhaps she had some problems with her legs but her walking today proved me wrong.
We all walk back to the apartment, gulag. We had lunch in our favorite coffee cafe. We like this place because the menu has pictures. I just point to what I want. After lunch we head to the bazaar (again). Tasha and Nancy are going to purchase some souvenirs. The high winds made walking very unpleasant. We spent a quiet evening at the apartment reading and swatting mosquitoes.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cold, windy Thursday. GG picked 4 bushel of corn. He husked 1 bushel. Dinner this evening was at the church and they collected $18.
We all walk back to the apartment, gulag. We had lunch in our favorite coffee cafe. We like this place because the menu has pictures. I just point to what I want. After lunch we head to the bazaar (again). Tasha and Nancy are going to purchase some souvenirs. The high winds made walking very unpleasant. We spent a quiet evening at the apartment reading and swatting mosquitoes.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a cold, windy Thursday. GG picked 4 bushel of corn. He husked 1 bushel. Dinner this evening was at the church and they collected $18.
Monday August 24, 2009
Today is Tasha's big day. She has a ten o'clock court appointment. The judge will make a ruling regarding Tasha's adoption. We arrive at the baby house at 0800. Akerka is much more active today. Tasha leaves at 0900 and Nancy and I get to spend some quality time with Akerka. At 1130, Tasha calls and said the public defender did not show up so the court hearing is rescheduled for 3 PM.
Nancy and I walk home and meet Tasha. We have a quick lunch and get back to the court before 3. We all waited for over an hour for the public defender to show up. When he arrived Nancy and I were told to leave the hearing. We wait outside. Nancy was very thirsty so I walk across the street to buy a pop. I am looking for a store when I see Nancy waving me to come back. In little over 10 minutes the Judge had made his ruling. Tasha can adopt the baby. This was the good news we all wanted. It was very emotional.
We had dinner with Karen at a local pizza cafe. Karen helped us order. She speaks Russian which is the official language. I had a traditional Kazakh meal. It was like beef stew only with lamb.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. Wednesday and it was cold, GG had to wear a coat today. GG took the family to Geo West's resort on Lake Avalon for a picnic. GG also mentioned that he got the pump handle fixed and it cost $0.50.
Nancy and I walk home and meet Tasha. We have a quick lunch and get back to the court before 3. We all waited for over an hour for the public defender to show up. When he arrived Nancy and I were told to leave the hearing. We wait outside. Nancy was very thirsty so I walk across the street to buy a pop. I am looking for a store when I see Nancy waving me to come back. In little over 10 minutes the Judge had made his ruling. Tasha can adopt the baby. This was the good news we all wanted. It was very emotional.
We had dinner with Karen at a local pizza cafe. Karen helped us order. She speaks Russian which is the official language. I had a traditional Kazakh meal. It was like beef stew only with lamb.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. Wednesday and it was cold, GG had to wear a coat today. GG took the family to Geo West's resort on Lake Avalon for a picnic. GG also mentioned that he got the pump handle fixed and it cost $0.50.
Sunday August 23, 2009
Today we cannot visit Akerka because the baby house is closed on Sunday. Tasha fixed scrambled eggs for breakfast. We have coffee at a local cafe. The cafe serves light dinners and also has a bakery. The cookies are good. After coffee we walk around the town. We visited a park that has a big statue of a local hero on a camel. Local wedding parties drive around the statue 2 times for good luck.
We stop by the local bazaar. It is crowded with a lot of pushing and shoving. I think of a bazaar as a poor man's outdoor mall. You can buy almost anything. Today it appears most of the people were buying back-to-school clothes for their kids.
In the afternoon we meet up with Karen Welsh and a Peace Corps member from MA. I mentioned Karen in yesterday's blog. Like Tasha, she is in the adoption process. The Peace Corps member is named Cho and he has spent 2 years in Qyzylorda. Cho was able to answer a lot of questions regarding the area. When we visited a Russian church he was able to explain the Russian influence in Qyzylorda. It was very hot today and the area reminds me of Tucson, not a blade of grass to be found.
This evening we visit an American family. Mike, Lisa and their four children have been living in Qyzylorda for about 8 years. Mike works for a private non-profit that works with local agencies to develop clean water. He is a graduate of Oregon State with a degree in hydro geology. The children are home schooled. Lisa is the teacher. The family all speak Kazakhstan. We had pizza for dinner and enjoyed talking with the family. Tasha had brought some books that they wanted from the USA.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Monday and GG noted that it was cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. He said they all went to the garden and picked 2 bushel of corn. He gave 1/2 bushel, husked, to Laura because she was having company over for dinner. GG drove to Alpena to get some abstract business done.
We stop by the local bazaar. It is crowded with a lot of pushing and shoving. I think of a bazaar as a poor man's outdoor mall. You can buy almost anything. Today it appears most of the people were buying back-to-school clothes for their kids.
In the afternoon we meet up with Karen Welsh and a Peace Corps member from MA. I mentioned Karen in yesterday's blog. Like Tasha, she is in the adoption process. The Peace Corps member is named Cho and he has spent 2 years in Qyzylorda. Cho was able to answer a lot of questions regarding the area. When we visited a Russian church he was able to explain the Russian influence in Qyzylorda. It was very hot today and the area reminds me of Tucson, not a blade of grass to be found.
This evening we visit an American family. Mike, Lisa and their four children have been living in Qyzylorda for about 8 years. Mike works for a private non-profit that works with local agencies to develop clean water. He is a graduate of Oregon State with a degree in hydro geology. The children are home schooled. Lisa is the teacher. The family all speak Kazakhstan. We had pizza for dinner and enjoyed talking with the family. Tasha had brought some books that they wanted from the USA.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Monday and GG noted that it was cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. He said they all went to the garden and picked 2 bushel of corn. He gave 1/2 bushel, husked, to Laura because she was having company over for dinner. GG drove to Alpena to get some abstract business done.
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