Ice sculpture in city square.

Conversations shared, dishes prepared and languages butchered, much has occurred as of late. And its nearly the commencement of the Year of the Rat. I am quite proud to state that this is to be my year, one in which I will have the perspective of a completed year in Kazakhstan (2007) yet know that I will be spending the end of the next most likely in America (2008). Oh the places you'll go.

Myself and two presents: my new pet Rat (on shoulder) and a finely styled shirt most frequently worn by Russian sailors. What a Christmas bounty.

*My rat does not have a name yet, but it will most likely be something to recognize his Russian heritage. If you have any suggestions, they will be accepted and deliberated over with great consideration.


I've spent most of the holidays with some fellow volunteers, and for that much thanks can be had. Still, I do miss my family and friends, and I can only hope that everyone there and elsewhere could look at the ridiculous Christmas decorations and smile. At least I got to see a Soviet Lada driving around with a Manura on its roof.



I'll post a true retelling of events and ideas in the near future, so for now I will simply share a few insightful and/or comedic quotes accumulated over the course of the great existence of life in Kazakhstan.



"Sorry, but my cat pissed on my homework today."



"He's paying for it you say? Young man, do you know where people usually place free cheese?"



"Hopefully, this table of meat will last us five months."



"Why am I the stupid man? You're the one that is sitting here, paying me more money than you think you should. I'm getting paid either way."



"You should meet my daugther. She has a nice Chechan nose like you. Can you imagine the beautiful children?"



"If you eat this fat, you will have a beautiful wife. See my wife? Therefore, eat the fat."



и саммый главный...



"To the health of you and your family."