Just an update

Since returning from Tajikistan, nothing that big or overly exciting has happened, hence my silence. But life happens, things change, and so I document them here. I suppose I’ve gotten more settled into my job since the completion of my first major project, editing and putting together the new 2010-2011 Academic Catalog for work. Hopefully now that this job is more or less behind me, I’ll be able to start working on more interesting projects and being challenged more.

Been out for walks in the near by mountains with Olga a few times, which has been nice. The week days are usually gorgeous here, but weekends are filled with clouds or rain, which is frustrating as it hampers our ability to do stuff outside. I finally made a bike purchase after long debate and research – and it’s pretty sweet! I ride to work most days, unless rain is expected – I’m not that hard core yet. In the mornings, it’s more or less straight downhill, so I can wear my work clothes and speed downhill, flying past all of the traffic and buses. On the way home, though, I usually change into shorts and a t-shirt, as the uphill battle is a bit more strenuous. But nothing feels better after a mentally-exhausting day than to let some of that stress out via physical activity.

Olga is studying English at KIMEP and I’ve started my first master’s level class. In case you haven’t heard, I’ve been accepted into the Master in International Relations program, something I’m quite excited about. My first class focuses on the US-Central Asia relations and so far, it’s very interesting. Since it’s an upper level class and since most students know Soviet history better than I do, I find myself jotting down notes to references made during class on the side to look up and read about later. Nevertheless, highly interesting.

My original plans of coming home thrice this year have been reduced to one – I’m no longer coming back in July or October, but I am coming for an extended Christmas (at least 2 weeks if not 3) and going to try to bring Olga along with me. I really want her to meet my family and friends, see America and her reaction to our culture, etc.

And lastly, I can finally report with success that I am officially back to being a morning person after years of struggling to get up in the mornings! Getting up at 6am to make tea and read for an hour is the perfect way to start my day.

Ok, bye.

My office - you can't see it, but I also have a coffee pot, a water cooler, a refrigerator, and an AC unit!


Olga along the river up in the Al-marasal region.


Cinco de Mayo - a Mexican holiday that Mexicans don't even celebrate. Our regular group got together to drink beer and eat mexican food.


Veggie burgers and wine = very nice!


A field of Iris in the mountain


The view from one of our hikes.


The kitchen, 1


The kitchen, 2


Living room


My bike!


My bedroom.


Veggie burgers + home fries + beer = very very nice!


Gloomy day lunch - hot indian curry, nan, and fresh veggies