A trip to Pavlodar

I finally got a chance to get out of Almaty with a five day weekend and so I headed for Pavlodar, where I spent four days visiting friends, DJing American parties and even a trip to the village for some good times. While it was sometimes stressful both mentally and on my belly, I squeezed in as many visits as my time allowed. To be honest, I’m exhausted my from vacation and am looking forward to getting a full night’s sleep tonight.

Friday included breakfast with some friends and then a small walk around the city. I took a couple hours to visit Samal and to see the kids and have tea with some of the staff as well. In the evening, I played the DJ role for the Annual Pavlodar Awards and had a blast dancing until late. Saturday I met up with Viktor and headed for the village for some R&R at a slower pace. We went to the salt lake, whose salinity is similar to the Dead Sea. It was kind of flow so easily in water. Then a quip trip to the Irtysh river to rinse off. The following day I chopped a cord of wood (ok, only like 7-8) and we got the banya going. I then caught a bus back in time to have dinner with some volunteers and call it a night.

Monday I ran around the city meeting people and organizations. Three lunches later, I caught a ride to the airport, where I currently sit, awaiting my flight. There are mosquitoes in the waiting area… ужас! So that was my short vacation. There is a chance I’ll be here again in September, though it isn’t definite. If I do come, I won’t visit so many people, but for my first return, it was necessary to try to get to as many as I could. I really miss Pavlodar, miss the pace of life and the friends I have there. But I know I’m always welcome there and can’t wait for my next trip.

DJ Swede at the Annual Pavlodar Award Show!


The Salt Lake just outside of Pavlodar - the concentration of salt is similar to the Dead Sea.


Victor making stew over the fire.


Vasilyi, Victor and Aset


Mary Couri, a third year volunteer, spend her last evening in Pavlodar. Here's to you, Mary!