School...on Saturday?!?

School is in session! That's right - students go to school 6 days a week in Kazakhstan. I cannot begin to describe how enjoyable it was to share the projects my students created for me to bring with me to Kazakhstan. "They play tennis too!" "Look at how big their school is!" "What is a taco?" students murmured to each other as they looked through my student's descriptions of teenage life in the United States.

 Our day included a trip down south to visit another school.  The picture below gives you an idea about what the physical landscape looks like and they types of vehicles they use for mail service, repair companies, and sometimes even ambulances.

 We made a stop at the store on our way back.  Caviar chips, anyone?

 Looks delicious...

After teaching in the early morning we were escorted to a local government office to speak with a man who is the equivalent of the Governor of the state (oblesk) of Kostany. Speaking in hushed voices, the assistants instructed us to wait in a clean, beautiful office. When the Governor was ready for us he spoke about the new industries he is trying to build in Kostany (cattle), challenges faced by the government (improving infrastructure and the employment rate), and about how the government is trying to boost the birthrate after a decrease in population following perestroika (remember our studies of pro-natalist policies, APHG students - this is a good example!). Before leaving the governor presented several beautiful gifts to us, including a seal of the city. We felt quite honored!

Most of our afternoon was spent speaking with students and teachers who speak (or are learning English). We noticed that we often get the same questions from Kazakhs:

- What are your hobbies?
- How many languages do you and your students speak? (This is embarassing to answer because many Americans (including myself) speak only one language fluently whereas many of the people we speak with are studying 3 and sometimes even 4 languages).
- What do you like about Kazakhstan (my #1 answer: the hospitality! Kazakhs are incredibly warm and generous to guests).

After a long day of teaching and traveling around Kostany Obelisk we were ready for relaxation. Some Kazakhs have what is known as a "summer house" where they go to relax in the summer, grow fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the warm weather. Yelena's friend (also named Yelena) invited us to join her at her summer house for dinner and some time in the sauna (very popular in this part of the world). Once again, we were treated to an incredible evening of sharing stories about our history and culture and, of course, eating. Our guests fill our plates like we haven't eaten for days. It is amazing what you learn about a foreign land when you take the opportunity to converse with local people over a meal. I urge you, my students, if you ever have the privilege of traveling overseas (and I hope each of you will), take some time to eat with local people. It is an incredible way to learn things about a place that you won't find in a guide book. Amazing people are all around...find them and learn from them. You will become a better person as a result of your encounter. This is the beauty of travel!

(I don't know why Yelena wanted us to wear hats.  Why not, I guess?)