After 1 year here’s what I’ve become used to and what I may have problems with back in the USA:
- no microwave: gotten used to semi warm food or cold leftovers
- wearing the same work outfit for an entire week: partly it’s because I’ve gotten lazy, another because it’s just easier and also because I don’t have enough clothes for a different day of the week
- washing my hair once or twice a week
- going weeks without a “bath”
- flies: really they’re everywhere
- starting everything at least 30 minutes after its “scheduled” time
- every child saying “hello” to me
- my cat constantly sitting on my lap trying to grab for bread
- power shortages
- very bad roads
- marshukas: be thankful for the transportation options in the states; they really are good
- distilled water: I think I’ve forgotten what a tap, and tap water, is
- electric shocks: if you’ve seen the “power outlets” here you’d understand
- homemade jam: it’s really really good
- bread and tea for two meals a day
- backyard gardens: it’s really great to be able to go pick one’s own apples, apricots, pears or raspberries
- students standing up when a teacher enters (although it’s always a little weird when this happens)
- hearing, and sometimes speaking, 3 languages: Kyrgyz, English, Russian
- 2 prong plugs, really what’s the need for the 3rd?
- deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, toothbrushes costing over $3 (for a volunteer this is expensive)
- a seasonal diet: really be thankful that in the states this is not a problem
- excellent medical care: it’s actually the best I’ve ever received, and it’s free: how many of you can say that?
- Non-smiling Kyrgyz pictures: they don’t smile in pictures
- Gold teeth: it takes getting used to but definitely grows on you
- Tea all the time, no matter season, time or occasion
- 3 land topography: beach, desert and mountains, it’s actually really unique and cool
- Russian TV and music
- Not flushing toilet paper down a toilet, throwing it into a basket to be burned
- No trash cans
There is a lot more that I currently cannot think of… hope you’ve enjoyed the above!
1 comment:
Hi there.
my name is marguba, and i'm an uzbek girl from Kyrgyzstan.Currently i live in the states(Idaho). I'm so happy being here, i love the place i live, people, culture and much more.
i'm married to american guy, and actually we're a very happy couple.
I've been reading your article about living and surviving in kyrgyzstan, and all i can see is- Bless You! i can't thank you enough for bringing such a huge difference in my society, i feel very bad for all of you guys, i wish everything was better, but i hope that's what unique about my country, all the obstacles and challanges, but yet people are much happier i think.i do wish you a good luck, and please take care of yourself!Rahmat!
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