The reasons we why are in Kazakhstan are many-fold. Here is one.
We were waiting to go outside at the Baby Home with our little boy. We stayed just inside the door to let a group of about a dozen three and four year olds come in.
One of the little boys looked at me with a quizzical smile on his face. "Papa?", he asked. Then he looked at Monika. "Mama?"
He and the others disappeared up the stairs, which suddenly became misty.
John
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Sitting Baby and the City
We go to the Baby Home every day at 10 AM and 2 PM for two hours at a time. We interact with the little fellow during those periods. This includes feeding him, changing diapers, and generally keeping him amused. He is quite a character. Normally calm and peaceful, he suddenly turns into a wild man when it's time to get changed. Feeding can be entertaining too.
We were impressed with him this morning when we arrived at the Baby Home. He was sitting in his crib. That's the first time he's been able to sit up under his own power. And then he raised his arms to us when we approached. Altogether an uplifting day. (Sorry for the pun.)
After we left the Baby Home for the afternoon, we braved the wilds of a big central park in Karaganda that also has rides and food that's bad for you, even Baskin-Robbins ice cream. We also ran into a Russian-speaking Spiderman there.
Then we went into the big TsUM store downtown that's a rejigged version of the old Russian department store. It has many different little boutiques that are operated by individuals, rather than a big company or the state. The interesting thing about those boutiques is that you can't actually browse through the merchandise. You have to ask a clerk for what you want. They then take out what they think suits you (or what they think you can afford) and you can look through it then.
There are two tiers of prices: imported and domestic. Prices for imported goods are at least as expensive as they are in Ottawa. We saw computers that would sell for under $1000 at home going for $1600. Domestic goods are priced much cheaper.
We also continued to be brave and took a taxi home. You tell the driver what your destination is, then he names a price. Then you can agree, say no, or haggle. Most taxi rides go for between 300 and 400 tenge, about $2.25 to $3.00, even those that take up to half an hour. Quite inexpensive, given that gasoline is about the same price as in Canada.
We hope to post some pictures soon, as soon as we can get some high-speed Internet access.
We were impressed with him this morning when we arrived at the Baby Home. He was sitting in his crib. That's the first time he's been able to sit up under his own power. And then he raised his arms to us when we approached. Altogether an uplifting day. (Sorry for the pun.)
After we left the Baby Home for the afternoon, we braved the wilds of a big central park in Karaganda that also has rides and food that's bad for you, even Baskin-Robbins ice cream. We also ran into a Russian-speaking Spiderman there.
Then we went into the big TsUM store downtown that's a rejigged version of the old Russian department store. It has many different little boutiques that are operated by individuals, rather than a big company or the state. The interesting thing about those boutiques is that you can't actually browse through the merchandise. You have to ask a clerk for what you want. They then take out what they think suits you (or what they think you can afford) and you can look through it then.
There are two tiers of prices: imported and domestic. Prices for imported goods are at least as expensive as they are in Ottawa. We saw computers that would sell for under $1000 at home going for $1600. Domestic goods are priced much cheaper.
We also continued to be brave and took a taxi home. You tell the driver what your destination is, then he names a price. Then you can agree, say no, or haggle. Most taxi rides go for between 300 and 400 tenge, about $2.25 to $3.00, even those that take up to half an hour. Quite inexpensive, given that gasoline is about the same price as in Canada.
We hope to post some pictures soon, as soon as we can get some high-speed Internet access.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
First Impressions
We haven't said very much about Kazkahstan, the country, so far. We can tell you a bit about our arrival and first views of the country.
Our flight arrived in Almaty from Frankfurt late on Friday night at about 11:45 PM. We waited for about 20 minutes when we arrived at Immigration and Customs. We were approved very quickly by the Immigration agent and by the time we got to the baggage carousel, all of our luggage was already there. We passed through Customs without an incident, receiving only a cursory glance at our documents. All in all, a quite efficient process, especially considering that it happened at such a late hour.
Many people here are taking the H1N1 virus seriously. Quite a few airport employees who deal with customers on a regular basis were wearing surgical masks. We were also scanned with an infrared detector for fevers when we got off the plane. They're also focusing on it on TV.
Still at the airport, when we moved out of the international arrivals hall into the airport lobby, we were met by about thirty or forty people, all shouting and waving their arms in welcome. Only when we got closer to them did we realize that they were hailing us with a traditional greeting used worldwide at many airports and train stations: "Taxi, taxi?!"
We were impressed by the multiethnic aspects of the airport. All of the signs and announcements are trilingual: Kazakh, Russian, and English. While exceedingly helpful, this does make the PA system sound like an all news radio station at the UN.
Our departure to Karaganda at about 7:15 AM was as efficient as our arrival. Our Air Astana Fokker F50 propeller plane left the gate early. Our first daylight views of the Almaty area were impressive. The city is ringed with Rockies-height snow-capped mountains. The sky was blue with a few fluffy crowds. Altogether a very beautiful sight.
On the way to Karaganda, we saw much farmland under cultivation. But that quickly gave way to steppes. Sort of like the Canadian Prairies, but not under cultivation. There are herds of sheep, goats, horses, and camels there. As a matter of fact, you can buy horse and camel milk in the stores, alongside cow milk. You have to watch for the picture on the milk carton. If it looks like a horse, or a horse with a bad back....
By the way, Karaganda is named after the caragana plant, which is in abundance in this region. Caraganas can be grown in the Ottawa area. As a matter of fact, our next-door neighbours have one.
Our arrival in Karaganda went as smoothly as our arrival in Almaty. We soon had our luggage and met our adoption coordinator's deputy. She doesn't speak much English, but can make herself understood. Not many people can speak English here. The saying that you can always find someone who speaks English anywhere you go isn't really true here. We are fortunate to have the services of a translator on a daily basis.
Those are our first impressions. We'll talk about the city of Karaganda itself soon in another posting.
Our flight arrived in Almaty from Frankfurt late on Friday night at about 11:45 PM. We waited for about 20 minutes when we arrived at Immigration and Customs. We were approved very quickly by the Immigration agent and by the time we got to the baggage carousel, all of our luggage was already there. We passed through Customs without an incident, receiving only a cursory glance at our documents. All in all, a quite efficient process, especially considering that it happened at such a late hour.
Many people here are taking the H1N1 virus seriously. Quite a few airport employees who deal with customers on a regular basis were wearing surgical masks. We were also scanned with an infrared detector for fevers when we got off the plane. They're also focusing on it on TV.
Still at the airport, when we moved out of the international arrivals hall into the airport lobby, we were met by about thirty or forty people, all shouting and waving their arms in welcome. Only when we got closer to them did we realize that they were hailing us with a traditional greeting used worldwide at many airports and train stations: "Taxi, taxi?!"
We were impressed by the multiethnic aspects of the airport. All of the signs and announcements are trilingual: Kazakh, Russian, and English. While exceedingly helpful, this does make the PA system sound like an all news radio station at the UN.
Our departure to Karaganda at about 7:15 AM was as efficient as our arrival. Our Air Astana Fokker F50 propeller plane left the gate early. Our first daylight views of the Almaty area were impressive. The city is ringed with Rockies-height snow-capped mountains. The sky was blue with a few fluffy crowds. Altogether a very beautiful sight.
On the way to Karaganda, we saw much farmland under cultivation. But that quickly gave way to steppes. Sort of like the Canadian Prairies, but not under cultivation. There are herds of sheep, goats, horses, and camels there. As a matter of fact, you can buy horse and camel milk in the stores, alongside cow milk. You have to watch for the picture on the milk carton. If it looks like a horse, or a horse with a bad back....
By the way, Karaganda is named after the caragana plant, which is in abundance in this region. Caraganas can be grown in the Ottawa area. As a matter of fact, our next-door neighbours have one.
Our arrival in Karaganda went as smoothly as our arrival in Almaty. We soon had our luggage and met our adoption coordinator's deputy. She doesn't speak much English, but can make herself understood. Not many people can speak English here. The saying that you can always find someone who speaks English anywhere you go isn't really true here. We are fortunate to have the services of a translator on a daily basis.
Those are our first impressions. We'll talk about the city of Karaganda itself soon in another posting.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Moving Apartments Tomorrow
We had another busy but good day today. We brought a few toys for our little one which he thoroughly enjoyed. We're moving apartments tomorrow rather than end of the week as one was made available (also with meals being cooked for us) and it's right across the street from the baby home which is right downtown; this will be much better for us.
The weather has been nice, not too hot, mostly sunny with a bit of rain in the mornings.
We're both getting acquainted with the Russian language, we're catching on slowly but I'm sure within a few weeks we'll feel more confident to go shopping on our own. We have a lovely interpreter that has gone shopping with us right now and goes with us to the baby home during our daily visits.
Until next time.
The weather has been nice, not too hot, mostly sunny with a bit of rain in the mornings.
We're both getting acquainted with the Russian language, we're catching on slowly but I'm sure within a few weeks we'll feel more confident to go shopping on our own. We have a lovely interpreter that has gone shopping with us right now and goes with us to the baby home during our daily visits.
Until next time.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Now in Karaganda
Just a few words to let you know that we arrived safely here in Karaganda on Saturday morning after spending the night in Almaty airport. The airport's elegance cannot be overestimated.
We are in a 1 bedroom apartment in Karaganda with our own cook and cleaning lady!
We went to the baby home today (Monday) and met a little baby boy. He looks like he is in pretty good shape. He is alert and interested in the world. We got the chance to feed him. He was very serious when we first met him, but after an hour or so we got him giggling and playing quite nicely.
For various reasons, we expect to be moving in about a week from our current apartment.
We don't have a cell phone yet, but are hoping to get one soon. You can reach us for now via email.
The time difference is that we are 10 hours ahead of Ottawa time.
Beware that we only have dialup internet access at this time.
We are in a 1 bedroom apartment in Karaganda with our own cook and cleaning lady!
We went to the baby home today (Monday) and met a little baby boy. He looks like he is in pretty good shape. He is alert and interested in the world. We got the chance to feed him. He was very serious when we first met him, but after an hour or so we got him giggling and playing quite nicely.
For various reasons, we expect to be moving in about a week from our current apartment.
We don't have a cell phone yet, but are hoping to get one soon. You can reach us for now via email.
The time difference is that we are 10 hours ahead of Ottawa time.
Beware that we only have dialup internet access at this time.
Friday, July 24, 2009
We're on Our way
We left Ottawa yesterday and now (Friday) we're in Frankfurt, Germany, awaiting our flight to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
The weather outside is looking a bit grim: no rain, but big black clouds are rolling in. We're keeping our fingers crossed, because the German news channel, n-tv, is calling for thunderstorms.
The weather outside is looking a bit grim: no rain, but big black clouds are rolling in. We're keeping our fingers crossed, because the German news channel, n-tv, is calling for thunderstorms.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
If You Want to Follow Along...
...our itinerary looks something like this:
Thursday, July 23 Evening
Fly from Ottawa (afternoon) to Frankfurt am Main, Germany (next morning)
Friday, July 24
Fly from Frankfurt (afternoon) to Almaty, Kazakhstan (midnight)
Saturday, July 25 Morning
Fly from Almaty (morning) to Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Thursday, July 23 Evening
Fly from Ottawa (afternoon) to Frankfurt am Main, Germany (next morning)
Friday, July 24
Fly from Frankfurt (afternoon) to Almaty, Kazakhstan (midnight)
Saturday, July 25 Morning
Fly from Almaty (morning) to Karaganda, Kazakhstan
The Countdown Begins
Only two days before we head off to Kazakhstan. Lots of rushing to tidy up details. Childproofing our home. Finishing up our real day jobs. Making arrangements for every aspect of our lives here at home. Making sure that we have enough currency to exchange locally. And many other details.
But already events are starting to transcend the panic about details. A real sense of deeper purpose is starting to pervade our thoughts. We'll soon be on our way on what will be the journey of our lives. And, hopefully, the start of a long journey for a little one in Kazakhstan.
John
But already events are starting to transcend the panic about details. A real sense of deeper purpose is starting to pervade our thoughts. We'll soon be on our way on what will be the journey of our lives. And, hopefully, the start of a long journey for a little one in Kazakhstan.
John
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