During my two year service with the US Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, one of the most supportive Peace Corps staff that gave me a lot of support was Galina Petrova. She was in charge of the library, resource center and travel. I really enjoyed talking with her and could see why she was one of the most favorite Peace Corps staff in the country. I gave her the Russian America … [Read more...] about Galina Petrova – US Peace Corps Kazakhstan
1999
I am Kazakh
I made a brief visit back in Karatau, Kazakhstan, in October, 1999, passing from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, heading to Talas, Kyrgyzstan. I was allowed to spend a night in Karatau to visit my Kazakh host family. It would be the last time I would see them. Volodya, my Russian driver, and I dropped my Kyrgyz assistant, Aelita, off at the bus station in Taraz. We both then headed to … [Read more...] about I am Kazakh
My Kazakh Host Brother and Sisters
For two years they kept me company during my Peace Corps service in Karatau, Kazakhstan. We even had sibling fights and arguments, especially Gulzhan (in the tanktop) and I. It was an enjoyable two years. Ulzhan (holding Diana in her arms, a little baby who chatted with me in English last year.) was a great cook but she left after the first year to study medicine in Almaty. … [Read more...] about My Kazakh Host Brother and Sisters
Manas International Airport (1999)
Manas International Airport is different today then back in 1999. Now the US military stations some of its troops the Manas Air Base. Back in 1999, Manas was a newly built airport with just one jetway. There were still many Soviet built airplanes at the airport then such as this Kyrgyzstan Airline's Tupolev 154, a really awesome airplane to fly on. I took this picture … [Read more...] about Manas International Airport (1999)
Burana Tower – Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan
Located just outside of Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, is the famous Burana Tower. It is a must visit for those headed to Lake Issyk Kul. There is tale that explains why the Burana Tower was built: A legend connected with the tower says that a witch warned a local king that his newly-born daughter would die once she reached the age of eighteen. To protect her, he built a tall tower … [Read more...] about Burana Tower – Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan