First Impressions:
(June 7, 2011)
Table napkins are the size of a section of toilet paper and almost as thin.
Toilet paper at the train station is similar to sand paper – much like China.
At the Bible Institute, you pour hot water into your tea cup and then add strong tea (probably made and cold now) to your liking. Large cereal bowls are filled with a course sugar of uneven color. People add 3=4 small spoonfuls to tea.
Women are not as scantily dressed as Lithuania. I have only spotted one woman in a burke in Almaty.
Population of Almaty seem sto be predominantly Asian looking. They range from Japanese looking to Blackfoot Indian looking.
Around town people are very friendly and nice. Lots of happy children. Poverty is not readily evident. In fact, the grocery store had more products – such as marshmallows and saltines than Lithuania. Prices are reasonable in the restaurants.
June 10, 2011
If there were law suits here, lawyers would be in hog heaven. The sidewalks are more than uneven. Real holes appear regularly. There is a 2-foot deep, cement ditch running along the road --- between the road and the side walks. One needs to be alert not to step into it.
The pedestrian does not, I repeat, does not have the right of way.
Buses are independently owned. That is to say each bus may be owned by a different person. So the money collector hangs out the door and shouts. I presume they are letting people know all the places they will be stopping. It costs about $.20 to ride the bus. In Lithuania it costs $.90.
When I get on the bus, usually someone will quickly stand up and insist I have his/her seat. Do I look that old? So polite and nice really.
Can’t remember if I mentioned the “taxi” system in Kazakhstan. There are very few vehicles that look like a taxi. Often the ones that do are the most eager to cheat the unsuspecting tourist. However, anyone is legally permitted to pick people up. Like I am driving to town, so I just give someone a ride and help pay for my gas. Or I earn my living by picking people up. Or somewhere in between. To catch a “taxi” stand out into the street a little and hang your arm out --- about 45 degree angle from the body. Soon a car will pull up. The traveler tells where they want to go and then bargains over the price. If the driver is agreeable, get in. If not, another “taxi” will be along in a minute or two. Vernon and I have yet to attempt this on our own.
The country/city is not prepared for tourist. We have yet to find one stinking postcard to send our family and friends!
The people here loving and friendly. During a recent grocery mission, there were about 3 workers going around with us trying to help us find our items. One young man would look at my list and then head off to find it then come back and get us. He eventually gave me a pencil so I could properly cross off the items we had fun --- how sweet. We never did find regular pepper, but he knew right where the Comet was!
June 12, 2011
Kazakhstan time is similar to Rez time. Nuf said.
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