Scouting

Scouting

June 22, 2011

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Today is Weds. Two more days of classes and the English Summer School 2011 is history. We are tired, but we can finish well.

I find many of the skills used on pack trips serve me well on a trip like this one. The adventure is quite similar to me. Finding the best places to fish, to camp, to tie the horse, where the berries are. How can I make something out of nothing etc.

I love scouting out the place, so I look for opportunities to shake off the rest of the team and set out on my own. Several, like Vern, have no sense of direction so I allow them along as they will not interfere with my need to lead. These types are happy for someone who can get them safely from here to there. It is like leading the pack string, more fun and adventure than being in the middle of the caravan with your horse’s head hanging down plodding along. I have found some wonderful souvenirs on my outings. I took a fun photo of an older woman serving milk on the street with her grandson. I show her photos of my grandchildren. It is nice. These times on my own are my favorite times. I am thankful for my good sense of direction and spirit of adventure. 

One night we were having a party and there was no serving bowl for the salad so I cut off the top of a plastic gallon water jug and it became a nice bowl. I am comfortable in my bus catching and riding. I know the etiquette and cost and routs now. I can readily pick which bus goes to the shopping places I like and need. Where can I find office supplies, gifts, food, good toilet (ie not squatty). I can order a coffee with ice and ice cream. I know how to safely cross the street. In our shower there is a certain spot to put the faucet so that hot water comes at full speed. Little challenges have been overcome. It is almost times to travel on to the next world of unknowns.

I would love to describe the sights and sounds of the street but I just do not have the words to describe the overload of sensory perceptions – sights, sounds, smells. Every foot is an entire scene of its own. The next space is from another age or strata of society. It is just overwhelming to experience. I will try to get a photo and then section by section describe. Top of the line sun glasses next to a tumble down vender’s shack with hot plate and pan with oil waiting your order. Woman on a ancient stool dressed in old clothes with a bucket on the ground with milk for sale. Just ladle some into a bowl, Drink and return the bowl for the next person. A dozen fashionably dressed young man hanging outside the cell phone store texting and sharing numbers. On and on it goes.

The bus is old and motor sounds like it will drop out the bottom. All the people on the bus are nicely dressed and clean. Such dichotomies. Impossible for me to comprehend the levels of economic recovery and growth that can be seen in one glance.

Continues to be hot probably over 100 yesterday as I road the bus and then walked home. THANK you, Lord for the AC when I arrive at the apartment.