Danny was going outside with is group when we arrived, and came toward us as soon as he saw us. Unfortunately, once he realized spending time with Mom and Dad meant no play time with his friends he turned around and we had to pick him up before he went too far. This caused much displeasure, I tell you! We haven’t seen him this fussy and obstinate since our first few days of bonding. Once we calmed him down (Mom’s shoulder works wonders for this) we allowed him to play with his friends a bit. This seemed like fun to him until he saw he wasn’t getting Mom and Dad’s undivided attention, so he kind of zoned out like institutionalized children often do.
Once we got him in the stroller and away from other children he was fine, one more aspect we will need to diligently work on. He does seem to get along well with the other kids, who call his name when they see him. One little boy in particular seems to be his buddy and will try to lead him to us when we show up, or like today pushed him on the swing. We believe his name is Sasha but with so many children around and the caregivers calling names it’s difficult to be sure. Today’s photo is of Danny and Sasha on the swing-set.
Our walk today took us to a different part of town. We came across an elementary school (see photo) with much of the same playground set-up as at the orphanage, what few there were.
Tomorrow is Children’s Protection Day – a national holiday in which they celebrate their children with parties and presents. This is much like our mother’s or father’s day but in reverse. (Of course – everything seems backward here!) We’ll be treated to a performance by the older children at the orphanage of singing, reciting, and dancing. More on this tomorrow.
Once we got him in the stroller and away from other children he was fine, one more aspect we will need to diligently work on. He does seem to get along well with the other kids, who call his name when they see him. One little boy in particular seems to be his buddy and will try to lead him to us when we show up, or like today pushed him on the swing. We believe his name is Sasha but with so many children around and the caregivers calling names it’s difficult to be sure. Today’s photo is of Danny and Sasha on the swing-set.Our walk today took us to a different part of town. We came across an elementary school (see photo) with much of the same playground set-up as at the orphanage, what few there were.Tomorrow is Children’s Protection Day – a national holiday in which they celebrate their children with parties and presents. This is much like our mother’s or father’s day but in reverse. (Of course – everything seems backward here!) We’ll be treated to a performance by the older children at the orphanage of singing, reciting, and dancing. More on this tomorrow.
The walk today was invigorating. We try not to be negative but the awful filth in other parts of the city, especially around the baby house, is sometimes too much to bear without a break. The fresh air was great, the blue of the lake wonderful and the wind and birds sounding in the trees almost heavenly. You just try not to look too close at the lakeshore or your heart will break at the sight of years of pollution.
Today’s cultural experience was a trip to the street bazaar in search of a Kazakh-ish cap to cover Eric’s scalp wound (and his widening bald spot – thanks to Sue and her scissors – sterilized of course.) The bazaar is about 4 square blocks of tightly packed shops somewhat like a swap meet, except these are permanent as they are made of steel shipping containers. Everything imaginable could be found here, except a Kazakhstan T-shirt in Cyrillic. The rage for their teens seems to be everything written in English and from America. We didn’t realize Eric’s dad had tagged along until Sue took my photo. (The wrenched back even makes me walk like him – Uuuuggghhhh!)
It looks like rain now, so hopefully we won’t be stuck back in the orphanage for our time tomorrow. Check tomorrow’s blog to see!
Dad received the slipper and shoe treatment again today, and mom got to share funny faces and tongues sticking out with Danny on the swing. It is still getting warmer so we are heading to the local department store (understatement of the year) for a light jacket and lighter cap for him as he is starting to wilt in the heavy coat needed a few days ago.
Our cultural experience was lunch with Madina and Valera, Sue almost went for the ham and tongue sandwich but changed her mind at the last minute. We found out the big meal is mid-day here with many courses as opposed to the American habit of a large dinner. This is actually much easier on the digestion; score another common sense goal for Kazakhstan! We also found out to my consternation (Eric) that they have few taxes as opposed to the massive ones imposed upon us. Their “social security” income tax of 10% goes directly into their own pension account, and the only sales taxes are on tobacco and alcohol.
When we took our mid-day walk in a park nearby, Sue picked up her new vocation after finding a stick and twig broom – street sweeper. We have an elderly lady who does this every morning in front of our building. It only took a minute before we were assaulted (in a good way) in rapid fire Russian by a young lady. Not even “We don’t understand Russian” (one of the few phrases we have down well in their language) dissuaded her at first. Finally our blank looks made her give up and walk away! All for today, we are posting early to get a break this evening and will catch up tonight’s event tomorrow.
Our morning bonding time started with a trip to the shoe store. Medina, our translator, tells us that the only time the children travel in a car is to the hospital for vaccinations, so we were a little nervous as to how Daniel would do. No problem! The little trooper sat right on Mama’s lap and looked out the window the whole time. We rewarded him with 2 new pairs of shoes (sneakers and stylin’ sandals), then a trip to the lakeshore. He enjoyed skipping stones-or rather just watching them plop after he tossed them in. The photo is of Valera our driver, Mama and Daniel and Medina our translator. This is the same park we “snuck” into on Sunday, not knowing it’s a national park that you need to pay to get into-much like the USA’s, except this one was guarded by some ex-Russian looking soldier dude. (Complete with big hat and the pole across the road- border crossing style.)
Our cultural expedition after morning bonding was hiking to the opposite end of town. These Kazakhs know how to multi-task (see photo). Here is a combination lawn mower, meat market and dairy all on 4 feet! (Sorry, the Veterinarian said they are hooves – I feel so silly!) This jaunty fellow was just down the street from their technological university and outside the (High School?) track. The kids were practicing – on asphalt. Probably a good thing they don’t travel to America to take on our teams as they could likely kick our butts! We finally reached the end of the road and bought ice cream (no interpreter, thank you very much! And only 80 Tenge (50 cents) a piece to boot.) Upon our return the Kazakh multi-tasker was on to his next chore – being milked, next to the sidewalk, in the middle of town. 
This afternoon we had another wonderful breakthrough, Daniel learned to blow kisses while swinging, followed by a giggle. He also showed Dad how he takes off Dad’s shoes and replaces them with slippers. Dad loves this kid! After a nice walk and stroller ride we tried to return him to his group, but they were outside, so off came the slippers and on came the shoes (Thanks Danny boy!) and we went back out to find them. They of course came in another way so Dad got another shoe/slipper swap treatment when we came back inside. FYI – it’s VERY impolite to wear your shoes inside, you must always take them off and put on your slippers (which you brought, of course). We found that bothersome at first but it’s actually a very nifty way to keep your floors clean and your feet comfortable. He left us with his newfound skill of blowing kisses and a smile. We can’t wait to see what he’ll do tomorrow.
We finished the afternoon with a visit to the orphanage playground. Daniel went straight for the swings and started to swing without help from us (kind of sad, really). These orphanage kids learn to do for themselves-it’s our job to re-teach them to depend on parents first.
We found out quickly, while lugging our entire heavy luggage up 4 flights of stairs (We believe elevators are outlawed here or something!), that their stairs are only about 6 inches high, and when you’re used to the American standard height (which is higher) it was truly a scene from the Marx brothers as we stumbled our way up in the pitch black (There's good reason they tell you to make sure you have flashlights!)
