Passport photo day

Daniel had his first passport photos taken today, one step closer to coming home. It took a bit of time away from bonding this morning, but it was for a great cause so what the heck. In our morning rounds outside the baby house we met another strange speaking couple – they spoke English with a weird Hoosier accent. We were so excited to be speaking the same lingo, especially with people who are practically neighbors that we all forgot to introduce ourselves! We feel for them as they travel each day from Kokshataw (a transliteration of course) which is the town we rode to the first day an hour north of here – see day one blog for that trip! Not only that but they only get to see their new daughter for 2 hours a day instead of our 3 ½ - 4 as they travel so far. Hopefully we’ll see them again and remember our manners.

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.