A month in Kyrgyzstan (sorry I don't have a creative title)

We've been in Kyrgyzstan for a month and it feels, simultaneously, like we have been here forever and like we have just arrived. I've learned so much about the country and its language but have also just started to figure things out. Language classes have been wonderful and difficult. I can know give crude directions, ask how much something is, take transportation, and have basic conversations with my family. The atmosphere here is distinctly spring-like. The apricot tree (Ooryt Bak) in front of our house is in full bloom and we spend the weekend tilling, planting, and weeding our mini-farm behind the house. I've learned to fold Matbl (dumplings filled with green onion and potato..mmmmm) which is super fun. I'm also starting to help my Genge (sister-in-law) learn some basic English phrases.

I'd like to thank everyone who has sent letters, we have received the ones sent the week we left. It has been really nice to read them. I'll be sending some your way when I figure out the postal system. Our post office doesnt actually carry stamps, nor do they accept letters. From what I understand the postal system is barely used and is run quite arbitrarily.

Anyway, Alex and I are doing well and are enjoying Kyrgyzstan. We are drinking a lot of tea and are surrounded by wonderful people. I hope all of you are in the same situation on your side of the world.

Until next time,

Athena

Hello from Kyrgyzstan...

At the moment I have just finished doing yoga and am studying/writing to you guys. My host siblings are in the other room watching the TV show 24 (dubbed in Russian) and my world seems vaguely familiar to the one I left. Anyway, we've made it! After 20+ hours of flight time, a delicious meal on Turkish Airlines, and a few jet-lag ridden days in Bishkek; we are now settled in to our home for the next two months. We will be living with our wonderful new host family for the duration of our Pre-Service Training in which we attend language, culture, safety, and health classes from 8-5. Thus far, the training is intense but extremely useful and practical. The staff and current Peace Corps volunteers are informative, pragmatic, and fun. Alex and I are in a group of 6 trainees for most of our classes. I couldn't ask for a more interesting, chill group of people. All in all, life is good!
Now a little about Kyrgyzstan. The weather has been nice so far as it is springtime. The Kyrgyz people are actually quite familiar with Indian people; the comparison between tradition Indian culture and Kyrgyz culture has been a popular topic of conversation which has been nice. My host mom showed me all her Bollywood movies and my host sister were really excited to see pictures of me in a sari. The rest of my family consists of my host father, older brother and his two little people (5 & 2), younger brother, 11 sheep (one adorable baby), 3 cows, and 2 dogs. The food has consisted of mostly mutton and chicken with vegetables including cabbage, carrots, potatoes, beets, radishes, onions, tomatoes, and pickles. As for starches; there are a wide variety of breads, noodles, and rice. We also have been eating various fresh farm cheeses, butter, and cold vegetable salads. It's been tasty. The country is sparsely filled with Soviet style buildings peppered with a mosque every once in awhile. Even near the city, you can see that the plains and mountains go on forever.
Well, that's all I've got for now. I'm going to spend the next two months trying to learn Kyrgyz and figure out the intricacies of the culture here. I'll get back to you when I have more to share. I love you all and miss you very muchly.

Athena