Day 10

Mother ship calling me home. Now
making up for lost time...

A better day by far. More relaxed in getting up. A day of hiding behind all things Western. Well almost. We did our first bus trip, without a translator, going from Riverside all the way up to the Ramstor Mega shopping centre, about 1 mile away. Had just enough time to step on the bus, pay the conductor before stepping off again. One might question our lack of resolve to walk it. But a mile of walking in -6 ^oC with a 3 year old would be rather silly. Heck, a 39 year old was complaining just going from the bus to the store! Once again we were impressed with how Kazakhstani take care of the young. The bus driver wouldn’t pull off until we were all safely stood on board. Adults gave up their seats for the children. The driver waved the children off the bus.

The Ramstor Mega had all the niceties of being back home, including a Costa and a KFC. And yes we did succumb. Also got excited about a few other stores in there too. Big toy shop, hobby shop, sports shop that sold everything from ice skates to hockey pucks to snorkels to punch bags. In particular was a shop that sold electric pianos and guitars. I promised Ali that she could have an electric piano if she came to Astana with me. Treat rewards obviously works for us adults just as much for the youngsters. Just got to wait till pay day. Hopefully I can get the guitar.

I did a mammoth grocery shopping trip by myself, taking time to consider the purchases. Actually trying to decipher Cyrillic and determine whether this can of tuna had sunflower oil, tomato sauce or brine takes a lot of time and I’m not yet sure until we open the thing if I got it right. Had a pleasant chat with one of the staff taking care of the trolleys. Hadn’t got a clue what he said.

So the early evening was filled by taking Rebekah and Matthias down to the river and sliding down the bank and across the ice. Naturally I was in my element. It is a strange allurement of snow that brings out my child-like adoration for frolicking in the stuff. I believe the children enjoyed it too. Curtailed the outing due to an invitation to a Georgian restaurant with a lot of the new and fairly new staff. So hot in there, weird lighting, awe inspiring decoration and some guy singing not too well. The food was actually great. The children sampled quite a bit. It brought to mind that having the family here in Astana plays a different dynamic to most other members of staff, so we were thankful to be included in the outing.

Where are the brakes dad?

Ray

After 7.5 years, the Whitbys are finally nappy free. Yippee!

Ali

Might have something to do with the dry weather here. We’re all dehydrated!

Ray