Day 36

No chance to relax with a good book
on this one

The pace of life in Astana does not seem to have changed all that much since the devaluation. People and still toing and froing and the buildings are still being worked on. In talking with one of the teaching assistants, she said that some prices have gone up immediately and others will go up fairly quickly. She didn’t seem too perturbed by the Kazakhstani Central Bank’s policy and it is difficult to know whether that is a result of generations being taught not to criticise or whether the Kazakhstani have a more philosophical approach to life and can deal with this in their stride. I can only imagine the furore that would happen if the Bank of England had done something similar.

It’s an interesting time for this to have happened, given that interviews for positions are taking place this week. Sergey said that it is now whether NU will offer appropriate salaries. Of course no-one really knows what anyone else is getting paid. I could have been offered a level consistent with that of an Assistant Professor rather than Associate. A Dean could be getting the level of an Associate. We would never know. What I found curious was a policy signed by all the Deans currently in post agreeing to accommodation for new staff where new Deans would get one of these small single bedroom accommodations, whilst they continue to enjoy 2+ bedrooms in a nice part of the city. In every case though the individual accepts it under the terms given. Now we’ve been hit, we are still waiting to see whether they will replace all the salary (according to its worth against the Dollar last month) or offer a token gesture. The new people could be offered more. Matthew 20:1-16 applies.

Finally completed all my marking for Brighton University earlier this morning, about 02:30. Hopefully I can now concentrate on future developments, which are all open-ended projects. Reviewed exam questions for chemical thermodynamics for engineers. Think my brain panicked a little. Some of it was familiar and other bits were totally alien. What we teach back in the UK for chemistry doesn’t come anywhere near this level, but I guess that is primarily due to the engineering aspects, which is heavy on the maths. The students have open notes but closed book for this exam, which is a little strange, but Joe knows what he is doing. A fear will be having to teach the entire course on chem. thermo. eng.

Did a stint of babysitting this evening, whilst Ali went out with Wynter for a massage. I set this up with Wynter last week, so it was a surprise for Ali. They went on to a restaurant after and Ali got excited by the toilet and took this photo. Go figure. Do we ever sake that childhood innocence of finding the cardboard box more exciting than the toy?

Whilst in my marriage I am still boycotting Valentine’s Day, Ali and I did make cards for the children. I am still trying to figure out whether I have caught myself in hypocrisy. But then I’m reminded that we do engage the children with the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas. When they’re old enough, they’ll be able to deal with it.

Ray