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Published: September 14th 2009
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Back in Bishkek
[i]Gilas[/i], cherries Day 13, July 7, 2009, Tuesday, Sheishembi: Well, today has been interesting in that there was a departure from my usual routine. I woke up around 6 am but remained in a sleepy state until after 8 am. I got up, had coffee, read the Said Nursi Flashes, but did not write in the diary. Part of that is because we had a very slow and quiet day at the house yesterday and did not venture out. Today, there was business to take care of, so when Gulnara went to work, Timka and I went with her. She dropped us at the bank that honors my bank card, we got a much needed influx of cash, then went to wait for her return at the Gulnara Exchange #2 just down the street. It is where Timka's mother and father work, along with Nagima's husband Bahtiar. So we exchanged the Benjamin for the Soms that we need to get things accomplished and then went to Vefa Center. There we promptly spent some of the cash and immediately felt better.
On the practical side, we were able to buy more time for the prepaid mobile. This time I convinced Timka that
Ala Too Square
In Downtown Bishkek we needed to buy more than 20 Soms of call time. So I got him to buy 200 Soms worth of time by explaining that I thought each minute would be less expensive that way. Finally, this morning, he relented and let me have my way. We also found a charger for the Olympus camera's battery, I hope. I have it plugged in at the moment, and it seems to be working. I am hopeful that we will be able to use the camera again. It takes better pictures than the little HD movie camera I am currently using and better ones than the Nokia 95 mobile phone camera. Inshalla, at the end of the evening we will have three cameras to work with again. We also had lunch at the Vefa Center and saw Ahmed Bey, who is a financier and businessman with investments in Kyrgyzstan. There is now a Turkish style fast food restaurant. He treated us to a meal from the restaurant. I had a nice chicken dish, Timka had a beef stew that he really did not like. Then we went to the grocery store in the center. I found the skin cream I needed, the
Blooming Cactus
This cactus boomed when we returned to Bishkek tablets to take care of my teeth (which are getting stained from all the chai), and some treats, including a Snickers bar for Timka, some M&M's to share, some yogurt for him and what everyone tells me is not yogurt but something else that I bought. I will see in the morning. I think it will be perfect for my purposes.
For breakfast this morning, I turned down various noodle dishes and the Osh, a dish with rice, meat, and carrot that is stewed then steamed. Frankly, I would liked to have purchased a box of Cheerios, but was afraid that Timka would not allow it. I made myself a small fruit salad but could not get anyone to hear that I wanted to put yogurt on it. So, I have taken the necessary steps to correct the situation. I also bought some Swiss cheese triangles from President, because that would make a nice addition to the morning food or an afternoon snack.
Dushen arrived from the village this morning with more fruit. This time with {i}arpus, and
kon and other supplies. He makes the trip about once a week. So, Timka and I arrived home after the
Ika
Ika was thrilled to have more people to pet her shopping to a watermelon feast and I took a short nap. I hope that before the week is over and I am whisked off to the southern city of Osh that I will be able to get around a little more in the area. I am beginning to recognize street corners and how to get from one place to another. I think Timka and I will attempt a walking excursion tomorrow to see what there is to be seen and take some photographs in nearby park.
The others are watching a Kyrgyz film with low production values in the room with me as I type this. The actors are actually fairly good, but the set design, lighting, and other issues detract from the story line. Which appears to be a story about a good woman and a bad man who leaves her and her children. I think I will watch with them.
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