Because it was so nice outside, we were able to take her out. It was probably about 65 or 70 degrees, but of course we bundled her in something that resembled a light snow suit and her hat. The poor kid must have been roasting, but we didn’t want to get in trouble with anyone. The Robeys were outside too, as was one of the groups of 3-4 year olds. They waved at us and said things to us we didn’t understand. One little boy in a blue hat repeatedly shot at us with his hands forming a gun. He made pretty good machine gun sounds for a little kid. When we walked around the building, the group of kids was watching attentively as a local farmer skinned a sheep he had hanging from a tree. We’re guessing the sheep was a gift to the orphanage, although we’re not so sure the material was appropriate for young kids. It didn’t seem to bother them though. At least we know they get fresh meat at the baby house.
After our visit we decided to walk down to Tsum. On the way we stopped at a restaurant we hadn’t been to before, called Medved, which was recommended on the Taraz board. It apparently means Bear in Russian. It was a nice place, and the food was really good. The menu was all in Russian, so we all played a guessing game. I found Russian word for dumpling and ordered that. What came out was not at all what I expected, but it was good. Kara asked for a vegetarian dish. The waitress pointed to three items. Kara ordered one, and the waitress said “soup.” Kara changed her mind and ordered another of the items the waitress pointed to. The waitress nodded and then started to explain the dish in Russian, and was pointing to her leg. We kind of figured it wasn’t going to be a vegetarian dish, unless perhaps Kara was getting the leg of a vegetarian. Sure enough, it was a leg. We think it was lamb. Kara said it was very tender and good, and there was a vegetable sauce with it.
#1 on the menu - dumplings. It came covered with a flatbread dome which was especially good dipped in the rich broth. There were meat-filled dumplings inside.
Vegetarian leg of lamb?
We made it to Tsum on a full stomach and walked around for a while. There are lots of different little stores inside the building. It’s kind of like an indoor mall. We found lots of very interesting items, including handicrafts and knick-knacks and souvenirs. We bought lots of stuff. I would say too much, but Kara was happy. We got Abbie and Lauren each something we think they’ll like. We got some items for Alina too.
On our walk back, we were interrupted by a group of Kazakh young women who asked us in English if we were tourists. Turns out they had spent 4 months in the US (MD, NJ, NY) on a work-abroad program. We talked to them for a bit; they were surprised that as tourists we could find enough to see to make us stay for 2 weeks. They asked if we were a family, and I pointed to Lynda and Wayne and said “mom and dad”. Everyone got a good laugh out of it, although I think Lynda and Wayne were the least amused of the group. I’m sure they’ll get me back somehow.
It’s been a great day in Taraz!
A note from Kara:
When were returning from our visit to Tsum, we noticed that there were flags in the distance in the Square. Since they have been practicing for Victory Day on May 9th ever since we got here, we thought this was another step in their practicing. Lynda, Wayne, and I walked down to the square while Quentin went up to our room. I got several good pictures and videos of the practice for the parade. The flags look really neat when their bearers merge into one group. We are not sure if we will be here for the May 9th celebrations or not, but if we are we will definitely attend. Every day we can hear them practicing from our rooms at the hotel as someone is announcing over a loud speaker. Probably directing the participants in what they are supposed to be doing.
On our walk back, we were interrupted by a group of Kazakh young women who asked us in English if we were tourists. Turns out they had spent 4 months in the US (MD, NJ, NY) on a work-abroad program. We talked to them for a bit; they were surprised that as tourists we could find enough to see to make us stay for 2 weeks. They asked if we were a family, and I pointed to Lynda and Wayne and said “mom and dad”. Everyone got a good laugh out of it, although I think Lynda and Wayne were the least amused of the group. I’m sure they’ll get me back somehow.
It’s been a great day in Taraz!
A note from Kara:
When were returning from our visit to Tsum, we noticed that there were flags in the distance in the Square. Since they have been practicing for Victory Day on May 9th ever since we got here, we thought this was another step in their practicing. Lynda, Wayne, and I walked down to the square while Quentin went up to our room. I got several good pictures and videos of the practice for the parade. The flags look really neat when their bearers merge into one group. We are not sure if we will be here for the May 9th celebrations or not, but if we are we will definitely attend. Every day we can hear them practicing from our rooms at the hotel as someone is announcing over a loud speaker. Probably directing the participants in what they are supposed to be doing.
It was a beautiful day today and I hope we have another nice one tomorrow!
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