Temperatures in Almaty today were below zero. We hear it's freezing back home in the Midwest too. Despite the cold, we kept busy today. It is taking more creativity to keep Emma occupied and entertained in the small visitation room. Today we read books, played with shirt strings, swung her in her toy bag, introduced her to music on the Ipod, and counted the butterflies on the lockers. Emma has also learned the American art of playing with her food, and made quite a mess pounding her spoonfuls of soup on the table for fun. Today Emma clapped when she saw her juice cup. She likes to leave a little juice in her mouth and make gargling sounds for our entertainment.
We went to a mall this afternoon appropriately named "Mega." It had shiny gold elevators, a fountain, huge rock climbing wall, indoor skating rink, bowling, a food court, and movie theaters! We didn't buy much, as prices were quite high and the dollar keeps weakening, but it was fun to walk around and take it all in. The fashion here in Almaty is uniform, with the women wearing tight jeans and high-heeled black boots, and the men all in dark jackets with black dress shoes. They definitely look their best when they are out and about.
Tonite we enjoyed dinner with an American family living in Almaty. The husband works for the US Embassy as a primary care physician. His wife was the lady who spotted us as Americans when we were struggling with our grocery cart the first day we were here in Kaz. They have five kids, who were well-behaved and delightful. Another guest was a woman working for the US Embassy in neighboring country Kyrgystan. It was a fun and fascinating evening, and we got insights into life as an expat in this area of the world, and also discussed how different medical practice is here vs. in the US. Hopefully we can meet up with our new friends again at a future visit.
7 comments:
Emma is soo adorable. That Hair, Oh to have such beautiful hair. She's a keeper!!! Congrats!
I like the pictures from around the city. We are very much so looking forward to traveling!
Hi Guys! Well, it sounds like Packers weather there too!
We just enjoy the pictures and the blog so much...do you have any pics of the apartment's interior?
I am sure you are about ready to come home and hug your boys. I am sure Emma is going to wrap each of them around her little finger!
Much love!
Emma has blossomed since meeting her Mom & Dad. Everyday she seems happier. Glad you were able to discover more of what Almaty has to offer as well as other American families. Warm hugs from cold Moline!
Love,
Lynne
Hi again,
Love the photos of the area and,of course,of little Em.
She seems to be changing and growing every day. Mother Nature certainly made sure she would be well protected by giving her those beautiful eyes, hair and that wonderful smile. How could anyone resist her?
Emma sure looks like her Daddy! I love the picture of the two of them.
Yes, it's freezing here too. even in florida, it's like below 50 and we have a fire in the fireplace (don't laugh). I think it's better we're not traveling yet, we are wimps!
Emma is just gorgeous, i love the pic of her in the bag. The mall sounds cool, and how cool that you met an American family. That is great!! :)
thanks for letting me follow along. :)
Hey there!
Yes, it's just as cold here! I talked to Judy today and told her it feels like Siberia! Burrrr!
As we've said, we enjoy checking the blog with all of the pictures and your oommentary. Its been like a journey for us as well!
By the way, the Packer's just lost by a field goal in overtime. Very disappointing, but someone has to lose! Next year!
Enjoy your last couple of days and have a safe trip home.
Love to the three of you!
It's freezing here in Boston too! So glad you're getting out to see more and more of the area, the pics are great. Emma is such a cutie, you look like you're all really enjoying each other.
We too were disappointed to see the Packers lose in overtime... Hopefully Favre will come back for another year!
Have fun,
Love Sue, Michael and Kate
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