For 2 years...

We have now been at our permanent site for almost one month. We are both adjusting to our new jobs and new home. We like Balykchy, it is situated on the Issyk-Kul lake and there are mountains in every direction. There is a lot of wind, little rain, and no snow in the winter (unfortunately), and it will be very cold, especially when it is windy. We have been warned about the problems we will have with electricity this winter and that we need to be prepared to be cold, especially because where we live, there is only heating through electricity and not coal. It is possible that we will have to move from where we live now because the electricity might be cut off completely to our building because the residents cannot afford to pay the monthly bill, which may be equivalent to almost $100/month. That is about twice the amount of what most people pay for rent. There is a lot of speculation, rumors, and guesses, but it is a situation where we will just have to wait and see how it will turn out. If we do have to move we will learn how to heat a house with coal, which I have heard is a very dirty and difficult job.

Now that we can cook for ourselves, we are discovering how expensive food is here. For example, bananas are more expensive in America than they are here, therefore it is not in our budget to eat bananas, as well as pomegranate, and oranges. We found a pineapple in Bishkek and we paid about $9 for it because we were craving it so much, and it tasted terrible. That was the last time we will eat pineapple for 2 years. A box of cereal is equivalent to about $5 (depending on the type). Luckily we found a Dollar Store in Bishkek (yes, an actual Dollar Store- actually a 99 som store which is about $3) and we can buy 2 boxes of American cereal for $3. This is also the only place in Kyrgyzstan (that I am aware of) that I can buy soy milk. I have been unable to find spinach and lettuce is hard to find, but sometimes available. I am guessing that we spend about 60-75% of our monthly stipend on food, which is outrageous. We are getting a decent amount to live off of here, my guess is that it is much more than locals get paid. If we are having a hard time buying food with our stipend, I can’t imagine how hard it must be for the locals who have to take care of their families.

Overall, we are both doing well. Mike is enjoying teaching and I am getting acquainted with my NGO and brain storming some ideas for projects. We are starting to make friends with some of the locals, especially those who speak English or want to learn English and are eager to get to know us. We also have a vacation to look forward to in a few months to escape the cold- we will be going to Abu Dhabi for 9 days in the beginning of January.

On a side note, if anyone is interested in donating to the organization I work at, please email me and I will let you know how it can be done. Anything helps.

I am having trouble uploading pictures right now, they will be posted soon.