Hiking Day. It was fun. I tore a hole in my Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock T-shirt though

First Day of School (Jack (back), Me, Tara, Kate, Art)

Faya picking pears next door
Road To My House

I just received word that I will be living in this very village for the next two years. Good God, God! Why are you so good to me?

I spent all last night celebrating with friends from a nearby village in Almaty at an "American" inspired western bar. It had flushing toilets and sinks with soap and western music and everything! I had one of those whoa-I'm-totally-not-in-Kansas-anymore feelings around 1:00 am, when I looked around at my (formerly hip) friends thrashing around to a cheesy cover of The Cranberries "Zombie." No smiles... just serious rockin' out. It was so intense. I wish I had had a video camera. Hilarious.

I couldn't be happier. I highly suggest that you guys start saving up to come and visit... My village is paradise. I hear it doesn't even get very cold in the winter. I wonder if this honeymoon phase will ever end? I hope not...