I picked my way down the icy sidewalks to the market today. They don't shovel all the walks. While it was nice and sunny today, they were pretty icy after being packed down by massive foot traffic. Women around here still walk around in their high heels, even with uneven walks and ice. I'd end up on my ass again so I chose my sensible, "sturdy" (AKA, not as stylish) shoes for the occasion. It was only two blocks.
So, I get there and am bombarded by eager sales people to help me. I'm watched everywhere I go and it gets to be a bit nerve wracking. It is nice that there are people actually willing to help you, but geez let me get my bearings and find what I need. I pick out the toiletries I need and a few snacks and instant coffee for work. It came to 71,400 Soms. I had to stand there and count out 72, 1,000 bills. I'm so spoiled by my debit card. This all cash society throws me off.
I get back to the hotel and decide to check out the athletic club. It's VERY nice. Indoor pool, sauna, turkish bath and fitness room. On the way back, I see a room with persian rugs....I think to myself, oh, they have a rug shop here the specializes in persian rugs. Just as I was about to step into the room I remember that there is a growing muslim population here. I quickly reverse direction, I don't want to be the one in the prayer room thinking I could PURCHASE one of their prayer rugs. Not to mention be disrespectful. Thankfully, nobody saw my faux pas.
Finally, there were two birthdays at work yesterday. One of the birthday girls was nice enough to bring in ice cream cake, cookies and beverages. We all gathered and the staff basically began a "roast" of the birthday girls. It was a very nice "roast", but a little different than what I've experienced on birthdays. Plus it was in Russian. Either way, if I get more ice cream cake I'll be fine with that. I love ice cream cake!
So, I get there and am bombarded by eager sales people to help me. I'm watched everywhere I go and it gets to be a bit nerve wracking. It is nice that there are people actually willing to help you, but geez let me get my bearings and find what I need. I pick out the toiletries I need and a few snacks and instant coffee for work. It came to 71,400 Soms. I had to stand there and count out 72, 1,000 bills. I'm so spoiled by my debit card. This all cash society throws me off.
I get back to the hotel and decide to check out the athletic club. It's VERY nice. Indoor pool, sauna, turkish bath and fitness room. On the way back, I see a room with persian rugs....I think to myself, oh, they have a rug shop here the specializes in persian rugs. Just as I was about to step into the room I remember that there is a growing muslim population here. I quickly reverse direction, I don't want to be the one in the prayer room thinking I could PURCHASE one of their prayer rugs. Not to mention be disrespectful. Thankfully, nobody saw my faux pas.
Finally, there were two birthdays at work yesterday. One of the birthday girls was nice enough to bring in ice cream cake, cookies and beverages. We all gathered and the staff basically began a "roast" of the birthday girls. It was a very nice "roast", but a little different than what I've experienced on birthdays. Plus it was in Russian. Either way, if I get more ice cream cake I'll be fine with that. I love ice cream cake!
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