Raid - literally

This morning, I was talking to the front desk and settling the last 15 days bill.  I mentioned that I ordered a dessert last night around 8 pm and then called again at 9pm and still nobody showed up.  He didn't have a reason for that and apologized but asked if around 11pm I had the police show up into my room.  I said, no...should I have?  So here's the story.

Last night around 11pm.  50+ police officers, some in uniform, some not, came into the hotel.  They barricaded the doors so nobody could get in or out.  They took all the staff, except for a bellboy and made them all sit in one room.  They then took the bellboy, who has a master key and began searching all the rooms.  He said they would just enter the rooms via the key with a camera or pound on doors of those that had their deadbolts on to let them in.  They were looking for prostitution.  Thankfully, they didn't pound on my door or try to enter.  I didn't even hear a thing.  I think I was still awake around 11pm as well.  I asked if this was normal and he said no, it has never happened before.  He said the staff, who usually ends their shift around 11, didn't get released until 2 am. 

I am SO happy that I deadbolt my door.  AGAIN, always deadbolt your door.  I probably would have had a heart attack if the police would have barged into my room with a camera.  I'm also thankful they didn't pound on my door.  I wonder why they skipped my room?  Either way, I'm glad.  And, no I'm probably not going to move hotels because of this.  If they've hit mine, they will hit all the other ones too, especially the hotels that cater to business men.  I suspect they are the ones that utilize the working girls. 

And, yes...previously I thought about moving hotels, however....the hotel that I'm in is right in the city center, close to shops, bazaar, the subway, restaurants and parks.  The other acceptable hotels are on the outskirts of the city center.  Now that it's staying lighter out I've been able to get out to other food establishments or just have snacks in my room.. (Cereal and cheese!  LOL). 

Goes to show you that some things never change.  

half-eaten....per usual

Here's my half eaten lunch.  Pasta with a light tomato sauce with sage, red pepper and beef.  N of course was making fun of me for only eating half my plate.  I also had a half slice of bread...you can see part of the crust on the corner of the plate.  LOL

Coworkers

Here are a couple pics of actual people.   On the right is N, he's my sort of Manager......On the left is T....he was trying to avoid  the camera. 

Too bad, T.   Gotcha anyway.  He says that's his "all my food is gone and I'm upset face."   Nice.  :) 

Friday, 3-30

Okay, so this morning I had to wait an hour for a driver.  I'm not usually the patient type.  But, now I feel bad, earlier this week they forgot about me, so I assumed that they did again this morning.  WRONG, never assume.  Yore was rear-ended coming to get me.  He's okay, just some damage to the car.  I made some calls and eventually someone came and got me.  I was pretty relaxed, just a little irritated and evenutally just un-clenched and enjoyed my solitude in the lobby.  I did get caught up in my words with friends games and some solitaire.  Just goes to show, NEVER assume.  :) 

Okay,  you know how women tend to travel in herds?  Well, here it's the opposite.  The men travel in packs everywhere.  They then stand along side the road or wherever and shoot the breeze.  Women on the other hand, travel in twos for the most part.  I find this to be very humorous.  I haven't noticed if they go to the bathroom together or not....I'll keep you posted. 

My diet has been awfully strange lately.  Mostly cereal, some cheese and yesterday mashed potatoes for lunch.  I'm truely sick of the food at the plant and the hotel, it's the same everyday.  Sometimes they throw something in that's different but it's not necessarily good.  I guess I'm saving my calories for Spain where I plan on enjoying the tapas bars, paella and whatever else my heart desires.  My weight loss however, has stalled....at least I think so.  It's probably because I eat cereal and cheese.  LOL.  Guess this means I should really hit the gym or continue to walk more places.  My goal this weekend is to find a nice little cafe, read my book and have a couple glasses of wine with lunch/dinner.  Otherwise, no big plans.  That starts next week.  :) 

Finally, P and I are getting international drivers permits.  Of course, he has to do all the leg work for me in the US since I can't do it here.  I just need to take some passport photos and send them to him so he can finalize my application.  We're going to be driving from Madrid to Malaga so we can see the countryside and whatnot.  He's finalizing our "tentative" itinerary.  Spanish Wineries here we come!  He's also going to re-learn how to drive stick shift.  I told him I don't want to be the only one that can drive cuz I want to be able to have some drinks with dinner/lunch/breakfast/whenever I feel like it and not have to worry about driving.  We'll take turns.  :)  Plus, I think for the most part we can walk to food in Malaga.  We won't have the car in Madrid....just when we leave. 

Thank goodness it's Friday, this was a long 6 days.  I was super whipped last night.  But, got to watch the season premier of Mad Men.  I love that show. 

Did you know...

Did you know, that when my company designs a new paint color for a car, it's baked in the Arizona desert for a year before the color is approved for use?  That's some quality testing in my opinon....that sun in brutal. 

So, lately my ITunes purchases have been tv shows.  I have downloaded the season pass to Mad Men, Chopped and Family Guy.  It's taken me quite some time to download some as I can only do it at work in the early morning hours....that's when the least amount of bandwidth is used.  Forget trying to do it at my hotel.  Slower than slow wireless.   So, I now have one show from each genere that I watch,  cartoons, food and drama. 

Yesterday during lunch N and I were talking about drinking games.  He'd  give me a run for my money, that's for sure.  I was explaining beer pong to him and he thought it was a great idea.  Keep in mind, N is 56, just a few years younger than my dad.  :) 

Today, Thursday, is rainy and muggy...the weather I despise the most.  My hair doesn't dry, no matter how long I use the hairdryer and everything sticks to me.  The hot flashes are the worst in this weather as well.  According to my weather bug, Friday is thunderstorms, high of 76F, Saturday is partly cloudy, high of 79F and then Sunday cloudy, high of 68F.  Looks like Monday is back to more thunderstorms.  Boo.  

36 days to Spain, 65 days to America.  :)  I have two countdown widgets on my phone. 

D is also planning out weekend trips for us.  In April we will go to Samarkand to tour another factory and see the city.  Then, she is planning a trip to Bukhara, another ancient city here in Uzbekistan.  I'm excited to see such ancient places. 

Something new for lunch

As previously mentioned before, the cafeteria here pretty much serves the same thing everyday.  Today, there was something new.  I was told it was a french steak.  It was breaded, topped with cheese, a tomato and chives.  It wasn't bad, but wasn't exceptionally good.  However, it was different.  I ended up picking off the raw tomato.  I still don't care much for them. 

I don't know why I got rice....I only eat a few bites of it anymore.  I guess you could say I'm riced out.  LOL. 

I do like that they give you real plates and silverware and not plastic.  I suppose it makes it more fancy.  The food isn't bad...it's just the same everyday. 

pretty sure the guy was dead....

Yesterday on the way home from work, I noticed a guy laying by the side of the road, his body was positioned pretty strangely.  Either he was passed out extremely drunk or he was dead.  He looked to be in his late 30's or early 40's.  I think he was dead because there was a lot of noise and traffic and he didn't move at all.  Usually a drunk would at least move, and their legs don't normally fold that way.  No, I didn't take pictures.  I think Yore thought he was dead too because he got strangely quiet after I said something about it.  Not normal for him at all.  Lovely....my first dead guy sighting. 

I can't remember if I've mentioned this or not, but 95% of the cars here are white.  It's due to the extreme heat in the summer.  Also,  Other than utility trucks, there are no trucks.  All cars.  You should see some of the ways they strap goods to the tops of their cars.  You know those pictures that circulate about hillbillies strapping things to the top of their mustangs?  Yeah, that happens here all the time.  Or they stuff the backseat with things like cantalope, potatoes etc.  It's pretty remarkable.  The one Ford truck, a dually, I've seen is a diplomat car from the embassy.  I saw it heading to the airport so I'm sure they were picking up something. 

My skin has been very itchy and dry here.  I've already gone through one bottle of moisturizing lotion that I bought here.  Although, it's not as good as some that I can get at home.  I don't use my bath and body works lotion as an all over moisturizer....it's mainly for "perfume" and I don't want to go overboard and be the "stinky store" at the mall my dad refuses to go into :)  I can just imagine how bad my skin will be in the dead of summer....my roseacea has also gotten worse here so I'm using that medication more than normal as well. 

Last night I was scared right out of my skin.  Around 8pm someone tried to open my hotel door.  I always dead bolt hotel doors, I never just rely on the electronic lock.  USE THE DEADBOLT, it disables the electronic lock and makes it harder for someone to get in.  If there is a door chain, use that as well.  I think someone was just confused which room was theirs because they only tried once and then walked away.  But, having a hotel background....always dead bolt the door if you're in your room.  You never know who has gotten access to the master electronic key - they're not difficult to get ahold of.  If they would have tried once more, I would have called the front desk to request security.  If it is a hotel employee, they are trained to knock or ring the doorbell and identify themselves.  They also all wear uniforms or name tags so you can look through the peep hole.  Paranoia in a hotel is not a bad thing. 

Finally, I mentioned this on facebook, but some of my readers don't have facebook.  Skinny Jeans....they are rampant here on both men and women.  However, yesterday after seeing a particularly tight pair and then the feet that they go over, I wondered....how do they get them off?  I bet it's not sexy at all.  I bet it's one of those pull em, down and then step on them and try to wrench your clod-hopper out of the tiny skinny jean opening and takes multiple tries/pulls to finally pull them off inside out in a heap on the floor.  We've all done that a time or two in our lives....drunk or not.  :) 

Anyway,  can you tell I've been writing down my observations so I'll remember to blog about them?  :)

My memory stinks

I always think of funny things or stories I should post, but by the time I get to it I've already forgotten what they were.....Grr...

Anyway,  some of you saw on facebook that I tried once again to fall on my arse at work.  The sidewalks here are not necessarily all one elevation.  Yesterday,  I wasn't paying attention and tripped over a lip in the sidewalk.  I didn't fall, THANKGOD, but embarassed myself in front of people I don't know.  I really need to be wrapped in bubble wrap or have my own protective bubble.  I blame being on the other side of the world and my balance is off.  Facilities has a plan to paint these areas safety yellow with glow in the dark paint.  That's good, but do it soon.... please! 

I slept with the window open.  I wasn't going to at first because I was having strange thoughts of something like a spider or snake crawling in through my 7th floor window.  So, I closed it.  But it was so hot in there I couldn't sleep so I opened it again.  I woke up around 2:00 am to a kitty crying out in the parking lot.  I tried to look out and see it in the dark but couldn't find it.  This then reminded me of all the stray little dogs that run around here.  I saw two male dogs trying to hump one female dog on the side of the road one day.  It took a minute to realize what was happening and then I just started laughing.   My driver who doesn't speak English had no idea what I was laughing at.  He thinks I'm crazy.  I know it. 

Since we worked Sunday, I'm convinced that it's Wednesday.  It's only Tuesday.  This stinks. 

BTW,  P and I have finalized our travel plans.  He got his vacation approved.  We will be headed to Madrid Spain, then driving to Malaga to lounge around in the sun on the Costa Del Sol.  We're going the first part of May.  Now, I just need to book my tickets.  The pain in the arse flights.  But, I figure I'll stay one night in Geneva Switzerland on the way there and one night in Frankfort on the way home.  It breaks the flights up.  Also, we're planning to drive to Malaga from Madrid.  Which means, I'll drive since I can still drive stick shift.  This should be an adventure.  LOL. 

Still, I'm excited, we get to see an old friend there!  I haven't seen her since 2006.  :)

Time for a new "I Miss"

I MISS:

1.  My kitchen.
2.  Bacon, bacon salt, bacon bits, bacon anything. 
3.  Red meat that I'm used to.  Here, it tastes funny. 
4.  My car.  I haven't driven in two months.  
5.  Cheddar cheese.  It's very hard to find here. 
6.  Family Guy re-runs.  I'll admit, I downloaded season 10 on ITunes.
7.  My bank.  I still can't get money.  However, $1,000 has lasted me a long time here!
8.  People that understand my sick humor.  The jokes kind of fizzle out when you have to explain them....
9.  Tupperware.  I have nothing but plastic bags or water bottles to store things in.  You have to buy a 5 piece set at the grocery store and I just want a small container with a cover.  (I'm to the point of just buying it and keeping the two small ones and giving the rest to D.)
10.  My THRIFT STORE habit.  Although, the bazaars are close to it....
11.  The ease of travel anywhere but here..... 
12.  My kitties waking me up in the morning to feed them....usually it drove me nuts. 
13.  Being able to meet up with my pals anytime, anywhere. 


I could go on and on, but these are the main hitters this week.  And now after posting # 12 I realize that Skippy will never do this again.  Boo, don't want to be depressed this early in the morning.  Moving on.....

I plan on having a rocking summer this year.  Already making plans with the girls, my brother, etc.  So if you have anything in mind, let me know and I'll put it on my calendar.  You never know what you miss and how hermit like you actually are until you're in a foreign country, not knowing a soul and with very limited language skills.  :) 

Funny story

So this is a picture of the drainage ditch alongside every road.  It's hard to see cuz I was in the car, but it's about 1.5 feet deep, sometimes up to 2 feet deep.  I guess there used to be iron grates covering these gutters, but they were stolen so many times for scrap metal that the gov't decided to just forget about it.  Anyway,  very dangerous.  Last time we were leaving the Embassy, we saw a man trying to pull an obviously INTOXICATED bleach blond woman out of one of these gutters.  She didn't appear to be hurt, but so intoxicated that the man was having a really, really hard time getting her out of the gutter.  No, we didn't stop....but rather giggled all the way home.  M said that it happens quite often.  He just kept trying to heave her out and everytime she'd fall back in.  No, she wasn't particularly robust...just that drunk. 

Ah, the things that make me laugh, and also realize that it very easily could be me!  LOL. 

The only consolation

The only thing keeping me sane about being at work on Sunday is that everyone else is here too.  My internal clock is going to be a mess this week.  I really feels like Monday.  It seems I'm going to have two Mondays.  It's also very strange that M isn't here.  She's on vacation which is well deserved. 

I really, really, really miss my chiropractor.  My neck and back are all out of whack.  I'll be one sore puppy when I get home and get back into it. 

I talked to my parents yesterday.  Woodrow is doing well there and has made himself at home.  I laugh because he's determined to accompany my mother into the bathroom EVERY time she's in there.  If she locks him out he tries to open the door and howls.  I warned her that he's a momma's boy!  He does the same thing to me.  He's also decided that he's an acrobat and walks across a 2x6 that spans their patio doors on the 2nd floor.  That scares me, but he's pretty agile, he won't fall....at least I hope. 

This was Damn good.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

More stuff!

Here are a couple more of the linens I bought.  I'll be going back soon, that's for sure.  I also got some jewelry.  Just a couple of cute bracelets. 

This is ahrd to see, but it's all the spices I bought yesterday.  In the plastic bottle is Star Anise.  It's VERY fragrant.  I got a spicy paprika, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, sesame seeds, turkish and russian cocao and saffron.  The saffron was 5,000 sum for 5 grams.  It's in a pill bottle.  :)   Much better price than at home.  5,000 sum is about $2.50.  Next time I want to look for nutmeg.   Yes, I checked customs,  I can bring in spices for my own personal use.  They really know how to recycle here.  The white "cones" are folded paper.  They don't leak either.  I need to find some more substantial jars to bring it home in though.  Although, I've been re-using pill bottles galore.  It's just like the many uses of bobby pins! 

You can also see in there some bread.  We stopped at a bakery on the way back to the hotel.  This is "Diet"bread.  I figured I'd try it for 3,400 sum.  It's pretty good when topped with cheese that I bought from the grocery.  I'd buy it again.  It was funny, D and her boyfriend noticed right away that the woman behind the counter and I had the same "beautiful eyes".  It was nice to see some blue eyes!  LOL. 

Anyway,  before we came home we went to a traditional Uzbek restaurant.  It was awesome.  A bean and chicken soup, pork shashlik, which is a kabob done outside on a grill, a dough packet with beef, onion and tomatoes...just like a pasty and then a fish course.  I'm not normally a fish eater, but this was lightly breaded and fried.  It was seasoned perfectly.  Except for the bones, it was awesome.  I'm not sure the name of the restaurant....i'll have to look it up. 

As I mentioned, I got to meet D's boyfriend.  We'll call him S.  He and D are perfect together and he is very nice.  He told D we need to find me a nice boyfriend here so I'll stay longer.  D and I laughed.  :)  He is a lawyer for the government here and has his PhD.  He is originally from Iran.  He offered to take me and D to his hometown.  I would go!  Besides, now they have a contest where I have to decide who's hometown is better.  I go to Khiva with D April 6th.  :)  

Fun Friday

D and I went shopping at the Chorzu Bazaar today.  It's the oldest and largest bazaar in Tashkent.  I'll say,  It's huge!  Different sections for clothing, linens, produce, street food vendors, spices and nuts.  We left the hotel around noon.  In the picture below you can see how much sum I brought with me.  You can see about 900,000 Sum which equals about $450 USD.  It's a pain.  Heavy and cumbersome.  I didn't spend that much. 

Here are some of the silk scarves I bought as gifts for friends/family and myself.  Yes, some look tye-dyed. :) They are really pretty though. 

For all of these silk scarves, 130,000 sum.   Which is $65.00.  About $6.50 per scarf!  We took the Subway to the bazaar.  They spent a lot of money to have really nice subway stations.  It only took us about 15 mintues to get there, that was even switching trains.  D really knows her way around this city, whether on foot, by bus, car and train.  I could get to the bazaar now by myself, but it's not recommended for me as a foreigner.  So, the next time I want to go I'll ask D or my driver E.  :)

One of those days...

Yeah, the plans I had for today.....went right down the toilet.  It's 5:00 pm here and I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas yet.  I was up around 9:30 am, had a bite to eat and then sat down to plan out the day that was around noon..  I thought to myself, eh, I'm kinda tired, I'll take a short nap before going out.  3.5 hours later, I woke up.  Apparently, I needed sleep.  I had some strange dreams during my nap as well.  When I woke up I knew instantly that I was in the "I'm in my jammies, I don't want to go out mode."  It's a shame too, it's a beautiful day.  But, I know myself and have accepted my limitations, if I'm this tired, it's best to just rest it out and start the next day.  I don't need to throw myself into some sort of relapse, especially while I'm over here.  I do work a lot of hours and I guess my body wanted a day to just chill.  I'll step out to get some dinner here in a minute, but that's about the extent of it.  I know, BORING. 

I did figure out on a map exactly where my hotel is.  I haven't lost my sense of direction after all.  I also figured out the metro stops and how to get to the bazaar tomorrow and the "shopping strip-mall" which is the other direction.  So, I don't have to totally depend on "D" tomorrow. 

The best hotel guest ever...

I must be the best hotel guest ever.  I've seen what some of the rooms look like after people check out or even when they're still staying here - they're trashed.  These poor housekeepers have to pick up trash, air out the non-smoking rooms that have been smoked in and deal with peoples dirty clothing strewn everywhere.  I clean up after myself, put my own clothing and clutter away.  I don't make them use fresh sheets every day, I put my...."don't change the bed linens today" sign on the door.  I use the do not disturb button on the weekends when I don't need service and I use the need service button when I want it.  All they really have to do is come in and give me fresh towels, toilet paper and water.  I can't believe what kind of messes people leave for these housekeepers.  It's hard work to begin with, I've cleaned a few hotel rooms in a previous career give em' a brake! 

Anyway, just thought I'd put that out there.  Today is a holiday,  I don't need service today, I hope they can get done early and go spend time with their families. 

Today,  I'd like to find the zoo.  I hear that they will let you hold the tiger and lion cubs!  "G" from work said you can hold the monkey's too, but with my luck they'd just throw their poop at me!  LOL.   If I don't make it there, I'll explore the downtown district, they have tons of monuments, elaborate parks and it's the one direction I haven't been in yet from the hotel.  I also want to go to the smaller bazaar across from the hotel.  I have the shopping bug.  Tomorrow is the big day with "D", but I want to see what they have here.  And, I want some more bananas.  They're cheaper at the bazaars than the markets. 

First, I have to get motivated to go!  It's already 11 am.  :)

By Decree

Dear colleagues,

Please note that according to the decree of President of Republic of Uzbekistan issued on 19 March 2012, with purposes to create favourable conditions for the population rest and efficient usage of the working time:

the day off Wednesday 21 March is shifted to Thursday 22 March , the day off Sunday 25 March is shifted to Friday 23 March 2012

Wednesday 21 March and Sunday 25 March are announced as working days

The working day prior to March 22th, 2012 is shortened

by 1 hour. On March 21th our working day will finish at 17.00 for employees working by daily schedule.

For people working by shift schedule the shift duration is also shortened for 1 hour

In other words, the holiday on Weds is cancelled.  You will work, but in exchange you get Thursday, Friday, Saturday off and will return to work on Sunday.  Weds, you leave 1 hour early.  (Get to work 6 days in a row next week). It's nice, but unplanned.  So, "D"and I will go shopping at the big bazzar Friday for friends & family gifts.   I understand they have awesome spices here as well so I will be stocking up on those for sure!  I hope to find my dad some really good cinnamon.  I'll post what they have as well, so if you want something let me know.  I will be back there, I'm sure of it.  I'm excited for shopping, we will ride the subway and go to dinner as well. 

My travel map.....I'm bored.

• Create your own travel map or travel blog.
• Vacation rentals at TripAdvisor

This is so inaccurate.  I put the places I WANT to visit in addition to the places I've been.  I've only been to 26 cities in 5 countries.  Stupid apps.  :)

Moves like Jagger - Scotty Doesn't Know

I've been jammin' out to my ipod today.  I'm sure people have heard me singing or tapping my foot.  It helps pass the time and "lightly"chair dancing.  These chairs can't handle much.   Speaking of chair dancing (KEITH) "M" demonstrated how to chair dance at the pub Saturday.  I about fell out of my chair.  Reminded me so much of my FC buddies! I MISS YOU ALL!   Rockin' to Eric (Boyfriend) Doobies, Marvin Gaye, etc.  No worries, we'll start planning my homecoming party in mid-May.  :)

I've gotten pretty used to being started at all the time.  In fact, most of the time I stare right back at them and start laughing because most of the time their mouths are wide open!  Drives me nuts, just like when people drive their cars with their mouths open. 

Also, while I'm semi-ripping on people, there are some here with a "special odor"  I haven't been able to figure out what it is because I run the other way when I smell it.  It's pretty awful.  I mean, even with the nose plugged you can taste it if you're breathing through your mouth.  BARF! 

Holiday, maybe...

Apparently the holiday's can be changed here!  We were scheduled to have the spring holiday tomorrow, Wednesday.  Last night a decree was issued that we will work tomorrow, off thursday, friday, saturday and then back to work Sunday.  Interesting.  I didn't know this and was making an announcement about reviewing work going on over the holiday and had the microphone ripped out of my hand.  Seriously, I didn't know.....nobody does, including my boss.  

I'm good with having extra days off, but I don't know about working Sunday - Friday.  Boo. 

Full recovery

Pretty sure I had a  two day hangover.  I knew when the guys presented me with tequila it was going to be a long night.  We had a blast at the Irish Pub, most stayed until it closed around midnight.  Then a group of us went to a club called CMI, pronounced smee.  Nice little club with dance music and expensive drinks.  Lots of "opportunistic"women there though.  I didn't get home until 4 am.  It's been a long time since I did that!  I'm getting old. 

Anyway, Monday was uneventful, was a little irritated by some events of the day, but once I got home and in my jammies I was much better.  The snow didn't help my mood yesterday either. 

I feel like I've been relatively boring lately, I'll try to think of more interesting things to post about.  LOL

Recovered-----mostly

I woke up yesterday at 1:00 PM.  I don't think I got back to the hotel until 4:00 AM, at least that's what my text message to M said.  I've opted not to post pictures of our outing as some people there are pretty high ranking in the company and would probably prefer I didn't.  :)  Although, they weren't doing anything wrong, just having fun.  Either way, I'll tell you MY adventures....in a minute.  I have to go out to the floor for work.  I am here to work right?

More Pics...

This is for an advertising agency!  If only they knew what a SHART was in the US!  I about died. 

I really like this tree.  I wonder what it looks like in bloom.

Another monument.  Not sure to what, I'll have to look it up. 

This was part of the war memorial.  It appears to be a mother and there's an eternal flame. 

Close up of the mother statue.  Notice that the entire thing is surrounded by granite.  It's EVERYWHERE!  (And slippery...)

Saturday - Pre-St. Patricks Day.....

So, today, before all the St. Patty's day celebrations, I decided to take a walk down the street to the local park that holds many statues and memorials.  On the way I thought I'd take some pics of things I've mentioned before. 

This is a close up (sort of) of the museum just down from my hotel.  I'm so impressed by the arcitecture here and attention to detail.  It's modern, with a traditional twist.  Obviously, I'm not an architect so I don't know if thats a decent description. 

A nice man took my picture and didn't even want any Sum for me to do it.  Behind me is one of the large memorials.  I couldn't get any closer,  the police had an area cordoned off and when I attempted to get closer I got whistled at.  No problem, I'll turn around. 

Another pic....I always look like a toad. 

Here looks to be a war memorial....lot's of names.  The colum in front was what I really wanted a picture of.  It appears to be hand carved.  There are probably 50 of these columns.  It's very impressive!

A view of the park....it's very, very pretty. 

Here's a pic of the supermarket I always walk to.  It looks much more impressive that your typical Kroger store!

Again, with the ornate details.  These are three huge, carved doors.  I love this  kind of detail. 

Bedazzled in Green....

I'm a vision in green.  Including my socks and fingernails that you cannot see.  Do you think I'm excited?LOL  Embassy party this evening and then off to the Irish Pub on Saturday.  It's an event I organized with my boss.  So far, 12 people have RSVP'd.  I'm sure more will show up at the last minute.  It's all good....I've reserved two tables at the pub and every 5th beer bought at the table is free.  AND, I'm pretty sure that I will meet up with D and her boyfriend on Sunday for a traditional Uzbek dinner.  It's going to be a fun weekend!

pictures

I will comment on the pictures below in a bit.  Work is busy, busy right now.  Sorry for the delay!

Our shopping trip

Okay,  Yesterday D and I escaped from work, with permission, to go shopping for St. Patricks day stuff for myself and my boss.  We left the plant around 3 and had a ball!  The next two posts are a couple of pics I took and random musings.  I also saw many new things to go explore and take pictures so I can make my insane or strange observations.  Stay tuned. 

Sorry about the tree, but this building looks a little fallic to me.....hehehehe. 

Okay, it's a little dark but I didn't want to be too obvious.  We were at the Korean counter at the bazzar.  I noticed, that the women sit on rugs on their knees all day and dole out their wares.  This is an ergonomic NIGHTMARE.  I cannot imagine sitting all day like this.  Also, something that kind of turned me off to prepared foods at the bazzar,  they let people sample.  Which is fine, but they spear it with a communal fork, feed it to the customer and don't wash it before putting it back in the bowl! I about died.  I suppose whatever fermenting liquid they were using at the Korean counter probably killed the bacteria but still....I'll pass on that.  D had no problem, but then again....it's normal for them.  I'd probably get sicker than a dog. 

After two days of trying to buy my ticket to Khiva, D finally succeeded.  It was a money issue.  First they wouldn't take Sum because I'm American.  Then, one of my $100 bills they wouldn't accept because it was too old.  Finally, she was able to change the old bill and get the ticket bought.  Sheesh.  Glad she's used to the red tape!

Perfect ending to the day......Cheese pizza with green olives.  And, it's got a nice crispy crust.  Mmmmm..

I found bananas at the Bazzar with D.  THey are 8,000 Sum per Kilo, these two cost 3,300.  About $1.50...not bad.  The grocery stores don't have bananas. 

This was my quest yesterday.  D and Ieft work at 3:00 PM with Yore.  Our mission to head to Maxim Gorky (the shopping complex) to find myself and M St. Patrick's day headbands.  We also found socks.  So, one has awesome green feathers and "antlers" while the other is an elegant green flower.  We'll be switching off through out the night...I just know it. 

Happy to report...

I'm happy to report that I officially now have to wear a belt to keep my pants up, pants that I purposely brought that were too small with this plan in mind.  This morning, I'd put on my pants and reached down to put on my shoes.  My pants slid off my arse.  So, I pulled out my belt and here we are.  I must say, it's nice not having to pull up your pants everytime you stand up.   I know, strange things to blog about, but for me....it's a huge accomplishment.  And, I'm finally noticing weight loss.  I don't know how many lbs. I've lost but the number to me is just a number.  It's how I feel and look.   Just think, I have 79 more days here....I wonder what else I can accomplish if I actually made it to the gym on a regular basis.  LOL. 

Another throne!

Today, I found another throne (AKA, European Bowl)!  It's tucked away in another corner....I shall dub this one the Pink Palace.  The tile in this bathroom has an awful pink tint.  By my observation, not many people use it.  And yes, my friends, I am obsessed about bathrooms and levels of use.  I'm not a fan of public displays of bathroom uses.  Mostly because of what other people do in the bathroom, not because of me.  Gross.  For example, not washing their hands, using the phone while on the throne, not cleaning up after themselves, using all the toilet paper and not replacing or notifying any one, other people's hair in the sink, etc.  I could go on and on. 

Otherwise, M and I are very excited for our outing to the Irish Pub this saturday.  Looks like some of the different ISPs are going to attend than I'm used to.  AKA, the younger guys crowd.  Either way, I don't care who's there.  I'll still be having fun.  D told us where we can go to get tiaras and whatnot to wear to the pub.  I don't know if we'll have time though.  I'll talk to M later today to see what she wants to do. 

I am just wrong. WRONG!

Here's my conversation over instant messanger with a co-worker.  I'm just wrong.  But it was awful.  Names have been omitted to protect the innocent!

I have to tell someone.   Somebody here, took a really, really nasty smelly poo.  The whole office and hallway by the bathroom is totally polluted. 

I nearly died. 

5:23 PMD

Thanks Leanne.  All the way from Uzbekastan.  Wow.  I think I can smell it here

5:23 PML

Anytime.  It brought back awful memories of the personnel office and when C.B. would crop dust everyone. 

5:24 PMD

Thanks for the memories.  What time is it there

5:24 PML

5:24 PM.

5:24 PMD

Ok  I just finished my first cup of coffee and I'll be thinking of that the rest of the day

5:25 PML

OMG.  Sorry.....

Anyway,  hope you all have a great day,  miss you! 

Randomness

A few random pictures on the way home....

The top of the building says Tashkent City of Friendship and Peace.  I like it.  You can see this on your way out of the airport. 

Okay, this building cracks me up.   Can you tell by the picture that there is no roof?  I thought it was strange the the whole outside of the building was finished and there was no work continuing on the roof.  So I asked my driver what the deal was.   He  said that the building that was there was an eyesore.  This is an important street, so the owner of the building must "improve the exterior of the buillding." per the government.    So he tore the old building down and erected this skeleton, minus the roof.  I suppose it works, but seems to be a little expensive if you ask me.  I just have to laugh everytime I go by it though. 

Thwarted...

Once again, I have been fooled by mother nature.  I awoke to snow today.  Not just flakes flying like this weekend, but snow that stayed on the ground and rooftops.  The weather patterns this year are evil.   So, I checked the forecast.  Thursday, they're calling for party sunny, chance of rain with a high of 72 DEGREES.  Right now, it's 32 degrees.  Talk about extremes. 

Anyway,  I'm still plotting vacations.  It appears that brother's schedule is changing so I have to re-think all my dates.  Lovely.  It's not his fault.  It's the evil Walgreen's corporation that is ruining everything.  Boycott Walgreens!  (Easy for me to say, I go to CVS or Kroger pharmacy if absolutely necessary, otherwise it's Medco.) 

BTW, I don't appear to need much of a cash machine lately.  "D" at work has an uncle that is coming in from the States.  She has some things she needs, I order them and she is my cash machine.  Works out well for me.  No foreign cash fees, atm fees, etc.  It's nothing major or illegal.  Just a few things she cannot get here. 

I still miss bacon. 

The many uses of bobby pins

So, today, while de-cluttering I started thinking of the many uses of bobby pins.  Not only are they useful for holding back unruley hair, they have many, many other uses. 

1.  As a "chip clip".  In my case, it's holding the coffee creamer bag shut and air tight. 
2.  As a money clip.  I use it to clip together bundles of 10,000 Sum.  Makes it much easier to count. 
3.  A paper clip, work doesn't have many office supplies, and I just decided not to bug people and scavange.  So, I'm using bobby pins to keep stacks of paper together. 
4.  A bookmark.  Rather than dog-ear the pages of magazines and books, I've been using it to mark my place. 

These are the uses I've noticed and I'm sure by the end of this trip I will have found many more.  It's somewhat sad that this is what I've been thinking about today..... but I'll keep you posted on the more uses I find. 

Sunday

Today is a boring day.  I'm glad I went out yesterday as the weather has not improved.  Acutally more flurries today.  Eventually I'll get down to the supermarket, but in the meantime I'm cleaning.  More like de-cluttering.  I can't seem to not do this, I'm so used to doing it at home.  I also started planning my trips.  Looks like April 20-May 2nd, Madrid Spain for a couple of days and then off to the Coasta Del Sol for fun in the sun.  I'm thinking Dubai March 30-April 1st and then sometime in May heading to Istanbul.  I've decided to take shorter smaller trips, except for the Spain trip, it's somewhat of a long flight from here.  Plus, my brother is planning on meeting me there.  We still have details to work out. 

I've also decided that once my assignment is done I will head home.  Probably take a week or so off work to get myself acclimated and things put back in order.  AND, celebrate my birthday.  I'll have to get together with my girls and start making plans. 

As for trips around Tashkent, "M" and I are planning to hit a tourist area and a place where she knows we can get all the fine linens, scarves and rugs for a good price.  In the city proper, they're overpriced and not as good quality.  I have an order from K at home, she said to send them via mail, however, if I do that they'll have to pay import costs and whatnot.  I'll have quite a bit of room left in my suitcases as the toiletries and medcation that took up so much room will be gone.  And, I left wiggle room when I traveled here. 

So, basically, I'm in trip and party planning mode already.  I'll probably go to a travel agent to help me with booking the flights.  It's not as easy here to just hop on the internet and book a flight.  All flights out of Tashkent on Uzbek air, as far as I can tell, must be paid for in cash.  I'll figure it out, there are plenty of others around here who know the drill. 

Vodka

This is a local vodka made here in Tashkent.  The bartender said it's "okay" not nearly as smooth as Russian Vodka.  Anyway, I bought it, I thought I needed to buy something local.  I'm already plotting my duty free purchases.  :) 

Walking Day!

After being cooped up and sad the last couple of days, I decided that today was the day I found the Irish Pub and cheered myself up.  I succeeded.  However, I took a couple of detours on the way there.  Just to see what else was around since I was headed that way.  I walked for probably a good hour or so before I finally arrived there.  The bartender, Sergi, was really nice and spoke very good english.  He also like to sing.  A lot.  It must have been his music mix because he was singing every song.   Oddly enough, I was the only one indulging in afternoon beers.  I was also the only girl.  All the other patrons were getting coffee or tea.  Granted, it looked like they made some excellent coffees. 

I did lots of walking today.  This was my reward.  Actually, I had three rewards.  And, a HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH.  With REAL HAM.  Not the bologna that they try to pass off as ham.  And, the fries weren't super soggy like the hotel's fries. 

Here's the Irish Pub!  It's about a 25 minute walk from my hotel.  So, I have to work to get there....or pay outrageous cab fare.  Anyway,  I kinda knew where it was, I'd seen it on the way home and paid somewhat close attention on how to get there.  I was so excited when I found it. 

Here's the inside, or at least part of it, It's cozy, has lots of the usual Irish Pub decorations and good music.  They were playing Foster the People and covers of Adele.  The artist covering the Adele song, in my opinon, did a better job.  I didn't want to slit my wrists listening to it. 

As you can see, it was a bit cold and there were flurries flying today.  This weather is just as crazy as it is at home.  Anyway, this is my home here.  The Dedeman Hotel.  At least for the time being.  Still working on moving.  I need new space and a new room service menu.  :) 

You see mosaics like this on many of the buildings around here.  This particular one is an apartment building.  It's tiles...you can see that in the sun. 

This one is for mom and Pete.  This is their pharmacy.  Just like the US, there's one on EVERY CORNER!  It cracks me up.  However, I've been told that the medications here may or may not be real.  So, if I need something I should talk to my driver or go to the International Clinic.  Thankfully, with two pharmacists in my family, I know what to pack....and GM Medical gave me a "healthy traveler" kit with most of them already in there.  Complete with scissors to cut gauze and tape. 

Bottoms up

Bottoms up to my skippy.  

Sad Day.....

The great Skippy has decided to go see his brother Leon in heaven.  I hope the reunion was all he hoped it would be!  Its very sad for me and my parents who were kitty sitting.  I don't know what's worse, him being gone and not being able to say goodbye or the hardship on my parents and the guilt I feel for it happening in their home.  We all know that it wasn't anything that we did.  It was just his time.  He was getting older, would have been 10 in May.  He wasn't always the healthiest kitty and he sure liked his food, treats and catnip.  He weight and small body were the source of many a joke.  Even though he was constantly on a diet! 

Dad said there were no indicators, he was fine and was actually warming up to being at their home.  He jumped off the bed yesterday and lost his bowels and collapsed in the bathroom.  Dad tried to help him and brought him to the vet.  It appears that his kidneys failed and he was in total renal failure.  The vet had to put him down, he was being poisioned by his own little body.  I'm just happy that he didn't suffer and he was with someone in my family.  I think he was just pining away for Leon.  They'd been apart for 9 months after being brothers for 9 years.  Then I went and brought home a young whipper-snapper named Woodrow.  While he was Skippy's companion and kept him company.  He was no Leon. 

So, here's to the great Skippy!  Thank you for many years of joy, comfort and laughs.  You were there during some of my hardest times.  I know the tears will stop, it's just so hard being this far away from you and my parents.  I hope you're chasing lasers in the sky and have as much catnip as you can stand. 

Love you! 

By the end...

By the end of lunch hour I received another flower and this beautiful vase to go with it.  And many congratulations and thanks.    

Women's day

Tomorrow, Thursday, is International Women's Day.  It's a National holiday.  So, today, Yore brought me this little bouquet of flowers.  They smell heavenly!  In anticipation for the holiday tomorrow, D has said that the women will be even more dressed up today and we will probably go out for lunch.  Last year, Yore said there was a big party in the canteen during lunch.  It's basically their equivalent of Mother's Day, but it's for all women.  On the way in, one of the security guards who is learning English wished me a happiness and joy, in english.  He was so proud he said it correctly.  I said "Speciva"  not the correct spelling, but phonetically, I can say it.  It means thank you.  :) 

Unexpected heaven!

Last night a co-worker invited me to his home for dinner.  It was an unexpected, very welcome surprise.  He and his wife, along with some cooking help they have on Mondays, put on an awesome spread. 
1.  Local beer, it was really good. 
2.  Pizza Margarita for an appetizer
3.  Potato Leek soup with rosemary crostini bread
4.  Summer salad
5.  Eggplant Parmesan
6.  Chicken Picatta
7.  Spinach Lasagna
and finally German apple cake

It was good food and they invited a couple other "strays" as I call myself.  People here who are single/living alone/etc.  I think I literally rolled back to my room. 

Also, I so badly wanted to take pictures of their home and back yard.  It was so nice, elegant and the back yard had a pool and an outdoor grill.  Looks sure are deceiving because the roads and the outside of the homes don't necessarily reflect what's on the inside.  I felt strange about taking pictures of someone else's home, so I didn't. 

I miss.

Now that the one month mark has passed, I'm really starting to miss things.  Not major things and not missing things to where I'm terribly homesick, but here's a list. 

1.  I miss cooking, baking and my kitchen!  I have "liberated" a few utensils for things that I buy at the market like fruit, cereal, etc.  But, I really do miss cooking and experimenting.  I find that I avoid reading recipies because I won't be able to make them for 3 more months. 

2.  The solitude of my house.  I'm not a fan of being woken up by running feet above me, or doors slamming next to me or hearing strange voices outside my door. 

3.  The smell of my house.  Yes, sometimes it smells like litter box, but I can easily fix that.  Unfortunately, my room here shares ventilation with the upstairs smokers room, who must chain smoke, because my room stinks like it too.  The bathroom is the worst.  I've had the window open to air it out. 

4.  Smartfood Cheese popcorn.  I love and truly miss this stuff. 

5.  Steak.  The beef that I've had here is not what I'm used too.  When I get home, a fat ribeye with a baked potato is first on my list. 

6.  Obviously my kitties.  Snuggling with my pillow isn't the same. 

7.  Eavesdropping.  (LOL)  Since I don't know russian, I can't listen to other peoples conversations!  hehe

8.  My car.  I really miss my independence on being able to get in my car and go whenever I want.  Although, walking is good for me. 

What I don't miss: 

1.  The 15+ lbs. I brought here with me!  (WOOHOO!) 

2.  The snow and storms that are still going on at home. 

3.  My old job and the frustrations that I was experiencing there.....now I have a whole new set and am still doing okay with them! 

4.  My hour + commute.

5.  I don't miss spending so much money on food, gas and beer.  My bank account really thanks me! 

6.  Telemarketing calls.  My phones only get calls that are legitimate! 


This list is not all inclusive, obviously I miss my friends and family, but that's a given.  I don' t have to restate that in a post.  It also makes me thankful for the things I do have at home and sometimes take for granted.  It's so hard to believe that Amazon.com won't deliver here.  Plus, anything that is imported is subject to 100% tax and customs fees!  So, it really puts things into perspective. 

You'd think...

Doesn't this look really good?  I thought so.  But, alas, it tastes like puke.  I actually spit it out.  How deceiving.  It literally tasted like something id thrown up.  Boo for bad confections.  

Here's the inside of the restaurant.  It's called the golden river.  Sounds Chinese to me, but they had some of everything.  I thought you all needed a close up shot of me as well.  

Saturday

Found a restaurant close to the hotel.  I have no idea what this soup was called, but it was awesome.  The mix of veggies and meat was great...although the olive and I'm pretty sure Orange threw me off.  And yes....they use oil in everything.  You can see it in the picture.  I basically walked around for a couple hours, had lunch and bought some pastries.  

Frustration

They don't take MasterCard in this country.  This is all the cards I have.  My personal credit card, debit card and my work card are all MasterCard.   Yore took me to the Korean bank this morning so I could get money out.  I couldn't because I have MasterCard.  So, I'll nose around the hotels in search of someone who will be able to get me money.  No worries, I have cash, but I know eventually I'll need more and was trying to be pro-active.  If it comes down to it....when I go on vacation in a month I'll get cash in another country or, mom and dad...I may need you to Western Union me some cash.  They only take Visa around here. 

Otherwise, It's a short day today....only 8 hours!  I got here late because of the bank trip and then leaving at 5 to get to happy hour at the Embassy.  I'm going to try to arrange with D to go shopping tomorrow.  The Bazzar will have to wait as Yore is busy on Sunday with a party for his sister.  That's fine, I like at least one weekend day where I can relax.   The farmers were in the fields today planting.  I'm pretty sure Yore said they were strawberries.  That's the ultimate proof that spring has arrived! 

Anyway, I hope today goes by quickly, I'm excited to get out and have some fun.