20th August

20^th August

After a 10 hour, multi-vehicle trip, I am home, and stuffed full of Beshbarmak (unfortunately). I think I have mentioned it, but if not, it’s the national dish of Kazakhstan, consisting of boiled lasagne-esque pasta covered in boiled meat and usually a few internal organs as well. It is bland, soggy, and almost guaranteed to make an appearance when its least wanted, as was the case today, when I would have gladly eaten almost anything else. Oh well, beggars cant be choosers, as the situation in which it was eaten was great.

If you weren’t aware, it is currently the Islamic holy month of Ramadan (or Ramazan here), which means no eating during the daylight hours for those who are observant. This is a rather small number of the population, but most take part in the night time feasting, which was taking place at my house when I got back today. It seems a different neighbour does this every night for the final week, and it was our turn today, which meant I was confronted by a large number of old Kazakh people when I stumbled through the door.

Anyway, to cut a long story shot, I got plenty of food, and conversation, and I am off to bed now.