Lunch at Cafe Aiya
Across from the Sharwa Bazaar was the café Aiya, where we’d had lunch with Zamzagul and Nariman just the day before. With them, we’d sat in the smoky back and never looked at a menu. Now, … Read More
Almaty International Airport
In honor of my first-born’s upcoming celebratory day, I post this short deleted scene, nine years later: A little context is in order: I’ve gone to Almaty on the train with Gulzhahan to attend an annual convention of local teachers. … Read More
School, Part 4
We got our official schedules sixteen days after the start of school. I had classes four days each week, rather than the six that most teachers had. On Mondays, I had a class during first and third periods. … Read More
School Part 3
I’m continuing with the deleted scenes of my first few weeks as an English teacher at Zhezkazgan Humanitarian College, a pedagogical college preparing future primary school teachers to teach English. *** The college administration didn’t like team teaching. They … Read More
School Part 2
Here’s the continuation of last week’s Deleted Scene: School, Part I. I’ve “creatively” titled this one School Part 2. [I know. It’s been a busy few weeks here. I’ll try to get my creative juices flowing before it’s time for … Read More
School, Part I
This is a story of my college, Zhezkazgan Humanitarian College, where I worked for two years, teaching English to future English teachers. I joined an English department of sixteen other English teachers and spent most of my time there, … Read More
December Holidays We Never Think About
You (probably) have your sights set on December 25 about now. Tree is up or going up soon. Presents are bought or at least on a list. Feast is planned — your house or theirs? — and guests invited. … Read More