Culture Club

Last weekend, I broadened my horizons with some new experiences. On Saturday, I went to a Uighur Theater. Amanda and I met David (Kazakhstani who lived in America and now is an American living in Kazakhstan), at the presentation of his mother’s new book. I also met his cousin (who apparently has seen more of the U.S. than I have!) Beforehand, we observed some talented traditional Uighur dancers. Inside the theater there were several book/poetry readings. While I didn’t understand a single word (except for ‘Asamammalakem’ – peace be with you and ‘Rakhmet’ – thank you) I did appreciate their literary prowess and was able to enjoy some Uighur singing/live music/dancing. Later on in the evening, David prepared an over-the-top meal for Amanda and me. The spread would put Berwick to shame! Salads, vegetables, fruit, nuts, etc. The main course was Uighur plof – rice, carrots, meat - it was delicious. I ate like a horse, sorry, I mean I ate horse. Yes, I tried it and it wasn’t too bad. It is usually heavily seasoned so you can’t taste too much of the meat – texture was that of roast beef. Believe it or not, I also tried lamb for the first time in my life, it also wasn’t too “baa-d”. We bounced after dessert and I received my first international call at 10PM from my ‘rents!

Okay, here come the jokes… Sunday evening we went to the Abai Theater for, yes, the ballet. I have no idea what it was called or even what it was about. But the actual theater was very neat and our seats were 50 yard line (err… I mean center stage, lower balcony). We got to look around the orchestra pit and the music was my favorite part of the night (right behind the Peanut M&Ms I had during the intermission!) See pics below of Amanda and Twinkle Toe Joe