Still here.

If you meet an expat in Almaty who has been here a while, they nearly all tell you that they came out for 6 months and ended up staying. I just joined the club. A little under three and a half years ago I set off on an adventure which was supposed to be nine months. Once upon a time I said I'd never want to be a primary school teacher, live away from the UK or ever want to live in Russia. Never say never. I have ticked all three without even trying. You may be familiar with the story of how I felt a divine hand on my decision to follow up on this crazy plan to go and live on the edge of the Tian Shen mountains. If not, email me and I will fill you in. Needless to say, life has been a colourful adventure and I am here for the forseeable.

Why am I writing this now...? procrastination. I have meant to write something for the last year at least. Now I have an essay to write so this entry has become suddenly important and pressing. The impetus to describe and relate the details of my central Asian adventure has faded, but not because there is nothing to say, but because it has all become normal and I am no longer passing through. I am no longer on holiday. I am at home in Almaty. You don't send postcards when you are at home... but life is an awesome privilege, every day.

Anyway, gotta run, the beshparmak is almost cooked and the camel's milk needs taking out of the fridge.

Wish you were here.

KazakDan