Megan Kelly Hensley.
  • Creative Projects.
  • The Archive.
    • Artist Statement
    • Art Resume
    • Portfolio and Projects >
      • 2012 >
        • Painting >
          • Oil
      • 2011 >
        • Painting >
          • Acrylic
          • Watercolor
        • Drawing
        • The Sketchbook Project 2011
      • 2010 >
        • Painting
        • Drawing
        • Installations >
          • Drawing Installation
          • 'Get Tested' Installation
          • 'Self Portraits' Installation
        • 3D >
          • Fantasy Gallery Maquette
          • Corset II
      • 2006 - 2009 >
        • Painting
        • Drawing
        • Printmaking
        • Installations >
          • 'Collections' Installation
          • String Installation
          • 'Installation Studio' Installation
          • Fairy House Installation
        • 3D >
          • Pumpkin
          • Corset I
      • Exhibitions >
        • 'Body of Work' Show
    • Studio Space >
      • Seattle - 2019
      • Kazakhstan - 2011
      • Kentucky - 2011 (December - March)
      • WKU - 2010
    • Peace Corps Kazakhstan (March - November 2011) >
      • Peace Corps Blog
      • Peace Corps Photos
      • About Kazakhstan >
        • History
        • Timeline
        • Local Dishes
        • Traditions
        • Day in the Life - Almaty
        • Kazakhstan Current News Articles
        • Educational System
        • Yurta
        • Superstitions
        • Famous Kazakhs
        • Karajorga
        • Weddings
        • National Games
        • Additional Online Information
  • contact.

Differences

3/19/2011

6 Comments

 
It has been one week now and there are several things that have to change in my daily routine in order to integrate.  I thought I would go ahead and tqalk about some differences in daily home life here in Kazakhstan and not just in my family...but a good general cultural dynamic in my village.  My village is pronounced Bell-boo-lock.  It is a short distance from the major city All-ma-tea. 

First thing that I have to do is make my bed every morning.  Having a clean house and a clean room is very very important.  Decoration wise, there are not any 'hoarders' here.  Only the furniture and items that are needed are here.  Lots of floor space etc.  Wallpaper is in every room.  Nothing is painted really except in schools.  The wallpaper is ornate in design and very beautiful.  Sometimes the wallpaper has glitter in it. :)  Also, large floor rugs seem to be very common because you have to take your shoes off when you enter the house.  You either wear socks or have slippers when you are inside. 

Another thing is that culturally everyone here LOVES sweet things.  We have candy at every meal.  Cookies, cakes, candy are all a part of each meal - all day every day.  "Chai" is the Russian word for "tea."  It is usually an English black tea or something like that.  You pour a glass of boling water into your cup and dip the tea bag into the hot cup of water about 3 - 5 times until the water is a clear amber color.  So the tea never really steeps for more than a few seconds.  It is because a lot of people don't like to drink straight water and so they drink tea like water.  And I have about 10 cups of "chai" per day. :)

Laundry in my house is done once a week on Saturday mornings.  Actually Saturday seems to be a big cleaning day.  I have to go to school all day on Saturdays but I think my family mops, sweeps, vacuums, cleans bathrooms, and does laundry.  So if I want to have an item washed during the week I haтв wash it in a bowl of hot water and soap.  All things are air dried around the house.  One more important thing is that all of my clothes have to be ironed.  I have to iron all things that I wear because it is an insult to have wrinkled clothes here.  I hardly ever wear jeans and never anything as casual as sweats and a tshirt (except maybe to play a sport). 

That is all for now.  In general I made a very smooth transition here and I can't complain.  The native people here are wonderful, the Peace Corps staff is very good, my cohorts from the US are hilarious and fun, and I am excited to continue learning the language / culture

Kazakhstani Fun Fact:  No one drinks chilled water here.  All water is served at room temperature - never from the fridge.  

6 Comments
pam lee-miller link
3/19/2011 11:52:34 pm

M. wow an artist in ironed clothes....who would have ever thought. hey check out the blog entry on my site.....who lives in the purple house.....I bet we could.
Your work is wonderful...I can't wait to follow your blog and watch you unfold. I love your spirit. holding you close.....

Reply
Kandice
3/21/2011 08:10:01 am

I LOVE sweets so Kazakhstani sounds pretty nice to me! haha

Reply
Sara Leathers
3/21/2011 09:19:16 am

Glad to hear you are doing well and enjoying your time there so far!

Reply
shannon
3/22/2011 02:39:42 am

wow!!! how cool...glitter on the wallpaper....smiles....i bet you thought of me...and wearing slippers around the house...that is not a new one to you...just like back in the studio...i have started a project in the artists group...make and send meggers stuff!!!!....love you angel...think of you every day....your buddy

Reply
Cynthia link
3/23/2011 12:31:07 pm

Such interesting differences i think i like the decor but it seems like such a transition here everyone has their little or big for that matter clutter

Reply
Lynda Umfress
3/24/2011 12:38:50 am

Wow, Megan, I would never be able to be as disciplined as you describe.

What, no jeans???

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Peace Corps Blog.

    Kazakhstan Current News
    Picture
    Kazakhstan Flag

    click above to play a traditional Kazakh song that I really like called the Karajorga.  It is very popular and there is a traditional dance that is performed with it as well.


    Kazakhstan

    March 8, 2011 -
    November 27, 2011

    Picture
    American Flag
    Picture
    Kentucky State Flag

    click here to look at photos of trip


    Archives

    October 2011
    July 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011


    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    create your own website!


    Disclaimer:

    The contents of this page, and all links appearing on this page, do not represent the positions, views or intents of the U.S. Government, the Kazakhstan Government, or the United States Peace Corps.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Creative Projects.
  • The Archive.
    • Artist Statement
    • Art Resume
    • Portfolio and Projects >
      • 2012 >
        • Painting >
          • Oil
      • 2011 >
        • Painting >
          • Acrylic
          • Watercolor
        • Drawing
        • The Sketchbook Project 2011
      • 2010 >
        • Painting
        • Drawing
        • Installations >
          • Drawing Installation
          • 'Get Tested' Installation
          • 'Self Portraits' Installation
        • 3D >
          • Fantasy Gallery Maquette
          • Corset II
      • 2006 - 2009 >
        • Painting
        • Drawing
        • Printmaking
        • Installations >
          • 'Collections' Installation
          • String Installation
          • 'Installation Studio' Installation
          • Fairy House Installation
        • 3D >
          • Pumpkin
          • Corset I
      • Exhibitions >
        • 'Body of Work' Show
    • Studio Space >
      • Seattle - 2019
      • Kazakhstan - 2011
      • Kentucky - 2011 (December - March)
      • WKU - 2010
    • Peace Corps Kazakhstan (March - November 2011) >
      • Peace Corps Blog
      • Peace Corps Photos
      • About Kazakhstan >
        • History
        • Timeline
        • Local Dishes
        • Traditions
        • Day in the Life - Almaty
        • Kazakhstan Current News Articles
        • Educational System
        • Yurta
        • Superstitions
        • Famous Kazakhs
        • Karajorga
        • Weddings
        • National Games
        • Additional Online Information
  • contact.