Megan Kelly Hensley.
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I will always be different....

10/22/2011

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This is sort of a collection of notes that I have kept about some of my experiences and observations.  Not every moment has been a story but these are things worth noting.

Some things I do make me stand out like a sore thumb.  They might not be indicators of being “an American” but they scream foreigner.

For example:

-          Putting my purse on the floor

-          Wearing my Burkenstocks

-          Wearing my Burkenstocks with a dress or socks

-          My tattoos (some of the kids don’t believe they are permanent)

-          Drinking soda

-          Drinking water (especially cold water….ice doesn’t exist here)

-          Teachers (during school / formally) seem to wear long sleeves more frequently.  Except when the school year ended and the dress code became much more casual.  So when I wore short sleeves I sort of stuck out.  Everyone thought I was cold.

-          Carrying around a roll of toilet paper in my purse and blowing my nose.  (people make fun of me in the US for this also)

      There is a strong link to National pride and one way that is demonstrated is through military understanding.  There was a military camp for youth at my old site at the beginning of the summer, which simulated boot camp I presume, they have "troupes" of students that sometimes compete in squads during military marches and following commands, and several schools I know of have a military class.  There are old soviet posters of how to put on a gas mask / suit and assembling a rifle? 

I should also comment that the dental situation in the villages needs some assistance because I have seen some students with black stumps for front teeth     

Kazakhstan Fun Fact:

Here the date is formatted like this:        08.09.2011 instead of 9/8/2011

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  • 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.