KZBlog

Another experience I have had in moving is the phenomenon of the Kazakhstan welcome wagon. Of which there is none. Over the past few weeks while we have been coming to the new apartment and fixing things up, moving things in, waiting for deliveries and so on, we have come into contact with our new neighbors. Though we have greeted them every time we see them, no one has yet greeted us in return. In fact, the norm appears to go something like this:

We make a loud noise in the staircase, hauling up a box full of books or a couch or something.
Neighbor opens door and stares open-mouthed.
I say, “Hello.”
Neighbor turns to stare at me for a few seconds and then slams door shut.
As soon as we pass by their door, door opens again and neighbor stares up at us through the stairwell.

I don’t expect people to become bosom buddies immediately, but a “hello” would be nice. Or at least some acknowledgement of our existence beyond entertainment. Is this normal for Kazakhstan or do we just have weird neighbors?