Although I’m obviously hyped up over going back to Amsterdam and Britain next Friday, my mind can not help dwelling on just how much I am going to miss some things over here in Kazakhstan
Obviously my wife, Ira, comes first. I will be away for just under a month, which will be the longest we have been apart, at least since we got married, possibly since we met. (I can’t remember the longest she ever returned to Kazakhstan without me before).
Our friends and family in this country. Although my communication with Ira’s family is still at a pretty basic level, I feel as though they have got to know me a little better at least. Not spending Saturday evenings with Walton and Asel will be strange, though I hope to make up for lost time (and steak, chips and vodka 😉 ) when I return.
Our kittens. As I work from home, Karra and Muska have someone in the flat with them nearly all day everyday, apart from Sunday’s when we visit the in laws. I recently mentioned just how much I’ve changed when it comes to cats – before moving to Kazakhstan, cats were something to look at from a distance – past a certain comfort zone, I always felt like they were liable to claw me without warning. Since we have our own cats, I have learned how to read them a little better, and when they mis-behave, I feel comfortable telling them off – not something I felt able to do with other people’s cats.
Taxis – or rather the fact that almost any ‘normal’ (read not rich) driver would consider stopping to pick up a pedestrian to earn a little extra cash. In Britain, walking everywhere is a lot cheaper than the taxis there, and other than long distance hitch hiking, your options are limited.
Irina – I know I’ve mentioned her already, but I’m not sure what life will be like without her being next to me…
September 17th, 2007 2:48 pm
I, Kara & Muska will miss you lots as well. It will be very strange to come home after work and not have you there. I think we will have to go to sleep earlier, so the time can fly quicker till your return.
September 17th, 2007 3:56 pm
Hmmm, hopefully one day I will learn to type our little black kitten’s name as Kara, not Karra…
Go to sleep earlier? Won’t your bosses complain about snoozing at your keyboard 😉
Seriously, I am really looking forward to the trip right now (as anyone who has recently met me, be it electronically via the blog, in the real world, on the phone or through Messenger and Skype, will have noticed), but the second I go through Astana airport’s security section, I think I will be counting down the hours until I see you again.