I'm Here!

Day 1
I arrived in Astana a little after midnight March 3.  Vlad and Aigerim picked me up at the airport and drove me to Rose's apartment.  According to my time, it was 10AM, so I wasn't very tired.  I had tried to not sleep on the plane so I would be sleepy.  I slept about 7 hours and felt good when I awoke.  But a few hours later I was ready for a nap.  Gulmira picked me up to take me to school, which is just across the street.  Cathy, the vice-principal took me on a tour of the school and introduced me to all the teachers and staff.  There was a quiz later concerning names.  I did not pass.  Rose, Paula and Paula's husband Tom took me to dinner after school.  It was hard to stay awake.  When we got back home, I immediately went to bed.

This is the karaoke place across the street from the apartment.  The red brick building behind it is the school.

Day 2
Today I was tired, but spent most of the day at school.  I'm taking over Mrs. Hollowell's 8 year old class.  There are 10 students.  Another 8 year old class has about that many students, as well.  The students seem calm and studious.  The students are from Israel, Kazakhstan, America, Turkey, and Korea.  Their parents work for the embassy, the university, or the oil companies. The teachers in the school are also international.
All the teachers tell me I've come at a great time.  The weather has warmed up and the skies are clear.  When they say warmed up they mean it gets up to 23 degrees!  So it must have been really cold last week.  The overnight low is around 10. 

                        This is my apartment building.  Actually it is 3 buildings.  I live in the middle one.

The view looking southeast.

                                                             The view looking north. 

Day 3
I have successfully stayed awake all day!  After school I took a walk.  It doesn't seem like it is 23 degrees.  With the sun shining, it seems much warmer.  I found the local convenience store.  It is on the first floor of my building.  The first floor of these buildings is occupied by businesses.  There is a doctor's office, pharmacy, day care and some other businesses I couldn't decipher what.  The big grocery store is down the street about a mile and there are restaurants near the grocery store.  Monday is International Women's Day.  School is closed, so I'll have some time to explore.