Navrus Celebration:
Last Monday we were invited to a celebration at the GMUz Garage. This is the headquarters for the folks who move the cars out on trucks. They also drive buses for employees and personal vehicles for those of us not allowed to drive. I have heard that the department is around 600 people. At least a couple hundred of them were at the party. The place was set up like a wedding reception. In our party was one young lady from China. When we arrived we thought she was the only female in the entire room. There were four other women who came. They were all performers. Some of the music was not good. When one of the women was singing I leaned over to my Chinese friend and asked her if this one was on her iPod. She got close to my ear and said no, this is suicide music. I had to laugh. There was a young lady who sang as well. She had a beautiful voice and sang up tempo songs. She was very enjoyable. One other thing I noticed, whenever a man was singing there would be a steady stream of guys going up to put money in his pockets. I did not see anyone tip any of the women. Most likely for the same reason that there were none invited to the party.
The food was not the best I'd had. There were the usual almonds, pistachios, raisins, apples and pears. The soup was a different one that has a sour component. It reminded me of something Greek. The osh had large pieces of fat in the bowl. It was made of whole grain rice. It was nowhere near as good as the Choi Xana. To drink there was tea as well as some juice and soda. As is my custom, I drank the tea.
Vacation:
I am headed over the mountain to Tashkent this Thursday, March 31st. Friday I fly to Istanbul, JFK and then Nashville. I'll be in Bowling Green for a couple of weeks. I return to UZ on Sunday the 17th. I fly Nashville to LaGuardia, shuttle to JFK then fly to Istanbul and Tashkent. I'll be back to work on Tuesday the 18th. I hope I get to see some of you while I'm in the USA.
Think about me while I'm traveling and be grateful for all you have been given.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Happy Navrus
I have gone dark for a while. I hope you missed me. I'll give you a little of the past few weeks experiences.
Tantana:
This is the nicest restaurant we've been to here. It is in a town called Fargona which is 70 Km from Andijon. In addition to actually being heated, they also have a stage show and dancing. The first time we went was on a Sunday so we did not stay until the end. Last week we had Sunday off so we went on Saturday night. The salads were good. There was one with beets and garlic mushrooms that was unique and delicious. The beef and lamb kabobs were both excellent. The first time we were able to get veggie kabobs. They were very good too. Somehow the second time we never got the communication well enough, so the veggies never appeared. You are never quite sure what will come to the table. Their menus do not have pictures. They had an English one the first time but not the second. The waitress we had did not read English so we had to find the item in the Russian menu. As difficult as that was, it worked well. The second time they did not have an English menu and the result was not as good either.
The show was all dancing. Some was a traditional Asian dance, some modern dance, there were some comedic ones and even a break dancing crew. It was fun and entertaining. After the show is over, the stage becomes a dance floor. Most of us got up there and danced. I kinda hope no one really follows through with the threats to post on You Tube.
The Team Shrinks:
The second night at Tantana was a "You Think You Are Going Away" party for two of the folks that have been here sine January. One was my traveling partner, who returned to his life in Swartz Creek, including a newly retired wife and grand kids who couldn't wait to see him. The other was my new Indian friend who I will always remember as our best negotiator. Then the night before they went back over the mountain, the team leaders in Supply Chain threw a party at UZ Turk. Everyone had lamb chops, except of course the vegetarian Indian. The plant manager was eating with his boss on the other side of the room. They sent over a cake. The team leaders all gave toasts to our friends. By the way, UZ Turk does not allow alcohol but apparently they knew who to pay because three bottles of Vodka delivered to that table during the course of the evening. They all said kind and appreciative words about the two who were leaving. A good time was had by all.
We are now down to the ISPs who are all on 2-3 year assignments, 3 Koreans who are helping with Logistics and Material Handling and Me. The four of us are here until June.
The Quest for a Hat:
One of the guys who was leaving wanted to purchase a traditional fur hat. When we went to Fargona the first time, we went to the Bazaar, in search of a hat. It was larger than the bazaars we had been to in Andijon. There were also a greater diversity of people. It seemed like there was a large population of Russians in this area. I was surprised to see blond hair. We searched the place high and low looking for a hat. Since the season for wearing them is about over, we thought there might be a bargain. The only place that we found which sold these hats was a shoe store. The guy went into the back and came out with a lovely fur hat for which he wanted 800,000 cym. That was so much my friend did not continue, as he was clearly out of his league.
The next weekend, an Uzbek friend of ours came to the cottages to lead us on the next part of the quest. First we went out for a brunch. The soup call legmon is a vegetable noodle soup that you put hot sauce in to taste. It is very good. We also had comco (pr: somsa). It is a meat pastry that will remind folks in Michigan of a pasty. It is just chunks of beef fried with onions then baked in a pastry, which you pick up and eat. They are very good. After brunch it was time to go to the Jamon Bazaar (World Bazaar).
Our guide made a deal with a Damas driver to take us there. It was 10-15 Km away so the ride cost us 9,000 cym. Once we arrived we were amazed. This was the largest bazaar yet. According to our guide, the Andijon area has a population of about 3 million people. Fully one third of them were there on this gorgeous sunny Sunday. This marketplace must be 10 acres of awning covered merchant stands selling everything from kids shoes to fur hats, office supplies, foods and spices, appliances and toys. There is some organization but not much. The aisle ways were so small that as you make your way through you are constantly in contact with one or more people. The trucks that service the area are like big wheel barrows. Whenever one of them is coming through the crowd parts then the ones headed the same direction as the truck fall in behind to make good progress, through the crowd. It was not quite packed like Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras but it was significantly worse than shopping malls during the Christmas shopping rush. I have no great desire to return. One thing did strike me while we were there. The people were dressed very nicely and many of the items for purchase seemed decent quality. There were many cars in the parking lots, in addition to the long lines of Damases and taxis. It seemed to me like there really is a middle class beginning to emerge, in this valley.
The mission was of course for a hat. Our guide knew where to go so we proceeded through the throng in search of the hat. Once we got to the "Hat Department" there were a number of pushy vendors who wanted to sell a foreigner a hat for dollars. We had to convince them that we were paying cym. Our friend made his purchase. It was a classic brown one, most likely of otter. It cost him a bit over 200,000 cym. That was his price range.
Just Having Fun:
Today, our same Uzbek friend came by to pick up some items one of those who returned home had left behind. We repeated some aspects of previous trips. We had legmon and comco. He and my boss got haircuts. My boss was really surprised by the place because it is a salon full of beautiful women. Since he is a single guy, they found him very interesting as well. The manager in that place is the one who asked me if I wanted another wife the last time I was there. She is very out spoken and has the girls in there laughing all of the time. The power was out much of the time we were there. The two of them moved closer to the windows and the haircuts continued electricity free. The power did come back on when they were finishing up. However, there was no time for me to get a cut. I may try one more time or I might just wait until I return to my favorite barber, who gives me special haircuts, in my own driveway. After the hair salon we were off to the Yangi Bazaar, to get my weekly supply of apples. When my apple girl put them on the scale, she entered 6500 cym/kg. I gave her a look as if I were feeling a little hurt. She reduced it to the price I had been paying, 6000 cym/kg. The total was 8700 so I gave her 9000. She added an orange to my bag. While I was there the woman from the next stand over got my attention. She did that thing with her left ring finger again. The guys want to know if the shop will change names after the wedding. When we got back I cut up an apple for them. They all agreed it was simply delicious. I think maybe I convinced them that I go there because she gives me the best apples, not because I am looking for another wife.
The Weather:
OK, this was weird. Last week the temperatures were climbing each day. The forecast was calling for snow on Wednesday. I kid you not, it was 77 degrees on Tuesday and we woke up to a half inch of snow on the ground on Wednesday. The people here said it was very strange to have such a variation over night. I was amazed by the accuracy of the forecast. They had been calling for the increasing temperatures and the snow for an entire week. We are now back up in the 60s with the 70s just around the corner and no snow in the forecast.
Navrus:
Today is the third day since I have been here that I did not go to the plant. Tomorrow will be the forth. It is a New Years type holiday in celebration of the vernal equinox. In ancient times the holiday was a celebration of the light overcoming the darkness. We don't have any plans but I hope to at least take a walk to see what people do to celebrate Navrus.
In the End:
I am really having a wonderful experience. I can not thank GM and my family enough for affording me this opportunity. I suspect that there will be more opportunities in our future as a result of this one. I am grateful. Now that you have finished another account of mine, take some time to think about some of the things in your life, that you take for granted and be grateful, today.
Tantana:
This is the nicest restaurant we've been to here. It is in a town called Fargona which is 70 Km from Andijon. In addition to actually being heated, they also have a stage show and dancing. The first time we went was on a Sunday so we did not stay until the end. Last week we had Sunday off so we went on Saturday night. The salads were good. There was one with beets and garlic mushrooms that was unique and delicious. The beef and lamb kabobs were both excellent. The first time we were able to get veggie kabobs. They were very good too. Somehow the second time we never got the communication well enough, so the veggies never appeared. You are never quite sure what will come to the table. Their menus do not have pictures. They had an English one the first time but not the second. The waitress we had did not read English so we had to find the item in the Russian menu. As difficult as that was, it worked well. The second time they did not have an English menu and the result was not as good either.
The show was all dancing. Some was a traditional Asian dance, some modern dance, there were some comedic ones and even a break dancing crew. It was fun and entertaining. After the show is over, the stage becomes a dance floor. Most of us got up there and danced. I kinda hope no one really follows through with the threats to post on You Tube.
The Team Shrinks:
The second night at Tantana was a "You Think You Are Going Away" party for two of the folks that have been here sine January. One was my traveling partner, who returned to his life in Swartz Creek, including a newly retired wife and grand kids who couldn't wait to see him. The other was my new Indian friend who I will always remember as our best negotiator. Then the night before they went back over the mountain, the team leaders in Supply Chain threw a party at UZ Turk. Everyone had lamb chops, except of course the vegetarian Indian. The plant manager was eating with his boss on the other side of the room. They sent over a cake. The team leaders all gave toasts to our friends. By the way, UZ Turk does not allow alcohol but apparently they knew who to pay because three bottles of Vodka delivered to that table during the course of the evening. They all said kind and appreciative words about the two who were leaving. A good time was had by all.
We are now down to the ISPs who are all on 2-3 year assignments, 3 Koreans who are helping with Logistics and Material Handling and Me. The four of us are here until June.
The Quest for a Hat:
One of the guys who was leaving wanted to purchase a traditional fur hat. When we went to Fargona the first time, we went to the Bazaar, in search of a hat. It was larger than the bazaars we had been to in Andijon. There were also a greater diversity of people. It seemed like there was a large population of Russians in this area. I was surprised to see blond hair. We searched the place high and low looking for a hat. Since the season for wearing them is about over, we thought there might be a bargain. The only place that we found which sold these hats was a shoe store. The guy went into the back and came out with a lovely fur hat for which he wanted 800,000 cym. That was so much my friend did not continue, as he was clearly out of his league.
The next weekend, an Uzbek friend of ours came to the cottages to lead us on the next part of the quest. First we went out for a brunch. The soup call legmon is a vegetable noodle soup that you put hot sauce in to taste. It is very good. We also had comco (pr: somsa). It is a meat pastry that will remind folks in Michigan of a pasty. It is just chunks of beef fried with onions then baked in a pastry, which you pick up and eat. They are very good. After brunch it was time to go to the Jamon Bazaar (World Bazaar).
Our guide made a deal with a Damas driver to take us there. It was 10-15 Km away so the ride cost us 9,000 cym. Once we arrived we were amazed. This was the largest bazaar yet. According to our guide, the Andijon area has a population of about 3 million people. Fully one third of them were there on this gorgeous sunny Sunday. This marketplace must be 10 acres of awning covered merchant stands selling everything from kids shoes to fur hats, office supplies, foods and spices, appliances and toys. There is some organization but not much. The aisle ways were so small that as you make your way through you are constantly in contact with one or more people. The trucks that service the area are like big wheel barrows. Whenever one of them is coming through the crowd parts then the ones headed the same direction as the truck fall in behind to make good progress, through the crowd. It was not quite packed like Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras but it was significantly worse than shopping malls during the Christmas shopping rush. I have no great desire to return. One thing did strike me while we were there. The people were dressed very nicely and many of the items for purchase seemed decent quality. There were many cars in the parking lots, in addition to the long lines of Damases and taxis. It seemed to me like there really is a middle class beginning to emerge, in this valley.
The mission was of course for a hat. Our guide knew where to go so we proceeded through the throng in search of the hat. Once we got to the "Hat Department" there were a number of pushy vendors who wanted to sell a foreigner a hat for dollars. We had to convince them that we were paying cym. Our friend made his purchase. It was a classic brown one, most likely of otter. It cost him a bit over 200,000 cym. That was his price range.
Just Having Fun:
Today, our same Uzbek friend came by to pick up some items one of those who returned home had left behind. We repeated some aspects of previous trips. We had legmon and comco. He and my boss got haircuts. My boss was really surprised by the place because it is a salon full of beautiful women. Since he is a single guy, they found him very interesting as well. The manager in that place is the one who asked me if I wanted another wife the last time I was there. She is very out spoken and has the girls in there laughing all of the time. The power was out much of the time we were there. The two of them moved closer to the windows and the haircuts continued electricity free. The power did come back on when they were finishing up. However, there was no time for me to get a cut. I may try one more time or I might just wait until I return to my favorite barber, who gives me special haircuts, in my own driveway. After the hair salon we were off to the Yangi Bazaar, to get my weekly supply of apples. When my apple girl put them on the scale, she entered 6500 cym/kg. I gave her a look as if I were feeling a little hurt. She reduced it to the price I had been paying, 6000 cym/kg. The total was 8700 so I gave her 9000. She added an orange to my bag. While I was there the woman from the next stand over got my attention. She did that thing with her left ring finger again. The guys want to know if the shop will change names after the wedding. When we got back I cut up an apple for them. They all agreed it was simply delicious. I think maybe I convinced them that I go there because she gives me the best apples, not because I am looking for another wife.
The Weather:
OK, this was weird. Last week the temperatures were climbing each day. The forecast was calling for snow on Wednesday. I kid you not, it was 77 degrees on Tuesday and we woke up to a half inch of snow on the ground on Wednesday. The people here said it was very strange to have such a variation over night. I was amazed by the accuracy of the forecast. They had been calling for the increasing temperatures and the snow for an entire week. We are now back up in the 60s with the 70s just around the corner and no snow in the forecast.
Navrus:
Today is the third day since I have been here that I did not go to the plant. Tomorrow will be the forth. It is a New Years type holiday in celebration of the vernal equinox. In ancient times the holiday was a celebration of the light overcoming the darkness. We don't have any plans but I hope to at least take a walk to see what people do to celebrate Navrus.
In the End:
I am really having a wonderful experience. I can not thank GM and my family enough for affording me this opportunity. I suspect that there will be more opportunities in our future as a result of this one. I am grateful. Now that you have finished another account of mine, take some time to think about some of the things in your life, that you take for granted and be grateful, today.
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