Kazakhstan Independence

The fall of the Soviet Union gave the Kazakh people an independent, sovereign nation in 1991. Times were hard as industry and their economy left with the Soviets. Evidence of this is every where in Kokshetau. Many of the soviet era plants and mines now stand vacant. Residents live in small houses or buy apartments in huge cement block buildings. The average monthly salary is about $300 per month with a cost of living that isn't inexpensive. Kokshetau boasts a population of 700,000 people. This is an agricultural area with expansive flat wheat fields. Prospects for new manufacturing is limited. Regardless, people live happy lives, marry, have children and grow old. It surely makes those of us visiting very grateful for who and what we have. Waste is not something that happens here. We joke about the food, but we try to be considerate of our hosts. Most people here believe things will get better and that Kazakhstan has a bright future.
Enough of the soap box. Shall we tell how we had to cancel our dinner out due to the prison break??? No, we'll save that one for tomorrow. We did make an afternoon appearance at the Green Market. Fridays afternoons are very busy, everyone stocking up for the weekend. Pig heads, used in a national dish, were everywhere. Very pleasant.
On to Ryan, who was very smiley and active today. Robert taught him all about the World Series Champion Red Sox's. I think we heard Ryans' first words today, "I hate the Yankees". That boy is sooo ready to come home. We are too. Miss you all - Paka, Paka.