Ipod Flash Drive Failure or 9 cool things KTs done in Turkmenistan

So, still the ipod doesn't want to do its thing. Thats fine. I will try to write it from memory, or as close as I can. Here are 9 COOL THINGS KTS DONE IN TURKMENISTAN in no particular order.

1. Death Moo: My family a few weeks ago slaughtered a cow. I am way closer to my food here than I have every been before. So, back to the cow slaughter. I got to help (in that sort of way that a two year old helps to bake a cake. I mostly cleaned up). It began the day before with the digging of a giant pit for the cows blood because we are in a muslim country here. Then the morning of, (vegetarians might want to go to peta.org now) the cow was trussed up and its throat cut. I did not actually witness the death blow because I am a woman and according to Turkmen supersition, seeing the cow die would cause infertility. I did hear the death moo though. And, I learned several important things, namely that a cow has large stomachs and an amazingly large portion of the cow is edible, despite my thoughts to the contrary. Since death moo, though we've had more meat and more things cooked in beef fat. I'm not above steak; bring on the next cow. (Actually I think the next death will either be our thanksgiving turkey or a ram that will be killed for a muslim holiday in december.)

2. Toys: Turkmen love having a party. I have been to a party for the purchase of a new car, for the return of a relative from the army, for the 41st day since the death of a relative, and for weddings. Weddings are a big deal here, and generally a rocking good time. Here is the break down of most of the weddings that I have attended. Hour 1 is spent testing the band, deciding if we like it, and waiting for the bride and groom to arrive. Hours 2-3 are spent on food. Wedding food goes all out. There are delicious plates of russian salads, bread, sodas, olives, and cookies. Also, usually stuffed peppers or cabbage leaves. Delicious all of it. Hours 4-5 are dancing. Wedding bands and singers can be like rock stars, and weddings are their concerts. I lack the graceful delicacy of most turkmen dance steps, and I have a terrible propensity toward a hip swing (not cool here), but I have a good time. Also when you dance, they hand out hand towels, plastic bags, fly swatters, and occasionally money. Yay for party favors that are actually useful!

OK, so running out of time on the computer so the other 7 cool things I've done in turkmenistan will have to wait, but a sneak preview: 3) Kow Ata, 4) Garasslyk, 5)Freedom 6)ECA 7)Technical Training 8)Other People 9)Something Else that I will remember later.

Oh, and for those who are interested: Kate and Noah are the best site mates ever and Lale greatest most adorable teacher on earth.