Yea for pizza

We slept in the ger last night. Although it was fun, I got little sleep. First, I put my hand in my sleeping bag to rest it on my side, and there was something wet. I pulled my hand away, confused at how I could have spilled water on myself. I shone my headlamp in the bag to discover the smashed remains of a spider. I was paranoid the rest of the night about what other insects to which I might be oblivious. I put my head on the pillow and heard the call to prayers from the mosque. Their calls are short compared to the ones I remember from Turkey. Then, there were the cows. The mooed until late in the night.

This morning started slowly. We went to Alex's apartment for a 9am breakfast. Max did some laundry, and I read. Laundry is quite a commitment. Alex has a small, two-sided washer. You fill the left side with a hose from the sink, adding clothes and soap, then you set the dial to wash. Six minutes later you open the drain on it and put the clothes in the right side. You turn the dial to spin. Three minutes later, you plug the drain of the left side and fill with water again. Add the spun clothes and turn the dial for six minutes of rinse. Drain again, spin again, then hang on the line out on the balcony. That's where they get dirty all over again because of the tremendous dust in the air but at least they smell good.

We ate at our favorite restaurant, Pamakkule, for lunch since it was our last day. Lunch was great. I had the ground lamb kebob again. After our meal we visited the museum, which is currently under remodel. The fumes from the paint and varnish were overpowering, so it was a quick visit. They have two small "stone men" out front, so I had my picture taken with them. Now I have my picture with a small, medium, and large Turkic stone man.

We made a quick trip through the market for a cork and bell pepper. The other day I purchased a thermos with a Persian exterior and glass interior, which they cap with a wood cork. I thought I should buy an extra wood cork because I don't think I'll readily find a replacement in the States. Plus, it cost less than 20 cents. I refrained from buying two at that price. The bell pepper actually cost more at 25 cents. We're making pizza tonight, which I've been promised will be vegetarian; although everything has taken on a mutton taste at this point.

We met Alex at the project. It was too late for a lesson, but we found out that our 7am flight tomorrow will not leave until 8pm; so we'll spend tomorrow learning biz work. Today we gave the women at the project pens, crayons, socks, and toothpicks. They snatched them up, then gave Max and me matching cashmere vests. I couldn't believe their generosity. I gently packed mine and looked forward to the cool fall weather to have a chance to wear it.

Max made a wicked pizza, and my taste buds went to sleep happy.Läs mer