Peace Corps Volunteer Erica Bustinza in Kazakstan: Kazak Hospitality



"Since we have been here we have been constantly told about how hospitable and generous the Kazak people are. "They will invite you into their home and feed you until you can't eat anymore. You will be their honored guest." I figured that I just was a defective volunteer or something because after 5 months in this country I had never received such treatment... until Friday."

Peace Corps Volunteer Erica Bustinza in Kazakstan: Kazak Hospitality

Monday, August 15, 2005

Kazak Hospitality

[Excerpt]

Since we have been here we have been constantly told about how hospitable and generous the Kazak people are. "They will invite you into their home and feed you until you can't eat anymore. You will be their honored guest." I figured that I just was a defective volunteer or something because after 5 months in this country I had never received such treatment... until Friday.

I was invited with my friend Fatima to a birthday party for her friend, Mardira (maybe?) and her husband Baha (I think?) It is hard for me to remember people's names here.

They kept serving me first, giving me the biggest peices of meat, and the weirdest part was that they kept toasting to me instead of the birthday people. I kind of felt bad. It was fun though, we had Bishmarmak which is the national dish. It is boiled meat and noodles that you are supposed to eat with your hands. It's ochen good.

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Military Option sparks concerns The U.S. military, struggling to fill its voluntary ranks, is allowing recruits to meet part of their military obligations by serving in the Peace Corps. Read why there is rising opposition to the program among RPCVs. Director Vasquez says the agency has a long history of accepting qualified applicants who are in inactive military status. John Coyne says "Not only no, but hell no!" Latest: RPCV Chris Matthews to discuss the issue on Hardball tonight.

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July 17, 2005: This Week's Top Stories C. Payne Lucas writes "Can we win the war on HIV/Aids?" 11 July Director Vasquez hints at expansion in Bangladesh 17 July Why didn't I spend my life helping others? 17 July John Beasley returns to the islands of Micronesia 17 July Jennifer Field to study glacier melting 17 July Tucker McCravy works with Serendib in Sri Lanka 17 July David Vick writes "Waging civilized warfare" 16 July Tom Petri says Nelson helped to promote civility 16 July Peace Corps Director Visits Volunteers in Mongolia 15 July John Bridgeland writes "An example for Boomers" 15 July Robert Blackwill says India and US have a great future 15 July Peace Corps debuts new internet recruitment tool 14 July Eight New Country Directors Appointed 13 July Shelton Johnson Honored for Buffalo Soldier program 13 July Bill Lorenz leads trek for Sudanese refugees 12 July Emilie Pryor says Peace Corps ignores Lariam problems 12 July DDN is Award Finalist for reporting on PC Safety 11 July Randy Lewis to hire 200 people with cognitive disabilities 10 July Maryland needs people like Tom Lewis 10 July Dan DeWayne puts on music festival 10 July

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