Living My Best Life: AAF Living in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a tad bit different in comparison to the last country I lived in for five months. I’ve been here almost a month and I haven’t ventured out much, that has a lot to do with the transportation system here, I've yet to grasp it. Unlike Japan with their elaborated rail infrastructure traveling everywhere FAST, I haven't seen anything on that scale here in Almaty, at least not yet. One thing they do have a lot of are cars. Toni and I have a driver, a really nice guy, however he scares the ba-gee-zees out of us every time we have to travel somewhere. This dude makes up his own lane! Comes within inches of side swiping other cars and drives at the speed of sound! I’m constantly looking for a seat belt every time I get in the vehicle and in his Russian accent he kindly saids “you don’t have to put on seat belt only I do”. I’m thinking what? Here’s another interesting thing about Almaty, if you have a car you can operate as a taxi! That's right! First time we went out with a guide, she said we’ll take a taxi. I’m thinking “ok cool”. Using the the universal hand signal she proceeds to hail a taxi and low and behold a common car pulls over to the curb! Once again I'm thinking “WHAT-da”! She said something to him in Russian next thing I knew we were off and rolling, he too was making up his own lane. Of course Toni and I will never do this by ourselves in our minds that’s hitchhiking, more important we are in another country, enuff said. I must say when it comes to catching a taxi there is an amazing level of trust in this society, something extremely unique and honorable. Another interesting component is the absence of people of color and I’m talking Black people. Everywhere we go, we’re on display. I previously mentioned it in my vlog on my YouTube page (you can copy and paste this in your URL to check out my vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtYLgxNDW-w&noredirect=1). Penetrating stares follow me everywhere, brings back memories of my stint in Japan. However I learned from my time in Osaka and Tokyo you dismantle all of the above by saying “hello” in their language. It catches them off guard every time. Sometimes I walk away smiling, other times shaking my head. Totally different environment in comparison to my visit to the motherland back in 2006 what a refreshing experience. As well as London and Paris where there is an enormous African and black Caribbean population in those cities. And finally, what I believe is most important is my positive representation. Since most African Americans as well as Africans don't venture to this side of the world, let alone live here, most Russians and Kazich’s have never had a one on one experience with us. It wouldn't surprise to know that most of the population here only sees what outside mainstream media wants them to see and most of that is negative. With that in mind, I remind myself daily that I’m representing my people. I will smile when my ego wants to showcase a glaring frown at another looky loo. I will speak kind words when my ego would rather flip someone off or something close to it. I will show love when I sense hatred. On the flip side, myself along with Toni have also had encounters with individuals who are so receptive and delighted to come in contact/interact with African Americans and that too is refreshing. Almaty, Kazakhstan is a beautiful city boasting 2 million people with an amazingly beautiful mountain region that surrounds the city, absolutely breath taking. I wake up every morning, glance out my window to an amazing array of mountains, some snow capped others icy blue as tall (some taller) and majestic as Mt. Rainier. I love it. Final thought, just so no one gets it twisted my work environment is top notch. I don't regret one moment taking on this experience, its birthing my true self, my divinity. The care and attention that trickles down from upper management to domestic engineers (maid service)and everyone in between have been genuine. Whatever myself or Toni needs they make it happen, making us feel as comfortable as possible. We are treated like nubian queens. And did I mention that its a 5 star business hotel... yeah living my best life. (AAF= African American Female)