Teaching has started

Suddenly I feel really at home....... students seem to be the same here as they are in England, except I have to remember they are learning in a foreign language.  Those of you who were my colleagues at Richard Hale will remember the 'infamous lunch lessons'..... it would seem I have the equivalent of 'lunch lessons' here in Kazakhstan... and the noisy people stood outside my door.

Having said that... if you don't like teaching these students.... you really won't like teaching anyone.  One of my students has set himself an Economic problem relating to Kazakhstan, and has set himself the taks of researching its resolution......I haven't taught for a few months now... but it is wonderful to be teaching again.

Day of Knowledge

The 1st September is the Day of Knowledge in Kazakhstan a holiday where pupils celebrate coming back to school.   We were invited to turn up to the school at 10.00 to welcome the students and all the parents and staff and pupils were there. 

The new year 7s came down the double staircase waving at the crowds... and the crowds clapped them.

Then was played the Kazakh National Anthem, and everyone joined in placing their right hands on their hearts.

There was also a recital of poetry and students dancing national dances.

 All the people watching are parents and staff.

This singer was very good.... a very pop style....a bit like the X-Factor.

Finally, here I am with my Department..... the most extraordinary collection of subjects.
It is called the Geography Department, but includes Chemistry, Biology, Self Awareness and Esteem, and Economics...... (I am the only Economics teacher)

I am going to sign off for now......

Bernie

I haven't been writing a great deal on my blog..... everyday I intended to write on the blog, but haven't.  Mainly because it has been so busy.   We are getting used to Kazakhstan, but are currently fighting to get a bigger apartment, as the one we are in is only really suitable for one person.

I am in an odd position....... even with my extremely rusty Russian I am finding myself translating into Russian for my English speaking colleagues and into English for my Russian speaking colleagues..... to be honest it all seems a little chaotic.

 Furnished flat?.......mmmmm  not really.

Above is a view out of our window.

Astana is an interesting place, all around you can see building, the wish is to create busy bustling city as soon as possible......  This is me with a few of our friends.... in the distance is the President's Palace, the golden buildings in front of it are known as 'the teapots'  but look at the planted out caterpillar in front of us!

Astana at Night

Walking around Astana town centre at night is truly amazing with brightly lit buildings and artificial brightly lit trees.

Here is a view of the symbol of Astana with the artificial lit up trees in the foreground.

Here is a view of buildings on our way home to our apartment.  The building that looks like a huge Chinese pagoda was donated to Kazakhstan by China and is the nearest of those buildings to where we live, we are about 15 minutes walk from here.

Here are very striking buildings close to Astana town centre.

First Impressions

We are now here.  As we thought Astana is a truly amazing place. 

Our apartment is in a large tower block next to the school, and we managed to get an apartment with views beyond the city to the far reaching countryside beyond the city.

The buildings in Astana are truly amazing, here are some views of Astana at night.....15 minutes walk from our apartment.

Reason For Blog

Hi all, The reason for this blog is so that I can share the experiences and images from our time in Kazakhstan. I really can't imagine what lies ahead, and often memories get distorted, so this will be an ongoing journal of our year there, a record of our thoughts, feelings and impressions.


City Airport.....a tiny little airport in Docklands.  I can't seem to upload photos from my iPad....I will have to wait until I can use my laptop.