Sunday, June 11, 2006

How to Entertain Yourself In Kostanai, Kazakhstan

As if The Attack of the Dandelions weren't enough, now we are dealing with The Attack of the Double H: Heat and Humidity. It's been about 105 degrees here in Kostanai. It's unbearable!! There is no air conditioning anywhere, and the air is still and heavy with humidity. The rooms have no cross-ventilation in this hotel, so it's stifling. And there is no place to 'escape' to -- no air-conditioned malls, or stores or any place. . . . . (we are so spoiled in America, aren't we??). So we take about 4 - 6 baths a day, if not more. Mike needs about 8. And many times a day I mutter to myself feverishly, "Beam me up, Scotty!!!", but unfortunately Scotty is nowhere to be found. So, in order to keep cool, we are forced to sport casual "underwear chic" attire between baths and attempt to stay alive by keeping busy.

Consequently, in order to help those who may find themselves in our situation someday, I've put together a few ways in which One can entertain oneself or One's family with children in Kostanai, Kazakhstan, if it's unbearably hot or not, if one wishes to pay a visit:



One could act in a play about Princesses who are only allowed to marry Princes who come from France and nowhere else (sorry, folks, the plot is too deep and complicated to explain in one posting!!. .) . . . . , or . . .






. . .One could build a fort to fight off the much-dreaded and feared Darth Vader!! . . . . (and 'may The Force be with you' as you do this!!) . . . , or . . .








. . . One could visit Lenin in the Park of Victory for a much-needed tete-a-tete.! . . . .









Or, One could sit around for hours and build from scratch about 7 fairies out of wire for a daughter who adores fairies and demands a Rapunzel, a Bride, etc.!! . . .







Or, perhaps, One could even go to a Baby House and play with an adorable baby in the swing.









If that's not sufficient entertainment, however, One could read and read and read for endless hours, and when all books have been read and One is feeling very brave, One could dive into a 1,000-page Winston Churchill chronicle and lose Oneself in its interesting contents.




But, if One is feeling sick and hot, especially when it's been 105 degrees outside with 90% humidity, One can dunk One's head in a cold bathtub about 8 times, or even go to a local park at the exact moment the sprinkler system comes on and enjoy the glory of its mist!! . . .




That's it -- we hope this has helped some of you who may wish to visit Kostanai in June, that it may enlighten you and give you numerous ideas of healthy entertainment and enjoyment.
Tata for now!!!