misc

a few things:

• No more oversized house. I moved a week ago to a new apartment in the center of town. It is basically across the street from work so I can just roll out of bed and into the office now. It is a lot smaller than the house, but still more than I really need. It isn't as nice as the house, but is a quarter of the price. I was impressed by my new landlord though. Not because she did anything special, but because she did what she said she would do. Most landlords in this part of the world ignore your every request once you have paid and moved in. She fixed all the problems and more so I think this apartment will work out well. The only thing I really miss? Having a washing machine.
• One of my few expat friends in Ferghana has been sent home. She helped the local community to put on the Vagina Monologues and Peace Corps didn't approve. Without so much as a written warning, they sent her home. It is sad because she had the local community behind her and was doing some great work getting people to talk about women's issues (something that is definitely needed in this society). She will be missed by all. Hopefully her appeal will be successful and we will see her back here shortly.