We Know Where We're Going (we think)

There's some news. We found out our dossier is at some ministry in Astana. Better though, it's been suggested that we go to Aqtobe (or Aktobe) because our agency coordinator believes this is the region that most suits us.

Of course I immediately said, "Yes, sounds great! Aktobe will be so exciting."

Now she was kind of quiet and then said, "Great, we'll get your paperwork out there..." And explained why Aktobe was a good place for us to go. I think, in hindsight, she was a little surprised by how excited I was beyond the fact that I was excited to know where our son is, and that things were really moving now. I think she was wondering-- why is this crazy person so excited about going to Aktobe? She knows I'm a research freak, the type that amasses books, reports, websites, etc about everything, so I'm sure she assumed I knew about all the regions in which the agency worked in Kazakhstan.

I did, or so I thought. I thought Aktobe was Aktau, which is on the Caspian Sea. I have a thing about seeing water. I don't particularly like water sports, or even swimming, but I like to see different bodies of water. So Aktau would be great- right on the Caspian Sea, and when would I get a chance to see that again? Unless we go back with little boy for a visit when he's older and can carry his own luggage.

I immediately started doing research. Aktobe of course, isn't Aktau. They're not even near each other. Aktobe isn't on the Caspian Sea. In fact, the guidebook we have describes it as "a drab industrial town"... Wow, sounds a lot like where we live now, except our town is mostly post-industrial. Then I saw the average winter temperature was -18 C. All right, now that's nothing like home.

After reading all that I came across, I decided Aktobe will be a great place to go, even though it's not on the Caspian Sea, and it's a bit farther than slightly off the Silk Road. There's a museum in the city with an English speaking curator. It's not too far from Russia (not really a plus, but it's something). There's a really good Armenian restuarant, and we've never had Armenian food. It was part of the territory of the warlords of the Little Horde, and was the home to thirty-six "Heroes of the Soviet Union" including a cosmonaut. There are also two Russian Orthodox churches, so Father Victor will be happy to know we won't miss Divine Liturgy while we're away.

Most of all, it's where our son is. That's enough to make it worth the trip.