Fascism

Here's an interesting conversation. I was talking to a Russian friend of mine about my humble opinion that we shouldn't really be celebrating 'Victory Day.' Yes, I'm fine with a Memory Day, or a Remembrance Day, but I don't see the point of a Victory Day. This was answered with lots of nonsense about how many people died etc. which I responded could be remembered during a Remembrance Day. The next excuse was that it wasn't the killing that we were celebrating, but the victory against fascism. Hmmmm. I bought that for about 10 seconds before I looked up the definition of fascism. If you have the same dictionary as I, I'd like to draw your attention to the combination of state and business leadership, and especially to the part about belligerent nationalism.

Yeah, great job at victory over that, T-stan.

Dizas are Following Me

Heading into the main bazaar yesterday, we happened upon two dizas squatting outside the entrance looking at gold rings. Just knowing that those two fat Turkmen women dictate the quality of items in Turkmenistan is a bit frustrating. I felt like coming up to them and mentioning loudly with lots of hand gestures, that those rings aren't pretty, and are, in fact, quite atrocious! Just buy pretty things! I'm sick of only hot pink and hot green purses on sale at the bazaar! I'm tired of the same three styles of pointy-toed shoes! Buy something I like! Please!

But instead, Courtnee and I merely grabbed each other's hand and steered ourselves away from the people of our Motherland before making a spectacle. Maybe next time.

India Observations #4

I promised myself before getting here that I wouldn't purchase anything pink and/or orange with mirrors sewn on. Courtnee and I made a pact. We were to stop all purchases if containing these colors and items. Since then, I'm sad to report, I have bought something pink, several items with glitter, and a yellowish orange thing. Courtnee has bought something pink, some glitter, and red jeweled item. So much for the pact. At least you'll be able to spot me when I get off of the plane!

India Observations #3

Turkmenistan has given me a few positive things. First and foremost, it was the rage built up from Turkmenistan that aided me in chasing a grown man through a busy train station after he groped me. Yes, chased, caught him twice for long enough to hit him on the head before he was halted by other Indian guys and a police officer. I then yelled to women standing near that their men are a disgrace, pointed him out to the police and yelled, "This man grabbed me! THIS MAN. . . ", and was assured by his restrainers that, "Don't worry, he will be punished." A bit more disgracing, and I asked to be let through the crowd. I guess the observation here is that the old saying is true: If you can brave Peace Corps, you can brave anything.

PS We decided against the train. We're taking a bus.