Experiences
We surveyed all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers from Uzbekistan and asked these simple questions:
Name?
Where You Live?
What You Miss Most About Uzbekistan?
What You Miss Least About Uzbekistan?
Do You Have Any Lingering Intestinal Problems?
What Is the Greatest Thing You've Done Since the Peace Corps?
Other Stuff You Want To Boast About?
What Is Your Worst Lingering Memory About the Peace Corps?
What is Your Best Souviner From Uzbekistan?
Thoughts on new Star Wars Movie?
Want A Reunion in 2000?
Any Other Comments, Special Messages, Diatribes?
Name: Scott Bernstein, UZ1
Where I live: On a lush 65 acre farm in Western Wisconsin. My address is :
RT 4, Box 113; Viroqua, WI 54665
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Samarkand, local friends, having lots of
free time to read, waiting in line for everything.
What I miss the least: Doomba, Vodka, being on parade 24 hours a day,
waiting in line for everything
Lingering intestinal problems? Oh yeah (the gift that keeps on giving)
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Got Married
The Next Big Thing: Bought a house and farm
Other stuff I want to boast about: Started my own business delivering
computer training.
Worst lingering memory of PC: "Friends" stealing things from me.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Tapestries
Favorite 80s song: Any song by REO Speedwagon, Journey or Foreigner
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace:Lame
Reunion 2000?:Please
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Come visit on the farm, all
RPCV's are welcome.
Name: Tom Bissell (Uz4)
Where I live: New York City
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The steaming plav
What I miss the least: The second time I would see that steaming plav
Lingering intestinal problems? See above
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Got my medical
reimbursement money out of them
The Next Big Thing: Peanut butter and toast
Other stuff I want to boast about: My record-breaking yam
Worst lingering memory of PC: When Laurence Fishburne gets killed
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: The kilo of pure, uncut Afghan tripweed
Favorite 80s song: "Mexican Radio"
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Darth Maul in 2000--because it's
time for a president whose saber has *two* ends
Reunion 2000?: As long as it's not at my house . . .
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Peace and hair grease,
ya'll
Michelle Bowden, Uz4
Where I live: The greatest apartment in downtown Portland, Oregon
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Somsa
What I miss the least: "Oling, eeching, yeing"
Lingering intestinal problems? No more, thank god. And I've weaned myself
off of sheep fat. Food ehre isn't so tasteless anymore.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Leaving my hometown. Oh,
yeah, and getting married.
The Next Big Thing: Finding a decent job.
Other stuff I want to boast about:
Worst lingering memory of PC: Cold wind blowing through the cracks in my
windows, no gas, house shaking. Portland rain is not so bad.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan:vTranscribed songs, thanks to Gulnora.
Favorite 80s song:
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace:I had to see it twice to decipher what certain characters were saying. Fell asleep during the second time.
Name: Lisa Boylan, Uz 1
Where I live: Silver Spring, MD
What I miss most about Uzbeksitan: the blue domes of Samarkand
What I miss the least: public transportation and the crush of humanity
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Having my son Dylan
The Next Best Thing: buying a house
Other stuff I want to boast about: I like my job
Worst lingering memory of Peace Corps: dollar bor-ma?
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Muhitdin
Favorite '80's song: Avalon by Roxy Music
Comments on Star Wars Phantom Menace: Haven't seen it
Reunion 2000: Could be
Name: Ben & Shahnoza Calvert (Uz2)
Where I live: France, for the moment
What I miss most about Uzbekistan:
What I miss the least:
Lingering intestinal problems? Nope, didn't have any there either. Remember
our PCMO who claimed to have had the big D for 4 years after the
Phillipines? (Uzbek II people, would remember Tracy, I guess) Now I beg
Shahnoza to cook plov with extra grease.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Beer and Bratwurst. Mmmmm.
The Next Big Thing: Get admitted to grad school and study in French
Geneva while squeezing classes into 3-day weeks to make time to see Europe.
Other stuff I want to boast about: We're planning to go back this fall.
Can I bring anyone a stale monti?
Worst lingering memory of PC: Holding back the urge to barf in the back
seat of a Jiguli without any gas at night in the middle of the desert in
Khorezm. (Remember, Joe?)
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: My wife. And lots of carpets. And korpas.
Come to our house and you'll swear you were still there...
Favorite 80s song: All of them, as long as they're not techno.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I succumbed and was glad I did
Reunion 2000?: Let's do it in the spring--God willing, we'll have jobs and
be back in Asia by June.
Name: Janet Cavallo, (Uz3)
Where I live: Washington, D.C., in beautiful Mount Pleasant - come visit!
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Bella, my host sisters, & fourth form
students, eating with my fingers
What I miss the least: cab drivers, mutton, cold plov for breakfast, salty
tea with bits of dirt and sand floating around the bottom of the cup
Lingering intestinal problems? Never had any to begin with.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Found a bar in DC that
serves $2 pints
The Next Big Thing: working my way through the New York Times alphabetical
film review archive to watch all the movies I missed while in Uzbekistan.
Other stuff I want to boast about: I still remember Uzbek curse words.
Worst lingering memory of PC: potatoes
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: A binder my cousin made of the letters I
wrote her during my service; photos; my summer camp wish book
Favorite 80s song: Skylarking (fave CD, can't narrow down songs)
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: No plans to see it, but I highly
recommend "My Son the Fanatic."
Reunion 2000?: Only if there's a mandatory field day and talent show.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: For once, no.
Name: Glenda Cognevich, Uz1
Where I live: Washington, DC
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Friends that I made there.
What I miss the least: The food
Lingering intestinal problems? No
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Adandon my former career and
move to DC
The Next Big Thing: Divorce my deadbeat husband!
Other stuff I want to boast about:
Worst lingering memory of PC: Aforementioned deadbeat husband
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Memories of good friends and good times.
Favorite 80s song: End of the World (REM)
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: None
Reunion 2000?: OK
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: My apologies to all the Uz1
gang for not keeping in touch. What can I say? I hardly wrote my family
when I was in Tashkent. Laura Michalik wrote my mother more than I did! I
would love to hear from you guys. My email:
glendacog@prodigy.net. Congratulations to Dave Underwood and Bill Sandve on
becoming fathers!
Name: Liz Cohen (Uz4)
Where I live: Jackson, WY
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: My cat
What I miss the least: My outhouse
Lingering intestinal problems? Sorry guys - never once had any intestinal
problems...
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Ran the Marine Corps
Marathon last October (under the watchful eye Miss MaryKate (Mopie) Behan).
The Next Big Thing: every day is big...
Other stuff I want to boast about: n/a
Worst lingering memory of PC: Peace Corps staff
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: My wonderful local friends
Favorite 80s song: I think my favorites are all from the 70's..
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Liam Neeson - Yum.
Reunion 2000?: Somewhere central..U.S...
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes:Thanks for keeping us all
tuned in to the old country..
Name: Joe Dalsin (Uz2)
Where I live: Davis, CA
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: My host brothers. Speaking crappy Uzbek.
What I miss the least: Terrorist hospitality
Lingering intestinal problems? No. But everytime I get sick I remember a
particularly bad night in Uzbekistan and it makes me feel much better.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Proposed marriage.
The Next Big Thing: Started a small bookselling business.
Other stuff I want to boast about: We climbed half-dome in Yosemite.
Worst lingering memory of PC: Training.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: A carpet
Favorite 80s song: Anything by Duran Duran
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Lame characters.
Reunion 2000?: Hot damn.
Name: Fred Denker (Uz3)
Where I live: Houston, TX
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: KGB
What I miss the least: Plov
Lingering intestinal problems? None
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Bone marrow transplant
The Next Big Thing: New Volvo
Other stuff I want to boast about: Daughter is getting married in New
Orleans next November
Worst lingering memory of PC: It was all pretty good
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: A Choost knife
Favorite 80s song: '80s? How about 50s....Shake, Rattle and Roll
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Reagan was right!
Reunion 2000?: Assuming that the world doesn't come to an end, how about New
Orleans or Fort Worth?
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: I'm weary of hearing about
the Kennedy Curse. Sorry about John, et al, but enough is enough.
Name: Philip DesAutels, Uz2
Where I live: Denver, CO
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The Tool Bazar, Kamola's Food
What I miss the least: Fat Tail Sheep, peace Corps Administration
Lingering intestinal problems? None
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Worked as a Research
Scientist at MIT
The Next Big Thing: Moved to Denver, bought a house, working for a startup
Other stuff I want to boast about: Michele and I are going to have our 5th
anniversary this Christmas
Worst lingering memory of PC: Incompetent Administration
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: The rear chrome tail light from a 50's Volga
Favorite 80s song: Banafsha
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: And, so....
Reunion 2000?: Yes!
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Hi to everyone. Michele and
I are here in denver and would love to get together with anyone else in the
area.
Name: Cinda Dietrich (Uz 3)
Where I live: 551 Telford Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45419
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: summer camp, my kids, my friends. Jen's
home-made potato chips
What I miss the least: the "airport"
Lingering intestinal problems? only when I think about calf/leg/marrow
pudding stuff
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps:
The Next Big Thing: move the **!##*!%!!**##! outta Dayton
Other stuff I want to boast about: I wish there was
Worst lingering memory of PC: the Chorsu
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: a 500 sum huge suzannai from the
Shaqrasab's bazaar.
Favorite 80s song: "Rapture" Blondie
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: awesome
Reunion 2000?: how about post NYE somewhere. anywhere. maybe New Orleans
would be fun.
Name:Dewi Djunaidy (Uz4)
Where I live:15 Kirkland Rd., Cambridge, MA 02138
What I miss most about Uzbekistan:running away from small heavily armed
children
What I miss the least:wiping with rocks
Lingering intestinal problems?no
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps:does "becoming less bitter"
count?
The Next Big Thing:figured out what I don't want to do with my life
Other stuff I want to boast about:I'm not boastful
Worst lingering memory of PC:running for my life
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan:pictures and letters from my students
Favorite 80s song:Come on Eileen?
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace:sucked
Reunion 2000?:why not?
Name: Kate Donley (Uz4)
Where I live: Flagstaff, Az.
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Lag'mon, produce, my old counterpart
What I miss the least: somsa, "Americalik!!!!", bureaucracy, being cold
Lingering intestinal problems? regularity is a wonderful state of being
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: India
The Next Big Thing: graduate school
Other stuff I want to boast about: An article I wrote was accepted by
"Forum" but I don't know when/if they'll publish it.
Worst lingering memory of PC: where do I begin?
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: the Qozon
Favorite 80s song: I try to forget the eighties.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I saw the second show! Glad I
could see it. Wasn't a great movie though.
Reunion 2000?: Count me in!
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: none. I only diatribe on
the telephone.
Name: Meg Downing (Uz2)
Where I live: Durango, CO
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The scenic vistas from my counterpart's
5th Microregion apartment.
What I miss the least: The fear of sexual harassment and assault. The need
to be constantly aware of what and who is going on around you.
Lingering intestinal problems? Koneshno! The doctors here are clueless.
The specialists wanted me to mail my poop to the Smoky Mountains for
research, but I couldn't do it. I just couldn't, you know, the pressure to
perform like that.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Travel Thailand, India,
Nepal, and all across the U.S. Getting married. Rafting one of North
America's longest Class 5 rivers (the Animas, which runs through Durango).
The Next Big Thing: China, Indochina or Southeast Asia
Other stuff I want to boast about: I smile all the time now. Jimmy, the
owner of the sub shop where I eat lunch everyday calls me the happy girl.
It's a pretty big deal for me, considering how depressed I was when I left
Central Asia.
Worst lingering memory of PC: Skidmarks on my host father's underwear, which
he displayed so artistically across the heating pipes in the bathroom.
Thanks, Dad.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: A beautiful green silk paranja, complete
with silver tassles and a horse-hair vail.
Favorite 80s song: I'm trying to blast that part of musical history from my
memory.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I didn't see the first 3 Star
Wars until I was 21. My parents only let us watch animated violence.
Reunion 2000?: Yeehaa. Ya'll come on down to Durango, bring yer git
fiddles.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Janet, Sophie, Melissa -
thanks a ton for all your hard work on the newsletter, web page and
everything else. Its great! Also, here's our address, etc for the RPCV
list:
Name: Steve Downing (Uz2)
Where I live: Durango, Co
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Embracing the Uzbek Work Ethic
What I miss the least:T eaching
Lingering intestinal problems? Nothing Chemotherapy hasn't cured
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Solid feces three days
running, Oh and marrying Meg
The Next Big Thing: China
Other stuff I want to boast about: Cool job managing overseas distribution
for an American start-up
Worst lingering memory of PC: "Ah, yes, I'm ready to order. I'd like the
sheep's ass lard and marrow chunk platter."
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Knife
Favorite 80s song:
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: George Lucas is a pud
Reunion 2000?:If you pay for my flight
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Thanks for keeping the
newsletter going. It's great fun, and I certainly appreciate having to take
no responsibillity for it whatsoever.
Name: Beth Dryer (Uz2)
Where I live: Ithaca, New York
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Pilav; Larissa, Alsiher(lar), Rick are
you still there Guy? Those pingpong paddle girls in the metro.
What I miss the least: heatless winters
Lingering intestinal problems? no, but I'll never be the same
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: got over the intestinal
problems; found a job that fosters multi-culturalism-- I started a
multi-cultural club at the high school where I work and incorporate
Uzbekistan into every lesson: "Ms. Dryer, we know....When you were in
Uzbekistan...."
The Next Big Thing:
Other stuff I want to boast about: heading out to Seatlle-Tacoma next fall
for another master's degree program in conflict resolution and/or program
development that incorporates multiculturalism in both the private and
public sectors (i.e. schools, corporate America).
Worst lingering memory of PC: Training
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: journal
Favorite 80s song:
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I've BEEN to Tunisia!!!
Reunion 2000?: How about 2001 or -05?
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: yeah, how come nobody has
come to visit ME?!!!
Name: Pat Fratangelo (Uz 4)
Where I live: Columbia, SC
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The people! And, plov.
What I miss the least: the pit toilets
Lingering intestinal problems? Yes.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: entered grad school at the
University of South Carolina in January 1999; working on a Masters of
Library and Information Science. Also, become a grandmother for the second
time! (It was a *lot* of work :-) .
The Next Big Thing: My two wonderful grandchildren, Jayde, age 2-1/2 and
Zane, age 2 months.
Other stuff I want to boast about:
Worst lingering memory of PC: a very bad experience with another PCV
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: memories
Favorite 80s song: [sorry, I was so busy being a single mother I didn't
notice]
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: haven't seen it [I'm a starving
grad student - no money for movies]
Reunion 2000?: might be nice - after I finish my last class in early July
but before 9of after) graduation in August.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: My experience in
Uzbekistan was great. I'm glad I did it. Also, thanks to Janet and Melissa
for keeping us informed and in touch!
Name: George Hofheimer (Uz1) and Carrie Sachse (Uz1)
Where I live: Madison, WI
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The Bizaar Bazaars
What I miss the least: Hassles from militia and seeing Rick Thomas naked more than once!
Lingering intestinal problems? You betcha ya...I shit my pants at least once a month!
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Being a Father
The Next Big Thing: Another kid
Other stuff I want to boast about: Carrie, my wife and RPCV of Uz1, is a cop
in Madison and my son Huck at only 4 years old can tie his shoes
Worst lingering memory of PC: Endless vodka
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Soviet gas mask, Turkmen carpet of Lenin
with the following slogan: "Let the children be happy"
Favorite 80s song: I Wear My Sunglasses at Night, Cory Hart
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: It sucked, but Huckloved it.
Reunion 2000?: Sure why not...lets incorporate camping and jello wrestling somehow.
Name: Sokolchi
Where I live: Scotia, NY, but not for much longer
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Speaking Russian with someone other than
myself or my cat.
What I miss the least: A bit too pat to say "everything else"...so I'll
arbitrarily go with "Na! Ma! Na! Ol! Na! Ol!"
Lingering intestinal problems? Can't eat dairy and citrus together.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Read Dostoevsky's "Brothers
Karamazov" in the original.
The Next Big Thing: Getting the hell out of Dodge--two wheels, a tent, and
a dream.
Other stuff I want to boast about: I still have more money than you.
Worst lingering memory of PC: The specter of Holodyets.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Russian (more portable than my rug) and the
slim possibility of playing host to Anthrax virus. (Sorry, I know that's
_two_ souvenirs.)
Favorite 80s song: ????????
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Here are a bunch of people, and
boy, do they hate each other. If you don't ask why, it's fun.
Reunion 2000?: Nichevo nyeh govaryoo na etot schyot.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Can someone please send
the East Coast some rain?
Name: Kent (Uz3)
Where I live: Kansas City
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Chad, Matt and Jeremy
What I miss the least: Smarm
Lingering intestinal problems? No way
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: got married
The Next Big Thing: Remembered
Other stuff I want to boast about: Nothing, really
Worst lingering memory of PC: What was our director's name?
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: friends
Favorite 80s song: ABC's "Be Near Me"
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Why? Eye's Wide Shut is a
mind-blower. This has been a strong year for movies.
Reunion 2000?: Padre Island
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Hope everyone is doing
well.
Name: Frank Lum (Uz1)
Where I live: Portland, OR
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Going back to Tashkent in spring, walking
around in the morning when it's still cool outside
What I miss the least: Uzbek guys (grrr...)
Lingering intestinal problems? dry crusty liver the size of a golf ball
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: got married (to another
PCV)
The Next Big Thing: buy a house (anybody got $175,000?)
Other stuff I want to boast about: gained 30 lbs since coming back to USA
Worst lingering memory of PC: Blowing off a guy who wanted to trade Russian
lessons for English lessons, and having him die 2 weeks later
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: velour chapon
Favorite 80s song: Accidents Will Happen
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: wanted to see more of that
red-faced devil dude
Name: Melissa Miller (Uz3)
Where I live: In a red log cabin with a view of Puget Sound, twenty minutes
from the Canadian Border in Bellingham, Washington
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Twelve hours of sleep and FREE TIME.
What I miss the least: Men
Lingering intestinal problems? Everything. Nothing STOPPED.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Finished a novel.
The Next Big Thing: Got a dog.
Other stuff I want to boast about: Discovered the beauty of moist
towellettes. Actually used my Uzbek in a moment of crisis. Found comfort
in cola. Raised over $50,000 in grants. Sucked President CLinton's cock.
Worst lingering memory of PC: Dan Donaghue calling me in Bukhara and
telling me to "come home" in a voice that clearly said, "you're screwed,
little bitch."
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Golden two foot tall tea cozy.
Favorite 80s song: "Rock me Amadeus" by Falco
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I wish David Lynch had directed.
Reunion 2000?: Damn straight.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Sometimes I miss plov. Most
of the time, though....I don't.
Name: Jeffrey Olson (Uz4)
Where I live: 1385 W. University Ave. #268 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The food. Seriously. I loved plov,
lagmon, shashlik, and pretty much anything else I bought on the street. It
was cheap, too. And when are you gonna have tomatoes like that again?
Never.
What I miss the least: Sad to say, the people. There are exceptions, of
course, but generally I'm happy to be away from the day-to-day treatment I
received over there.
Lingering intestinal problems? Nope. I think all the bugs I picked up in
India killed the ones from Uzbekistan.
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Walked down the street
holding hands with my wife without worrying about getting harrassed!
The Next Big Thing: Making a fortune day trading on the internet. I wish!
Kate and I are hiking the Grand Canyon in October. Anybody else interested?
Other stuff I want to boast about:A feature I wrote about Uzbekistan was
published in Games magazine.
Worst lingering memory of PC: The Andijon airport getting closed by snow on
the day we were supposed to leave, three days before COS.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan:
1. Probably my chopons - I'll know this winter.
2. A great nardo board decorated with Margilon-style painting.
3. Our kozon.
Favorite 80s song: Tough one. Probably "Tenderness" by General Public.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Anybody else got a contract out on
George Lucas?
Reunion 2000?: I'd love to go. Since all you guys live in Washington, it'll
probably be there, right? That's a big trip for us.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: I miss my PC buddies. I
guess it should be no surprised that I feel closer to them than the friends
I left behind. When are you guys coming to visit? We can go see the Canyon
and . . . Hoover Dam!
Name: Norma Polanco (Uz2)
Where I live: Chicago
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The sense that every activity was a
story and everyday an adventure. Corny, but true.
What I miss the least: The catcalls.
Lingering intestinal problems? Unfortunately no, since I gained weight
instead of losing weight when I was over there
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Gone to Cuba.
The Next Big Thing: Am director of a non-profit agency.
Other stuff I want to boast about: I'm in grad school and half way done.
Worst lingering memory of PC: Dan Donaghue. And Karen. And those
hangovers.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: A number of permanent bruises and pretty
suzannas.
Favorite 80s song: Slave to Love by Roxy Music
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Sucked.
Reunion 2000?: Cool, but in Cuba!
Name: Sarah E. Prosser (Uz3)
Where I live: Cambridge, Massachusetts (most of the year). Right now,
Washington, DC. Originally, Indiana, U.S.A.
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: my host family, my local friends, and
plov
What I miss the least: men and young children on the street
Lingering intestinal problems? ability to drink too much vodka
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: survived my first year of
law school. This was great for me personally, not in any world-helping
sense.
The Next Big Thing: helped to promote NGO activity in Central Asia with
USAID in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Other stuff I want to boast about: I still love the Russian language and am
trying to keep improving my language skills. Someday, I hope to continue my
Uzbek studies, too.
Worst lingering memory of PC: nothing too tragic. Unfortunately, it's all
taking on a rosy, romantic glow in my memory. I need to fight against that
and remember the bad parts, too. Uzbekistan, and everything that went with
it, was not easy.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: photos, big Uzbek knife, and ability to use
a pit toilet
Favorite 80s song: Galileo (or was that a '90s song?). Still, by learning
every freaking word by heart and singing it upteen times with Angie and
Cinda, it is my Peace Corps anthem.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: It's an easy movie to pick apart
critically. The blatant racism, idiotic Jar-Jar, and too-long race scene
left me uncomfortable with a 100% approval. Still, it is the prequel to a
defining trilogy of our youth (for those who grew up in the late '70s and
'80s). I couldn't help but enjoy it. The flying city scenes and the
set-up for the coming movies left me anxious to see all six movies in order.
Despite its flaws, the Phantom Menace was great.
Reunion 2000?: hmm...
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Big thanks to Melissa and
Janet for all your hard work on the newsletter and the web. I'm always
happy to learn about the goings-on of our RPCVs. Best wishes to everyone!
-john rivers (Uz4)
-royal oak, michigan (5 miles north/west of detroit)
-i miss living in a town where everybody walks and public transportation is
a viable option.
-UH (or however that grunt is spelled)! AMERICANSKI! HA-HA-HA-HA! CHUNMAIDE
COO. UH! UH! UH! UH! UH!
- i'm happy to say my bowel movements are rock hard and of a color that was
never popular in the 80's.
- i have done nothing significant since peace corps but i'm proud to have
found a job and be supporting myself.
-marriage to my little russian neighbor back in gijduvan
- 3 new nieces
- it has to be "the night of the turkish tour guide" in gijduvan.
- multiple: one traditional gijduvan ceramic bowl (cracked), one exceptional
road movie that only peace corps volunteers would understand (maybe), one
knife made by my friend's brother in prison, and a couple of cool pictures.
- "the phoenix" by the cult
- i don't know which was dumber, putting samuel l. jackson in a role that
has him saying truly ridiculous things, the carribean water ewoks, or
anything little anakin said. natalie portman is hot.
- reunion sounds good. i suggest michigan.
- no diatribes. no messages. no comments.
Name: Jeff Ryder (Uz3)
Where I live: I will be living in Thailand until September, at which point
I move back to Cambridge, Massachusetts (living with Dewi)
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Naps
What I miss the least: Orzigul's (my host mother) horrible spitting habit
Lingering intestinal problems? Swamp ass
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Survived an interrogation
by Russian security forces after failing to infiltrate a military base on
the border of Armenia and Georgia. Survived an encounter with Armenian arms
dealers the next day (true story).
The Next Big Thing: Working on a project for Lockheed Martin's next
generation space shuttle - The VentureStar
Other stuff I want to boast about: I plan to publish both of my graduate
school theses this fall. I accepted a job recently with CSP, an aerospace
consulting firm in Boston. I received a scholarship to study at the summer
session of the International Space University, being held this summer in
Khorat, Thailand. Spent a couple of weeks recently in Costa Rica with Dewi.
Observed sloths.
Worst lingering memory of PC: It's a tie between my near-deathexperience
from drinking too much bad vodka with John Rivers...and...Bo's toes.
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Two large, hand-made swords each with my
name engraved in Arabic.
Favoirte 80s song: "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Lucas gets the hose.
Reunion 2000?: Not without Shokhrud we won't.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: I am much fatt
Name: Angela Mukharamov (formerly Silvagni)
Where I live: St. Paul, Minnesota in an apartment on "Grand" Avenue
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: the melons, chaka, and pilov, I miss
seeing my peace corps friends!!
What I miss the least: slimy men
Lingering intestinal problems? thank god, no
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Got Married!!!!!!
The Next Big Thing: Trained for and ran a marathon
Other stuff I want to boast about: I am working for the MN state senate,
lost 10 pounds, am happily married
Worst lingering memory of PC: having my dress pulled up by a drunk man
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Rafik (my husband)
Favorite 80s song: Hungry like the Wolf
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: I want to be a jedi
Reunion 2000?: YES, by the way, Minnesota is really beautiful in January.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: My husband works for
Allina Health Care systems as an interpreter and through that he has met
many of the 15,000!!! Russians living in St. Paul and Minneapolis area.
Before P. Corps, I never knew there were Russians living in the Twin Cities.
Thanks to Janet and Melissa for putting this together. I can't wait to read
about what people have been up to!!
Name: Bill Sandve
Where I live: Tashkent
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Nothing, I am still here
What I miss the least: The wonderful granite bust of Karl Marx where Amir
Timur now stands
Lingering intestinal problems? At least once every two months
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: stay healthy, physically
and mentally
The Next Big Thing: Will let you know as soon as I find out
Other stuff I want to boast about: My son, Thomas William, born 13 March
1999, IN TASHKENT!!
Worst lingering memory of PC: Karen Marcum
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: My wife and son
Favorite 80s song: "Driver 8" by REM
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Haven't seen it, but am chomping
at the bit to see "Eyes Wide Shut."
Reunion 2000?: Where?
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes: Unfortunately the
wonderful produce isn't what it used to be, but at least now you can get
ground beef everywhere.
Name: Karl Tarbox (Uz3)
Where I live: Wiscasset, Maine
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: The Khorezm Volunteers
What I miss the least: PC Staff
Lingering intestinal problems? No
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Avoid Peace Corps
The Next Big Thing: Avoid Insanity (see previous question)
Other stuff I want to boast about: Open invitation to Maine for RPCV's
Worst lingering memory of PC: John Waite
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Dopa
Favorite 80s song: I have amnesia about this.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Prefer the original.
Reunion 2000?: Yakshi boladi.
Any other comments, special messages, diatribes:
Name: Jennifer Teiman (Uz3)
Where I live: New York, NY
What I miss most about Uzbekistan: Kunduz, the pace of life and
speaking/studying another language
What I miss the least: Hard to say -- long bus trips in the summer.
Lingering intestinal problems? No
The greatest thing I've done since Peace Corps: Scuba Diving in Belize
The Next Big Thing: Quit smoking
Other stuff I want to boast about:
Worst lingering memory of PC:
My best souvenir of Uzbekistan: Friends, photographs and the memories that
go along with them.
Favorite 80s song: Please.
Comments on Star Wars the Phantom Menace: Didn't see it, Melissa. Would
you like to know about other films?