In the desert
Well we’ve been in Aktau for three days and it is….not so beautiful. All desert. I did see some camels on the way and that was really cool! Even though it’s no paradise here, it’s still been fun. We had a performance yesterday for an audience that by in large did not speak English. I had a blast. I loved it! It forced me to make stronger choices than previously- it did not matter at all what I said. What mattered was the intent, the actions, and the physicality. It was all about using your body as specifically and largely as possible. The words could not tell the story, so the physicality had to. It was a good challenge. I think we all had alot of fun. Our natives said a bunch of Russian words here and there, which the audience really responded to. Even I decided to throw in a little Russian….they loved the ol’ “shushka” (pig, for those of you who don’t know Russian). Also, Gala sang before we started the show- her voice is stunning!!! They gave us all an array of Green Peace clothing and accesories. Hopefully my dad will fit into it all:)
We’ve been doing alot of two things here: 1) going to the beach. problem though is you cannot swim. Apparently the water is very warm in June and very warm in August, but freezing in July, and none of the natives have ever been able to figure it out. The beach is also covered with shards of glass and other trash. so not the most pleasant beach, but it’s still a beach! 2) Playing cards– mostly spades and blitz. We’ve taught everyone blitz now, and some strange things come out of people during this game. Arad plays the drums as he flips over his cards. You cannot concentrate because he slaps EVERY card down with life or death force! Dias just cheats…shuffles his deck in the middle of the game, takes out a card and puts it to the side till he can use it, and secretly organizes his deck so that all the aces come up! hahaha, it was quite funny.
Yesterday we also had fun singing Amazing Grace and some other gospel songs at the kitchen table. Gala, Tabitha, and Nathan harmonize pretty well together. Zhandos isn’t bad either. We won’t talk about me.
We leave for Attarau (sp?) tonight- a 20-hour trip! Woo hoo. never been on a train that long. Come to think of it, I’ve never even been on a train at all. Should be….an experience.
I hope I see some camels on the way out of here too!
kztabitha said,
July 14, 2006 at 7:59 am
Hey, I just want it put in writing that not only is my new nickname ’shuska’ thanks to you, but you definatly won points last night with your delicate application of lipstick, your teeth looked good!
Jessie England said,
July 15, 2006 at 4:40 pm
here is a quote for you, Jessica: “it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters” . . . thank you for your honest and brave postings, it’s been exciting and inspiring to read them . . . the performance for non-English speakers sounds amazing! Keep rising to these tests and challenges, and just know you have been put into this adventure for a reason:)