Kyrgyz Independence Day

Last Tuesday was Kyrgyz Independence Day. It was a national holiday and a hot day, so there were hordes of excited children playing in the fountains near the central square. Notice the contrast of the recently festively festooned building with the burnt out shell behind it - a remnant of April's turmoil.

My walk to school

Some mornings are smoggy, some mornings are foggy.
Some mornings are cloudy, some mornings I'm drowsy.

But on other mornings, this is the view I get to enjoy on my way to school.

My reading nook

I have dreamed of having a reading nook in my classroom for years, and finally, this year, I was able to make it happen! When we read novels in class, students love sitting in this nook, but to date, alas, my vision of students curling up with a good book at lunchtime or after school has not come to fruition. Instead, I've had students curling up for a nap. Oh well: at least the nook's being appreciated!