This is the first time I am celebrating Christmas in another country, I think (though I was maybe in Norway during Christmas one year back in 1998).

Anyway, I feel busy, even though I’m not doing more than I usually do.  I think one of the biggest reasons, stupidly, is because I don’t have FRESH DIRECT(http://www.freshdirect.com) to do all my Christmas party food shopping.  Also, stores close early here, so by the time I’m out of work, I can’t really buy anything. 

In any case, here is my Christmas schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 23 – Christmas Dinner with my neighbors. I’ll invite them over for a “real American-style” Christmas dinner, complete with carol singing.  I’ll make a little roast, broccoli/cheese/rice casserole, mashed potatoes, and a cake from a cake mix that I bought here (imported from Turkey).   You should’ve seen me in the store when I saw it.

Friday, Dec. 24 – The office will be closed, so in the afternoon, I’ll decorate cookies with some of my neighbors, again, introducing them to our “American” ways.  Then at night, Christmas Eve service at the International Church (actually, in a hotel) where I’ll sing in the choir (FUN!  Takes me back to KBC..) and play the keyboard.

Saturday, Dec. 25 – Probably spend some time with my coworker and her family.  I’ll also have three guests staying with me – one couple and a Korean girl   We’ll all sleep together in one bed (joke!).  The poor husband – he’ll be the only male and non-Korean.

Sunday, Dec. 26 – Uzbekistan’s Parliamentary Elections.  Eunjoo (the Korean girl) and I will take a 12 hour train ride to Bukhara, one of the ancient cities of the Silk Road.  We’ll stay there two nights.