EARLY MORNING IN KAZAKHSTAN

Yes, the Pollyanna train stopped off in Kazakhstan this morning (told you it was an adventure!!). And no, I wasn't looking for Borat, who first introduced us to that charming country back in 2006. I was doing the morning wordsearch, to keep my brain alive, and lordy lord, this one sure was a challenge. Most of the words were double-dutch, which made it all the more painstaking. By the time I had it finished, my curiosity for Kazakhstan had reached fever pitch. It is now on my bucket list of places I want to visit in my life. When Borat is organizing personal escorted tours, I'll be on the wagon, for sure.

Talking of Borat, he came to mind a few days ago, and not in the most pleasant of circumstances - but certainly one that gave me a tremendous belly laugh (the 10th  commandment does recommend a good dose of daily laughter). I passed a neighbour walking his enormous dog. In his hand was a plastic see-through bag of
u- no- whot, which his dog had clearly just delivered. The sight of it instantly brought to mind the part in the Borat movie where he pretended he did not know how to use a toilet (since modern conveniences were all new to him). He did the business, and then delivered his bag of goodies to the very posh lady-of-the-mansion to dispose of it for him. She was suitably horrified. The lady involved had absolutely no idea it was being made into a movie, so Borat got himself into a LOT of trouble afterwards, but did make tons of money. If you can get yourself past the gross bits, this movie will make you laugh - and Pollyanna loves laughter! It's up to you...

Since I'm in the Kazakhstan region, I'll share another lady's story. I thought I was a little kooky, until I read about her in the newspaper this morning. She is a local woman who calls herself 'Outlaw Kate'. To cut a scary story short, Outlaw Kate is spending $15,000 to enjoy 10 days galloping 1,000 kms. across the Mongolian steppe on tough, semi-broken little horses, in a race that includes warnings of possible death, and reminders, that if she is seriously injured, a hospital might be hundreds of kms. away. The Mongol Derby is billed as the world's toughest horse race, and the only prize is bragging rights. That is even more scary than slasher Jason. Phew! I dunno about you, but I'd rather be sitting on the Pollyanna Express - at least it's free!

So before you go rushing out to rent the Borat movie tonight, remember it is for 'Adults Only' and you will need a box of tissues for your tears of laughter!

On that happy note, I'll bid you all adieu.

Choo Choo from Kazakhstan!

Polly Hugs,

Patricia xxx