I am going to Tajikistan!

So, I have made the decision to move to Tajikistan to teach English. You might want to look it up on a map, I had to. When I learned about the countries of the world, Tajikistan used to be part of the USSR. Once you look it up you you will probably notice that it's right next to Afghanistan. I know my family isn't thrilled about that part, but the border is closed and everything I read about Tajikistan states that it is pretty safe.

I am starting this blog to talk this big move and once I am there, to talk about life in Duschanbe (Duschanbe is the capital city.) It's February now, and I move in August, so that's 6 months to go. I can't find out a lot of information on Tajikistan, so maybe this blog will help people who are also thinking about moving there.

Leaving behind Colorado isn't an easy choice. I have wanted to move to another country for years now, and I finally made it happen. I have a fantastic family, but I have this desire to travel and learn about other cultures.
But I digress, this blog isn't about what I am leaving behind, but what I am going towards. Duschanbe. Tajikistan. I would by lying if I said I am not scared. I talked to my new principal and she is so wonderful, but at the same time I am a little freaked out. She makes comments about the power going out a lot. I tried to live in a small mountain town, but I am definitely more of a city girl. I am going to have to abandon a lot of my western culture.

Another reason I am making this blog is to talk about the process of going to Tajikistan. This is what I know about getting a visa.

VISA

Bring American dollars and bring change. 1s, 5s, 10s. The visa costs changes regularly and they never have change. It can be time consuming, so go to the bathroom as soon as you land. Bring extra passport pictures, just in case. Instead of going through the line, go to a separate room.

WHAT TO BRING

Lots of Warm clothes. Silk long johns pack nicely. Bring your own bedding as the sheets are pretty rough. Any medications you might need. A year's supply.

Okay well I think this is all for my first post. There will be some more to come.