Cars and Dogs

Cars
You can find almost any type of car here: Audi, Hyundia, Honda, Lexus, Ferrari, Toyota, Renault, Chevrolet, BMW, Land Cruisers, Lada (Soviet car), and lots of other old Soviet cars that I don't know the names of. The models vary from ancient to brand new. The driver’s side can be either the left or right and no seat belts are required.

Driving laws are vague at best. I was told by one driver that in driving lessons the cops told him that a whole line in the middle of the road means you can’t cross into the lanes on the other side. It is very easy to take for granted ideas like that which we view as common sense. However, drivers do understand the importance of slowing down when cameras are near that can take your car’s picture. It is amazing how quickly those cars can slow down. You better hold on if you catch a ride.

Dogs
There are lots of stray animals here. I have seen several different packs of dogs and lots of individual cats. They roam the city like they own it; however, they are careful to stay out of your way. When I walk down the sidewalk, dogs skitter out of my way. They give me these looks of worry like I will kick them. I guess others have kicked and abused these dogs.

Most of the dogs live in the sewer I think. I see them running down into pipes like it is their den. They eat anything they can find. Often I see bones lying on the ground that they have chewed. The dogs are thin, primarily black and brown, small to medium sized, and their coats don’t look the healthiest.

However, with the grown dogs come puppies. And they are the most adorable things. There is one black puppy right near Joey’s school that is the cutest thing. I really want to take it home with me. It sits in the sun to stay warm, and is all black with a little pink tongue. Fortunately I would want to have the dog spayed and I have no idea how to have that done here in KZ, so I am resisting the temptation to swoop the puppy up and take it home. Also Joey tells me no, repeatedly. So no dog for me yet...