expatgirl
Master Chef
Hi! I'm called "expatgirl" because I''m a transplanted Texan to Astana, Kazakhstan, for the next 2-3 years. I had to look it up on the map when I first learned of our posting. It's a huge country east of Russian. I've been here since June and it's been an experience to say the least. Last month we had one week of temps in the minus 30's. Cooking here is challenging to say the least. Please never take your well-stocked American supermarkets for granted anymore!! Cooked Thai food for friends this weekend and spent $2.00 for a lime--it was worth it, they loved the curry, spring rolls, and chicken with basil. I love to cook and spent 8 years in Louisiana where I mastered some mean gumbos and etouffes--even had Cajuns asking for my recipes. Alternately, have had more than my share of "Nutritional Disasters" as well!!! Not sure that I will incorporate much of the local cuisine as horsemeat is considered creme de la creme of all meats here. But I will be open-minded--still have 2-3 years left to go. Anyway, I'm glad to be joining your community and have enjoyed "trolling" your site.
