November 16, 2008
We Be Bakin’
Pizza. Chicken. Chocolate chip cookies. Pot
roast. Muffins. Squash. My mouth waters at the thought of these foods. And they
will be a reality now that I have my brand new oven. I think this replaces my
radio as “best purchase since I've been here.” It will not fulfill all of my
culinary cravings because, out of respect for my family, I will not cook pork
in it, but it will expand my menu to the point I won't think I'm eating only
potatoes and carrots all winter.
It carries a 2 year warranty which is useless in
Kyrgyzstan. The reason? It's made in China. Like that was supposed to explain
everything. When told that in America the warranty would be in effect, the
saleslady didn't believe it. One of my students said the reason merchants don't
honor the warranties on products is because they don't have to. The consumers
don't demand that they do. Help Wanted: Consumer Advocate for Kyrgyz Republic.
The way I look at it, if it breaks after two years, what do I care? I'm outta
here.
My host
mother, Gulmira, was thrilled that I wanted to buy an oven. She accompanied me to the
bazaar to be my bargainer and make sure I bought a decent one. I have been
trying to remember what I paid for it. I want to say about $40, but that might
be a little high. I recall being happy with the price Gulmira negotiated and
after learning that the 2-year guarantee was worthless, we found a taxi and
headed home.
Also in the book: what ingredients make up a Kyrgyz pizza; the battle for my oven when I left the PC; and the hierarchy of quality in goods sold in Kyrgyzstan (based on country of manufacture).
