13:00, 16 июня 2019, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Ivan MARCHENKO
Alexander Vongay was born in Almaty in 1990. He has two higher educations. He has been playing golf for 16 years. Alexander won a lot of tournaments. He became a coach at the age of 18. A while ago, he helped a domestic golfer Zhantay Malataev, who shows good results in the USA now. He arrived in Kyrgyzstan on March 1 and is working at a single golf club.
— Why did you come to Kyrgyzstan?
— I was invited to help with development of golf. I was invited to the USA at the same time. I was a senior coach and a deputy golf director at one of the golf clubs in Almaty at that time. Having chosen the United States, I would have been downgraded. They do not value the education of the post-Soviet countries. I would have to work as an assistant coach. And I became a golf director here. One more advantage is that Bishkek is not far from home. It is also important that I saw prospects for the development of golf in Kyrgyzstan. My current contract lasts one year.
— What surprises you in Kyrgyzstan?
— It is a strong democracy: there is freedom of speech, and presidents change quite often. But in general, there are no big differences from Kazakhstan.
— What reminds you of your homeland?
— A lot of things. Our states have close relations. People are similar and like-minded. The architecture in Bishkek and the names of streets in many ways resemble Almaty.
— Do you miss something here?
— I miss my family and friends. Previously, I traveled a lot, but not for such a long time and not for a permanent job.
I have already more or less settled and do not feel homesick. This is a nice place. I like everything. I have new acquaintances and friends — they are very interesting people. They are not from the sport, but gradually join golf.
I was at home only once and one day for three months.
— Do you have a favorite place in Kyrgyzstan?
— I am engaged in a business that I like, and even devote my free time to golf. Therefore, my favorite place is the golf club. I spend 12 hours a day there, or even more.
— Has anything fascinated you in the local population?
— It is simplicity and lack of pathos. People remain people regardless of their standard of living. It seems to me that this exactly attracts many expats to Kyrgyzstan.
— Is there something that disappointed you?
— Not yet.
— Maybe, is it unpunctuality?
— It is the same in Kazakhstan. One of my friends from America works in Almaty. He was deeply shocked that people are constantly late. And this is okay for me. I grew up with it. This is probably such a mentality. There is a joke: in order the guests to come on time, invite them an hour earlier.
— What national dishes do you like and what are you afraid to try?
— I love the national cuisine of my country. It is dear to me and very similar to the Kyrgyz. I especially like beshbarmak, kazy and boorsoks.
Traditional dishes like head of a sheep confuse me. This is too much for me.
— Would you change something in Kyrgyzstan?
— The state is young. I think the government is doing everything right. It is necessary to continue in the same way, and everything will be fine.