Another adventure in the books! Celebrating the New Year in Russia included all the experiences I had imagined, and more. A little background: New Year’s Eve is the most anticipated and exciting holiday of all here in Russia. Imagine combining what we call the “secular” part of our Christmas with the festivities of ringing in the new year. Home are decorated with garlands, yolkas (New Year’s trees), and lights. Tables are set with the best linens and china. Traditional food abounds (even more than usual), and friends and relatives gather together for games, gift exchanges, and greeting neighbors. Sometime during…
Out and about – my first trek through the snow
Made it to the market and back today without falling on my keester. I feel like I’m in a new place entirely–a bit out of my element, to be sure. BUT … it’s wonderful – exhilerating – a true adventure. I’ve arrived to witness a rare event here in Samara – the frost clinging to the birch tree limbs. So in honor of the occasion – here are a few shots of what I saw today, just outside the building where I’m staying. Hope you enjoy!
A Warm Welcome
No matter that the thermometer read 20F — I was immediately wrapped in warmth and care when I arrived at 4 a.m. in the Samara Airport. Tanya brought a heavy, thick wool-lined coat, Marina and Igor presented me with a lovely shawl, and had the heater running in their car to take me to Alla’s place, where she had a warm hug and bowl of soup waiting for me. Hospitality just doesn’t get any better!
Off I go!
My “Advent Adventure” begins today. My bags are packed and my boarding passes printed. My itinerary for the Winter Holidays in Samara is pleasantly full–with room for drop-in guests and unscheduled opportunities. You can see it here. THANK YOU to everyone who has encouraged me, loaned clothing and given me advice on what kind of clothes do best in sub-freezing temperatures (which, by the way, will be the case the entire time. Like – highs in the mid-twenties on the warm days. Lows near and below zero at night.) Anyway, back to the thanks yous…. THANK YOU for those who…
Learning English in Russia (Part 2)
I’d better finish my first series about participating in English lessons in Russia before I arrive there for another round! MY APOLOGIES to Nina Alexandrovna’s amazing students whom I neglected to feature during my stay there in the summer. So, for several years now, Nina has been teaching a group of young (and not so young) professionals at a manufacturing plant about 20 minutes away by tram from where I live. At this plant, they make PRE HEATERS for engines. Right, I had no idea what that was either. So here’s a pic of one: In spite of their busy…
