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 workday schedules, an eager group gathers twice a week to learn English together. Last year, the boss of the plant, Sergei, participated, but the time and commitment required to keep up was too much for his very responsible position. Nevertheless, he lets us use his private office. Very accommodating guy!
So, here are Kostya, Lena, Irina, Leeza. We are missing Sveta and Victor also. Sometimes work duties trump lessons. But they do their best, right Nina?
Yes, it looks like we are just having a nice chat over tea. But – tea is the rule for all occasions. And besides, it was Kostya’s birthday too. Besides the scheduled lesson, we had a lively discussion on the topic: Does Russia do much (or little) to strengthen international friendship/relations. The consensus was that since Russia tends to have a strong bent toward self-protection (or, perhaps, self-preservation), it doesn’t pay much attention to (doesn’t focus on) friendly relations with other countries.
All the more reason for my repeating trips–making friendships one opportunity at a time.
See you all at lessons on January 10!
I think, the other countries are supposed to offer themselves as friends, on a steady and continuous basis to Russia, as Russia is the largest territory in the world and one of the most ancient cultures. I think it is NOT about “preserving” itself (haha, serious? Russia can easily devour other territories) or “protecting” (lol). As I personally understand, It is about Majesty and expected/due acceptance and utmost respect, as is. Not all countries do that in a steady and smooth way…therefore they get the international relations leaving more grounds for perfection.