A couple of people have asked me for my address, so I'll just post it here for reference:
Sara Schwalm
Center "GRINT"
Ul. Unosti 5/1, Block 6 office 35
Moscow 111395
Russian Federation
I hope to hear from you! I promise I'll write back, even if it doesn't arrive. :) (Yours should arrive here though)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Where are the razors?
Today I went to the store to look for a razor. I looked up and down the "beauty products" aisle where they had shampoo etc. I found lots of types of shaving cream, but no razors. That's pretty dumb, right? Well, there was nothing to be done so I finished my shopping. Upon checking out I noticed something odd; there were razors hanging by the cash register next to the gum. Razors in the check-out line? With the gum and chocolate? How are these things even related?!? Someone may see the logic to this, but I don't.
Russia: 1 Sara: 0
Russia: 1 Sara: 0
Quest for the Missing Monastery
On Friday, we headed out in search for Donskoi monastery because our teacher had talked about it in class on Wednesday. He told us the metro station and so we headed off in the afternoon. It was very cold that day (and getting colder) in Moscow. I had a brain freeze from the weather. I can't understand how people survive even worse weather than we've had this past week. I am a desert girl at heart I guess.
Anyway, we followed the rudimentary directions that we were given and we ended up walking and walking and... walking. No monastery. We saw the "fake monastery", which we were supposed to look out for, but never found the actual monastery. We asked a couple of people where it was located, but to no avail. Their directions I'm sure were correct, but they were too vague for us to follow successfully. So, after a very long time of walking in the cold, we decided to give up and go to Kruzhka. Stephanie and I had blinis with sour cream, cheese, and mushrooms (so good!). She is the other resident vegetarian, which is cool. At Kruzhka (which is an excellent bar because the beer is so cheap; 50 rubles for .5 litres... less than 2 dollars!) we all had lots of beer and vodka shots between us. We debated everything from vegetarianism (I am innocent! I did not start that one) to what was the best sport on earth. A thoroughly fun night. This week I'd like to try Lisya Nora (The Fox Hole), which is a pub with cheap beer on tap and apparently a good atmosphere. I think I might go tonight if I can get people to go. Class has been so hard lately! It's driving me to drink. ;)
Anyway, we followed the rudimentary directions that we were given and we ended up walking and walking and... walking. No monastery. We saw the "fake monastery", which we were supposed to look out for, but never found the actual monastery. We asked a couple of people where it was located, but to no avail. Their directions I'm sure were correct, but they were too vague for us to follow successfully. So, after a very long time of walking in the cold, we decided to give up and go to Kruzhka. Stephanie and I had blinis with sour cream, cheese, and mushrooms (so good!). She is the other resident vegetarian, which is cool. At Kruzhka (which is an excellent bar because the beer is so cheap; 50 rubles for .5 litres... less than 2 dollars!) we all had lots of beer and vodka shots between us. We debated everything from vegetarianism (I am innocent! I did not start that one) to what was the best sport on earth. A thoroughly fun night. This week I'd like to try Lisya Nora (The Fox Hole), which is a pub with cheap beer on tap and apparently a good atmosphere. I think I might go tonight if I can get people to go. Class has been so hard lately! It's driving me to drink. ;)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Второй Семестр начинает
Привет мои друзья!
I am back in Moscow for part II of my adventures (ok, "adventures" might be more accurate). I arrived last Saturday and mostly I've just been settling in and fighting jetlag (and losing, by the way). Monday was the first day of school. Last semester, I had requested to have Ludmila again since she is such an amazing teacher. However, she is still teaching Level II (the higher the number the lower the level, so she teaches one level below the highest). She's a challenging teacher, but I was afraid I wouldn't be learning enough. I thought about this kind of belatedly, so I've been kind of stressed, since the last thing I want to do while in Russia is waste my time where language-learning is concerned since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The first day we did go over some new material, but there was so much vocab that the new people didn't know (and that I didn't know upon arriving either) that class was a bit slow. I talked to Natasha, the head of GRINT, and she said wait out the week so we'll see.
We took the same placement test that we took at the beginning of last semester. Last time I missed 26 and this time I only missed 5! And they were stupid mistakes, so I guess that goes to show I've learned a lot, which makes me happy, since I've really been trying.
Last night we went to a traditional Russian choir concert at the theater near Mayakovskaya metro station. It was really a great performance. They also had traditional Russian dancing, which I wasn't expecting, but loved. Traditional Russian dancing is SO cool. It's very lively and they always do these crazy things that I couldn't imagine doing with my body, let alone that quickly.
God, I hate jet lag. I am sitting here after drinking coffee (albeit watered-down instant), yawning like crazy and it's only 5:24pm. Bah. I will leave you with this quote from my Russian Today lecturer:
"If you manage to study hard every semester until you graduate, you will be as hard as a nut!"
I am back in Moscow for part II of my adventures (ok, "adventures" might be more accurate). I arrived last Saturday and mostly I've just been settling in and fighting jetlag (and losing, by the way). Monday was the first day of school. Last semester, I had requested to have Ludmila again since she is such an amazing teacher. However, she is still teaching Level II (the higher the number the lower the level, so she teaches one level below the highest). She's a challenging teacher, but I was afraid I wouldn't be learning enough. I thought about this kind of belatedly, so I've been kind of stressed, since the last thing I want to do while in Russia is waste my time where language-learning is concerned since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The first day we did go over some new material, but there was so much vocab that the new people didn't know (and that I didn't know upon arriving either) that class was a bit slow. I talked to Natasha, the head of GRINT, and she said wait out the week so we'll see.
We took the same placement test that we took at the beginning of last semester. Last time I missed 26 and this time I only missed 5! And they were stupid mistakes, so I guess that goes to show I've learned a lot, which makes me happy, since I've really been trying.
Last night we went to a traditional Russian choir concert at the theater near Mayakovskaya metro station. It was really a great performance. They also had traditional Russian dancing, which I wasn't expecting, but loved. Traditional Russian dancing is SO cool. It's very lively and they always do these crazy things that I couldn't imagine doing with my body, let alone that quickly.
God, I hate jet lag. I am sitting here after drinking coffee (albeit watered-down instant), yawning like crazy and it's only 5:24pm. Bah. I will leave you with this quote from my Russian Today lecturer:
"If you manage to study hard every semester until you graduate, you will be as hard as a nut!"
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tales from an American in Moscow
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been making mental notes of all the things I've wanted to blog about. However, I find I now have little time to write them down. Time is flying in Moscow and I'm loving it, but it's not very conducive to blogging. I will try to touch on things in summary, but we'll see.
I have been really busy lately. Not the type of busy I am in America, but just busy with seeing the city, hanging out with people, and working on my beer belly. I've also been busy with ruining my clothes. >:( I swear every time I do laundry, something gets ruined. I ruined one of the scarves I really liked unwittingly this morning, so my resolution not to smoke has only been reinforced (although this time I believe it was from second hand smoke). Then, I won't have to wash my scarves. But yeah, my time has been consumed with classes and being in Moscow. I am really settling in here and I'm loving it. Russia is such a different culture that it takes awhile to get used to something so foreign and sometimes inexplicably confusing. But now that I understand the culture a little better, the language a little better, and the metro system a little better I feel a lot more comfortable being an American in Moscow.
On Friday, we went to the circus. I was morally torn up all week trying to decide what to do. On one hand, I didn't want to miss out on a cultural experience, but on the other hand I didn't want to support such a cruel practice to animals. I ended up going because by the time I came to any sort of conclusion, the tickets had already been bought. So I went. The human parts of the circus were really awesome. The animals parts were offensive and nauseating. And cruelty aside, they weren't even that interesting. They led a cheetah around on a leash. How can you possibly give a cheetah what it needs??? And don't scientists need as much genetic material as possible since most cheetahs are so inbred they can't even catch their prey anymore?? I don't understand how whoever can approve the sale of endangered species to a circus. They also had horses, but their heads were chained down, which just looked painful and sad. Then, they had a section where there were six tigers and two lions on stage. There was this guy with a whip who just hit them and poked them until they did something "interesting" like growl or try to attack him. It was so sad. They are such proud creatures and they all just looked so sad. He reduced them to petty creatures as opposed to the majestic cats they are. It was sad. He didn't even look like he liked them. I don't know... the whole thing was terrible. And while one might just want to believe that it's something that only happens in Moscow, it really happens in all circuses all over the world. In fact, most of the acts there were traveling acts from other countries. I will never attend a circus again and I urge you to do the same.
This is all I have time for right now as I have to go get ready to go souvenir shopping at the market. Although it's so windy and rainy outside, going to an outdoor market doesn't sound all that appetizing. We'll see! Пока друзья!
I have been really busy lately. Not the type of busy I am in America, but just busy with seeing the city, hanging out with people, and working on my beer belly. I've also been busy with ruining my clothes. >:( I swear every time I do laundry, something gets ruined. I ruined one of the scarves I really liked unwittingly this morning, so my resolution not to smoke has only been reinforced (although this time I believe it was from second hand smoke). Then, I won't have to wash my scarves. But yeah, my time has been consumed with classes and being in Moscow. I am really settling in here and I'm loving it. Russia is such a different culture that it takes awhile to get used to something so foreign and sometimes inexplicably confusing. But now that I understand the culture a little better, the language a little better, and the metro system a little better I feel a lot more comfortable being an American in Moscow.
On Friday, we went to the circus. I was morally torn up all week trying to decide what to do. On one hand, I didn't want to miss out on a cultural experience, but on the other hand I didn't want to support such a cruel practice to animals. I ended up going because by the time I came to any sort of conclusion, the tickets had already been bought. So I went. The human parts of the circus were really awesome. The animals parts were offensive and nauseating. And cruelty aside, they weren't even that interesting. They led a cheetah around on a leash. How can you possibly give a cheetah what it needs??? And don't scientists need as much genetic material as possible since most cheetahs are so inbred they can't even catch their prey anymore?? I don't understand how whoever can approve the sale of endangered species to a circus. They also had horses, but their heads were chained down, which just looked painful and sad. Then, they had a section where there were six tigers and two lions on stage. There was this guy with a whip who just hit them and poked them until they did something "interesting" like growl or try to attack him. It was so sad. They are such proud creatures and they all just looked so sad. He reduced them to petty creatures as opposed to the majestic cats they are. It was sad. He didn't even look like he liked them. I don't know... the whole thing was terrible. And while one might just want to believe that it's something that only happens in Moscow, it really happens in all circuses all over the world. In fact, most of the acts there were traveling acts from other countries. I will never attend a circus again and I urge you to do the same.
This is all I have time for right now as I have to go get ready to go souvenir shopping at the market. Although it's so windy and rainy outside, going to an outdoor market doesn't sound all that appetizing. We'll see! Пока друзья!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Election and What it Might Mean for Russia
Well, this week has been a pretty exciting one. The election happened. That was huge in and of itself. Also, we went to the ballet again this Thursday, seeing Esmeralda. That ballet they don't perform in the US, so it was cool to see something I knew I wouldn't be able to see at home. The ballet overall was good, although there were some scenes I felt could have been cut out (which would have made it much more enjoyable). The one thing that annoys me about Russian ballet, which I realize is entirely due to a cultural difference, is that they clap and bow after like every dance, instead of just all at the end. It disrupts the flow and irritates me to know end. Besides that, it was good. Afterwards, we went to Starlight Diner, which is a very close approximation to 5 'n Diner in the States. I had nachos!!! They were delicious. And some french fries, which were also good. I can't wait to have Mexican food again.
I hate to wax political, but I am going to now. First, I am happy that Obama was elected. I hope those who were disappointed with his election watched his victory speech. It was moving and, more importantly, expressed the ideas that are sadly lacking in politics these days (both parties included). Although I am not an idealist and I realize that speeches are speeches, I thought he had some good things to say. I enjoyed that he said that he really wanted to engage Republicans and try to curb some of the intense partisanship that has developed over the years. I would love to see some of the bad feelings put aside and see our representatives more focused on the issues at hand.
Although I am more liberal than Obama himself, I think his moderate politics could be good for Washington and its internal, as well as external, affairs. I hope Republicans at least realize that he will do better internationally than McCain (although domestically that depends on your point of view of course). Now, my dad, who is forever a Republican Crusader, would tell me that I am wrong, but hear me out. Politics, especially international, at the end of the day is all about relationships. Obama, without a doubt, is very popular abroad. All of Europe likes him, as well as Russia. The European Union is an important ally and we need to repair the damage to our relations. Russia is an extremely important relationship we need to develop as well. We cannot use intimidation politics with Russia, which is what was proposed by, say, Palin. We can't just say, "Do what we want or we'll start a war with you". Because Russia will respond to such a threat. They'll call our bluff. They are nothing if not proud of their military history and current power. They also are not as inclined to peace as other nations and they are perfectly OK fighting for something they feel they need to protect. Obama has a way with words, you can't deny that. He is extremely diplomatic and I think that his skills will work well on Russia. Russia is an important ally. They have tons of natural resources and have a lot of control over Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia. It would be wise to attempt friendship with them. In that, at least, I think people should be satisfied. Feel free to hate him for whatever else, but at least on the international scene he has a good chance of success.
I hate to wax political, but I am going to now. First, I am happy that Obama was elected. I hope those who were disappointed with his election watched his victory speech. It was moving and, more importantly, expressed the ideas that are sadly lacking in politics these days (both parties included). Although I am not an idealist and I realize that speeches are speeches, I thought he had some good things to say. I enjoyed that he said that he really wanted to engage Republicans and try to curb some of the intense partisanship that has developed over the years. I would love to see some of the bad feelings put aside and see our representatives more focused on the issues at hand.
Although I am more liberal than Obama himself, I think his moderate politics could be good for Washington and its internal, as well as external, affairs. I hope Republicans at least realize that he will do better internationally than McCain (although domestically that depends on your point of view of course). Now, my dad, who is forever a Republican Crusader, would tell me that I am wrong, but hear me out. Politics, especially international, at the end of the day is all about relationships. Obama, without a doubt, is very popular abroad. All of Europe likes him, as well as Russia. The European Union is an important ally and we need to repair the damage to our relations. Russia is an extremely important relationship we need to develop as well. We cannot use intimidation politics with Russia, which is what was proposed by, say, Palin. We can't just say, "Do what we want or we'll start a war with you". Because Russia will respond to such a threat. They'll call our bluff. They are nothing if not proud of their military history and current power. They also are not as inclined to peace as other nations and they are perfectly OK fighting for something they feel they need to protect. Obama has a way with words, you can't deny that. He is extremely diplomatic and I think that his skills will work well on Russia. Russia is an important ally. They have tons of natural resources and have a lot of control over Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia. It would be wise to attempt friendship with them. In that, at least, I think people should be satisfied. Feel free to hate him for whatever else, but at least on the international scene he has a good chance of success.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
My approximately $28 food court lunch and my first visit to ЦУМ
Since I slept in and missed Lenin yesterday, I decided to go today. Francine and I got going a little late and missed our stop on the metro, so we were running late since Lenin closes at 1pm. First of all, for reference, Lenin's Mausoleum takes up one side of Red Square. However, the entrance is so Russia. The entire length of the mausoleum/area around said mausoleum has a fence blocking access and security guards there to make sure you don't step over the two foot high fence. The entrance to Lenin is facing the square, yet for some reason you can't enter that way... because of the fence. We were very confused and so we asked the guard how to get in. He points to the right and says we have to enter by Aleksandr Gardens, which is all the way at the end of the Kremlin wall. So inconvenient. Why? I have no idea. Sometimes, things in Russia have no logical explanation and you kind of just have to go with it. When we get to the end of Red Square we see that that is blocked off as well by police (we couldn't figure out why, unless it's because it's a holiday weekend?). So we had to go around the other way. Then, once we get there, the line is for some reason ridiculously long. At this point it is like 12:20pm. We decided it was a lost cause and so went on to our next stop, the mall Охотный Ряд. We did some browsing and realized everything was ridiculously expensive. We were hungry so we got some lunch in the food court. Basically everywhere in the food court they do things by weight, so you are never quite sure how much it's going to be, especially since my ability to eyeball kilos is non-existent. I got some greek salad, potatoes with mushrooms, and a baked eggplant thing. Admittedly, I was hungry and probably didn't need the last thing. However, when everything rang up, it was almost 28 USD!!! Ack!! Only in Moscow could you drop so much money in a food court. The last time I ate there it was like 15 USD. So yeah. I had too much food and I dropped an embarassingly large amount of money. As I often like to say, "You win some and you lose some". Funny, I only say that when I lose.
Anyway, after that we felt poor and so we decided to go to ЦУМ, the supposedly more affordable version of ГУМ. Or, at least, that's what my guidebook says. However, my guidebook is a liar. I haven't been in GUM yet, but there was no way this could be cheaper since the entire mall was exclusively couture. D&G, Armani, Gucci, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs... they were all there. Like, we're talking $2,000 dresses. It was fun to pretend that I could buy some of that stuff. But looking at couture always makes me want it, so I left fantasizing about what it would be like to be fabulous.
While in my reverie, we were stopped by a man and a woman asking us where the nearest grocery store was. We said we didn't know and that we were sorry. That man said oh, that's OK. Excuse me. All the while he was leering at me and as he moved away he said, "krasivaya" (beautiful) loud enough so I could hear. What was weird about the whole semi-pick up was that the woman was on his arm... and they were obviously together, so why would the guy do that so blatantly in front of her? If I were her, I would have smacked him. How disrespectful.
To bring it back full circle, I really want to go shopping when I get home... where things are affordable! Next time I go shopping, I'm going to Vykhino market. I think that's the only place in my price range.
Anyway, after that we felt poor and so we decided to go to ЦУМ, the supposedly more affordable version of ГУМ. Or, at least, that's what my guidebook says. However, my guidebook is a liar. I haven't been in GUM yet, but there was no way this could be cheaper since the entire mall was exclusively couture. D&G, Armani, Gucci, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs... they were all there. Like, we're talking $2,000 dresses. It was fun to pretend that I could buy some of that stuff. But looking at couture always makes me want it, so I left fantasizing about what it would be like to be fabulous.
While in my reverie, we were stopped by a man and a woman asking us where the nearest grocery store was. We said we didn't know and that we were sorry. That man said oh, that's OK. Excuse me. All the while he was leering at me and as he moved away he said, "krasivaya" (beautiful) loud enough so I could hear. What was weird about the whole semi-pick up was that the woman was on his arm... and they were obviously together, so why would the guy do that so blatantly in front of her? If I were her, I would have smacked him. How disrespectful.
To bring it back full circle, I really want to go shopping when I get home... where things are affordable! Next time I go shopping, I'm going to Vykhino market. I think that's the only place in my price range.
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