Monday, September 14, 2009

Reflections of the Week


Well life has gotten busier as I have started teaching. My first class was on Thursday and I taught a full day today. This past weekend we had the opportunity to sightsee a bit. We walked around Nevskey Prospekt and got some business things taken care of such as purchasing cell phones and sim cards. On Sunday we attended a Russian Calvary Chapel church. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I recognized one song and sang along in English. Lucky for me, the sermon was translated into English. After church my roommates, a couple other Americans, an Australian and I all went out for Georgian food. It really was a wonderful weekend.

Though I've only lived in Russia a little over a week, I have made some observations. Keep in mind these are initial observations...they may change over time. But here is what I have so far.

-Russian women are warriors. They wear the skinniest, highest heels on a daily basis. I wore heels all day to teach in today and I would like to chop my feet off. I honestly don't know how they do it.
-Just because you found something you liked in the grocery store yesterday, doesn't mean it will be there today...or tomorrow...or next week. You just never know.
-A lot of russian men really like women and alcohol. I'm not stereotyping. They'll tell you this openly and honestly...even as part of a class assignment.
-It's best to maintain a straight face on the metro. Better yet, look a little pissed off.
-If you need/want something like an ink cartridge or...I don't know... a hair straightener, you need to know where to look. Things like Walmart and Fred Meyer just don't exist. It is more than likely you'll need to go all over town to check off your shopping list.
-Yes, I am and American and yes, I like McDonalds. But so do you, okay? Give me a break.
-Want to mix patterns? No problem! The busier the better. (This applies to clothing, house decor, etc.)
-Walk with purpose. No, actually it's more than that. Jog a little.
-Carry small bills or prepare yourself to be yelled or at least glared at by the cashiers.
-Drink the juice. It's delcious. Any kind.
-Just because it looks like something you recognize, doesn't mean it tastes like something you recognize.
-People rave about St. Petersburg. They have good reason. It is wonderful here.

4 comments:

Jamie said...

...according to you, I would have a problem with the walking/jogging issue.

Mom said...

Sounds like it's becoming home! That's a good thing.

kate said...

Patterns!!! YES! I'll be sure to send you some leopard print spandex!

Unknown said...

Many of these are very similar to some of the things I posted in a blog a while back about "Things I've Learned So Far." Women here are also warriors, but trust me, you haven't actually seen their ability in stilettos till suddenly its snowy and ice is everywhere and they're still wearing those same 5 inch heels! I feel you in the grocery store problem. If you have Billa in Russia, check it out they're usually the most consistent. It's also best to have anything of any value deadbolted to your body on the metro if you want to keep it. And small bills are good, but the exact change is also a requirement here - we have a very serious shortage of coins apparently.
Glad you're learning all these important lessons so quickly. :)