So there are a few things about Moscow that you should know (if you do not already):
1. The smells of the city (exhaust, gasoline, paint, cigarettes, etc.) eventually start to smell fragrant to you. For example, as I was walking home the other day, I began blissfully inhaling what I thought might be flowers. I was so convinced! As I got closer, I realized a block of flats was being painted. I immediately questioned why God allowed me to continue life on Earth, as I obviously did not know how to enjoy it.
2. British people exist here in abundance. Sometimes I have a harder time understanding them than I do the Russians. No. Really.
3. Grammar, contrary to popular belief, is NOT fun.
4. Bruce would have a heart-attack with the disorderly communion line at church. Pushing and shoving included here.
5. Only in Russia does ONE switch control the electricity in a building, looking exactly like any other light switch that you can thoughtlessly switch on and off. "Blackouts" (aka someone pressing the "electricity off" switch) that include NO internet are NOT okay. THEN! It would take all day for the ONE guy who knows how to turn it back on arrive to actually turn it back on. Why in the world is their only one guy with the knowledge to do this, and why does it take him an entire day to get here?
I've now been here for two weeks. It feels like I've been here for a month. Classes are over on Friday, and I finally become a real teacher. Unfortunately, they're not really certain of where they will place me yet. According to my contract, however, they are forced to pay me whether I teach or not. YES. Why can't all jobs be like that? Although it's only been two weeks, I've already been considering different places to move after my four months here are over. Volgograd? Ekaterinburg? Those are the two I'm really considering. Whatever God places before me, I know it will be for the best. I'm just really hoping it's not the ginormous city of Moscow. Actually, I'm not really certain of that...I HAVE only been here two weeks. I might end up really, really loving it!
Also, I'm teaching a lesson tomorrow about Amish people using the words "can" and "can't". Only in Russia...
There's not really a whole lot else to write--BUT NOW YOU CAN WRITE ME!!!
Russia
Moscow 127-55
Ulitsa Novoslobodskaya 5/2
Language Link
Shannon Berry
Pictures will come soon enough. I have to have things to take pictures of in order for there to be any of those...
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8 comments:
#2 - British people are odd, for sure.
#4 - This is a true fact. I have experienced this in ethnic Russian Churches. Once my brother backed into a lit candlestand because the babsuhka thought it was her turn.
#5 - 'Why in the world is their only one guy with the knowledge to do this, and why does it take him an entire day to get here?"
I have a one word answer for this: Communism.
I am so glad to hear that things are going well! Don't start inhaling too many toxic, noxious city fumes. I bet that's how they get people to stay. They get them addicted, and then they never leave.
LOOOOOOVE,
Erin
yay now i can send you your going away card! haha
also you made me laugh out loud many times with this entry :):)
AT LAST.
I am just trying to imagine you living in Ekaterinburg. I don't understand where that idea came from. What about going back to Nizhni, your favorite city? That's reasonable. Or ooh you should live in one of the suburbs outside of Moscow BECAUSE IT IS SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL THERE. But then you won't have to live IN Moscow. Think about it. I know I do. All the time.
Now, WHERE ARE MY PANS?
P.S. I am sending you a postcard. BE PREPARED.
I hope you enjoy Moscow - maybe it's the nostalgia, but I still think the Red Square in the moonlight is the most amazing place in the world (after the Highlands, that is). Good luck with all your classes and life decisions! May God guide you!
So, one guy knew how to flip the regular looking light swtich?
I am all of a sudden reminded of the odd things Russia has to offer, after reading your last blog. Isn't weird how we can forget the details so quickly. But isn't it also weird that while in Russia, those details really aren't details; they are "in your face, real life, everyday experiences." For example, the smells: When we returned, I remember people asking me how it was and telling them how "quality" the air was...to those people, that was a random detail that they probably thought was pointless. BUT to those of us who have traveled or spent time in Russia, that was an "in your face (more like lung), everyday experience," not to mention IMPORTANT information that you just gave!
Jeez! Long winded. All of that to say, I have been transported back by reading your blog. :)
I have to say, I laughed reading that there is a communal switch to the electricity/heater for the whole building. Make sure you take advantage of that, especially on a very cold day while you are leaving for work. That would be a good "April Fools Joke."
Shannon, I am very proud and excited for you. You are in my prayers. I love you!!!!!
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