For the last two weeks, I'd just been meandering around Moscow seeing the sights and doing what tourists are supposed to do. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), playtime in Moscow is over, and I have been given work.
My group Russian lessons have been replaced by individual lessons which began on Monday. My tutor is so helpful and kind. I think she'll help my Russian improve a ton. I'll be meeting with her twice a week for two hours (four hours total).
I also started working yesterday (Tuesday). I'll be teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a school here (as opposed to a building in which Language Link just HAPPENS to have a location). Each time, I have three classes of children ranging from 6-7 year olds, one class of 9 year olds, and one class of 10 year olds. I then have 2 hours for a break that I spend travelling to my next location for a class of beginning adult learners. With lesson planning, preparation, travel time and the classes themselves, I am running to and fro for no less than 12 hours on those days. My young students are absolutely adorable and so well-behaved! It's so nice to have the innocent faces of children looking to you for help rather than the typical Russian skeptic that one usually encounters. But even my adult learners had fun in their class--and after all, that's what makes learning worthwhile, right? I hope to be a teacher who makes learning enjoyable.
I really think I'm going to enjoy this :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
My New Home
St. Basil's...with Freckles?
Some friends and I were out walking around Moscow, and I just thought this was a really neat picture of St. Basil's in Red Square...my camera, on the other hand, thought it was lame and sabotaged it.The Metro
This is just one of the beautiful metro stations I go in every week. They're typically crowded with people though. Metro stations are perfect places to people-watch. Hilarity ensues.
My Room
This is my room from the doorway. My window faces out onto the street, and evidently everyone who has lived in it hates all the noise and consequently moves to a different room/flat. I, however, fell in love with the noise of the city, so this room and I are a perfect fit. You can't really tell, but the room is very, very long, but not very wide. About 20 ft. x 7ft.
My Bed.
This, quite obviously, is my bed. It has a race car comforter (either that, or it's some awful 1980's mess). It was free, it was clean, so I took it. I don't think you can really tell, but above my bed are some pictures I sporadically collected before I left. Send me pictures, and they will go up there too.
THE WALLPAPER!!!
This is the wallpaper I told you about. Note the lovely garden-like ivy AND the brick--the raised brick. Ridiculous. I love it.
The Kitchen Table
This, ladies and gentlemen, is where it all happens. Actually, you can tell that we don't often use it for the dining table it was meant to be. Anyway, this is how most flats are. There is room for 2, sometimes 3 people to sit comfortably in the kitchen. 4 or 5 people if you cram.
The Other Half of the Kitchen
I think this is self-explanatory.You've just had the mini-grand tour of my flat here. It's special.
This is a typical Soviet-style apartment here. Everything is old, and I love it.
This is a typical Soviet-style apartment here. Everything is old, and I love it.
Friday, September 12, 2008
New Developments
As of today, I have internet and a telephone in my flat. You can either call me or contact me on Skype (providing I'm there...).
Flat Number: 8-495-369-7127
Skype: Shwalizabeth.
This also means that I don't have to travel 40 minutes to get to free internet anymore!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!
I'll post another blog tonight with more developments.
Flat Number: 8-495-369-7127
Skype: Shwalizabeth.
This also means that I don't have to travel 40 minutes to get to free internet anymore!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!
I'll post another blog tonight with more developments.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Blog By Popular Demand..heh heh
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...
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...
Friday, August 22, 2008
I'm here.
I've finally arrived. Months of waiting, and I'm here. It's still hard to believe.
I got off the plane, struggled for about 20 minutes through passport control, then for about another 20 through baggage claim. Finally, I meet Alexei. He is standing there with a sign that says "Language Link", and he smiles sheepishly at me. He asks me if I speak Russian, and I stupidly respond with, "No. I'm an American". He manhandles my baggage all the way to the car, and doesn't let me touch it. When we get to the car, I go to roll down my window because it's hot, but alas, the handle is missing. He rolls down his own window, and then hands me the handle as though the situation was totally normal. Only in Russia. Our drive was about 40 minutes in traffic, and it wasn't until "Dancing Queen" came on the radio that I realized he had put it on an English station for me. "Dancing Queen"...seriously??? We talked about traffic and how old we were, and then he had me listen to some random stuff on his phone to make me laugh. That's as far as my Russian could take me in that situation, and the silence was awkward. OH! And he took me to an ostrich farm. That's right. Ostriches.
My flat.
So I get to my flat, and no one is home. Alexei drops me off and I start to unpack. My roommates are missing, but I've since learned that one is French and the other is Italian. This is going to be hilariously fun. My room is about 7 ft. by 20 ft., and has ivory wallpaper with fake, raised bricks and ivy on it.
Thus far, I have been totally humored. I wish I could write more, but my time on the internet is running out, and I'm starting to get "the eye" from the directors (who've got tempers like lions..eek!). Love you all! I must go!
I got off the plane, struggled for about 20 minutes through passport control, then for about another 20 through baggage claim. Finally, I meet Alexei. He is standing there with a sign that says "Language Link", and he smiles sheepishly at me. He asks me if I speak Russian, and I stupidly respond with, "No. I'm an American". He manhandles my baggage all the way to the car, and doesn't let me touch it. When we get to the car, I go to roll down my window because it's hot, but alas, the handle is missing. He rolls down his own window, and then hands me the handle as though the situation was totally normal. Only in Russia. Our drive was about 40 minutes in traffic, and it wasn't until "Dancing Queen" came on the radio that I realized he had put it on an English station for me. "Dancing Queen"...seriously??? We talked about traffic and how old we were, and then he had me listen to some random stuff on his phone to make me laugh. That's as far as my Russian could take me in that situation, and the silence was awkward. OH! And he took me to an ostrich farm. That's right. Ostriches.
My flat.
So I get to my flat, and no one is home. Alexei drops me off and I start to unpack. My roommates are missing, but I've since learned that one is French and the other is Italian. This is going to be hilariously fun. My room is about 7 ft. by 20 ft., and has ivory wallpaper with fake, raised bricks and ivy on it.
Thus far, I have been totally humored. I wish I could write more, but my time on the internet is running out, and I'm starting to get "the eye" from the directors (who've got tempers like lions..eek!). Love you all! I must go!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Preparations for Departure
"Are you scared? Are you nervous?" everyone keeps asking me.
My answer? No, not really. I suppose you could call me pensive or thoughtful, but I am not scared. I've had a lot to do to get ready for this--visa processing, financial planning, tedious ticket searching, and AIDs testing (Yep. Seriously.). Packing and moving out of the apartment I shared with my best friend was quite possibly the saddest moment I've had in a long, long time, but then it leads me to think, "Be strong, Shannon. You have so many more goodbyes to say. Don't be sad yet."
The realization that all of my planning and hoping is coming to fruition with the blessings of those I love and admire most in the world has been...shocking. I feel like thus far, I've been planning someone else's life and thinking, "I hope this works out someday for me." Now that THAT day is three weeks away, I...well...I am starting to get really excited.
Two years seems such a long time to commit to something. What will happen to those I love at home? Will my godsons get more siblings, and will I not be here for the most important moments of their spiritual lives? Will my best friends move on and not remember me when I go? Will my family have times of rejoicing and grieving without me?
I remember the hardest thing about being away for a semester was not being here to hold someone when they hurt or have the ability to talk something through with someone. So much changed last time--what will two years do??
I have high hopes for these situations. I know that God will lead those things in whatever paths He chooses, and that my presence here or there makes no difference.
Another question I keep getting (or rather, not a question, but an assumption) is if I am going to "find myself a sexy Russian man". No. No no no. I know all of you are laughing to yourselves thinking, "She has no idea what she's saying. Just wait till she falls in love with one and has to eat her words." Russian men are a different breed. Almost every marriage between an American woman and a Russian man ends in great unhappiness or divorce due to the different trains of thought and culture--so, unless you are wishing all kinds of unhappiness and evil upon me, please don't hope this for me. *runs speedily in the opposite direction*
The countdown has begun for August 20th!!! WISH ME LUCK!
My answer? No, not really. I suppose you could call me pensive or thoughtful, but I am not scared. I've had a lot to do to get ready for this--visa processing, financial planning, tedious ticket searching, and AIDs testing (Yep. Seriously.). Packing and moving out of the apartment I shared with my best friend was quite possibly the saddest moment I've had in a long, long time, but then it leads me to think, "Be strong, Shannon. You have so many more goodbyes to say. Don't be sad yet."
The realization that all of my planning and hoping is coming to fruition with the blessings of those I love and admire most in the world has been...shocking. I feel like thus far, I've been planning someone else's life and thinking, "I hope this works out someday for me." Now that THAT day is three weeks away, I...well...I am starting to get really excited.
Two years seems such a long time to commit to something. What will happen to those I love at home? Will my godsons get more siblings, and will I not be here for the most important moments of their spiritual lives? Will my best friends move on and not remember me when I go? Will my family have times of rejoicing and grieving without me?
I remember the hardest thing about being away for a semester was not being here to hold someone when they hurt or have the ability to talk something through with someone. So much changed last time--what will two years do??
I have high hopes for these situations. I know that God will lead those things in whatever paths He chooses, and that my presence here or there makes no difference.
Another question I keep getting (or rather, not a question, but an assumption) is if I am going to "find myself a sexy Russian man". No. No no no. I know all of you are laughing to yourselves thinking, "She has no idea what she's saying. Just wait till she falls in love with one and has to eat her words." Russian men are a different breed. Almost every marriage between an American woman and a Russian man ends in great unhappiness or divorce due to the different trains of thought and culture--so, unless you are wishing all kinds of unhappiness and evil upon me, please don't hope this for me. *runs speedily in the opposite direction*
The countdown has begun for August 20th!!! WISH ME LUCK!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Moving to Russia...
On or around August 20th, I'll be moving to Moscow, Russia for about two years. My purpose? To learn enough Russian to pass a fluency test so that I can go to graduate school. I'm not entirely certain as to what my concentration will be in, but I'm leaning toward Russian Literature--hence the necessity to learn Russian Language.
I'll be working with a company called Language Link (http://jobs.languagelink.ru/) as a Work-Study student. This means that I'll be spending half of my time teaching English, and the other half learning Russian. I'll live in a flat with one other person (whom I do not know), and get paid a stipend each month to cover living costs. There are many reasons why I chose to do a work-study program rather than just an interning or teaching program. I'm going to Russia with a goal, and I intend to see that goal through (God-willing). If I had chosen to intern or merely take a teaching position, the chances of my Russian improving would be slim. I decided to dive right into cold water because I'm ridiculous :)
Anyhow, I'm pretty excited :) Two years is a long time, but I feel confident that it will be entirely worth it--hard, but worth it. Russia is unlike any other place I've ever been, and I'm so excited to go back. I know there is all sorts of adventure awaiting me, and so much humor to be found. It's always difficult to say goodbye to those I love, but I know God will protect them at home. It'll be hard to attend church services in a language I don't understand, but as I was told last time I lived in Russia--When a church service is in another language, it's a better idea to listen with your heart rather than try to comprehend with the mind.--Kind of cheesy, but true.
Anyhow, in the future, feel free to read this blog. It will be a general posting for everyone, so any truly personal information will not be attended to here. You should email me for that instead.
I'm excited!
YAY!
I'll be working with a company called Language Link (http://jobs.languagelink.ru/) as a Work-Study student. This means that I'll be spending half of my time teaching English, and the other half learning Russian. I'll live in a flat with one other person (whom I do not know), and get paid a stipend each month to cover living costs. There are many reasons why I chose to do a work-study program rather than just an interning or teaching program. I'm going to Russia with a goal, and I intend to see that goal through (God-willing). If I had chosen to intern or merely take a teaching position, the chances of my Russian improving would be slim. I decided to dive right into cold water because I'm ridiculous :)
Anyhow, I'm pretty excited :) Two years is a long time, but I feel confident that it will be entirely worth it--hard, but worth it. Russia is unlike any other place I've ever been, and I'm so excited to go back. I know there is all sorts of adventure awaiting me, and so much humor to be found. It's always difficult to say goodbye to those I love, but I know God will protect them at home. It'll be hard to attend church services in a language I don't understand, but as I was told last time I lived in Russia--When a church service is in another language, it's a better idea to listen with your heart rather than try to comprehend with the mind.--Kind of cheesy, but true.
Anyhow, in the future, feel free to read this blog. It will be a general posting for everyone, so any truly personal information will not be attended to here. You should email me for that instead.
I'm excited!
YAY!
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