People shopping on Krasnaya
Posted by Hello
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Culture Lessons
Walking down the street here can be hazardous to your health. Last night Nathan was walking Domo and he found a needle that someone had just used to shoot up near a tree outside our gate. He’s smart enough to know not to touch it. I thought about all the little children that walk this way. The bus stops right outside our gate…. I know addicts don’t think about the “what ifs”. They shoot up and move on. Is there a deeper reason as to why it was right outside our gate? Are we being reminding by our Higher Power of why we are here? I can only wonder…and continue to pray for the addicts and alcoholics here in the city.
Lena is taking me to buy my ticket for Rome today at dva (2pm). She will be here right on time! Tom has a language lesson at tree (3pm) with Alexei M., the other day Alexei M. and Lena were here at the same time. Lena told me that they went to Bible school together. Before we left to go exchange money she asked him a few questions and he answered her partially in English. She told him in Russian that she didn’t understand… it was funny because Tom and I did. He used the phrase ‘phonetic sound’. Tom said he thought his Russian was really improving since he understood that phrase! Alexei hit himself on the head and answered her in Russian. He said he had been teaching a lot that day and was confused he forgot what language she spoke!
Spencer just handed me the recipe book his grandmother, Tadah, made for him. He opened it to the Hawaiian Banana Bread page. I guess that is what he and I will do when Ella is finished working today. I hate to get things dirty after she is finished cleaning. Everything looks and smells so wonderful! She told Tom that when she had a dog it had short hair. No shedding! We blame Domo, Mr. Border Collie sheds daily!
Two times we went to the Austrian Air office and both times we were told by the woman there that she was absolutely too busy to help us! That would not happen in the States. They are too concerned about Customer Service scores. At Sunflight Travel we tried to buy a ticket on Areoflot but the woman and Lena decided for me that I should not have a 7 hour lay over in the Moscow airport alone at night. The word she used translated in English literally to armour. She told Lena I would be "without armour for the night". So we have to wait for the Austrian Air lady to call us back. Lena said that is how business is done in Russia. OY!
Lena is taking me to buy my ticket for Rome today at dva (2pm). She will be here right on time! Tom has a language lesson at tree (3pm) with Alexei M., the other day Alexei M. and Lena were here at the same time. Lena told me that they went to Bible school together. Before we left to go exchange money she asked him a few questions and he answered her partially in English. She told him in Russian that she didn’t understand… it was funny because Tom and I did. He used the phrase ‘phonetic sound’. Tom said he thought his Russian was really improving since he understood that phrase! Alexei hit himself on the head and answered her in Russian. He said he had been teaching a lot that day and was confused he forgot what language she spoke!
Spencer just handed me the recipe book his grandmother, Tadah, made for him. He opened it to the Hawaiian Banana Bread page. I guess that is what he and I will do when Ella is finished working today. I hate to get things dirty after she is finished cleaning. Everything looks and smells so wonderful! She told Tom that when she had a dog it had short hair. No shedding! We blame Domo, Mr. Border Collie sheds daily!
Two times we went to the Austrian Air office and both times we were told by the woman there that she was absolutely too busy to help us! That would not happen in the States. They are too concerned about Customer Service scores. At Sunflight Travel we tried to buy a ticket on Areoflot but the woman and Lena decided for me that I should not have a 7 hour lay over in the Moscow airport alone at night. The word she used translated in English literally to armour. She told Lena I would be "without armour for the night". So we have to wait for the Austrian Air lady to call us back. Lena said that is how business is done in Russia. OY!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Jokes from a friend
I got these from my friend Candra in Texas! I just could not resist...
KNITTING
A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway.
Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind
the wheel was knitting!
Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren,
the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled,
"PULL OVER!"
"NO!" the blonde yelled back,
"IT'S A SCARF!"
FLORIDA OR THE MOON
Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench talking........and one blonde says to the other: "Which do you think is farther away...........Florida or the moon? "
The other blonde turns and says "Helloooooooooo, can you see Florida.......?????
KNITTING
A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway.
Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind
the wheel was knitting!
Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren,
the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled,
"PULL OVER!"
"NO!" the blonde yelled back,
"IT'S A SCARF!"
FLORIDA OR THE MOON
Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench talking........and one blonde says to the other: "Which do you think is farther away...........Florida or the moon? "
The other blonde turns and says "Helloooooooooo, can you see Florida.......?????
Makes no sense to me
Some things about this country defy reason. If I want hot water in the kitchen I have to turn on the hot water in the bathroom. In the house we rented last year it was flipped around. The hot water source was in the kitchen. I am making an attempt at baking right now. Only heaven knows how it will turn out. The oven does not have a temperature gauge. I brought an oven thermometer with me from the States. I started with the oven being too hot, 400 degrees. Then I turned it down a hair and it went to 200. I was aiming for 325! Now, I get to baby sit the oven to watch my bread so it does not burn. The oven had to be re-lit! There is never a dull moment here.
Well, the bread was edible but it fell in the middle. I got a chance to talk with my mother in law. She suggested adding more flour and trying to bake it at a higher temperature... like 350. I knew Mom would have an answer. She had to make adjustments with recipes when she moved to New Mexico.
The bread never made it past the guys in the house. I should have made a double batch. I had enough strawberries. I will try again.
We had pizza and french fries for dinner. Then we watched The Forgotten. It was pretty good. I liked the movies we watched last night better. We saw Osama and The Final Cut. Osama is a foreign film with English subtitles. It is excellent! Final cut is the one with Robin Williams where he edits the films of peoples lives. Really good too!
Well, the bread was edible but it fell in the middle. I got a chance to talk with my mother in law. She suggested adding more flour and trying to bake it at a higher temperature... like 350. I knew Mom would have an answer. She had to make adjustments with recipes when she moved to New Mexico.
The bread never made it past the guys in the house. I should have made a double batch. I had enough strawberries. I will try again.
We had pizza and french fries for dinner. Then we watched The Forgotten. It was pretty good. I liked the movies we watched last night better. We saw Osama and The Final Cut. Osama is a foreign film with English subtitles. It is excellent! Final cut is the one with Robin Williams where he edits the films of peoples lives. Really good too!
Monday, May 23, 2005
New Words
Today we went out with Lena to exchange money. We were at the bank and when Spencer the shut the door it slammed shut! I got out my dictionary and looked up the word for door and then the word for loud. After that each time someone went out the door we all said "gromka" and laughed! Gromka is the word for loud.
We left the bank and went to a very large renoc where I found fresh vegetables and fruit but the meat shops were closed. Lena says that some people do not work on Monday.
Afterwards we rode home on the trolleybus. There was a petite woman driving it. As we got toward the end of the line she had to stop the bus and climb on top to repair it. It was fascinating to watch her shimmy up there. One day I will try to get a photo of that process. I did get a few photos today and after dinner I will get them posted!
Yesterday was Spencer's birthday and we had fun eating pizza and ice cream. He is enjoying his new digital camera. Hopefully, I will get a chance to post some of his photos one day. I kept trying to get him to take some pictures but he was "saving" them for something special!
We left the bank and went to a very large renoc where I found fresh vegetables and fruit but the meat shops were closed. Lena says that some people do not work on Monday.
Afterwards we rode home on the trolleybus. There was a petite woman driving it. As we got toward the end of the line she had to stop the bus and climb on top to repair it. It was fascinating to watch her shimmy up there. One day I will try to get a photo of that process. I did get a few photos today and after dinner I will get them posted!
Yesterday was Spencer's birthday and we had fun eating pizza and ice cream. He is enjoying his new digital camera. Hopefully, I will get a chance to post some of his photos one day. I kept trying to get him to take some pictures but he was "saving" them for something special!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Five AM wake up Call
I know my brother loves me! I called my brother in Kansas City today. Somehow knowing that there is a 9 hour time difference and calculating it correctly did not quite work out in my brain. I thought I was calling him at around 5 in the afternoon. But my sister in law Shari told me that it was 5 AM! She went to get Kevin to come to the phone. I felt so bad. He told me they were going to wake up early anyway due to Kyle's soccer game. His game is at 9 am CST today. "Poor Uncle Kevin" was Spencer's greeting for him... Tom said "Dobreh ootra" which means good morning. So Alida cannot add! I knew the time-- just got the AM or PM. messed up. Oh well.
Today I was not the sharpest knife in the drawer... hopefully I'm still his favorite sister!
Since I'm his only sister!
Today I was not the sharpest knife in the drawer... hopefully I'm still his favorite sister!
Since I'm his only sister!
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Angels in Russia?
I can only describe the event on the trolleybus this way. A gentleman sitting behind me spoke to me in Russian and I spoke to him in English and we understood one another perfectly. Spencer and I were on the bus headed the wrong way. This man saw us reading the map. He asked me to show him where I wanted to go. He was using words I was not familiar with... but somehow I understood that I had to walk two blocks back and get on bus number six. And people yelled at him to tell him that I needed to cross the street. I was amazed at how protected I felt. Once again we got home safely--the number six took us directly to the transportation center right near our house! God is good all the time.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Lake Vanishes
Lake Vanishes
A Russian village was left baffled on Thursday after its lake disappeared overnight.
NTV television showed pictures of a giant muddy hole bathed in summer sun, while fishermen from the village of Bolotnikovo looked on disconsolately.
Officials in Nizhegorodskaya region, on the Volga river east of Moscow, said water in the lake might have been sucked down into an underground water-course or cave system, but some villagers had more sinister explanations.
"I am thinking, well, America has finally got to us," said one old woman, as she sat on the ground outside her house. (Reuters)
I am grateful that people think I am from England.... especially since that's where I was born!
A Russian village was left baffled on Thursday after its lake disappeared overnight.
NTV television showed pictures of a giant muddy hole bathed in summer sun, while fishermen from the village of Bolotnikovo looked on disconsolately.
Officials in Nizhegorodskaya region, on the Volga river east of Moscow, said water in the lake might have been sucked down into an underground water-course or cave system, but some villagers had more sinister explanations.
"I am thinking, well, America has finally got to us," said one old woman, as she sat on the ground outside her house. (Reuters)
I am grateful that people think I am from England.... especially since that's where I was born!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Quest for Peanut Butter
My quest for the day was peanut butter. I went out to a European Market called Tabris. I found tortillas, picante sauce, Paella, tomato sauce, frozen pizza, jelly, possibly ground beef… I used the word for beef and it looks like ground beef so hopefully it truly is ground beef. I even stocked up on yogurt. They had Dannon so it is the safe kind—with the good bacteria in it. Alas, no peanut butter. Someone gave us a jar when we moved in. It is imported from Canada. Tom is using it very sparingly. I did find Nutella. It is hazelnut and cocoa, I think. Last year it featured Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers on the front. This year no Kobe… Tabris has two more locations. I will try them to see if they have the elusive item I seek! Whoever thought hunting for peanut butter could be so exciting!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Today's Outings
I got to start my morning with a phone call from Erin. She was on her way to bed! The 11 hour time difference is wonderful?! It was great to hear her voice. I had to get Nathan off the internet to get her call. He was not happy with me. Oh well. He can get on again in the morning.
I interviewed a house helper today. She says that she will be ok with the dogs. People are familiar with the breed Rotwieller. Spencer's dog. However, when I mention Border Collie no one seems to know what that is. We have been told he may be the first one in the city. We seem to be bringing several 'firsts' here with us! House help earns between 60-70 rubles an hour. That is roughly 2-2.50$ an hour. People work hard for not much money. Our budget included house help to support someone here. She has a husband and small child. I hope she works out. I will start her out at 2 days a week. I have also hired an art teacher for Nathan. She will also work two days a week. Now I have to find something for Spencer to do.
Spencer and I went out to Krasnaya Ploshad (Red Square) to shop today. I made out a list in Russian. I found everything I needed there except for eggs. We found insect repellent. It was the brand OFF. I was glad to recognize something! We finally purchased an ironing board. I kept dreading putting one in the taxi. But Spencer talked me into it. It will help to soften up our lined dried clothes! We don't own a washer or a dryer. Spencer does the wash in the bathtub and hangs it up to dry. He is doing a great job. We got everything into the taxi... I was able to summon the taxi with just a head nod because my hands were full. We took off down the street and not to far into our drive we saw a man on horseback galloping down the street!!! We all looked at each other and busted out laughing! When we came home and told Tom about it he wanted to know if the British were coming.... or perhaps the Cosacks?
I took photos of the way the street signs look to show the difference between Russian and English spelling. The trolleybus signs are where we catch the bus. Scrooge's is where we shop for small items. It has some grocery items but is not a complete grocery store. And Spencer says that Kosmostars ROCK!
I interviewed a house helper today. She says that she will be ok with the dogs. People are familiar with the breed Rotwieller. Spencer's dog. However, when I mention Border Collie no one seems to know what that is. We have been told he may be the first one in the city. We seem to be bringing several 'firsts' here with us! House help earns between 60-70 rubles an hour. That is roughly 2-2.50$ an hour. People work hard for not much money. Our budget included house help to support someone here. She has a husband and small child. I hope she works out. I will start her out at 2 days a week. I have also hired an art teacher for Nathan. She will also work two days a week. Now I have to find something for Spencer to do.
Spencer and I went out to Krasnaya Ploshad (Red Square) to shop today. I made out a list in Russian. I found everything I needed there except for eggs. We found insect repellent. It was the brand OFF. I was glad to recognize something! We finally purchased an ironing board. I kept dreading putting one in the taxi. But Spencer talked me into it. It will help to soften up our lined dried clothes! We don't own a washer or a dryer. Spencer does the wash in the bathtub and hangs it up to dry. He is doing a great job. We got everything into the taxi... I was able to summon the taxi with just a head nod because my hands were full. We took off down the street and not to far into our drive we saw a man on horseback galloping down the street!!! We all looked at each other and busted out laughing! When we came home and told Tom about it he wanted to know if the British were coming.... or perhaps the Cosacks?
I took photos of the way the street signs look to show the difference between Russian and English spelling. The trolleybus signs are where we catch the bus. Scrooge's is where we shop for small items. It has some grocery items but is not a complete grocery store. And Spencer says that Kosmostars ROCK!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Shopping at the Renoc
Today Nathan and I went to the outdoor market. I needed to get kartoshka (potatoes). I walked around several times before I came upon the guy whose potatoes looked the best and were the best price. I asked him for "dva kilos kartoshoka" (about four pounds of potatoes). He nodded at me and said "harashow" (OK) He never took his cigarette out of his mouth. Cedric the Entertainer does a whole routine about old black mechanics who do this. But this guy was a weathered old Russian man. He stood up to weigh out the potatoes and he used the oldest scale I had ever seen. The kind you have to put a weight on for counterbalance. When he was done he closed the bag and handed it to me and said "skolka kartoshka?" and nodded to the sign... I guess he did not want to lean over to see how much the potatoes cost. I flipped the sign up for him and he told me it would cost 30 rubles. I knew that--they were 15 rubles per kilo! I handed him a 50 and he gave me my change. I thanked him and he said 'your welcome' in Russian & all the while the cigarette never left his mouth. I should email Cedric so he can add this to his act!
Nathan and I walked around a little more and found some broccoli and cauliflower. Then we went down to the supermarket and bought the rest of our groceries.
I took pictures of a marzshutka, the transportation center and the outside of the renoc. Nathan told me I would look like a spy if I took a picture inside there. I think I would just look like a tourist.
Tomorrow I am going to interview a house helper. I hope she is ready to clean up after the four of us plus the two dogs. OY!
Nathan and I walked around a little more and found some broccoli and cauliflower. Then we went down to the supermarket and bought the rest of our groceries.
I took pictures of a marzshutka, the transportation center and the outside of the renoc. Nathan told me I would look like a spy if I took a picture inside there. I think I would just look like a tourist.
Tomorrow I am going to interview a house helper. I hope she is ready to clean up after the four of us plus the two dogs. OY!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Cell Phone Day
Today Tom went out with his language helper Alexei M. to get cell phones. Americans are not allowed to buy cell phones in their own names here. Tom purchased tri-band phones for all of us. That means that when we are in the States we can convert them with a chip to make them work there. The cell phones had to be registered under Alexei's passport but the phone numbers were allowed to be registered under Tom's passport.
They seem to love documentation in this country. Tom bought a clock for about 6$ and it is registered to our home address and phone number.
We had visitors today... Nathan's friend Valentin stopped by ... he had been out job hunting. He stopped in to say 'preeviet' (Hi) and to get a cold drink of water. Our friends Lena and Alexei P. stopped by with a birthday gift for me and we also gave them water. It is humid here and most people walk pretty far to get wherever they are going.
Spencer and I walked to the market to get tonight's dinner. We went to the market we have been going to since we got here and it was gone. It is under renovation. Thank goodness Lena had told me about another market across the street. We were able to get what we needed. I will have to go out to the renoc (open air market) tomorrow for vegetables.
Thanks to everyone who emailed or called with birthday greetings!
They seem to love documentation in this country. Tom bought a clock for about 6$ and it is registered to our home address and phone number.
We had visitors today... Nathan's friend Valentin stopped by ... he had been out job hunting. He stopped in to say 'preeviet' (Hi) and to get a cold drink of water. Our friends Lena and Alexei P. stopped by with a birthday gift for me and we also gave them water. It is humid here and most people walk pretty far to get wherever they are going.
Spencer and I walked to the market to get tonight's dinner. We went to the market we have been going to since we got here and it was gone. It is under renovation. Thank goodness Lena had told me about another market across the street. We were able to get what we needed. I will have to go out to the renoc (open air market) tomorrow for vegetables.
Thanks to everyone who emailed or called with birthday greetings!
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Happy birthday to Me
Today was a nice quiet day for me. Tom and Spencer went to church. Nathan stayed home and took care of the dogs and I slept in. Tom made lunch. I started working on knitting pair of brightly colored socks. I'm teaching myself all sorts of new tricks. I am using 3 double pointed needles to hold the stitches and 1 to knit with & knitting in the round. They will be tube socks (without a heel). I will learn that later!
Tom sent out a newsletter. It has our correct phone number in it. I gave Erin the wrong number ....she got to speak with some Russian woman yesterday. I think I've apologized at least twice for that. Oy! Maybe some brain cells were left over the North Pole as we flew here. Oh well... it won't be my last mistake.
It is 6:38 pm as I finish this up. Tom and Nathan are napping and Spencer is watching hockey in Russian on TV. This is life in Krasnodar!
Tom sent out a newsletter. It has our correct phone number in it. I gave Erin the wrong number ....she got to speak with some Russian woman yesterday. I think I've apologized at least twice for that. Oy! Maybe some brain cells were left over the North Pole as we flew here. Oh well... it won't be my last mistake.
It is 6:38 pm as I finish this up. Tom and Nathan are napping and Spencer is watching hockey in Russian on TV. This is life in Krasnodar!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
pictures are up!
We had a great time at the party. We thought there would be English speakers there. No such luck. Glad I took the dictionary. They were too! Anastasia looked up jokester. She declared that her father Alexei and Tom were both jokesters. Tom had to look up submarine he was telling a story with that word in the punch line. The food was great and so was the fellowship. The baby was fun to watch. How do you entertain a Russian speaking baby? Noises work. Saying hello in Russian in a funny voice works. Babies are funny they just like being entertained. But mostly they want Mama. And that word is the same!
Tom gave away my 4th edition Big Book tonight. It was only a paper back version. It was actually exciting. The person who has it asked Tom to sign it. It may be the only copy in the city. I have two more copies coming in our boxes and Tom has his in transit as well. At least this one copy is now in the hands of a Russian speaker who will share (step 12) with others!
Tom gave away my 4th edition Big Book tonight. It was only a paper back version. It was actually exciting. The person who has it asked Tom to sign it. It may be the only copy in the city. I have two more copies coming in our boxes and Tom has his in transit as well. At least this one copy is now in the hands of a Russian speaker who will share (step 12) with others!
Gagarina Street
When you move to a new house make sure you know your address, phone number and the cross street to your house. We keep getting asked those questions. They are common sense questions and we should know the answers. Last night Dennis called a taxi & we had to get out the map to look up the name of our cross street. Our house is on Gagarina. We have been told that Gagarin was the first Russian in space. Put the emphasis on the first ‘Ga’ when you say it! Our cross street is Gertsena . I am trying to give the English spelling of Russian words. This is not how they look on street signs here!
In about an hour we will be at a birthday party for Alexei Parkhomenko. He and his wife Lena (my language helper) are our partners in recovery work. Tom went to an AA meeting with Alexei. There were ten people there. This is a city of 1.2 million. And there is only 1 meeting right now. There used to be 2. But they have trouble getting to a meeting during the week because of their jobs. They don’t have enough time. By the time you get home from work and make dinner….. Almost sounds like California! We have our work cut out for us. We want to see if we can get an Al-Anon meeting going where the AA meeting is at. The answer would be to provide childcare and dinner.
Right now we are still in the stage of meeting people and developing relationships. That, along with language acquisition has been set as the priority for us.
It’s about time to get ready for the party. After saving money all this week on public transportation we are in agreement about taking a taxi to the party. We don’t have time to for adventure tonight!
In about an hour we will be at a birthday party for Alexei Parkhomenko. He and his wife Lena (my language helper) are our partners in recovery work. Tom went to an AA meeting with Alexei. There were ten people there. This is a city of 1.2 million. And there is only 1 meeting right now. There used to be 2. But they have trouble getting to a meeting during the week because of their jobs. They don’t have enough time. By the time you get home from work and make dinner….. Almost sounds like California! We have our work cut out for us. We want to see if we can get an Al-Anon meeting going where the AA meeting is at. The answer would be to provide childcare and dinner.
Right now we are still in the stage of meeting people and developing relationships. That, along with language acquisition has been set as the priority for us.
It’s about time to get ready for the party. After saving money all this week on public transportation we are in agreement about taking a taxi to the party. We don’t have time to for adventure tonight!
Friday, May 13, 2005
What an Adventure!
Today Tom and I went to the wholesale shop I visited yesterday. I found beads there that I thought he would want to see. I was able to get him back to place that Lena took me to. I used a combination of her hand drawn map and a map of the city. I used to hate maps..... now they are a life line.
After we shopped wholesale Tom wanted to see the retail shop as well. We took off and found they had beads that he liked too. He is well stocked to make more jewelry and crosses. I picked up some double pointed needles so I can learn to knit socks! I also found a book in Russian that I had wanted in the States I paid about half the price. If you are wondering if I can read it.... the answer is no. Knitting and crocheting both have international symbols for stitches. I can follow the patterns that way. I have learned some terms. 'Veeotsit' is the word for the action of knitting, sewing or crocheting. It means 'to bind'. And knitky is the word for yarn.
We decided to take a trolleybus home and somehow we ended up on a marshutka (mini van) going in the wrong direction.... I won't say who made that decision. But it was not me. The rain was coming down pretty hard and we had to make a decision fast. I suggested the #1. I rode it with Lena the day before and knew exactly where it went. The #38a was unfamiliar. Although it did have our street name on the sign in the window so we jumped on and paid the fare. We rode standing up until seats opened up. We went out into the countryside. There was a woman walking her goats! We rode until the end of the line. We finally asked "Pazhalsta, Gagarina sto-chiteree?" which is baby Russian for "104 Gagarina Street, please!" The driver realized we were pitiful Americans and let us stay on and we rode back in the opposite direction and he dropped us off in front of our house. There were several old ladies that fussed at him to make sure he stopped at the right place! They kept repeating "Gagarina, stoh-chiteree, Gagarina, stoh-chiteree" and watching out the windows... what a riot. Then when they saw the number they yelled out "Stoh-chiteree!!!!" The van braked hard. When we got out I yelled out "Bolshoi spaseeba" which is big thank you or huge thanks!
When we got inside Tom said "Alida why don't you order a pizza and I'll go next door and get us some drinks!" Why do I have to make the scary phone call? Even if I can figure out how to say what I need to say how will I know what is being said back to me????? Needless to say I am a trooper and I get the Menu off the fridge. Joy Watson has phonetically written out our favorite kinds of pizza on the menu. I had help even though Joy is in the States right now. I dial the number and when the young girl answers I immediately tell her my address. Then I tell her the types of pizza that I want. I stumble on ordering the french fries. Her question threw me for a moment. She asks for my phone number I get all the numbers right except 7. I said that one in English. She laughed at me. When I am done ordering I ask how much so she knows I'm done. Then she asks me if I'm in a house or apartment I can answer that one! Dome! House! Then she asks me something I don't understand. So I tell her I don't understand & she tells me goodbye and we pray for pizza to show up! 45 minutes later ..... We have pizza!!!!!!!
What a day! Then Nathan had his excitement as well. He went out with the youth group. Several of them waited for the tram-vi for over an hour. They got to to the stop at 10pm and it came after 11pm. They got off 4 stops past our house and had to walk back to where Tom was waiting for Nathan. Meanwhile, I had gotten three phone calls to tell me what was going on. Tom does not have a cell phone yet so I could not relay the message to him. I knew he would wait until they were reunited. Dennis stayed with Nathan until they all reached our house. He is a university student who was new to the group tonight. We fed him pizza and then sent him home in a taxi. No more public transportation for the night. I gave him 100 rubles to pay for the taxi. I would not let him say no. I know that his mother or someone else would have done the same for one of my boys! My goodness he stayed with Nathan for over 2 hours to get him home safely.
That's enough adventure to pack into one day. Who knows what tomorrow holds!
After we shopped wholesale Tom wanted to see the retail shop as well. We took off and found they had beads that he liked too. He is well stocked to make more jewelry and crosses. I picked up some double pointed needles so I can learn to knit socks! I also found a book in Russian that I had wanted in the States I paid about half the price. If you are wondering if I can read it.... the answer is no. Knitting and crocheting both have international symbols for stitches. I can follow the patterns that way. I have learned some terms. 'Veeotsit' is the word for the action of knitting, sewing or crocheting. It means 'to bind'. And knitky is the word for yarn.
We decided to take a trolleybus home and somehow we ended up on a marshutka (mini van) going in the wrong direction.... I won't say who made that decision. But it was not me. The rain was coming down pretty hard and we had to make a decision fast. I suggested the #1. I rode it with Lena the day before and knew exactly where it went. The #38a was unfamiliar. Although it did have our street name on the sign in the window so we jumped on and paid the fare. We rode standing up until seats opened up. We went out into the countryside. There was a woman walking her goats! We rode until the end of the line. We finally asked "Pazhalsta, Gagarina sto-chiteree?" which is baby Russian for "104 Gagarina Street, please!" The driver realized we were pitiful Americans and let us stay on and we rode back in the opposite direction and he dropped us off in front of our house. There were several old ladies that fussed at him to make sure he stopped at the right place! They kept repeating "Gagarina, stoh-chiteree, Gagarina, stoh-chiteree" and watching out the windows... what a riot. Then when they saw the number they yelled out "Stoh-chiteree!!!!" The van braked hard. When we got out I yelled out "Bolshoi spaseeba" which is big thank you or huge thanks!
When we got inside Tom said "Alida why don't you order a pizza and I'll go next door and get us some drinks!" Why do I have to make the scary phone call? Even if I can figure out how to say what I need to say how will I know what is being said back to me????? Needless to say I am a trooper and I get the Menu off the fridge. Joy Watson has phonetically written out our favorite kinds of pizza on the menu. I had help even though Joy is in the States right now. I dial the number and when the young girl answers I immediately tell her my address. Then I tell her the types of pizza that I want. I stumble on ordering the french fries. Her question threw me for a moment. She asks for my phone number I get all the numbers right except 7. I said that one in English. She laughed at me. When I am done ordering I ask how much so she knows I'm done. Then she asks me if I'm in a house or apartment I can answer that one! Dome! House! Then she asks me something I don't understand. So I tell her I don't understand & she tells me goodbye and we pray for pizza to show up! 45 minutes later ..... We have pizza!!!!!!!
What a day! Then Nathan had his excitement as well. He went out with the youth group. Several of them waited for the tram-vi for over an hour. They got to to the stop at 10pm and it came after 11pm. They got off 4 stops past our house and had to walk back to where Tom was waiting for Nathan. Meanwhile, I had gotten three phone calls to tell me what was going on. Tom does not have a cell phone yet so I could not relay the message to him. I knew he would wait until they were reunited. Dennis stayed with Nathan until they all reached our house. He is a university student who was new to the group tonight. We fed him pizza and then sent him home in a taxi. No more public transportation for the night. I gave him 100 rubles to pay for the taxi. I would not let him say no. I know that his mother or someone else would have done the same for one of my boys! My goodness he stayed with Nathan for over 2 hours to get him home safely.
That's enough adventure to pack into one day. Who knows what tomorrow holds!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Back on line
We are finally back on line! What a relief. The days seem to fly by and yet each day is filled to the brim with much activity. We walk a lot. We are right on the transportation lines so we can use the trolleybuses or the marshutka (mini vans). We can even take a quick walk up the hill to catch a tram-vi.
Today I went out with my language helper to find a wholesale yarn warehouse. We found a retail store first which was very modern like in the States. Then 2 hours later (walking of course) we found the warehouse. At the retail store I paid 42 rubles per skein of yarn. At the warehouse I paid 13 rubles per skein. When we found the store my helper, Lena, exclaimed "Slava Bogu" which means "Praise God!" we were both grateful our quest had come to an end. Now she wants to learn how to knit!
On Friday we attended a Russian ballet. Nathan went out with the youth group from church. He enjoyed it. He got invited to a holiday celebration for May 9th. It was the 60th Anniversary of Russia defeating Germany. He got to see the fireworks and the parade.
Saturday, May 7th we went shopping downtown on Krasnaya. Tom got stopped and asked for his documents. He has his head shaved and there was heightened security here looking for skinheads! So he stayed home on May 9th!
Our home is coming together. We are starting to look for permanent housing. And I will be able to write more often!
Today I went out with my language helper to find a wholesale yarn warehouse. We found a retail store first which was very modern like in the States. Then 2 hours later (walking of course) we found the warehouse. At the retail store I paid 42 rubles per skein of yarn. At the warehouse I paid 13 rubles per skein. When we found the store my helper, Lena, exclaimed "Slava Bogu" which means "Praise God!" we were both grateful our quest had come to an end. Now she wants to learn how to knit!
On Friday we attended a Russian ballet. Nathan went out with the youth group from church. He enjoyed it. He got invited to a holiday celebration for May 9th. It was the 60th Anniversary of Russia defeating Germany. He got to see the fireworks and the parade.
Saturday, May 7th we went shopping downtown on Krasnaya. Tom got stopped and asked for his documents. He has his head shaved and there was heightened security here looking for skinheads! So he stayed home on May 9th!
Our home is coming together. We are starting to look for permanent housing. And I will be able to write more often!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Finally Here
We are celebrating Easter today with the Watsons. It is Orthodox Easter. We were in church for two and a half hours.
The traveling went well. We flew from LAX to Seattle.
At the airport in LA: Spencer and I took the dogs to potty before we put them in their kennels. Domo peed on the tree and everywhere he saw grass. He had lots of fun peeing. Then we walked back to the terminal and right as we got to the door of the Alaska terminal he pooped on the cement in front of the door. Just as a policeman was driving by. So I had to dig through the trash to find something to clean it up with! Gee thanks Domo...
At the airport in Seattle: Erin came to see us!!!! She brought Rhianna with her. It was such a blessing to get to see them one last time before we took off. We were there from 8:45 until 4:15! It was a long day.
The dogs kept barking at people walking by. We figured out later that Domo does not like it when people don't stay in line. That's a Border Collie for yah! He has to keep the herd together.
At the airport in Moscow: We missed our connecting flight to Krasnodar. We had to wait until 11:30 for the next flight. We were supposed to leave at 5:30. Nathan and I were dropped off and the driver went back to get Tom and Spencer. We had all the bags and the dogs with us and it started to rain we were in the middle of the median. Nathan moved everything all by himself! I stayed with the dogs while he moved the luggage. He was such a trooper. I was so proud of him.
I had to pay a bribe to get our things on the plane in Moscow. 7000 rubles. About 250 dollars. Tom wanted to argue with the guy but I just wanted to get on the plane we were all tired and I just took out the money. After that the guy would only talk to me. He ignored Tom!
Finally in Krasnodar: We were met by our friends and driven to our new home....
I will write more later I am being called to dinner!
The traveling went well. We flew from LAX to Seattle.
At the airport in LA: Spencer and I took the dogs to potty before we put them in their kennels. Domo peed on the tree and everywhere he saw grass. He had lots of fun peeing. Then we walked back to the terminal and right as we got to the door of the Alaska terminal he pooped on the cement in front of the door. Just as a policeman was driving by. So I had to dig through the trash to find something to clean it up with! Gee thanks Domo...
At the airport in Seattle: Erin came to see us!!!! She brought Rhianna with her. It was such a blessing to get to see them one last time before we took off. We were there from 8:45 until 4:15! It was a long day.
The dogs kept barking at people walking by. We figured out later that Domo does not like it when people don't stay in line. That's a Border Collie for yah! He has to keep the herd together.
At the airport in Moscow: We missed our connecting flight to Krasnodar. We had to wait until 11:30 for the next flight. We were supposed to leave at 5:30. Nathan and I were dropped off and the driver went back to get Tom and Spencer. We had all the bags and the dogs with us and it started to rain we were in the middle of the median. Nathan moved everything all by himself! I stayed with the dogs while he moved the luggage. He was such a trooper. I was so proud of him.
I had to pay a bribe to get our things on the plane in Moscow. 7000 rubles. About 250 dollars. Tom wanted to argue with the guy but I just wanted to get on the plane we were all tired and I just took out the money. After that the guy would only talk to me. He ignored Tom!
Finally in Krasnodar: We were met by our friends and driven to our new home....
I will write more later I am being called to dinner!
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