After three and a half months it was time to come home. At first I was afraid to go over there, but by the end I found it hard to leave. You make friends, and get into a routine that becomes your life. It’s hard to break away from that again. I remember that the night before I left, I went to visit some friends. They bought me chocolates and we sat over them crying until about midnight, I wasn't sure if I’d see them again. But on the other hand it was nice to know that I was coming home.
Traveling was hardest part. The train ride from Volgograd to Moscow was a little over 20 hours. Luckily most of the journey was overnight, but I didn’t sleep a wink in the stuffy, closet sized cabin. We stayed in the city a couple of days. Our flight out of Moscow was at 1 p.m. their time. They are 8 hours later than us. For example, if its 7 p.m. in the states then it would be 3 am over there. Since my internal clock was still on Russia's time I felt like the walking dead. The first pit stop was Burger King. I hadn't had fast food in months, since it is so much harder to find there. There was one McDonald’s in a city with a population of over 1,000, 000 people. Anyway, when I went to order I started in Russian… gotta love the reverse culture shock.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
News Article
When I went to visit Vera's family, I had the opportunity to chat with a relative of hers, who actually happened to be a local journalist. Not many people in the village had met an American, so it was news worthy. The article and its translation are below.
By Natalia Golubeva
Our story began when an American student from Mansfield University paused by a Russian-themed exhibit on her way to class at her home institution. It so happened that nearby, a certain professor was busy recruiting students into an exchange group that was to spend three months at Russian Educational Establishments. Jamie Curtis would later find it hard to comprehend how she ended up amongst these brave souls. In September of 2008, three students and one professor from Mansfield University left for Volgograd State University. From this point on, that most unusual and unpredictable experience – Life in Russia, began for this American student.
One of the initial experiences – travelling by train – was a case of “tough luck” for Jamie. Those who know Russian trains, will attest to the fact that they are not for the weak of heart! “The conductor wasn’t too accommodating, and it was really stuffy,” Jamie says. “Perhaps, in cooler weather, the journey will be more comfortable,” she thought. She had no idea how “warm” our trains are in winter!
Volgograd greeted the travelers wholeheartedly, but Jamie states,
When you don’t know the language, it’s as if you are living on top of a volcano, every day of the week. Someone might address you, and you feel like a total fool for not understanding them. What if he is “jovially” being mean to you? The first days in Volgograd were the most nightmarish. There was no one to talk to. That alone, was depressing. Whenever I met someone who spoke English, I was happy as a child.
My sister, Vera Galuhina, A VOLGU student “assigned” to the American guest, translates all of this for me. Most of our conversation dealt with Jamie’s impressions of Russia and its citizens. I was especially interested in what seemed unusual to her, as a natural-born American.
Curtis feels that,
Russian people are stunning in their warmth and directness. They are very sociable and can invite a stranger to have dinner at their home, and help them, if need be. But the Russians wear their hearts on their sleeves, and, by the same token, won’t “smile” when looking at a foe.
The concept of “time” is very different in Russia. In the States, it, essentially, controls their lives. Americans try to find the quickest solution to any problem. The Russians, on the other hand, live by the rule – “I will finish it later.” How can it take 20 years to build a bridge? Can tea by consumed over the course of two hours?
These Americans are peculiar, indeed! What’s the rush?
I am surprised that the concept of “fast food” doesn’t really exist here. But the Russian cuisine, with its variety and awesome tastes, is a delight. Much is made with their own two hands. Pickled veggies, preserves, and sauces are terrific!
Again, she is right! Who would argue with that?
I was unpleasantly surprised with poor availability of services, -- getting to a Laundromat or renting something, for instance.
Yet, Jamie has found a bright spot even with regard to this matter: she has learned to hand-wash her clothes and prepare her own meals.
There are many advantages to visiting the Russian countryside. First of all, the people here are more genuine. They are calmer, and the paleness and stress-filled nature of City Dwellers suggest an illness of sorts. Secondly, now I know the difference between a Cossack and a Kazakh! Finally, I saw what real, unprocessed food looks like. And, I also traced a goose’s journey from his time in the yard to the dinner table.
By the way, if only you could see Jamie’s look, as she observed this whole “process!”
So, to make a long story short, Jamie is an affable young lady. I am glad I had an opportunity to meet her!
Our story began when an American student from Mansfield University paused by a Russian-themed exhibit on her way to class at her home institution. It so happened that nearby, a certain professor was busy recruiting students into an exchange group that was to spend three months at Russian Educational Establishments. Jamie Curtis would later find it hard to comprehend how she ended up amongst these brave souls. In September of 2008, three students and one professor from Mansfield University left for Volgograd State University. From this point on, that most unusual and unpredictable experience – Life in Russia, began for this American student.
One of the initial experiences – travelling by train – was a case of “tough luck” for Jamie. Those who know Russian trains, will attest to the fact that they are not for the weak of heart! “The conductor wasn’t too accommodating, and it was really stuffy,” Jamie says. “Perhaps, in cooler weather, the journey will be more comfortable,” she thought. She had no idea how “warm” our trains are in winter!
Volgograd greeted the travelers wholeheartedly, but Jamie states,
When you don’t know the language, it’s as if you are living on top of a volcano, every day of the week. Someone might address you, and you feel like a total fool for not understanding them. What if he is “jovially” being mean to you? The first days in Volgograd were the most nightmarish. There was no one to talk to. That alone, was depressing. Whenever I met someone who spoke English, I was happy as a child.
My sister, Vera Galuhina, A VOLGU student “assigned” to the American guest, translates all of this for me. Most of our conversation dealt with Jamie’s impressions of Russia and its citizens. I was especially interested in what seemed unusual to her, as a natural-born American.
Curtis feels that,
Russian people are stunning in their warmth and directness. They are very sociable and can invite a stranger to have dinner at their home, and help them, if need be. But the Russians wear their hearts on their sleeves, and, by the same token, won’t “smile” when looking at a foe.
The concept of “time” is very different in Russia. In the States, it, essentially, controls their lives. Americans try to find the quickest solution to any problem. The Russians, on the other hand, live by the rule – “I will finish it later.” How can it take 20 years to build a bridge? Can tea by consumed over the course of two hours?
These Americans are peculiar, indeed! What’s the rush?
I am surprised that the concept of “fast food” doesn’t really exist here. But the Russian cuisine, with its variety and awesome tastes, is a delight. Much is made with their own two hands. Pickled veggies, preserves, and sauces are terrific!
Again, she is right! Who would argue with that?
I was unpleasantly surprised with poor availability of services, -- getting to a Laundromat or renting something, for instance.
Yet, Jamie has found a bright spot even with regard to this matter: she has learned to hand-wash her clothes and prepare her own meals.
There are many advantages to visiting the Russian countryside. First of all, the people here are more genuine. They are calmer, and the paleness and stress-filled nature of City Dwellers suggest an illness of sorts. Secondly, now I know the difference between a Cossack and a Kazakh! Finally, I saw what real, unprocessed food looks like. And, I also traced a goose’s journey from his time in the yard to the dinner table.
By the way, if only you could see Jamie’s look, as she observed this whole “process!”
So, to make a long story short, Jamie is an affable young lady. I am glad I had an opportunity to meet her!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Trip with Vera
In the late Fall, I had the opportunity to visit Alekseyevskaya with Vera. Alekseyevskaya is her hometown, or stanitsa which is a Cossack village. It is about five hours North of Volgograd. Vera is a descendant of the famous Russian Cossacks. The weekend that we went to her village there was a celebration for St. Michael s day. St. Michael is the patron saint of the village. The festival was also to celebrate the harvest. I was able to see men and women dressed in traditional Cossack attire and visited a museum that showcased their rich history.
I also had the opportunity to meet Vera’s mother and grandmother that weekend. They had never met an American before, which seemed odd, but the village is so far off the beaten path that did not surprise me. Americans come into contact with people from all over the world just about every day, so it’s easy to take that for granted.
Of course neither woman spoke English, poor Vera, she spent the entire weekend playing translator. Her grandmother was the inquisitive one. She asked me the question “with all of the conveniences that you have in America what do you do with your time?” What she meant by conveniences ranged from washers and dryers, dishwashers to indoor plumbing, which Vera’s family had only put in a few years before. When she asked me that, I really had no clue as to how to answer.
I mean I go to work and school, but so does the majority of the rest of the planet I suppose it is more about time management. Her cousin also interviewed me for the village newspaper. Being a journalist myself, I decided to compare notes and there were a lot of similarities. I spent about three hours talking to this woman, well with Vera translating, and I had questions of my own. Despite the language barriers I really liked her family.
Vera’s family lived off the land growing, producing and storing most of their own food, they wanted to have goose for dinner and instead of going to the store grandma went to the barn with an ax. Vera asked if I wanted to watch the goose execution and I passed on that opportunity. It was interesting watching the preparation process, which is something we typically don’t see. It included pulling off all of the feathers, which were later cleaned and used as stuffing for pillows. Down pillows are popular in Russia. Anyway, the next processes included cleaning and dissecting the goose, which grossed me out, her grandmother just laughed, and looking back on it I had to also. The parts of the goose to be cooked were later put in the freezer for storage.
After dinner everyone sat down to watch T.V. We watched the news, a show similar to American idol (you can’t escape it…) and figure-skating. My grandmother and I used to watch figure skating when I was little, and to watch it with her brought back pleasant memories, when we thought something was good or bad we would look at each other and nod or say a few words to indicate approval. This was something that was a bit of a universal experience for me. The weekend was one of my favorite parts of the trip, and I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Vera’s family.
I also had the opportunity to meet Vera’s mother and grandmother that weekend. They had never met an American before, which seemed odd, but the village is so far off the beaten path that did not surprise me. Americans come into contact with people from all over the world just about every day, so it’s easy to take that for granted.
Of course neither woman spoke English, poor Vera, she spent the entire weekend playing translator. Her grandmother was the inquisitive one. She asked me the question “with all of the conveniences that you have in America what do you do with your time?” What she meant by conveniences ranged from washers and dryers, dishwashers to indoor plumbing, which Vera’s family had only put in a few years before. When she asked me that, I really had no clue as to how to answer.
I mean I go to work and school, but so does the majority of the rest of the planet I suppose it is more about time management. Her cousin also interviewed me for the village newspaper. Being a journalist myself, I decided to compare notes and there were a lot of similarities. I spent about three hours talking to this woman, well with Vera translating, and I had questions of my own. Despite the language barriers I really liked her family.
Vera’s family lived off the land growing, producing and storing most of their own food, they wanted to have goose for dinner and instead of going to the store grandma went to the barn with an ax. Vera asked if I wanted to watch the goose execution and I passed on that opportunity. It was interesting watching the preparation process, which is something we typically don’t see. It included pulling off all of the feathers, which were later cleaned and used as stuffing for pillows. Down pillows are popular in Russia. Anyway, the next processes included cleaning and dissecting the goose, which grossed me out, her grandmother just laughed, and looking back on it I had to also. The parts of the goose to be cooked were later put in the freezer for storage.
After dinner everyone sat down to watch T.V. We watched the news, a show similar to American idol (you can’t escape it…) and figure-skating. My grandmother and I used to watch figure skating when I was little, and to watch it with her brought back pleasant memories, when we thought something was good or bad we would look at each other and nod or say a few words to indicate approval. This was something that was a bit of a universal experience for me. The weekend was one of my favorite parts of the trip, and I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Vera’s family.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Dorms and what they were like
I am sure many people wonder what the living arrangements are like in the dorms there. Well the building is 16 stories high.
I only went to the 8th floor as that’s where I had friends, and the rooms got worse as you went higher. My friend Elena had cockroaches in her bathroom, quite a contrast to my newly furnished suite, but you learn to deal with it. I was lucky. Anyway the dorms curfew was 11 p.m. if you weren’t back to the building by then you were SOL, and locked out until 6 am the next day. Sometimes you could bribe a guard to let you in if you paid him.
You had this check point where guards sat behind a glass booth, and when you walked in that you had to swipe your card through to get into the dorm. I also got stopped by the guards and questioned about my laundry at 2 a.m. This is when the only available washer in the dorm was free. I had to wait for the key, and no one ever knew where it was. The key was only for students on the international floor. Other things to note were that since curfew was at 11p.m. most of the parties were held in the dorm at night. You could always find one with ease.
There was also a little store where you could buy food, school supplies etc. The clerk Galena, was a sweetheart. I didn’t really understand what she was saying half the time, since she didn’t speak English, but a nice enough woman.
There was also an internet lab in the dorm where you would pay 10 rubles for an hour. 10 rubles equaled about 50 cents. I had to use the computer lab because I didn’t have access in my room, and didn’t until the last week of the semester.
The carpenters tore out all the wiring and didn’t have it fixed until the last week in November. Yeah that was good timing. I left December 11th.
I only went to the 8th floor as that’s where I had friends, and the rooms got worse as you went higher. My friend Elena had cockroaches in her bathroom, quite a contrast to my newly furnished suite, but you learn to deal with it. I was lucky. Anyway the dorms curfew was 11 p.m. if you weren’t back to the building by then you were SOL, and locked out until 6 am the next day. Sometimes you could bribe a guard to let you in if you paid him.
You had this check point where guards sat behind a glass booth, and when you walked in that you had to swipe your card through to get into the dorm. I also got stopped by the guards and questioned about my laundry at 2 a.m. This is when the only available washer in the dorm was free. I had to wait for the key, and no one ever knew where it was. The key was only for students on the international floor. Other things to note were that since curfew was at 11p.m. most of the parties were held in the dorm at night. You could always find one with ease.
There was also a little store where you could buy food, school supplies etc. The clerk Galena, was a sweetheart. I didn’t really understand what she was saying half the time, since she didn’t speak English, but a nice enough woman.
There was also an internet lab in the dorm where you would pay 10 rubles for an hour. 10 rubles equaled about 50 cents. I had to use the computer lab because I didn’t have access in my room, and didn’t until the last week of the semester.
The carpenters tore out all the wiring and didn’t have it fixed until the last week in November. Yeah that was good timing. I left December 11th.
going to the movies
There is only one cinema in Volgograd that I am aware of. This is also where the only McDonalds in the city is located. Going to the movies there is pretty much the same as here. You buy your ticket, you buy the popcorn except it is Carmel popcorn there -- I don’t think they have the butter kind that we’re accustomed to --and your soda. Beer is also an optional purchase, Russia is way better isn’t it? Anyway I went to see James Bond Quantum of Solace. I was able to understand the movie somewhat based on the what the actors were doing, but basically, I spent the next two hours asking my friends Maria and Vera what was going on.
Lenta
Lenta is the 24 hour grocery store across the street from the dorm. It is similar to a giant Wal-mart, they have everything from a cafe called la cucaracha and a cell phone store where you can buy phone cards. I think I spent most of my money on shoes. This store was a lifesaver.
Uryupinsk
During my stay in fall of 2008, my group and I had the chance to visit Uryupinsk. It is a small agricultural town about 211 Miles Northwest of Volgograd on the Khopyor River. One of their biggest industries is goat farming. The town has a museum dedicated to the goat as well as a statue near the center of town. If you rub its nose and make a wish it is supposed to come true. No lie, it actually worked for me. The trip was a fun one with lots of shenanigans, and beautiful countryside.
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