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!
thank you for posting this, and how brave you are to tell us so that we may be brave enought for the adventure too
ReplyDeleteI was verifying whether or not the actual train journey to volgograd
ReplyDeletewas indeed 30 hours (a day and a half!) to Volgograd from St. Petersburg!?