Where in the World is Cat?

I write this latest entry with the warning that I'm in a bad mood. However, this mood occurs often here and usually for the same reason, which is what drives me to write about it. This entry will be biased, and this having been said, I continue...

There is no respect left in Russia. Very few people respect each other here anymore. They don't respect your time, your status, your faults or your pluses. Russia has over the last 16 years become a land of every person for himself, and this permeates all aspects of life. This is the way it is, and the way life must be for most people if they want to survive. Lying is something you must do in order to get what you need, not to mention the few extra things you might want. The only person that you can respect in life here is yourself, and perhaps your spouse and children...outside of this tight circle sacrifices for the sake of others are neither repaid nor noticed. That's just the way it is.

I write this after waiting a total of five hours over the course of several days for a certain professor at my university who owes me a final grade. I've called, waited in his office and emailed him and yet I'm still without a grade. I'm the only student who completed their work on time (early, to be exact) and translated my Russian work into English for the benefit of the professor.

Yes, I'm focusing my frustration on this one professor. He embodies all that frustrates me about modern Russian culture. Irresponsible, aloof, shows no respect to his students, always late, unorganized...I would stereotype this as typical Russian behavior. The frustrating part is that at the same time they'll be friendly, smile and joke with you, and at the end of the conversation you'll be sympathizing more with them then you are with your own situation.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't like Russians, that Russian people are bad, or that Russians are disrespectful people. This type of behaviour is the norm here, and that's more frustrating to me. I'm from a wildly different culture - one strict deadlines, efficiency, mutual respect for one another regardless of the situation, etc....I struggle in this culture. One's not better than the other, it's just they're so wildly different I to this day struggle living in it. I at some point hoped to adjust, but I don't think it's possible!

What bothers me most, is that Russians complain about this. They complain just like I do when someone doesn't do something they've promised, or should have done. But they themselves do this all the time! It affects everyone - people get angry, frustrated, mad, worry...all these negative feelings...but it never occurs to them to change what they do. No one here thinks about changing their behavior, setting an example or correcting mistakes. The response is always, "Well, what can you do?", or "That's just the way things are". Things are so passive here - it is hard for anyone with an active attitude here to succeed...the conditions just aren't right - only if you relate to everything passively will you survive mentally and actually get something done.

Well, just writing with a few updates...

The parliamentary elections are coming soon - December 2nd. They are considerably important for Russia considering that Vladimer Putin will be leading the party list for United Russia - meaning that he is open to the idea of leading Russia not from the seat of the president, but as head of the legislative branch as prime minister. In Russia, this is very remarkable, as the Russian constitution inadvertently creates a dynamic relationship of power between the prime minister and presidency. Considering Putin's high level of approval here in Russia, and the likelihood that he will get elected to the parliament, the odds that he'll be ruling Russia from the seat of the Prime Minister is high. As for likely candidates for future Russian president, who will be elected in March 2008, that remains to be unknown, and at this point, it's unimportant. It is widely understood and rarely contended that whoever becomes president next year will be playing second fiddle to Putin (and that Putin will probably chose this individual anyway).

That being said, I'm ready to come home for a break. The elections haven't occurred yet and I'm already exhausted by all of the "what if's" and prediction-making when really, I'm at a point now where I don't believe that any one outcome will cause a dramatic change in Russia's immediate future anyway. The mood here is shifting further and further from the West, as is the mentality and ideology being implemented. The US played and still plays a large role in this, but that's a discussion for another day.

Anyhow, amidst all of this, I'm still struggling to adapt to Russian life. It's become easier, of course, and one learns how to operate to survive. However, being raised in a country where practicality and efficiency are highly valued, running through endless channels of backwards bureaucracy can really shake one's mental state. It's just hard to do something "the way everyone else does it" when you know there's a better way. But that's just it - it's only the better way to you - to everyone else, the way things are right now are best.

Basically, I need a break.

That being said, I took some of my non-existent free time tonight to change (or at least attempt to change) the look of my blog - since I can't give myself a makeover at the moment, I figure I'd at least afford one to my "virtual" face. Let me know what you think.

Tomorrow, I'm off to a friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Of course, this will be a Thanksgiving with turkey - but with Russian bulochki instead of dinner rolls, carrot and beat coleslaw instead of Green Bean Casserole, and probably some apple pirog instead of apple or pumpkin pie. The important thing is that I'm getting together with friends and to give thanks for how fortunate I am to be here in Moscow, healthy, with the support of my family and friends.

I hope you're all doing well at home (wherever that is for you) and preparing for your Thanksgiving feasts. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you over the holidays!

It's getting colder here in Moscow. Things are busy, so I apologize that I haven't posted much lately, but a new post is on it's way. My biggest problem is that I have so much I want to write, I can never chose what to post and what not to post! Hope all is well where ever this post finds you! -Cat

So, once again I've caught a cold here in Moscow. The weather has been wildly erratic - warm and sunny, cold and rainy etc, and that coupled with my new old room has thrown my immune system for a loop. What started as a simple cold seems to be attacking my body with all its strength. I've tried a string of different medications - some homeopathic granules my boss suggested to me, Tylenol Cold medication, and even my "miracle drug", Mucinex, has done me no good. So, today, grudgingly I went to the polyclinic, or the student health center.

I avoid going there, even though it's one of the best health centers in Moscow. I avoid going there not because they don't treat patients, but because everyone I know that has gone there, has had to argue their way in. This is typically Russian. Rules are so befuddling that even the people that work the reception desk there don't know what they need to do, so they usually try and put all the work on the students. I had asked about health insurance earlier this week, and after inquiring three different people (in three different offices) was assured that since I'm an exchange student, I don't need to buy any, that I receive my care for free. Wonderful! So, today, I went, Student ID in hand, ready to wait to see a doctor.

I got to the health center, and when I got the reception window, explained that I had been told I didn't need to purchase health care, and that I was sick and would like to see a doctor. The receptionist found my file, and asked for my ID. She looked at the ID, and then told me I needed to purchase health insurance. There is nothing written on my ID but my name, so I have no idea how she deducted this from looking at my picture. The following conversation went a little like this.

Receptionist: "You need to buy health insurance."
Me: "I would, but I've been told I don't need to. I'm an exchange student."
Receptionist: "Are you here on budget or by contract?"
Me: "I don't know. Contract, I guess. I don't pay to be here." (What's the difference?)
Receptionist: "Then you have to buy your health insurance."
Me: "I must be on the budget, because I was told that I do not need to buy health insurance."
Receptionist: "Well, go to the Office for International Students. (20 minutes away) Find out from them."
Me: "I went to them, and they've sent me here."
Receptionist: "Then go to your dean." (Another 20 minutes away)
Me: "He sent me to the Office of International Students."
Receptionist: (glaring at me) "Girl, what do you want?"
Me: "I want to see a doctor! I'm sick! I JUST WANT TO SEE A DOCTOR!!!"
Receptionist: "Room 129" (Throws my file at me) "Bring this with you"

Of course, I think I was a little less eloquent with my demand, it probably came out more like, "I want to see doctor! I sick! I simply want to see doctor!" But that's besides the point.

Here in Russia, getting things done is often a game of who can get the other to give in first. Today I won.

After seeing not one, but two very kind doctors, I was prescribed an arsenal of medications and written an excuse from classes for a week (who knew they still did things like this, much less for master's students?). On my way out, I stopped by the receptionist to apologize for raising my voice at her. She seemed surprised that I would think it was rude to do what I did, and then simply said - "Just ask your Dean if you're here by contract or if you're budgeted. That'll solve everything." Simple. Russians don't think to do this first.

Oh, by the way, I stopped by the Dean's office on the way home. I'm budgeted, just in case you're wondering.

Hello All!

Well, actually, I lie a little in my heading here. I am writing with reason, but I'll get around to that. I have yet to post some pictures of Hungary as promised, and to tell you all a little about my wonderful trip there. That, and I'll elaborate just a little on other goings on here in Moscow.

But first, just a few words about my blog. My main motivation for starting this blog was to communicate with friends and family. Knowing that I would be physically absent for a considerable amount of time from the lives of my family, and that I would be constantly saying goodbye to friends (such is the nature of an international school) I wanted to be able to talk to you all, let you know my thoughts, things that I am up to, and to provide a little picture of my life (oh, and yea - to hear from you guys too! Those little "comment" buttons at the end of each blog really do work!).

However, it has come to my attention that the tone of my last couple blogs has caused some to worry. I do try to avoid politics in these blogs as I do understand that the world has access to it, and the dangers that can come unexpectedly. It is within this framework that I write what I feel, and to do so without provoking such "dangers". I wouldn't write something if I thought it would risk causing anyone, including myself, harm. I may have my criticisms of Russia, but I also have many about the United States as well, and I would not hesitate to print my opinions (politely put, of course) about the US. Russia IS democratic in nature, and I believe enough in the country's ability and current efforts to grow to post such things here.

I do thank those of you that did write me with your concerns, I appreciate your care very much. But please, know that I'm not an aspiring journalist, I'm not a political activist and I wouldn't do anything unless I was 100% positive it was safe. (I have survived a year in Moscow unharmed afterall!) ((Currently knocking on the wood of my desk!))


Having said my share, let's return to the usual light-hearted nature of this website. We're hear to learn and share afterall!

So my trip to Budapest was just absolutely amazing. I know understand why people spend weeks sleeping on trains or in hostels to backpack across Europe. There really is so much to see in our world, and man, I've just begun. Budapest really opened my eyes as to how diverse a place can be - and when I say diverse, I don't just mean the color or ethnicity of the people walking the streets, but by the architecture in the city, nature of a country's history and a nation's ability to adapt to change.

My Hungarian friend and former roommate Paprika did an amazing job of keeping me busy - 5 days of sightseeing, and they were packed! Needless to say, I slept well during my stay as well! We saw everything, from the local sights in Budapest, to museums, churches, nearby Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia) and she treated me to a bit of rural Hungary by inviting me home to her house outside of Budapest for dinner. I could spend all day describing the intricacies of the trip, but I would suggest checking out the new album of photos I created in my gallery instead. I've put up captions, so you'll know what you're looking at. (Just click on my photos in Picasa, upper right link!)

Just a few words on Bratislava. My motivation for going to Bratislava was to visit Slovakia, the homeland of my grandmother's family. I had hoped to visit her mother's village of Nizhni Ruzbahi, but unfortunately the trip would have required an overnight stay and a exorbitant and long (3 hours) taxi ride from the closest bus stop. I haven't given up hopes, just will plan in the future to make the trip when I have a few more, ahem, resources available. However, I am very happy that I visited. Slovak language is so similar to Russian that I understood it almost perfectly, though did not speak Russian in reply, as the slight difference was enough to provoke an old babushka. Apparently despite the strong similarity in language, they in no way want to be associated with the Russians! The culture however was more European than Russian, with obvious influences from neighboring Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Austria. The architecture, like in Budapest, was wide in range, but what I enjoyed the most was the Translyvanian feel of the Bratislava Castle (Romania is just three hours away!).

In a strange way though, being in Slovakia, knowing that part of my heritage came from this area of Europe and seeing the strong similarities in culture with Russia, I felt a little closer to Russia - as if it wasn't so strange or foreign as it always seems to me. Guess this is a little hard to explain, but wanted to share it.

Well, I guess I haven't left any room for pictures. This means the responsibility is now on you! Go click on that link! The pictures are beautiful!

So, as you all know, I'm back in Moscow. I'd be lying if I said I'm happy to be here. Don't get me wrong, I will be happy to be here in about a month or so. Things are just difficult to get used to, and although this time around I've got a year's experience underneath my belt, it still is frustrating. It's amazing what we take for granted in the United States, or perhaps in the western world in general. For example, efficiency and preparation. Rationalization. Though everybody's drinking Pepsi, wearing Dolce & Gabbana and listening to Madonna, that's about as far as the westernization in Russia has come. Westernization with only half the modernization, and almost no liberization. (Don't get me started on democratization!)

A typical Russian might be offended by this last statement. They might say, "Who says we want to Westernize?". There has been a significant rise in anti-western sentiment here in Russia in the last couple of years, mostly due to the unfulfilled expectations of peristroika and democratization. The problem is, Russian culture (as I see it) is one that almost inherently goes against the grain of Western culture. They imported music, products, foods, pop culture and politics from the West, but no Western ideology or Western mentality. What results is one big mangled mess of double-standards and incomprehensible rules and laws for the Russians to try and salvage a normal life from. A person can easily have a good home feed their children, but I don't see Russians seeking purpose in life like most Westerners do. Even here at MGIMO, what I'm told repeatedly is the most prestigious school in Russia, money drives everything, even for the students. No one is here to change the system, save Russia or to champion a cause they are passionate for. This worries me greatly.

What has happened to Russia? More importantly, what will happen to Russia? Am I just socializing with the wrong people? People here seem to have lost their will to dream and think big, but rather focus on the material things that they now have within their reach. What will it take to get a nation to dream again?

These are just some of the questions that continually motivate me to continue to study, observe and learn this country and its politics. I have many times wanted to throw my hands up in the air and hop on a plane back home, but something in me just can't leave. Russia is infectious. It has left a mark on me, and for whatever reason, I want to leave a mark on Russia.

This is "hill" on the Buda side of Budapest (this hill would be a mountain to most Americans). The hill is covered with walkways and staircases to welcome visitors. Monuments and statues are scattered all over the mountain, with Hungary's own "Statue of Liberty" crowing the top. Also located at the top is the Citadel, a proud part of Hungary's war history.

The view from the top. That's right - I climbed it! Forty minutes and a lot of water later, Krizsti and I enjoyed the spectacular view. This is looking at the Pest side of the river, which also houses the country's parliament.

Well, unfortunately, that's all I can fit for now. But there will be much more to come, including some stuff from the States this past summer. Keep checking and take care!

Happy Independence Day America!
Though the weather was gray and rainy, today I celebrated the Fourth of July as good as any sunny summer day. I reviewed my Star Spangled Banner lyrics (almost forgotten them in Russia!), did some yardwork to reassure myself that I was still capable of doing tough dirty work, went to the movies and then spent the evening on the State Plaza for a concert and an INCREDIBLE fireworks display with Tomash. Oh, did I mention Tomash was here?! Yes, imagine how happy I am to have my Polish friend in the States! Tomash will be here in Albany for the summer on a cultural work exchange. Needless to say, I'm very excited!

So, I saw just about the most unAmerican movie playing in the theaters, even though it's the Fourth of July, and truly ask that you all go and see it as well. Sicko, for those of you who aren't aware of it, is Michael Moore's latest film on the American healthcare system. It's not as liberal as Farenheit 9/11, and fairly compares our healthcare system with a few other systems in the Western world. It will make you laugh and cry, but most of all, make you really think about our nation's healthcare system and what we as taxpaying citizens deserve and can do to make things better. Please go see this film - I just want you see what it has to offer and to think about it!

Just over a year since leaving DC I've found myself back home for a month and a half, and I'm so happy to be here! I've survived a year of master's work in Russia, which means I'm halfway to getting my master's degree! 11 finals during the month of June and a 12-hour trip to the State and I'm now sitting comfortably back in my OWN room, and my house with my family. The weather's been great, things are blooming everywhere, there's a string of family parties coming up - I feel like I'm in heaven.

Hello all. Finals time has hit here at MGIMO, and I've been pretty busy trying to wrap up the year well and getting things in order for the summer. The weather's been nice, so at the same time I've been trying to get out and enjoy Moscow in her glory. I'm learning that Moscow can be a tourist city, but only in the summer. Honestly, the mood in the city changes, people are happier, friendlier and the city changes her face.

Denis, me and Rosario in the gazebo at the dacha. Spent most of our time there eating great food, talking and having tea made from the leaves of Denis's grandmother's berry plants.
Denis and Tomash in the field outside of the dacha village. We spent about two hours walking the fields and surrounding woods, and escaping city life.

The Red October chocolate factory on the Moscow River. They make great chocolate! The picture on the side of the factory, is of baby Alyonka, the face of one of their most famous chocolates.

I waited 24 years to make it to St. Petersburg, and hopefully I won't have to wait another 24 to make it back. Yesterday I got back from a three day trip to St. Petersburg, and it was worth every penny. The city is beautiful, very European and modern, friendly, and a great place to relax. There are more than plenty sites to see on foot, not to mention the number of boat trips and tours you can take within and around the city. St. Petersburg is also not as expensive as Moscow, another added plus.

Well, I waited a little while before talking about it, but I'm finally making it to St. Petersburg! I've been in Russia for 8 months now (and this is the fourth time here) and I'm only just now able to go. I've got the train tickets purchased, a hostel reservation and a great group of friends to go with. Imagine, an American, a Spaniard, a Russian and a Polak all on their way to St. Petersburg for the first time. What a motley crew! I'll be sure to post pictures as usual.

Anyhow, this coupled with the usual rants about Iraq, the Middle East and immoral America and the coming end of the world - ah, let's just say I'm having trouble finding motivation to write my paper on Democratic Party PR strategy in the 2004 election. So, I'm asking you, my good friends and family, do any of you have GOOD news? Anything. I'm ready to celebrate anything. Did your daughter/niece get an A on her spelling test? Is that new haircut you got getting you lots of compliments? I'll take anything you got with open arms. Feel free to post it here or if you really love me, shoot me an email.

In the meantime, I'll look for opportunities to take pictures and post interesting, hopefully lighter notes. I miss all of you very much and hope that you're all doing well. As always, thanks for visiting!

Today, on my way to my usual supermarket, I stopped by a produce kiosk to pick up some fruit. I pass this kiosk practically everyday, either on my way to the metro station or on my way to the grocery store. The woman who works at this kiosk, by my guess is Armenian - as she speaks with a bit of an accent, has European features and is darker in color than many of the Georgians that I know. She usually greats me with a smile, and has a good idea of what I'll order - scallions, a couple of tomatoes cucumbers, and either some bananas or mandarins. I decided today I'd also like some apples and yellow onion - I knew she'd be pleased - anytime I order more than usual she gets a little excited and might throw in an extra apple or two.

I walked up to the window, which usually is wide open with her sitting behind it, only to find it closed with an "Open" sign on it. I tapped on the window, figuring that she was probably cleaning up inside. The window opened and I was greeted by the unsmiling face of a young Russian woman. Hmm, I thought, I've never seen her before. Perhaps my smiling Armenian friend had a day off or fell sick.

I gave the woman my order, and after a small exchange over whether or not they had scallions (the woman insisted the scallions sitting in the window were garlic), she started putting some produce in a bag. Things in Russia are always eyed or estimated, and my Armenian friend usually uses the scale she has to sit on. However, this woman was very exact, and weighed every piece of fruit and vegetable. After calculating everything, the woman gave me the total for my purchase - twice of what I usually pay. I was a little surprised, but figured perhaps my extra items were a little more expensive than imagined. I paid, thanked the woman and went on my way.

Then I began to think. Where was my Armenian friend? Why was my purchase so much higher? Then I remembered last week’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.

About a week ago, Russia banned all sales by any person who does not own a resident license (basically, a document stating that you legally live in the area, the equivalent of our driver’s licenses or alien resident cards). Tomash, Rosario and I ventured down to the local open air market to see how it might have affected the marketplace. Needless to say, the market was almost empty. This maze of open-air tents usually bustling with people selling and buying fruits and household goods was now spotted with just a handful of Russians trying to sell outdated clothing. A drastic change.

Anyhow, I don't usually venture down to the market, and thought to myself - I didn't really like going there anyway. It was crowded and people were pushy, although the goods were cheap.

I had seen other kiosks around the city closed due to the crackdown, and thought about the poor workers and their goods that were going to waste. But did I think about it after walking by? No, I can’t really say that I did. But now, my Armenian friend is gone, my fruits and vegetables are costlier and the service is no longer personalized. The crackdown on illegal immigration was creeping into my personal life.

Then I got to thinking, would Americans support a measure like this? Are we ready to pay more for our goods and services? We will certainly have to pay more for these things, as Americans wouldn’t even think of working for the same salaries as illegal immigrants, just as Russians won’t work for the meager salaries that illegal immigrants here are happy to work for. Where exactly is the good and bad, the pros and cons in an issue like this? I know that I want my Armenian friend back, even though she and thousands of others like her pose a serious problem to the Russian economy.

Illegal immigration is just as large a problem here in Russia as it is for us in the United States. The main difference between the two problems is where the immigrants come from. For the US, they come from Mexico, Latin America and in some cases, from Eastern Europe or the Far East. For Russia, immigrants come from all over, CIS countries - Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan - countries in the Caucauses - Armenia, Georgia, - the Far East - Mongolia, the Koreas, just to name a few. And the BIG problem that Russia has that we don't - it shares borders with most of these countries. Unlike the US, Russia can't just raise security at their ports or build a wall. Russia has shares borders with over 10 countries stretching over 180,000 miles long.

I realize that the new laws are just that - new. Things change. But considering how large a part of the Russian economy illegal immigrants and unregistered sellers make up, I'm doubtful that any positive effects of the new laws will be seen soon. Prices will rise, quality in service and products will go down, and there will be many, many more homeless in Moscow soon. Seeing the effects here drives me to seriously ponder what options we have in the US.

Hello folks. Just to give you a warning, I don't expect this post to make much sense - you could say I'm using this blog as a catharsis of sorts today. Whatever comes to mind is going to get typed, and I welcome your thoughts and feedback. And sorry, no new photos to post yet.

Well, my life in Moscow has developed the monotony and stress that one would expect to have living at home - which is what I guess I should call Moscow - seeing as I will be here for another 13 months. Still, no matter how good my Russian gets, how well I can predict cultural habits or reactions, I have come to the conclusion that Moscow will never feel like home. Of course, it's not where I grew up, and certainly doesn't offer a mentality close to the one that I view the world with. However, I do have a lot here of what I've found in other places - Washington or Albany - friends, regular hangouts, favorite stores, even shopkeepers who recognize me, know what I'm going to buy and make a little chit-chat. However, there is just something about Russia and Russians that will always be, well, Russian. You can't adapt to this culture - it's almost as if one's soul rejects it. People always talk about getting "Americanized" or "Westernized", but one can never truly become "Russianized"...it's honestly something that people are born with, raised with and continue from generation to generation. And no matter how hard or long I might try to explain it to any of you, no one would understand. I myself don't quite understand this culture...which explains a lot about why I keep coming back...but can at least identify habits, predict reactions and offer theories as to why things are the way they are here.

Why do I even bother thinking about this, much less try to share and explain this to you? Because more so now than ever, the nature of this country perplexes me and drives me to seriously ponder what lies in the future of this great country.

During a recent chat a friend referred to Russia as a "bastardized version of the West". At first I thought that was pretty rash and a quite narrow-minded view of the country, but the more and more I think about it, the more I feel that she is right. In many ways Russia in the last 15 years has become a city that reflects "the best" of the West - however, here I mean the best material things of the West - restaurants, clothing, shoes, architecture, apartments, cars, mainstream music, etc, etc. - but nothing that reflects any of the good or decent values that we strongly hold in the West. Humanitarianism, modesty, feeling of obligation to help those in need, honesty, good work ethic, earning what you receive, etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, I realize that not all of these values exist everywhere in the West (and by the West I mean Europe and North America), nor are they demonstrated by every person. However, there is very little of any of this present in Russia. And the people have become this way because if they try to live by these values they will not mentally, psychologically, or physically survive. Living here is incredibly hard, especially for Russians themselves. Russia has become a country in which you need to survive, think for yourself and perhaps your family. There is no opportunity to help others in need here...offering help to others really jeopardizes your own survival here. It's a dog eat dog country. And people give you a hard time here because it helps them to know that they're not the only ones having a hard time.

So in a nutshell, manners are an afterthought here, as are most acts of generosity. Men are chivalrous to the point which is required of them (helping with jackets, holding bags and doors)until the moment arrives that they are no longer required to do so (marriage, steady dating). The very few of the youth in Russia have even an idea how to socialize civilly, and the more money you have, the less likely it is that you are mannered. Considering that the politicians of Moscow are the richest people in the country - I am truly scared for the future of this country.

Even just sitting in the university cafeteria with fellow foreigners can be hard. We have a hard time enjoying our meals as students in Dolce and Gabbana steal chairs from one another, cut in line, act crudely to one another. I honestly saw a teacher steal a chair from a female student who had gotten up to fetch a fork (MGIMO, the richest school between Warsaw and Beijing somehow can't seem to afford enough forks for its students). The teacher purposefully waited until the student got up, ran over and as she was taking the chair the young female returned. When she demanded to know what the teachers was doing, the teacher replied, "There aren't enough chairs and I'm a teacher", and briskly walked off with the girl's chair. If this is how people respect one another in the school for Russia's best and brightest (and mind you, not just Russia, but the whole post-Soviet area), what is lies in the future of this country?

Don't get me wrong, Russia is an incredible country. It's history is one of the richest and most honorable in the world. It's culture is unique and intriguing, and despite the hostility, when Russians are touched in some way - they are the warmest people in the world. But they live in a constant state of hostility, constantly on guard for the inevitable next problem, emotional, physical, personal or financial attack. And the worse problem is that as the country progresses economically, imports Hyundai's, Gap jeans and Diesel shoes, they are not in any way progressing socially. Quite the opposite. In a country where thousands of children who are born to mothers who can't afford to support them are put into the most of awful of conditions in state orphanages, the government is running an intense campaign to increase the birth rate. There are no stable welfare or work-readiness programs, no (decent) public health care, no equal-education opportunity programs, zilch. And with the way things are going - who can blame them for being a little hostile with the West? They're not being shown anything positive about Western culture! I would be an incredibly bitter person if I made $500 a month to support myself in a city where apartments are $600 to rent (in a shared apartment), and constantly had Coca Cola and Hummer ads shoved in my face.

Moscow is an incredible city, but I just don't know for how long. People cannot go on like this forever, there is a breaking point and Moscow is heading towards it fast. I could go on for hours explaining why. What really gets me worked up is that so little is being done about it, or even being done to draw attention to the very immediate problems of which there are many. The metro is overcrowded by an estimated 1.2 million people, there are three times as many cars on the roads in Moscow than there were ten years ago and yet no new roads are highways have been built, and people from the increasingly poor regions of Russia continue to move to the city to find work, exacerbating the problem. Yet, no demands are being made from the people to the government, or visa versa. It's just a constant, cyclic state of chaos and corruption that is growing exponentially.

Most frustrating at all is that I myself have a hard time offering a viable solution. Things here are so twisted, manipulated and out of order than one has a hard time knowing where to start.

Oddly enough, after all of this, I find Russia and the US similarly alike in power, ethnic makeup (Russia is unbelievably diverse - people from the Middle East, Europe, China, Japan, Africa, Caucuses, etc.), economical power and overall goals. However, referring back to my friends metaphor of Russia, I do feel that our two countries exist in parallel universes - as if one was a reflection of what the other could be.

So, in short, this country needs to find itself. I don't know how or when or through what this will, or ever happen, but for certain this country is quite lost now, and it's people are suffering in every way for it. So, tell me, where are you going Russia?

Hello! Well, I'm constantly trying to give you an idea of what life is like here in Russia. Here, I listen to the radio often (many of the cell phones they cell here get FM radio - imagine that!). Recently, I had a craving to listen to the radio in my new room, but unfortunately was unable to get a good signal for any of my usual stations. Hoping that Russia had caught up enough technologically speaking, I quickly did a search on the Internet and found a great site that offered links to most of the Moscow radio stations online. I encourage you to visit the link to the right "Russian Radio Stations" and to listen to any of the many listed. Most of the students here like Energy FM, although I will admit it's mostly American pop music! Enjoy!

Recently I've been traveling every so often to a friend's house outside of Moscow on the weekend. It's in a city located about an hour and a half outside of the city center to the West. Here, life is a little quieter, a little slower, but by no means any easier. Buildings are shorter, prices are lower, but so is the pay and the quality of life. I was able to snap just a couple of pics without looking like a tourist. This picture to the left is the city center. Not much in comparison to Moscow, but still a thriving metropolis in comparison to the majority of Russian towns.


During my last visit, I "prostudilas", aka - caught a nasty cold. After being bedridden for the good part of a week in my dorm room, I made the trip again to be cured by homemade chicken soup and a traditional Russian remedy: a full glass of vodka with one tablespoon of black pepper. I didn't go there looking for this "cure", but was assured many times over it worked. Well, I got half of this mug (pictured to the left) down before running to the bathroom sink. I was encouraged to drink the rest (unsuccessful in this as well), and then laid to bed in a sweat suit. And perspire I did, all night...and woke up the next morning not sure if I felt better because I was actually healthy or because I had rid my body of the awful poison I had put into it the night before.

I think in the future I'll stick to Tylenol Cold. My American body isn't cut out for traditional Russian cures.

Hello everyone! So sorry for the long absence from my blog. This semester picked up very quickly, unexpectedly actually, and well, it caught me a little offguard. That, and there were a lot of changes in the last few weeks.

First, I moved rooms in the dorm. At first, this doesn't sound like such a big deal - all rooms are practically idenitical in a dorm, right? Oh, but you've forgotten this is Russia! I was enticed to the first floor by the housing administration. They're remodeling the dorm rooms on the 12th floor (below my old room on the 13th) and wanted to move students from the 12th to the 13th to keep things easy. They convinced me to move by offering me a large room away from the noise on the 12th on the first floor (no elevator wait), and threw in a fridge, tv with cable - plus the first floor gets a cleaning service once a week. The room is bigger, and I did get all of those, however, I can't help but feel a little gipped. Unfortunately, no one has taught Russia's best how to properly dispose of their trash yet. There is a large dumpster located about 20 feet from my window (which, by the way - has a view that doesn't hold a candle to the view I had on the 13th). Well, the students located on the 12 floors above me seem to have made a hobby out of trying to get their garbage into this dumpster by aiming from their bedroom windows. Needless to stay, my new roommate Christine and I get an intermittent rain of garbage constantly...gets real fun on weekends when beer bottles start flying out of the window. They must have learned it from the construction workers on the 12th floor, who instead of constructing a garbage chute to clear out old materials from the reconstruction, simply do the same...huge bucketsful at a time. Oh, how I love a civilized country.

Oh a better note, the weather has gotten considerably better here in Moscow. We had a sunny 50 degree day yesterday, and are looking at much of the same for the remainder of the week. Classmates and teachers seem to be just amazed when I tell them that New York got over 2 feet of snow just a week ago. It's as if they themselves believed the myth that Russia gets the most snow in the winter.

Let's see, what else is new? Oh yes, school! That's important. I have a staggering 13 classes this semester, and a few short seminars (20 hours squeezed into a week and a half). It's really crazy and eats up my entire day, whereas last semester I was finished with most of my classes by 3-4pm and had time to explore in the city most days of the week. (Though, with schoolwork, I was lucky to do this once a week.) This semester is a different story, and I'm trying to find time just to wash my clothes!

I've got lots more I want to update you all on, but will do that soon. Things with the presidential election are heating up, and I'm (fingers crossed) hoping to get some travel in before the end of the semester. I will have photos of Moscow in the spring soon, but until then...I'm leaving you with some photos of friends and I at a recent dinner party. (Very informal.) A former student of mine and friend just succeeded in moving out of the dorm and is renting an apartment nearby. To celebrate, she made a typical Korean dinner.

Brrrrrrrr! Well, we are definitely in the dead of winter here in Moscow. Today the temperature hit a high of -18 Celcius. Even with a bright sun and clear skies, I felt like my nose was going to shrivel up and fall off! We in the US often think that we know the cold...we certainly do get temperatures in the North that rival Moscow's, but unlike millions of Muscovites - most of us have warm cars that we drive to work. I realized this crucial different during my routine fifteen minute walk to the metro station to buy some concert tickets for the weekend. I needed to stop twice, once in a pharmacy and once in a grocery store, just two warm up and get the feeling back in my limbs!

Additionally, for the longest time, I had heard and read stories of hikers or climbers who found themselves lost or stuck in extreme conditions, who always feared of "falling asleep" in the cold. Apparently, the body's reactions to extreme cold is to slow down, which in turn creates a feeling of sleepiness. I never quite understood this fear, I always thought, "How could you fall asleep if you're THAT cold? I can't fall asleep unless I'm snuggled up under my blankets!" Well, while waiting for the bus today, I learned of this feeling. I stood for 15 minutes on the street corner, bundled up head to toe - down jacket, two scarves, gloves, hat, hood, long johns, wool socks, the works. After 10 minutes of standing in this cold, I had the strongest want for a nap. I even then started to fall asleep on my feet...even though I've gotten plenty of sleep in the last couple of days. It wasn't until this moment that I realized just how defenseless we can be to nature's wrath at times...and became all the more aware of how careful one does have to be in extreme weather conditions.

At the moment however, I'm snuggled up in my room getting ready for bed. The cold really does take a lot out of you! Tomorrow is the Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland - aka - Mens' Day here in Russia. This is basically the Russian equivalent of Father's Day, just broadened to encompass all men. (It's okay, I'll get to enjoy Womens' Day on March 8th ;)) Best part - no school!

Maslinitsa is in concept, the Russian equivalent of Mardi Gras, albiet in this holiday is one of the few in which we Americans outdo the Russians. (Red Square has nothing on New Orleans on this holiday!) Basically, everyone stuffs theirselves silly with blini (think crepes) and jam, or blini with sour cream, sweet milk, and/or meat and other fillings. That and a lot of vodka - 'cause boy is it cold out! The traditional singing and dancing on the streets can be witnessed, as was by yours truly. Here are a few pics of the Maslinitsa celebration on Red Square this past weekend. Enjoy!



(Right) Some Russkis serving up yummy blinis while wearing traditional Russian costumes. (Those blini were huge!)



Tomash, Rosario, Denis and Koichi strolling along Red Square.

Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral all decked out for the Maslinitsa celebration.

After many failed attempts, I believe I have finally worked out one of the problems I am experiencing with publishing photos. That being said...here are a few from my recent trip home to the States!


New York, New York!
No silly friends, this isn't in the actual New York, New York - though I did manage to sneak a day or two in there - this is the amazing New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel boasts some of the city's most famous buildings in it's skyline, along with a scaled-down version of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Pretty neat, huh?



Ah, the High Stakes gambling room at Ceasar's Palace. Couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement walking by. Maybe somebody got lucky there while I was in town!








The Grand Canyon!
Being a person that isn't particularly keen on gambling, and who had satisfied her appetite for buffets (you wouldn't believe the restaurants in Vegas!) it was time to find something a little more on the adventurous side. That being said, my mom and I planned a day trip to the Grand Canyon. What a day it was! A surprisingly nice bus trip three hours outside of Vegas with stops at the Hoover Dam and the Joshua Tree Forest just outside of the West Rim of the Canyon.

We were lucky enough to be able to take a breathtaking helicopter ride to the bottom of the Canyon, and then have a boat ride down the Colorado River. All of the guides we met along the way, mostly members of the Hualupai Indian Tribe - native to the Canyon's West Rim - were incredibly educated on this particular section of the Canyon, it's history, and how it supports the people and ecological balance in it's area. They were all incredibly welcoming, so much so that I felt more as if I were on a trip with extended family rather than with some people I was paying to show me around their backyard. If you ever get the chance, I highly suggest this specific tour to anyone Grand Canyon bound.

If you're interested, I've also got video of the helicopter ride to the Canyon floor on my Youtube sight. You can reach it simply by clicking on the "Cat's Videos" link to the right. I hope you enjoy it!

Hello all! Not surprisingly, it's snowing here in Moscow as I write you. As always, thanks to everyone for the emails and support, it's great to hear from all of you and I thank you also for your patience with my response time. (I've gotten somewhat worse at responding to emails since I've moved to Moscow. I consider it a result of my assimilation to Russian culture.)

To those of you who have written me about the recent dangers of peanut butter - thank you. I would have never considered my jar of Peter Pan to be dangerous - who would have ever thought we'd be finding samonella in peanut butter? I can tell you I was very sad to have to toss my two precious jars that travelled with me all the way from the States...thank God I thought to buy a jar of Skippy as well!

Alrighty....hopefully these photos will come out - Blogger has been pretty mean to me lately, and if I can't some photos up soon then I'm afraid I may have to change the location of my beloved blog. Hopefulyly that's not going to have to happen!

I'm always trying to improve my blog. One of the newest features I've found is Web Albums by Picasa...so, I'm trying it out! Here are pictures from my trip to Las Vegas with my parents. Enjoy! (Click on the following link)

-Okay - this link doesn't work either! Thanks to all of you who let me know it wasn't working properly. Working on it!

Well, thank you to everyone who IMed, emailed, or called while I was away to ask where photos from my time in the States are. Believe it or not - I forgot my camera when I went to Las Vegas (a complete disaster!)...but luckily my mom had her new camera with her. So I've stolen some of her pictures and put them here. Also, I just opened a YouTube account, so you can see some video from there as well. The link is off to the right, titled "Cat's Videos". I'm always trying to add more - I'll probably continue to add the the Butterfly.com albums, as I can't fit everything here on Blogger.com...so check on that from time to time as well.

More to come soon!

-Cat

I'm home! I arrived in JFK airport Thursday night, and the transition home has been smoothless. A little bit of jet lag has put me driven me to bed by 10pm every night since I've arrived home - but that's a-okay with me! More sleep!

First off, I know that it's "US OF A", but I'm trying to be funny and use a little bit of Borat humor.

Anyhow, my arrival home has been met with lots of people trying to feed me. Why am I surprised? I guess I'm really not - this is what my life is like in the US - I just haven't experienced it in a while! So, needless to say, within 24 hours of arriving in the US paid for a monthy gym membership at the nearby YMCA. I'm going to Vegas next week - need to keep this booty in shape!

To everyone Stateside - I hope that I get to see you during my brief vacation home. To all of my wonderful, lovely, incredible, marvelous international friends stuck back in Moscow - I'll do my best to get pictures of home and family up to entertain you. ;-)

Miss everyone. Hope that you are all healthy and well. Write again soon.