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.
More!
To celebrate the New Year (following pictures were taken January 2nd and 3rd) I got out of the dorm and did a little sight seeing with friends.
With a couple of girlfriends at a local hotel lobby. The hotels in Russia actually have very good restaurants. Jyun (pictured left), took us to her favorite Korean restaurant that served some very interesting sushi (with ham, cheese, broccoli....I know - strange!). (Pictured: Jyun - China, Asl - Turkey, Rosario - Spain)
The next day I went to one of Moscow's six monasteries. When Prince Yury Dolgoruky founded the city in the 12th century, he had six monasteries building to circle the city. The monasteries, with their large, thick walls, acted as fortresses to protect the city from invasion. Pictured here, the belltower of this monastery is under reconstruction.
An original set of doors to the monastery's main cathedral. As you can see, iconic art was and still is an important part of cathedral architecture in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Nightlife in Moscow
So with exams (almost) over, I've been a little more free to take on the Moscow nightlife. And boy is it lively! I will say, in my experiences out this semester, Moscow puts many East Coast cities to shame when it comes to things to do at night. Places of entertainment are usually open 24 hours (bowling alleys, movie theaters, cafes with live music, karaoke bars) and restaurants and clubs are usually open until 6-7am. Transportation around city is very cheap - never more than $15 to take a taxi anywhere in the city. After living in NY, and DC I was surprised to find a city with more life, options and possibilities.
Nightlife in Moscow and Moscow's restaurant scene is an important part of the modernization of Russia. Only six years ago, on my last trip to Russia, I would estimate that half of the restaurants, eateries, clubs and entertainment venues existed in Moscow. Not only is it a sign of the increased amount of expendable cash Muscovites (and on a smaller scale, Russians in general) have now, but it is also a large indicator of the continued Westernization here in Moscow. It's an odd thing to see as a student of politics, as we read about the anti-Western policies the Russian government is adopting at home and in their large-scale economic policies (aka - oil and other energy forms). Though political elite here in Russia are denouncing all things Western, nobody (except for those associated with oil) seems to actually be taking it seriously. In fact - I read last month that Starbucks is coming to Moscow next year (still haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing) and the teenagers and 20-somethings of Moscow take Western fashion, music and pop culture more seriously than even we do! (If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was taught as a subject here in grade school.) English language classes are amongst the hardest at MGIMO University, and they've just opened a Russia-European Studies College this past month. Now tell me, just how much is Russia trying to distance itself from the West?
Shams (Afghanistan), Mihao, Rosario (Spain), Gena (China)
Nightlife in Moscow and Moscow's restaurant scene is an important part of the modernization of Russia. Only six years ago, on my last trip to Russia, I would estimate that half of the restaurants, eateries, clubs and entertainment venues existed in Moscow. Not only is it a sign of the increased amount of expendable cash Muscovites (and on a smaller scale, Russians in general) have now, but it is also a large indicator of the continued Westernization here in Moscow. It's an odd thing to see as a student of politics, as we read about the anti-Western policies the Russian government is adopting at home and in their large-scale economic policies (aka - oil and other energy forms). Though political elite here in Russia are denouncing all things Western, nobody (except for those associated with oil) seems to actually be taking it seriously. In fact - I read last month that Starbucks is coming to Moscow next year (still haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing) and the teenagers and 20-somethings of Moscow take Western fashion, music and pop culture more seriously than even we do! (If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was taught as a subject here in grade school.) English language classes are amongst the hardest at MGIMO University, and they've just opened a Russia-European Studies College this past month. Now tell me, just how much is Russia trying to distance itself from the West?
Shams (Afghanistan), Mihao, Rosario (Spain), Gena (China)
Rosario and Denis (Russia/Ecuador) take a break from Russian and have a side-conversation in Spanish. Oh, how I love international friends!
Exams continue...
I know from the looks of my blog lately, I've been enjoying myself immensely. And I have. However, I have been studying a lot as well! The problem with final exams during the winter is twofold. First - it's winter in Russia...cold, hard, bitter and long - no one usually has the motivation to do much after five months of continual studying and miserable weather. Luckily, that hasn't been quite the case this winter. The other obstacle in Russia, however, is the fact that they observe practically EVERY secular and Christian holiday that occurs between November and February. Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Little Christmas, Old New Year's, etc, etc. So, that calculates to a major holiday once every week and a half between November 28th and January 17th. Try and stick three weeks of exams inbetween all of that and things get complicated.
Anyhow, exams are almost over, even though I started taking them about four weeks ago! I take my last exam Wednesday, Thursday I'm on a plane home!
After a long day of studying, Mihao and Koichi try and predict my luck with exams by reading my plam(s).
Anyhow, exams are almost over, even though I started taking them about four weeks ago! I take my last exam Wednesday, Thursday I'm on a plane home!
After a long day of studying, Mihao and Koichi try and predict my luck with exams by reading my plam(s).
End of Week #3 of exams - relaxing together in my room. (Check out the view from my room!)
(Left to right: me, David - Austria, Koichi - Japan, Mihao - Poland, Nikolai - France, Miraselle - Germany, Ludya - Russia)
The party "at the homestead"
Below is the beginning of our New Year's party in the dorm. New Year's is absolutely crazy in Russia - it's the biggest national holiday, and even those who are "working" are celebrating (the security guards we're enjoying the "party spirits" being offered at dorm parties). The dorm became one big open house...lots of laugher, celebrating and friendship.
Me, Mihao, Danyir (Kazakhstan), Yagoda (P0land), Nikolai, Naooshi (Japan).
Photos, photos, photos
Well, here's another attempt to update my blog. Hopefully, you'll be able to see these photos soon!
New Year's Eve. We started with a small party in the dorm, then headed out to Red Square for the fireworks show. It was like Times Square - but in Russia! (Pictured: Mihao - Poland, me - US, Nikolai - France, Yagoda & Monica - Poland)
New Year's Eve. We started with a small party in the dorm, then headed out to Red Square for the fireworks show. It was like Times Square - but in Russia! (Pictured: Mihao - Poland, me - US, Nikolai - France, Yagoda & Monica - Poland)
Two wild and crazy guys!
Happy Holidays from Moscow
Hi folks! Well, unfortunately, I've been experiencing more problems with my website...I promise you I've been trying to blog for sometime now, but nothing seems to publish to my page. I'm currently trying to figure it out with Blogspot.com. However, after many attempts, I was able to get this posted just to let you know that my holidays here were shared with great friends and lots of fun. I hope that you all had much of the same! I'll be heading home on January 18th (T-minus 13 days!) and can't wait to see you all. Please keep the emails coming, I love hearing from all of you. As soon as I can get more photos up, I'll be sure to let you know!
Miss you all! Take care!
The Christmas Tree (in Russian "yolka") on Manezhnaya Square outside of Red Square. It was snowing on New Year's Eve. How perfect!
Miss you all! Take care!
The Christmas Tree (in Russian "yolka") on Manezhnaya Square outside of Red Square. It was snowing on New Year's Eve. How perfect!
More Christmas festivities
I took this picture merely because the sun was shining. It rarely happens here in Russia, and when it does - it's a cause for celebration and a reason to go out on the streets no matter how cold it is.
This picture was taken at my coursemate Katya's apartment, whichI should mention for any of you who know Moscow, is located on New Arbat Street right about Dom Knigi. Dom Knigi is Moscow's largest and most famous bookstore, and New Arbat is one of the most famous streets in Moscow.
In this picture, Katya is trying to decide between just juice or juice and vodka (or maybe just vodka?). The dilemma was really in the fact that we had class the next day!
Here, our two Russian classmates, Anton (center) and Volodya (right) teach fellow classmate, Kadzu (left) how to properly toast in Russian. Notice that I am not in this picture! I remembered that we had class the next day!
Need some motivation/new topics
Hello all!
This is gonna be a quick post - so sorry I haven't been on in a while. I actually posted a ton of new pictures last night - only to log on today to see that nothing I published actually made it to my blog. How frustrating! Well, I'm ridiculously swamped with work - I can't even find the right words to express it to you - but I wanted to thank all of you who have checked in and told me that you are looking for a new post. It's nice to know that you're all enjoying the site, and thinking enough of me to check it every once and a while. As soon as things die down a bit (probably in a week) I'll have tons of new pictures to show. In the meantime, wouldn't you please let me know if there's anything you'd like to know about Russia? Anything you'd like to see me post on the website? Please let me know. I'll also happily accept encouraging words of motivation to keep me going through the next week and a half....yes, I'm groveling. I need some motivation, help me out!
Alrighty folks, that's all for now. I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful holiday season and I'll be talking to you soon!
-Cat
This is gonna be a quick post - so sorry I haven't been on in a while. I actually posted a ton of new pictures last night - only to log on today to see that nothing I published actually made it to my blog. How frustrating! Well, I'm ridiculously swamped with work - I can't even find the right words to express it to you - but I wanted to thank all of you who have checked in and told me that you are looking for a new post. It's nice to know that you're all enjoying the site, and thinking enough of me to check it every once and a while. As soon as things die down a bit (probably in a week) I'll have tons of new pictures to show. In the meantime, wouldn't you please let me know if there's anything you'd like to know about Russia? Anything you'd like to see me post on the website? Please let me know. I'll also happily accept encouraging words of motivation to keep me going through the next week and a half....yes, I'm groveling. I need some motivation, help me out!
Alrighty folks, that's all for now. I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful holiday season and I'll be talking to you soon!
-Cat
My first soccer game!
So, I finally got Tomash to invite us to a soccer game. I've been fishing for an invite to a game since I got here, as I have many times been told it is not a good idea for a girl to go on her own or with other girlfriends. (Probably doesn't help that I'm a foreigner.) Anyhow, though the game I was at was fairly mild in atmosphere, apparently there are many opportunities for what Russians call "hooliganism" at games. So, with the company of a couple of friends and my long-awaited Spartak ticket, we watched the Spartak v. Bayern Munich game, one of the championship games.
This is what happens when Spartak scores a goal. There are load explosions in the stadium, lights flash, and hundreds of fans wip out red flares, light them, and then hold them up in the air. Those standing behind these individuals have to be prepared!
Tomash and I goofing off during a break.
Thanksgiving in Russia
Contrary to what most people still picture in Russia - breadlines are no longer existent, and have been replaced by lines and lines of bread in Russian grocery stores. So, the point I want to make here is that I ate pretty darn well on my Thanksgiving in Russia. I celebrated at the US Embassy, as I was invited by the US Consular for Public Relations. The evening was great, food was just like at home (except for the delicious pies my family makes!), and was successful in getting another invite back to the Embassy, as well as some good contacts to have in general.
Debbi Guido (Director of Academic Programs for the Embassy) and James Kenney (Director of Public Affairs) show off the glorious turkey that Mr. Kenney's wife prepared.
Debbi Guido (Director of Academic Programs for the Embassy) and James Kenney (Director of Public Affairs) show off the glorious turkey that Mr. Kenney's wife prepared.
Debbi has a Martha Stewart moment.
The view from our 13th floor balcony. This is what the streets of Moscow look like everyday from about 3pm until 10pm. (Darkness and everything!)
A few quick pictures
So, I realize it's been a little longer than usual between posts. Things have definitely picked up with schoolwork, but I should be back soon to update you all. However, in the meantime, here are a few quick photos from a birthday party last week to assure you that I am alive and happy!
Me, wearing Toma's hat (he's from France). Apparently, the birthday party became an "international hat" event.
Me, wearing Toma's hat (he's from France). Apparently, the birthday party became an "international hat" event.
Kochsi, the birthday boy (Japan), me, Nikolai (France), Kristi (Hungary) and Aman (Kyrgyzstan). Kochsi is wearing a traditional hat from Kyrgyzstan, and I am wearing a traditional Uzbekistani hat.
Agneshka (Poland), my roommate Kristi, and I.
The REAL difference between living in Russia and living in the US
Okay, so there are plenty of differences between living in Russia and living in the US. There are more lines to wait in, but the public transportation is much more efficient. Languages are different. Prices are different. So on, and so on.
But then today, on the eve of my first exam, I was told I needed to head to the Dean's office to receive my "Test Card". Test card? What is this? I already have a student card, a reading card, a student ID card to get in the building, an international student card...what more could I possibly need?
Well, apparently, the test cards that I saw in Soviet films are still being used. Basically, all of your grades are kept in this small little book, which also contains your student information and yet, another black and white photo. In order to take a test, you must have your test card (as if your student ID wasn't enough), and in order to receive a grade, your teacher must first write your grade in the card, sign the card and then you must bring it to the dean, and have them verify and stamp your grade there. You must repeat this meaningless step for every test or quiz, in every class.
I have eleven classes and twelve tests.
Usually, in the US, you just need one of these:
(My precious SUNY card - basically my life put onto a magnetic strip)
Here in Russia, at MGIMO University, the best university in all of Russia, they still use the Soviet system established over 60 years ago. To obtain all of the pleasure of being a student - going to the library, taking a test, heck - getting in the building, you must carry all of these with you:
I know understand why European men carry purses.
Proof that life is good
(Cheap) fresh fruit and vegetables. Okay, so I don't have a fridge to put them in, but I've got healthy food! Be proud Mom!
This is the view from my window. Yes, I get this view just about everyday as I am studying. More proof that life is good.
Okay, this one doesn't fall in line with the theme, but I just couldn't help myself. This is how I do my laundry...yes, in my bathtub. At first I was lugging my clothes to the only laundromat in Moscow every two weeks, but this got old quick. So now, I wash my clothes in my bathtub - just like every other Russian.
Early Morning Thoughts and Pictures of the Moscow Protests
So, I'm sitting in my room at 6am on a school day, listening to CNN radio for election results, writing a paper on the political elite of Brazil and watching the never-ending snow fall outside of my 13th-story window. One would think that most students would be pretty miserable to be up at this hour, but I'm really loving it. I'm tired as hell, but I kind of feel like I'm re-living college a bit here...late nights/early mornings with papers, staying awake on caffiene and politics-induced adrenaline. Now, the difference is I'm a step up from where I was last time I was in a scenario like this, and half-way around the world in an international hub. All I can say is life is good. Thanks to all of you who have given me your love and support , I really wouldn't have been able to get here or receive this peaceful moment of happiness without you.
So, many of you may have heard or read from the news of the political demostrations in Moscow. As tempted as I was to put myself in the middle of it, I this time decided to be a good student and stay home and work on my increasing pile of homework. However, my Polish neighboors (who are exchange students and have no work!) DID put themselves in the middle of the protests and were kind enough to share with me some of their photos. So, please - take a look and enjoy. It's kinda of hard to believe that we're in the 21st century when you take a look at some of these photos.
The band of Communist ralliers who came out to celebrate the old Soviet holiday on November 7th, Victory Day.
So, many of you may have heard or read from the news of the political demostrations in Moscow. As tempted as I was to put myself in the middle of it, I this time decided to be a good student and stay home and work on my increasing pile of homework. However, my Polish neighboors (who are exchange students and have no work!) DID put themselves in the middle of the protests and were kind enough to share with me some of their photos. So, please - take a look and enjoy. It's kinda of hard to believe that we're in the 21st century when you take a look at some of these photos.
The band of Communist ralliers who came out to celebrate the old Soviet holiday on November 7th, Victory Day.
Halloween, the first snow and my latest rant
So, a bit of time has passed since my last blog. I've mostly been waiting for new pictures to post, and I finally got ahold of some pictures from a friend.
Contrary to what I thought I'd be doing on Halloween weekend (sitting at home and studying), I actually did go out with friends and joined the growing number of Muscovites who celebrate the holiday (gotta love Westernization). Though, not surprisingly, my costume was a little more subtle than others - Russians love to go all out. (The vampiress at Old Havana restaurant was decked out with fake teeth, blood, cape and boustier....and she only won the 3rd place in the costume contest.)
Luckily, I'm learning that one can have fun in Moscow at night and not spend a million dollars, like many of the New Russians like to do. (For all of you non-Russian-studies friends, New Russians are a lovely new demographic group here in Moscow, twentysomethings with millions of dollars to spend on absolutely nothing - really.) For $15 had a couple of drinks and danced the night away in the new Cuban restaurant. Thank God for good friends who pull you away from your work every now and then to keep you sane.
Since then life has been pretty low key. Last week saw a peak in my studying - I swear I've made a permanent indentation in my desk chair. We had our first snowfall, which made Moscow look oh-so-pretty, and it's pretty much snowed everyday since then, but only lightly. Though it's pretty darn cold, I will say I prefer it that way - reminds me more of home.
So, for my latest rant. I've spent the last two months adapting to a new culture and though it hasn't been easy I would say I've been pretty successful, in all areas but one. I cannot get over the different opinion Russians, if not most Europeans and Asians, hold towards women. I'm the only American in my dorm, not to mention American girl - and sometimes I really feel that the other students in the dorm just think I'm from a different planet. The biggest indicator that I'm an American is my love for the university gym - some of the people here just can't believe that I, a woman, sweat, much less enjoy it. What really is killing me is that soccer is so much more popular over here than back in the States, yet I have yet to meet one girl here that has ever kicked a ball. I've tried (unsuccessfully) joining a few pick-up games going on at the gym, and even tried asking the gym administrator if there was a possibility of forming a girls soccer club (she laughed at me, and then suggested I sign up for the aerobics class). Then add to this frustration that 80% of the girls at MGIMO wake up 2 hours early to get ready for class - to do their hair, make-up, etc.....they all look like dolls. I don't want this rant to be mistaken for me feeling inferior, just frustrated with the social definitions of the country. While I'm very much enjoying some things about the difference in attitude, i.e., - having men open the door, hold my bags, help me put my coat on, let me out of the elevator first - I would much rather just experience social equality of the sexes than try to meet the norms here. Ok, that was my rant...thank you for your patience.
Well, other than that - not much is new...OH! I got an invitation to the American Embassy for Thanksgiving, so I'm pretty excited about that. Other than this, I've just got my nose in the books.
Hope you're all well. Write me and let me know how you're doing!
Contrary to what I thought I'd be doing on Halloween weekend (sitting at home and studying), I actually did go out with friends and joined the growing number of Muscovites who celebrate the holiday (gotta love Westernization). Though, not surprisingly, my costume was a little more subtle than others - Russians love to go all out. (The vampiress at Old Havana restaurant was decked out with fake teeth, blood, cape and boustier....and she only won the 3rd place in the costume contest.)
Luckily, I'm learning that one can have fun in Moscow at night and not spend a million dollars, like many of the New Russians like to do. (For all of you non-Russian-studies friends, New Russians are a lovely new demographic group here in Moscow, twentysomethings with millions of dollars to spend on absolutely nothing - really.) For $15 had a couple of drinks and danced the night away in the new Cuban restaurant. Thank God for good friends who pull you away from your work every now and then to keep you sane.
Since then life has been pretty low key. Last week saw a peak in my studying - I swear I've made a permanent indentation in my desk chair. We had our first snowfall, which made Moscow look oh-so-pretty, and it's pretty much snowed everyday since then, but only lightly. Though it's pretty darn cold, I will say I prefer it that way - reminds me more of home.
So, for my latest rant. I've spent the last two months adapting to a new culture and though it hasn't been easy I would say I've been pretty successful, in all areas but one. I cannot get over the different opinion Russians, if not most Europeans and Asians, hold towards women. I'm the only American in my dorm, not to mention American girl - and sometimes I really feel that the other students in the dorm just think I'm from a different planet. The biggest indicator that I'm an American is my love for the university gym - some of the people here just can't believe that I, a woman, sweat, much less enjoy it. What really is killing me is that soccer is so much more popular over here than back in the States, yet I have yet to meet one girl here that has ever kicked a ball. I've tried (unsuccessfully) joining a few pick-up games going on at the gym, and even tried asking the gym administrator if there was a possibility of forming a girls soccer club (she laughed at me, and then suggested I sign up for the aerobics class). Then add to this frustration that 80% of the girls at MGIMO wake up 2 hours early to get ready for class - to do their hair, make-up, etc.....they all look like dolls. I don't want this rant to be mistaken for me feeling inferior, just frustrated with the social definitions of the country. While I'm very much enjoying some things about the difference in attitude, i.e., - having men open the door, hold my bags, help me put my coat on, let me out of the elevator first - I would much rather just experience social equality of the sexes than try to meet the norms here. Ok, that was my rant...thank you for your patience.
Well, other than that - not much is new...OH! I got an invitation to the American Embassy for Thanksgiving, so I'm pretty excited about that. Other than this, I've just got my nose in the books.
Hope you're all well. Write me and let me know how you're doing!
Halloween at Old Havana
Yes, they even have pumpkins in Russia. What you don't see about this jack o'lantern is that it's acutally green...yea, everything in Russia is weird.
Me and my chica from Spain, Rosario. (Her nickname in Barcelona is Charro!)
Unfortunately, a fellow patron got a little too excited, and while mamboing their way through the restuarant, spilled an entire glass of beer into Agi's lap. Here she is attempting to extract every last drop of his pilsner out of her pants.
Maybe it's not polite to laugh at Agi, but Tomash thinks it's too funny not to laugh!
Yea, I don't like having my picture taken so much...
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