Adventures in the Big City

Recently, I have had lots of new and interesting experiences in the big city of Moscow. First, I must tell you that I was put off by Russians in general when I arrived. As they went about their daily business, they wore a very sour expression on their faces. I was especially affected by the women, who dressed very nicely and look as though they would crush me under the pointy heel of their boots if given the chance. I think this can be attributed to living in a city in general (people in New York are not known for being kind!). But of course, this first impression was quickly replaced when I actually began talking to my neighbors in Moscow. All the Russians I have since had the pleasure of talking to have been great. The students in my classes are eager, talkative, and very interested in what their teacher is doing. For example, upon learning that I was new to the city, my students offered advice of what to see, what to buy, and I even received invitation to be led on a guided tour! So eventually I got my courage up and asked my students why they look so unfriendly on the streets and metro. I was quickly and jovially enlightened by their responses. First, they said that they live in harsh conditions, weather wise, and that doesn't make them very smiley when walking to and from work. Second, they think a person who walks down the streets smiling is probably crazy, so they don't do it. And finally, you won't get anywhere on the metro if you are too nice!

(This is my first class during the CELTA course, with some of the other teachers.)

The kindness of my students is only over shadowed by the kindness of the pen-pals I made online before I went to Russia. When I first arrived here, the representative from my school informed me that I should be wary of strangers, not let anyone in my apartment, not go to anyone else's house, and just be cautious. She said, "This is not like Japan." So, of course I was on my guard from day one and it was making me a little crazy. But thanks to my pen-pals, my worry and paranoia were destroyed and replaced by good ol' common sense again. They welcomed me into their homes and offered me help with whatever I needed. It is fanatic to see that no matter where you go, people are still kind, thoughtful, and generally nice.

(This is me with one of my pen-pals and his wife at a famous park in Moscow.)

Now, as for people who are not students or pen-pals, they are not mean but not friendly. For example, I have never been offered directions when I looked lost (unlike when I was in Barcelona or Tokyo). But I have been given good directions when I asked someone (yes, I can ask for directions in Russian!). I have also not had great customer service. The employees don't smile and they usually act as though they could care less. I suppose that is how all employees at restaurants, kiosks, McDonald's feel but in Russia, they just let it show. I was told by an expert on Russian culture (guess who!) that the reason for this is because during the Soviet Union everyone was guaranteed a job, so there was no need to be overly friendly to keep your job. I can see up and down sides to this. It would be nice to be guaranteed a job, wouldn't it!

(This is my second class during the CELTA course.)

Apartments here are something everyone should experience. Basically we have been time warped back to the 1970s. I was seriously disappointed when we first arrived. I have recently learned that this is due to the fact that Todd and I are living in company apartments, therefore they are not always of the finest quality. My pen-pals, as I found out later, live in modern and nicely decorated apartment. Todd and I's first apartment was, as it grew on me, a nice place. It was clean, had good furniture, was warm, and had thick walls so we didn't hear our neighbors. The only things bad about it were the location (far from the center of the city) and the fact that we lived on the 8th floor. All buildings with more than 5 floors must have an elevator but they didn't state that the elevator had to always work. On more than on occasion Todd and I had to run up to the 8th floor after a long day. Then, on our last night in the apartment before we moved, we got stuck in the elevator!!! I was always nervous about riding in it before and then it broke down with us in it!! So the elevator took us to the first floor, as is it's safety feature, but wouldn't let us out. Todd pressed the call button and the manager of our building answered thankfully. Todd told her what was up and she said she would find the "elevator guy"(of course I am paraphrasing, I had no idea what they were saying). So we made ourselves comfortable and sat out our 40 minute wait. Needless to say, we made it out alive. I was glad Todd was with me, I don't know what I would have done on my own. I probably would have ended up spending the night! I was angry to be stuck, but in the end, it cured my nervousness about being trapped! In our new apartment building, there are only five floors, so no need for an elevator! Our new apartment is nicer than the last one, especially it's location. We are now living close to Moscow State University, so there are lots more young people, cafes, and restaurants. This was exactly where Todd and I had in mind when we were thinking of coming to Moscow. Plus, we now have a guest bedroom! So if you are planning on visiting, we have a room and bed for you!

Finally, I will let you know about my job. I can not tell you how nice it is to be responsible for my own class. I feel like a real teacher! Plus, teaching adults is so much more rewarding than teaching children. These two things make teaching English, (something I am not usually fond of), incredibly more tolerable. I am getting a lot more job satisfaction. I am sure the company I am working for will beat it out of me eventually, but I am riding this feeling for as long as I can.

So Russia is not the scary nuclear power that might destroy the earth as you were taught by your baby boomer parents. It is a country that has dangers but is populated by ordinary people, just like in your country! When you plan on visiting us (as many of you should!!) don't freak out. We will be here to meet you and show you a good time. Not to mention we will introduce you to Russians that will change your whole out look.