So today, I spent time with my sister's friends at McDonalds and the nifty shopping center next-door to it. Apparently, there's an arcade there, which I find really cool. There's a teddy-bear kid version of DDR to children's songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "London Bridge". There were several racing games, and the classic table hockey stations. I am so happy about the latter, a familiar game.
I also caught up with Tamara for an hour, which was really nice, because I began to miss conversing in English. She told me she felt the same way about Italian. While we sat outside the cafe, there was also a small incident with 3 middle school-aged boys. I suppose they found our lack of Russian conversational skills funny, but it was a bit annoying when they pulled out a cellphone to record us. I am not sure whether they were trying to be friendly or menacing, but either way, there was no harm done after all. Hopefully, their video clip stays offline.
Later that day, the girls in the family headed to the Banya! It was much hotter than expected, that I could only spend maybe 2 minutes in the steam room each time, and the tradition about beating the birch tree and bay-leaf branches to simulate the blood---yes, that was totally awesome. My youngest host sister loves the banya, and I would have to agree; it's more than an extended shower and more than a sauna. I would say that it is also a lot different from a Western style spa; here, you service yourself rather than having attendants wait on your whims. What a great experience!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
МакДоналдс
Woke up early to chat with some people from home, then went back to sleep for an hour. Breakfast was great, we had some leftover blini! Today the sisters and I watched another Disney film with Adam Sandler and some other famous actors called “Bedtime stories”; the film might not have fared well in sales, but I do like it. There's a weird googly-eyed guinea pig there named Bugsy too. I like the way it works, the audio is in Russian while subtitles are in English. Although the words don't generally match, I think I am getting the gist of the scenes.
Afs students had a short excursion around town today. Our mode of transport? A yellow marshupka, or taxi van. We visited the hilltops to catch views of Orthodox churches and the Volga, then went to the World War Two (Great War) monument. After, we sat in Gymnasium #46, where three of the awesome exchange students are attending later, and where we spoke of educational obligations of the school year and some logistics about camps/optional excursions. Around 1pm, our host siblings came with us to the smaller McDonalds near #46. Students exchanged numbers and socialized.
The “chicken shake” that we feared, was not like advertised. The Americans thought it would be some sort of weird milkshake, but it was more similar to a spiced chicken nugget invented by the Japanese person who missed boba tea snacks. It only took me a iced tea and fries (kartowska frites) to fill me up, since I normally avoid eating McDonalds in the States. Afterwards, my host sister Irina and I took another marshupka to the larger McDonalds near home, where Papa picked us up.
School starts on September 1st, a national day of knowledge. I am not sure what to expect, but I have heard many things about flowers for the teacher and dressing up for some sort of ceremony. I am anxious, yet also excited. I've been really happy lately because my host sisters and I have helped each other learn English and Russian.
Afs students had a short excursion around town today. Our mode of transport? A yellow marshupka, or taxi van. We visited the hilltops to catch views of Orthodox churches and the Volga, then went to the World War Two (Great War) monument. After, we sat in Gymnasium #46, where three of the awesome exchange students are attending later, and where we spoke of educational obligations of the school year and some logistics about camps/optional excursions. Around 1pm, our host siblings came with us to the smaller McDonalds near #46. Students exchanged numbers and socialized.
The “chicken shake” that we feared, was not like advertised. The Americans thought it would be some sort of weird milkshake, but it was more similar to a spiced chicken nugget invented by the Japanese person who missed boba tea snacks. It only took me a iced tea and fries (kartowska frites) to fill me up, since I normally avoid eating McDonalds in the States. Afterwards, my host sister Irina and I took another marshupka to the larger McDonalds near home, where Papa picked us up.
School starts on September 1st, a national day of knowledge. I am not sure what to expect, but I have heard many things about flowers for the teacher and dressing up for some sort of ceremony. I am anxious, yet also excited. I've been really happy lately because my host sisters and I have helped each other learn English and Russian.
Friday, August 26, 2011
At the Destination!
After an ultra-comfortable train ride for 12 hours, we arrived in Cheboksary. I was nervous to meet my host family, but I immediately felt their warm spirit as the students disembarked the train.
Today might be the first day living without the other exchange students from camp, but nevertheless, it was exciting. I loved the small tour of the city as my family drove to the house. Cheboksary is quite beautiful, and much cleaner than Moscow and definitely more so than New York. I saw the famous Volvo river today, and we actually snacked on pizza near the embankment. For Russian pizza, mayonnaise replaces the ordinary American tomato paste. We shopped for picnic groceries as we waited for the pizza; the Russian supermarket lines are tidier and very cool-looking. Another thing I noticed was that lunch (obed) was a heartier meal than dinner (uxin) for Russians.
I learned the word for bridge (most) in Russian today. The term might be mentioned a lot since we live in a city nearby the river. There were a lot of graffiti from teenage couples who wanted to declare their love through writing on the bridge. It's a bit of a funny notion since my hometown, San Jose, seriously battles blight and graffiti with a passion. I should know, since part of my sophomore internship stressed the Blight Control and Anti-Graffiti hotline.
I suppose my family was impressed that I knew Russian and other foreign languages; I would say the knowledge really helps me communicate. I think I can understand 80% of what my host mother and father tells me. So far, I have been on their good side, and I hope I will continue to make them happy. I imagine the task of taking care of a foreign exchange student requires much patience—especially when language is a barrier.
I am still a bit anxious about attending class with instruction in Russian, but I suppose, I will learn a lot of new vocabulary there. Ira and I walked around the neighborhood today. It was rather tiring because the weather would randomly change from hot to cold and vice-verse. Still, I am excited about attending Gymnasium No.1, the school is mostly indoors and the gym is well-sized. I hope I can take physical education class, so I can stay healthy and fit in Russia. I also hope I can take their advanced level English class, because I will really miss conversing in English with my fellow foreign exchange students and Americans.
Yes, I miss the comfortable life in California, but there are many things to be learned here too. It's not better, it's not worse in Russia; it's simply different. Some things remain similar to America; there are several parks, pizza shops, public transportation and a McDonalds, and I hope once my fascination with this new town slowly evaporates, I will feel some other wonderful emotion instead.
Today might be the first day living without the other exchange students from camp, but nevertheless, it was exciting. I loved the small tour of the city as my family drove to the house. Cheboksary is quite beautiful, and much cleaner than Moscow and definitely more so than New York. I saw the famous Volvo river today, and we actually snacked on pizza near the embankment. For Russian pizza, mayonnaise replaces the ordinary American tomato paste. We shopped for picnic groceries as we waited for the pizza; the Russian supermarket lines are tidier and very cool-looking. Another thing I noticed was that lunch (obed) was a heartier meal than dinner (uxin) for Russians.
I learned the word for bridge (most) in Russian today. The term might be mentioned a lot since we live in a city nearby the river. There were a lot of graffiti from teenage couples who wanted to declare their love through writing on the bridge. It's a bit of a funny notion since my hometown, San Jose, seriously battles blight and graffiti with a passion. I should know, since part of my sophomore internship stressed the Blight Control and Anti-Graffiti hotline.
I suppose my family was impressed that I knew Russian and other foreign languages; I would say the knowledge really helps me communicate. I think I can understand 80% of what my host mother and father tells me. So far, I have been on their good side, and I hope I will continue to make them happy. I imagine the task of taking care of a foreign exchange student requires much patience—especially when language is a barrier.
I am still a bit anxious about attending class with instruction in Russian, but I suppose, I will learn a lot of new vocabulary there. Ira and I walked around the neighborhood today. It was rather tiring because the weather would randomly change from hot to cold and vice-verse. Still, I am excited about attending Gymnasium No.1, the school is mostly indoors and the gym is well-sized. I hope I can take physical education class, so I can stay healthy and fit in Russia. I also hope I can take their advanced level English class, because I will really miss conversing in English with my fellow foreign exchange students and Americans.
Yes, I miss the comfortable life in California, but there are many things to be learned here too. It's not better, it's not worse in Russia; it's simply different. Some things remain similar to America; there are several parks, pizza shops, public transportation and a McDonalds, and I hope once my fascination with this new town slowly evaporates, I will feel some other wonderful emotion instead.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
8-21 First Impressions of Camp
Currently, it is 5:40AM in Moscow as I begin this journal entry. I awoke because of the loud falling rain. The sound is prominent, but soothing. None of the roommates are awake, and I tried to find a way to type without disturbing their rest.
I am having a really good time right now. Here, I live in the moment instead of over-analyzing things like I tend to do in America. I am not afraid to cooperate in fun games, make language mistakes or act silly during this Russian camp. The camp is located near the edge of Moscow, and there are students originally from across Europe, America and Asia right now. We all have an accent when speaking English, which reminds me of last year's summer camp at GMU, but it all works well regarding communication. I am more happy when I conversed slightly in Russian and French with the students here.
The first day of camp only finished yesterday, but I can already see my progress with the Russian language. I recently learned the names of colors, a concept which we rushed through during the only 8-week summer Russian course I took. But more importantly, we learned grammar terminology in Russian with its English equivalent. I assume those terms will be essential for learning Russian in the future. Anyhow, in that previous sentence, “we” was defined as the Americans and I, but already, I can identify myself with other international campers too. At camp, we are all foreigners except for the native Russians; we speak too much English, but I am sure next time we meet, we will attempt to communicate more in Russian. For the latter, I am very excited.
I am not sure why, but here, I am not afraid to make mistakes while speaking Russian. Most of the time, I get my message across without repeating sentences, but I still believe I should practice my pronunciation and learning where the stressed vowels are. I remember Miss OK politely advising me on practicing more before I left the US. Perhaps it is because people know I am a foreigner that they expect less of my language skills, but when I was in a classroom setting, making mistakes was frightening. I stressed over saying things correctly or not at all, which discouraged me from learning as much as I could. Yes, that was not a good thing, but I was sincerely intimidated. The relaxed environment here is very nurturing, kind, open and friendly; I have bonded most with the American girls, but I am also making many other friends from other countries too.
I think I will really miss the camp's international atmosphere, and the chance to easily speak English. In many ways, it still feels like America, because English pop songs play, we speak English mostly, I see the American girls for most of the day, the activities are conducted into English, and the Russian spoken here is reduced to my level of understanding. I can only imagine life will get more complicated and much more confusing when we leave camp. People will expect me to speak better Russian and will not be as friendly or accepting as the people here, so I want to make the most out of being here. I want to clear all my insecurities away before I enter the “real Russia”. I also want to make AFS proud by respectfully representing my country and NSLI-Y.
Near the end of the day, we had an activity called “Map of the World” where everyone sat as shown on a world map, then sang with their country delegation their national anthem or another song to represent their nation. Although we debated heavily over song choices, the Americans did a fabulous job with “America the Beautiful”. We were all in tune. Actually, I believe all the countries sang well. It must have been difficult for the smaller delegations; some sang solo or with only 2-3 people. The American group was only 6 people itself, but any smaller would have made this activity harder.
On that mention, the Americans are all grouped together during camp language lessons, but separated during smaller activities, in that way, I meet several more people. Working back reverse chronically, dinner was delicious when we were served chicken, rice, mayo salad and raspberry yoghurt. At first, the table was very quiet, as most of us did not speak English well. I was able to practice Russian with two girls there, and two calm Italians spoke some English too. I was proud of my attempts to converse, and people seem very receptive despite my limited knowledge.
We also dance many times during camp. It requires a lot of energy to keep up with the tempo and moves. Near bed time, I was actually a bit hungry because we moved so much throughout the day. There were many highs throughout the day, which even the slight rain could not ruin. I feel very thankful now for this opportunity to be in Russia, and glad I came. I used to be scared of the myths I heard of Russia: land of no smiles, cold perpetual Siberian winters, excessive alcohol, but I will learn the better truth, the good parts of Russia during this year. And when I return to America, I am excited to debunk these highly exaggerated preconceptions!
I am having a really good time right now. Here, I live in the moment instead of over-analyzing things like I tend to do in America. I am not afraid to cooperate in fun games, make language mistakes or act silly during this Russian camp. The camp is located near the edge of Moscow, and there are students originally from across Europe, America and Asia right now. We all have an accent when speaking English, which reminds me of last year's summer camp at GMU, but it all works well regarding communication. I am more happy when I conversed slightly in Russian and French with the students here.
The first day of camp only finished yesterday, but I can already see my progress with the Russian language. I recently learned the names of colors, a concept which we rushed through during the only 8-week summer Russian course I took. But more importantly, we learned grammar terminology in Russian with its English equivalent. I assume those terms will be essential for learning Russian in the future. Anyhow, in that previous sentence, “we” was defined as the Americans and I, but already, I can identify myself with other international campers too. At camp, we are all foreigners except for the native Russians; we speak too much English, but I am sure next time we meet, we will attempt to communicate more in Russian. For the latter, I am very excited.
I am not sure why, but here, I am not afraid to make mistakes while speaking Russian. Most of the time, I get my message across without repeating sentences, but I still believe I should practice my pronunciation and learning where the stressed vowels are. I remember Miss OK politely advising me on practicing more before I left the US. Perhaps it is because people know I am a foreigner that they expect less of my language skills, but when I was in a classroom setting, making mistakes was frightening. I stressed over saying things correctly or not at all, which discouraged me from learning as much as I could. Yes, that was not a good thing, but I was sincerely intimidated. The relaxed environment here is very nurturing, kind, open and friendly; I have bonded most with the American girls, but I am also making many other friends from other countries too.
I think I will really miss the camp's international atmosphere, and the chance to easily speak English. In many ways, it still feels like America, because English pop songs play, we speak English mostly, I see the American girls for most of the day, the activities are conducted into English, and the Russian spoken here is reduced to my level of understanding. I can only imagine life will get more complicated and much more confusing when we leave camp. People will expect me to speak better Russian and will not be as friendly or accepting as the people here, so I want to make the most out of being here. I want to clear all my insecurities away before I enter the “real Russia”. I also want to make AFS proud by respectfully representing my country and NSLI-Y.
Near the end of the day, we had an activity called “Map of the World” where everyone sat as shown on a world map, then sang with their country delegation their national anthem or another song to represent their nation. Although we debated heavily over song choices, the Americans did a fabulous job with “America the Beautiful”. We were all in tune. Actually, I believe all the countries sang well. It must have been difficult for the smaller delegations; some sang solo or with only 2-3 people. The American group was only 6 people itself, but any smaller would have made this activity harder.
On that mention, the Americans are all grouped together during camp language lessons, but separated during smaller activities, in that way, I meet several more people. Working back reverse chronically, dinner was delicious when we were served chicken, rice, mayo salad and raspberry yoghurt. At first, the table was very quiet, as most of us did not speak English well. I was able to practice Russian with two girls there, and two calm Italians spoke some English too. I was proud of my attempts to converse, and people seem very receptive despite my limited knowledge.
We also dance many times during camp. It requires a lot of energy to keep up with the tempo and moves. Near bed time, I was actually a bit hungry because we moved so much throughout the day. There were many highs throughout the day, which even the slight rain could not ruin. I feel very thankful now for this opportunity to be in Russia, and glad I came. I used to be scared of the myths I heard of Russia: land of no smiles, cold perpetual Siberian winters, excessive alcohol, but I will learn the better truth, the good parts of Russia during this year. And when I return to America, I am excited to debunk these highly exaggerated preconceptions!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Arrival to Russian Soil
Due to weather problems, we stayed an additional 2.5 hours on the plane as rain poured, lightening smashed and thunder boomed. This lengthened our original 10 hours flight from DC to Moscow. This would be my last time in Dulles and American soil for quite a while--10 months, I suppose? The in-flight dinner was good, and our seats were nice with extra legroom. The flight instructions were mostly in Russian and English. Every time the crew chimed in with "Captain", I thought I heard my name instead. On the small screen, I watched Disney Pixar's "Cars" in Russian and also listened to American pop songs when I could not sleep.
Customs was easy. We all wore our blue AFS t-shirts, and there were no problems. My luggage handle doesn't work, so carrying the bags was a bit tedious, but at least, that is only a short period of time. Camp is on the outskirts of Moscow, with an hour's van ride away from the airport. We had a nice view of the country-side, or what appeared to be the fields during the trip toward campgrounds.
The first night at camp was nice. All five of the American girls share a second-floor room and five beds. It still has not occurred to me that I am in Russia. I am still in my comfort zone by hanging out with the Americans, and speaking too much English.
Customs was easy. We all wore our blue AFS t-shirts, and there were no problems. My luggage handle doesn't work, so carrying the bags was a bit tedious, but at least, that is only a short period of time. Camp is on the outskirts of Moscow, with an hour's van ride away from the airport. We had a nice view of the country-side, or what appeared to be the fields during the trip toward campgrounds.
The first night at camp was nice. All five of the American girls share a second-floor room and five beds. It still has not occurred to me that I am in Russia. I am still in my comfort zone by hanging out with the Americans, and speaking too much English.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Day before Russian Soil
Orientation has been a great experience. Although my original flight from SJC to JFK was cancelled due to bad weather, JetBlue arranged me with seats on a Boston to NY connection. The seats had extra leg room, and the TVs/radio were great during the travel. Having an extra hour to hang with family and friends was also a plus, but time at my hometown airport moved fast. Before I knew it, I was sleeping in a plane to Boston, then to New York, then I was at orientation.
The other students with NSLI-Y were extremely nice people. I felt more comfortable being here. Before, I was extremely anxious about leaving 10 months to Russia, a country that seems very foreign and strange. However, during the months in Russia, I hope that I gain enough language skills to read magazines in Russian and maintain simple conversations. I also hope that I will have a better understanding of Russian culture, and finally find an explanation for why smiles aren't that popular in public.
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