May!!! (renting in the metropolis)

It's warmed up.  I've survived.  It was so cold and awful for so long... not even that snowy, just freezing... and I was so used to it... but now, all that's over with.  Russians have put away their fur coats until next year.  I smell not only spring, but summer in the air.

I can't wait to go home!!!  Not that I don't love my life here, but you get me.  I miss my family and home country.  I even miss the food.  :)  I am counting the days til July 1st, when I touch down in Florida for a couple months at least!  This will be a relief for me, but a trial for Pasha :(

In Russia, things are all done less officially.  This has it's advantages and disadvantages.  Sometimes, in America, doing everything by the book is really annoying.  There are situations where you'd like to just fudge it, just this once.  But no.  And by contrast, in Russia, you sometimes feel the pleasantness of a "relaxing" of the rules.  In the long-run, however, I'm glad I'm from the country that does everything offically.

Renting an apartment, for example.  If you're not brain-dead, you'll have a contract.  Owner or renter, you'll protect yourself with an official, legal document that specifies everything the landlord has the right to and has the responsibility to do, and likewise the tenant.  Both parties know exactly what they are getting into, right from the beginning.  If problems do arise, we can refer back to that legal binding document.

In Russia, I live here without a lease.  It's all kind of informal.  I paid a pro-rated rent in September when I moved in in the middle of the month, out of my own initiative, being used to our officialness in the USA.  I later found out that that was stupid; the landlords had no idea when I moved in and would not have known to ask for any money.  More recently, my roommate did some badly-needed repairs in the bathroom, for which we later got charged.  Yep, you heard me.  As I told you before when we were talking about banking, Absurdistan.  No good deed goes un-punished.

However, it's not all that much money, and you have to pick your battles.  I'm out of here soon.  On the bright side, it's actually a good thing that the landlords are seldom around.  I am moving out soon, and I haven't paid May rent, because of the deposit in the beginning of the year.  So felt a little financial boost because of that.

In the meantime, Lena is looking for someone to move in to take my place.  Why her, not the landlord?  Because.  In Russia, having a place to live is a priveledge.  When people are looking for housing, and they go through an agency, who pays the fee?  The tenant.  Landlords use it as a free service.  So when you move in, be prepared to pay up to 4x the rent!  First month's, last month's, deposit, and finder's fee.  (She said she had better find someone herself, and fast!  Otherwise they can kick her out and move a family in here.)

A partial explanation for that is that there is simply not enough housing in Moscow for all the people who want to live here.  It is a huge, enormous, sprawling city.  In 2010, the official census was 11.5 million, but it's since grown, and that's not counting the thousands of un-registered inhabitants.  In the U.S., we have seperate cities for seperate purposes.  L.A. and Hollywood are for arts and entertainment industry.  DC is the political capital.  New York has a lot of business and a little of just about everything.  But in Russia, it's all Moscow.  Politics, culture, art, science -- it's all in one place.  Everyone I meet here is from somewhere else.  They got an education, then came to Moscow to get a job.

What's life like outside of Moscow?  Well, I've lived in Petersburg ang Tomsk, in Siberia, and both those cities are very, very nice.  I really like them.  But still, most of Russia is a sharp contrast to Moscow.  They have a saying, "Russia begins beyond the MKAD" (the highway that encircles Moscow.)  It's a lot, lot richer than the rest of the country, and a lot more westernized.  I've also been to the countryside.  Not long ago during the holiday Pasha and I visited his mother in Dubna, a little town outside of Tula.  Chickens wandering everywhere, houses like huts, each with it's own ogorod (ah-guh-ROD), or farm-like garden.  It was very quiet and peaceful compared to our life here. At first I had the scary impression of being in the middle of nowhere.  But soon I got to love it for an indescribable, homey, genuine atmosphere, as if time there stands still, as if you're in a fairy-tale or something. 

Ok, that's all for now.  God bless and take care, and thanks for reading!! -Beth

RIVER KWAI

So back to Thailand... :))


RIVER KWAI
If it seems like all we’ve done are activities involving water on this excursion so far, you’re basically right.  Except for trekking through the jungle to get to the waterfall, feeding wild monkeys (which Pasha and I declined, of course), a tea-tasting, and the elephant adventure described later on, all of our events required a swimsuit.  I brought two, because one hasn’t even had time to dry before you need it again. 


The next event was rafting down the river Kwai.  It was a big raft, more like a floating room, and there was no white water.  We sat and ate fruit and corn with life jackets on as we floated down the legendary river.  It’s made legendary, by the way, by the film “The Bridge On the River Kwai” (1957).  


All this time, because of my incomplete understanding of Russian, I was dying to know what would happen next!  I can understand pretty well, and almost all the information recounted us during the long drives, typical tour guide speeches, historical information, local cultural facts, etc., was not a problem.  But when she said “we will plavat’,” I just couldn’t understand.  This verb means sail, float and swim.  Would I physically be getting in the water?  They had us put on life jackets, but that could be just because the raft had no walls.  I finally managed to clarify that we would in fact jump from the craft – or be pushed! – but what comes next I had no idea.  No amount of bothering Pasha and getting frustrated could clear that up for me.  Either he didn’t know, or he couldn’t explain it to me in a way I could understand, or he didn’t even understand my question.  It’s not easy living in a foreign country and being in a relationship with someone whose language you don’t know entirely.  Ok, let it be a surprise.


I understood that it was time to jump in!  I went to the edge – I told Pasha, “let’s go in together!  One, two, THREE!” and jumped.  Pasha laughed and a minute later followed.  Apparently he hadn’t been expecting that.  They had told us there were no piranhas.  They had told us to avoid the edges as there were animals on the banks.  It was a little creepy wondering about crocodiles.  But it was so awesome.  We floated gently, but fast enough.  The water wasn’t even cold.  It was a moment to just enjoy life.  It was the best.


We floated on for a while in pure bliss, then they picked us back up at a point later on.  No worries :)

Forever in our hearts ....

Today is 3 years since my brother died.  I can't believe it's been that long, and it doesn't suck any less now than it did when I first found out.  This is how I spent my day:

I got up early and went into town together with Pasha, who, like all Russians, has to work this Saturday, due to some funky stuff the government is up to.  Don't ask.  Even though my school is on vacation at school until next week, I had a private lesson this morning with a girl from my baby group.  She is a dream to teach, very sweet and smart.  Although lately all she says to me is "no."  At least she says it in English, lol!  As we traveled, I was reading the book "FRED FACTOR" by Mark Sanborn.  It was very encouraging!  I was determined to have a great lesson, to make the ordinary extraordinary.

 I had a lesson with her yesterday as well which didn't go very well because 40 minutes into it, she left the room.  What was I supposed to do?  Grab her and make her come back?  She wasn't feeling well, and ... I followed her around their luxurious apartment for the next 20 minutes, trying to get her to play games and do certain activities with me; I tried to keep talking and singing... but I somehow felt that the mom wasn't getting her money's worth (she pays me a lot).  So today, I went in armed with an arsenal of images, each representing a song or rhyme, books, puzzles, and my music player, with which the girl is familiar.  There are certain songs we listen to and always do similar dances to.  Well, it was one of my best lessons ever.  She was in a much better mood, I got away with the nanny leaving and her not freaking out, so we were able to be one-on-one, and we played so effectively! We sang tons of songs, she was enthralled by the books, and she even used her imagination to play with me for several minutes and pretend we were rowing down a river.  Then she even hugged me!

I came home tired but triumphant.  I checked my email and then remembered - today is the day.  The dreaded day I've been trying not to think about for a while.  I couldn't help reading the facebook posts in our "group," going to a forum I sometimes visit, looking at Ruth's sweepstakes/memorial site for him, etc.  I cried and cried and cried and cried, hysterically.  My face swelled up.  I calmed down and got something to eat, had some tea.  I went back to the computer, looking at various sites about research, etc.  I cried some more.  I am calm at the moment, and I am feeling very grateful for this wonderful thing called the internet.  It allowed me to connect with friends and people who are also greiving for Tom this day, as well as with other survivors of suicide who really know how I and my family feel, having been there.  Here I am in far-away Russia, but not feeling isolated on this terrible anniversary day.  Thanks to all those who are supporting, financially, with a prayer, a facebook post, positive thoughts, or sending love from Heaven.

Peace,
Beth

I've done a lot since I wrote last.  Now, in spring, when there are only 2 months left, when the long cold winter is finally over and it's nice out, it's warming up and the streets are dry, now there is no time at all to write.  Yesterday, for example, even though it was Sunday and I should have had some free time, instead I participated in a dance marathon for "Best Buddies."  I did it last minute and had time to gather only a small amount of money, but I danced the whole 8 hours and supported the cause, raised awareness and had fun.  The cause is integration of people with disabilities into society, a very needed service in Russia.  I even won the contest for best dancer in the "afro-jazz" category and someone filmed an interview with me!

In other dance news, I am gearing up for the concert for the classes I've been taking.  It will be sometime in June, probably the 10th.  I've invited all my friends and co-workers.  If I get a video, I'll post it.  It's one belly dance and one Indian dance.

I am glad to say I am over my sickness, although I missed work for two whole weeks because my ear canal ruptured.  Why or how I don't  know, I just know it hurt!!  But my roommates called the doctor and raced to the pharmacy and all turned out o.k.  Maybe I needed a bit of a break, anyway.

I went to a concert -- technically poetry-reading -- of Vera Polozova.  She is an up-and-coming poet, actress and author.  I got into her poems this summer as part of the course of study at Moscow State, and made friends with the Russian stuents who follow her.   When she came to Moscow a couple weeks ago, my friends and I decided we can't miss it.

Well, I wish you all the best.  I'll give you more descriptions of our Thai adventures when I find time.  I want to describe all that, because it rocked.  And they are very interesting, funny stories!  Can't wait to come home July 1.  I already bought a round-trip ticket, returning in September.  Homesick but happy!  God bless,
Beth

More Thai adventures

WATERFALL ERAVAN


This is a site in the river in Thailand where many people swim.  There are slippery rocks and it’s dangerous to climb on them.  You could smash your head and die.  But we all did it anyway.  We got to the waterfall where people swim (there are lots of little falls all along the river) and had to take turns – the other person must guard our stuff against monkeys!  I went first.  The water was full of fish, fish that love to eat the dead skin off your toes.  Yes, they bite, but not with teeth.  It really tickles and feels weird.  I got in and they all started eating me, and it was so strange and tickly that, even though the water was cold, COLD, I soon jumped right in!  I love life!!
Then I swam out to the rocks under the falls (see facebook pics) and climbed up.  I had a real model photo session.  It was refreshing and just really fun.


Buddhist temple
Later on we went to a modern, active temple (as opposed to so many ancient ruins we had seen and would see).  There was a giant golden (thin) Buddha.  When I say giant, I mean it took up the whole temple, whose ceiling is as high as in a Catholic cathedral.  There we saw a man, woman and child doing some fortune telling.  It was really endearing.  The woman was clearly the mother, with her father interacting with the 2-year-old (max) girl as she filmed them.  The grandpa had a cup of sticks which he shook until one of them fell out.  I suppose there are different fortunes on each of them.  We got it on video.


HOT SPRINGS
That night at the hotel on the river, I mean so on the river that you have to be careful of not falling in, Pasha and I each bought a two-hour massage.  Yay!
Next stop: the Hindad Hot springs.  I am sensitive and can’t just get in a hot tub like some people can.  I have to start with my big toe and go slowly, slowly in from there.  There were two stone “tubs” alongside the river: very hot and even hotter.  The idea is you go from one of them to the river and back, and it’s like a Russian banya: hot cold hot cold, and the dramatic change in temperature is supposed to be good for your health.   Well, I was able to go in the hot one eventually, and then in the river, and I even got in the very hot one for a couple seconds.

Thailand :)

Hello faithful readers,
well, it's almost April and still cold, wet, snowy and nasty.  What a spring!  But enough about that...  let's get lost in memories of the good old days... escape from reality as I write about when I had a week (which for me was 10 days, including weekends and Monday) off and went to Thailand.  It was my first time in Asia, and it couldn't be better.  I posted 800 or so pics on facebook, so if we're not "friends" just request and you'll get to see them.

Arrival
Pasha and I left after work on Friday and came back on Sunday of the next week.  We took the metro to a train to the airport and then flew overnight to Bangkok.  Pasha had been there once before.  He told me about a variety of excursions available, and wanted to do as much as possible.  I was like, why would we run around like crazy?  Why not just rest at the beach all day every day?  It's vacation!  But as our plans unfolded, we were able to compromise and do almost everything we wanted to.

The first Thai person I saw was standing in the tunnel leading from the plane to the airport.  He actually smiled at me.  What a contrast from hanging out with Russians all the time!  I will remember that smile.

When we got through a ridiculously long line to customs to enter the warm, tropical country, we found our tour agency and they put lays on us, just like in the movies!  They were made of real orchids.

After arriving at our hotel, The Splendid Resort, which is small enough to be cozy, yet very elegant, well-decorated and generally fine, we got some food and got settled in.  By the time we got there it was very late, so the first day was just arrival, getting through the airport, bus ride to Jomtein with tour guide instructions and information about the country, getting into our hotel, dinner and pass out.

First excursion: Ayutaya, Eravan, hot springs, modern Buddhist temple, elephant show, elephant riding, massage, Kwai.
The next day or the day after, I forget, we went on our first two-day excursion to Ayutaya and the river Kwai.  Ever heard of the movie bridge over the river Kwai?  That’s the one.  Ayutaya is an ancient cite of a Buddhist temple, now mostly decayed, but the ruins are still there.  It was pretty impressive.  See the pictures for yourself.  It was also very hot.  I mean very, very hot and sunny.  Then we got back on the bus and went to the jungle.  On our way there, the guide told us to beware of aggressive thieving monkeys.  Yes, ma’am!  We finally arrived and were pretty dehydrated.  The heat was oppressive.  We desperately needed to get to the souvenir stand to buy some water.  Despite our hats, sunblock and sunglasses, the heat as we trekked through the jungle to the site of the waterfall lulled us into a zombie-like state.  However, it was exciting to be in a jungle.  We finally got to the place where we bought a drink and a snack, then sat down on a bench to eat it.  We had our swimsuits and things in a bag with us.  We went to take a look at the river and take some pics.  I went around a table, and on the way back, I stopped in my tracks.  Good thing I was looking down!  A long, thin, light-green snake was in my path.  A wild snake, with nothing between me and it!!  I very slowly, carefully went around it.  We sat quietly and munched, enjoying the day.  I looked over to the river again and noticed a huge, I mean 4-foot lizard on a rock in the middle of the river.  Cool!! See pics on facebook. 
All of a sudden, down from the tree we hadn’t noticed was right next to us, a monkey climbed and tried to take our food!  It was really bizarre.  Even after the warnings, we weren’t expecting THAT!  She just came out of nowhere, literally right beside us.  We both jumped back in surprise and fear and Pasha managed to grab our stuff back and kick her away.  Those things are really aggressive!  We finished eating in caution, and, as soon as we got up to leave, she ambused us from the other side.  She had been waiting for us that whole time.  She grabbed hold of the bag, but so did Pasha and the handle broke.  Darn monkies!

I'll tell you about the rest later.  So many adventures.    I am home sick from work today with an earache, so if you read this, say a prayer for me. Thanks,

Love always,
Beth

 

A masslenitsa video