Thanks for the Belly Laugh! I'm sorry, but my favorite part of this entry was the "belly" man and your confinement with him-it! It was truly a funny scene. The other parts were very good, however sad as I did not know you would not be returning to your host house. They did seemed to be very good people. Keep on writing! Love, Mom
Tolkien Tolkien makes some very interesting appearances into our world by working his experiences into his adventures with the troll like population. This includes the underground homes in southern Sweden and the ones occupied by Frodo's companions.
In some of my readings I have found the Viking connections in Russia fascinating. A friend from Sweden also had told me of a settlement which had been discovered in the not so long ago past where the people were still speaking Skandinavian language. It is not to be accepted by the citizenry of Russia, but the foundations set by the Swedes and other Skandinav companions are deep within Russia. It makes a very interesting picture of the northern parts of Europe. So to conclude, yes you are most certainly correct about Tolkien.
I do hope to someday be able to discuss this face to face with you, but of not I am so pleased to read of your reflections. Erika had a wonderful History professor who had spent several years living up in your environs.
Best of all wishes to you and God speed, Jennie Williams
Long ago and far away............. Dear Adam, I still enjoy your writing. I am so glad you have taken hold of life and explored. I hope you have also kept some semblance of record of the time in the Army as well as you have been doing in Russia. You must have acquired quite a good collection of international languages by now. I envy that as I have always had a fascination with the relationships between all of them. The question is how much is by ear and how much is off the written page?
Erika who has also been following you on facebook and these blogs which I have forwarded, thanks to your mother. No, I don't see her. She is very busy in her life and I have only high hopes for her.
Erika-you can imagine teaching in New York with children of all sorts of ethnic backgrounds. Her latest challenge is that she has a Chinese boy who recently arrived, did some time in public school, but he has almost no English ability. She cannot use any of the European language knowledge she has.
God bless you and your travels as you collect the wonders of the world. You will have wonderful tales to tell, I know. As ever, Jennie Wms.
Wonderful Journey Best wishes for a great trip! The map and details of your journey will allow many of us to "journey" along more vividly in our imagination. Take care and enjoy!
Turkey! Happy Thanksgiving Adam! Hope the tundra is treating you well. I am looking for a ping pong table so that when you come back to America and visit Toledo I can beat you. Miss you bud.
Ryan
Poor Dmitry Nice post. I feel sorry for Dmitry, the man has been shot in the head and just wants a drink! He is lucky to have a nice woman to take care of him.
How is this Baltika 7? Is it comparable to any beers we have stateside?
Your bow shooting is quite poor! I'm certain I would have been 3/4 with the crossbow and 5/5 with the bow.
Miss you man, can't wait until you come back in May, but definitely glad you are having a great once in a lifetime experience in Russia!
Humor and Despair, a true Russian tale! Your accounts are written so well, they have made me laugh, smile and feel saddened, much like the Russian authors I have read! Is it Russia or you in Russia that brings out such ironies?
Cool story, Hansel Hey buddy! Glad you got the blog finally rolling along here! Sounds like you are adjusting/have adjusted to the life pretty well and are on good terms with your host. Sidenote: due to the male friend's not drinking, how has that affected you and your goal to imbibe an extraordinary amount of vodka while on your stay in the motherland?
Any plans on going to the film festival this week? They're in English with Russian subtitles, I'm sure your host would be excited for it.
Also, what's the status on the Russian Bride? Hahaha! I'm sure she'll be mailed over soon enough...
Budem zdorovy!
Great Blog Adam! :) I am a little jealous that you get to see Saint Petersburg!!! :) It is definitely on my list of "Must-Visit Places"! lol
Great first post! Keep them coming! :)
Stay safe and warm!!!
Jelena
EdVallance
Edward Adrian-Vallance
Yeh the shawarmas at Yaroslavsky Vokzal are not the best that Moscow has to offer... still, I'm sure the rest of your trip will go much better! Enjoy!