THANKS!!! You were the perfect translator and tour guide!!! Dad and I were so impressed with your ability to communicate in Russian, not only on the street, but also with in depth conversations translating our words to Galena Nickolaevna. We had such a wonderful visit, from the moment we arrived at the hotel, with you waiting, radiant and confident, to wisk us away to the Kremlin tour with your classmates, to the amazing metro rides, Christ the Redeemer Church, Red Square, and Ivmalovsky Park. I can't imagine ever traveling to Russia without a guide, and you were the best!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel via night train to Kiev. May the good Lord bless you and keep you, and set His protecting angels round about you.
Your new coat! Hi Genna,
I don't know why, but this is my 3rd try to get this off to you. Well, you know I'm just not that with it when it comes to computers.
Anyway, I did want to let you know how I enjoyed reading about your shopping adventure! It sounds like work and fun at the same time! I love your picture in your new "dublanka". You look pretty but prepared for the Russian Winter. I loved looking at the photos in your blog and can't wait to see all the ones not published!
I met with Sam in Ann Arbor yesterday. He and Wendy are so nice, I can see why you miss them. They are quite the friends to treasure.
Take care. Any last minutes requests to send along with your parents? Darcy made you a CD, and we are looking for DVDs. Unfortunately, we don't have too many. Most films we have are in the VHS format.
Keep Cozy. Love, Aunt Sue
We are happy to learn that all is going well with your new babushka. She seems genuinely interested in you, your friends, and your activities.
I am so sorry that your experience with your first host family was so difficult. It is unfortunate that their expectations were so different from those that the program advises. It must have been so very difficult to be the object of their verbal assault. I am grateful that you were able to leave without any further negative offense. It is good that you were able to share tea and a somewhat reconciling dialogue with your host mom before departing.
Your professors are wonderful to have been so supportive during this most difficult time.
Dad and I are busily preparing for our departure next Thursday. We can't wait to see our precious devotchka!!!
Eh? I'm actually black/inka? AHHHH, I'm like, having an identity crisis of some sort!!! ;)
I'm SOOO happy that you feel better, Genna! (And I'm really glad to hear that the e-mail helped!) Here's to an awesome rest-of-your-trip!
(And yay, you get to see your package soon!)
Feeling Better? Hi Genna,
I'm glad for you that you have been able to move out and have found a better host mother. And it is probably a good thing that she lives by herself. No distractions!
Now you can dedicate your time to your studies and positive cultural experiences. And, it really showed maturity on your part to leave your former host mother on better terms. It must have been very difficult for you to deal with, but you did it! You stood up for yourself, and the result is a better placement.
Do you think your new neighborhood will be safer than the last?
Hope all continues to go better. Take care. Love, Aunt Sue
I'm so happy that you got everything worked out, that you're happier with your new host mom and that the rest of your trip won't be ruined by Russian greed. And maybe when you meet her daughter, she'll be very nice, too! :-)
be strong I've been reading your posts and I really feel sad for you... Well, what can I suggest? Be strong! And if it really gets nasty, change the family... (I'm sure your program allows it, all others do anyway)
Poor Genna! That's horrible! I can't believe that they want you to pay for meals that you're not even eating... Is there anyone in the program that could help you mediate the problem? It seems like *their* expectations are unreasonable, not yours, and maybe someone Russian could help them understand? Anyway, however it works out, I hope it doesn't ruin the rest of your trip!
Oh no! Can you talk to someone about this, like the director of your program? You shouldn't be subjected to verbal abuse by your host family, not for making a what sounds to me like a perfectly reasonable request (especially if your friends have made similar requests and it's been fine with their families).
Moscow in the Winter I think I'm going to need a heavier coat. It will probably be much colder in Russia than it will be in Michigan before I leave. And in Russia you have to walk forever to get anywhere. I usually spend two hours a day walking. More if it is the weekend.
As far as movies-just pick out the ones you think I'll like.
Keep Warm!! Hi Genna,
We have really been enjoying your blog entries. Your details are so rich and vivid. One can really share your experiences.
I think it must be quite nice to meet some friends from the Quaker community. It sounds as if you have some great people to help you out and to befriend. And, you will certainly get good advise on buying your winter coat!
Will you be in Moscow during the worst of the winter months? I thought that you will return in early December. Perhaps you will experience only a tiny bit of that aspect of Russian life!
I am trying to dig up DVDs to send along with your parents. I think we have several of the Christopher Guest movies (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and Spinal Tap, among others). Any special requests?
Take care. Love, Aunt Sue
Russia on Tour with Genna Hi There,
Your journal is awesome. Your travel logs with all your descriptions keep me so entralled. It is like reading a novel. Thanks Genna!
Have fun and enjoy. Many blessings. Joeann
Hey! great to hear from you (and see pictures!!! :)
msu is going ok. It's kind of been a letdown, after ecuador, but i suppose i expected that. I'm working at noodles and co., which is wonderful because i get to eat there for half off on days i work, and i loooove noodles. I'm also night receptionisting once more, and every now and again I put on a giant banana suit and dance around to help people in africa.
anyways, i think i'm going to see sam and wendy this weekend! we think about you a lot! hope you continue having a great time in russia!
Pictures I'm glad to see you finally are sending pictures ! This will be an excellent addition to your fantastic journal. I hope all is well and that you are continuing to enjoy this trip of a lifetime. Best Wishes.
Pictures I'll try to get pictures online asap. However, I'm going to have to wait until someone lets me use their computer. None of the computers in the University's computer lab or in the internet cafe have working USB ports. So I may not even be able to put pictures online until my mom brings me my computer
Feeling Better ? Hi Genna,
I hope that this message finds you in better health than when you wrote your last entry.
Your courses must be quite challenging, but I imagine interesting and passionate! I imagine you love but get frustrated with the level of difficulty.
Your parents have asked me to stay with Geoff while they are off visiting you! I said of course I would. Hey, are you able to get pictures on this site? I have just been so curious to see the things you talk about!
Take care. Lots of soup should help that cold go away!
Love, Aunt Sue
St.Petersburg vs. Moscow I'm glad I'm studying in Moscow. I wanted to see Russia, not Europe. I love St.Petersburg and it was a relief that there was a lot of familiar things about it that Moscow doesn't have. But I wouldn't trade the uniqueness of Moscow for it. I think Moscow is much more representative of the rest of Russia than St.Petersburg. Though if I study abroad in Russia again I would go to Petersburg to try something new.
St. Petersburg You seem to really like the city! Do you wish you had studied there instead of in Moscow? Or are you glad that you are in a more Russian city where you're forced to learn the language and culture? ...Just curious.
I'm a bit upset to hear that Russian culture is so much "ruder" (at least, on the surface) compared to American culture; it sounds like your host family really sticks to tradition. I'm sorry about that the more negative aspects of 'culture shock' are finally kicking in, but I'm still sure that you'll adjust in no time. =) (And just think: Your russian must be improving exponentially!)
While I'm annoyed that your host mother called you an idiot, I really think it'd be a HORRIBLE idea to 'demand' for an apology. (This is regarding another comment I saw...) You're their guest, and they already believe that they "know better" than you, so you're really not in a position to demand anything from them. I'll probably just end up angering your host family, and that will make your stay MUCH harder than it needs to be!!!
In any case, I hope your host mom cools down -- and don't let it get to you!
Creepy... Genna!
I've been trying to post comments on your blog...but it hasn't been working! Hopefully this one goes though...
That does sound like a creepy experience. I was definately expecting that entry to end with a description of you escaping a mugging attempt. Still, you can be confronted with things like that in big cities in America, so I wouldn't worry TOO much about it.
About the pepper spray. You might want to look into whether or not it's legal to carry it in Russia. I know that some countries (i.e. England) don't allow it and carrying it can result in rather strict penalties. Just something to keep in mind...
I'll definately be keeping up with your blog from now on!!!
Sounds Creepy... Genna! I finally found the link to your travel blog! Now that I'm back in Ann Arbor, I should be able to get on the internet much more regularly and I'll make sure to visit your blog more often!
That does sound like a pretty freaky experience. As I was reading it, I was hoping that it wasn't going to end with you getting mugged! Pepper spray might be a good idea, but you should find out if it's legal to carry in Russia. I know that it's illegal in some countries (i.e. England), so be careful.
We all miss you; come back soon! :D
aunt sue
non-member comment
kiev
Hi genna, I hope your trip continues to give you great scenery and interesting perspectives. Have fun in Kiev! love, Aunt Sue