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Published: September 26th 2006
Probably the most random thing that has happened so far occured right outside of the Belorusskaya metro station. As I exited the metro, this guy comes up to me saying, "Devotchka, Devotchka! (girl, girl!). So I turn to see what he wanted. He was a tall, thin, white Russian man with short hair and an earing in one ear. He asked me if I knew anything about Hare Krishna. He said that it is a religion from India. I didn't understand much of what he said since he was speaking in Russian. But apparently he wanted me to think about converting to Hare Krishna. He also asked if I wanted to donate a small amount of money for a Hare Krishna book in Russian. I said "no, thanks" and then turned to leave. He said something more about Hare Krishna that I didn't quite understand. Then he looked into my eyes and searched my eyes as if he was trying to see into my soul. After that, he said "You're a good person".
I sort of wish I had donated the 30 roubles for the Hare Krishna book just for curiosity's sake. After all, I'm probably not going to run into another New Age Russian trying to convert me to an Indian religion again.
Although, come to think of it, maybe there are more New Age Russians than I suspected. When we were on a train, a woman went around selling astrological cards. A bunch of old babushkas (old women) bought the cards and read them intently. I was rather surprised that the old people were the ones buying the cards. Usually babushkas have very little cash to spare. And I thought that New Age stuff is more of a thing young people are into.
Anyway, on a different note, I met with some people from the Quaker meeting last night. I went out to dinner with Liz and Mark. Liz has been living in Moscow for a year and Mark has been here for the past few years. They had all sorts of advice. I related some of the problems I've been having, such as trouble with Russian men. Liz said that before she wiped the smile off her face Russian men used to bother her all the time too. Guys on the street sometimes even propose to her. I asked her what she did when the guys proposed. She said "I try to get away from them and tell them.." her voice trailed off and she seemed to have second thoughts about telling me what she had told the Russian guys. But it wasn't difficult to guess. "You told them to 'poshyol k chyortoo'" (go to the devil)" I guessed. She looked amused and nodded. I guess in Russia even Quakers sometimes have to tell people to go to the devil.
Liz is going to go with me to Izmaylovskii Park to help me pick out a Russian coat for the winter. She says that there is a huge market behind the souvenier market.
My mom gave me her down coat to wear in the winter. It is the warmest coat in my house. But when I showed it to my host family they laughed. They said that it wasn't a winter coat but a fall coat. Winter coats have to be really thick and come down to your knees. They said I would freeze even wearing layers if I wore my mom's coat.
So next weekend I'll begin my search for a winter coat.
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Aunt Sue
non-member comment
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