A Reflection on my trip to Russia

So soon I've arrived in Russia, so soon I leave.. My nine month contract has been cut short due to the company not being able to provide me sufficient load of full time work. I guess after the three month probationary period they are allowed to terminate my employment if they so choose. It is very dissapounting to say the least especially since I gave up a good job in the States for this opportunity,for what I thought would be a nine month opportunity and not a brief 3 months. But all in all, besides the fact of not having the chance to see as much as I had planned I got a good glimpse of Russian culture and life.
Some recaps of my Russian adventure are many and include these thoughts as followed. Free alcohol on the plane from United States to Russia, something I look forward to on the journey home.
A nation of many Dimas. For the first couple months every single boy I met was Dima. I had to organize them in my phone according to their assocations.. Dima Teacher.. Dima student.. Dima Couch Surf.. Dima Manager.. Dima Vet..(I will write their individual stories at a later time) I even had Dima student pay for a Persian kitten and add a balance of well over 100 to my mobile phone, which I still have money on.. and need to see if I can get a refund :)
Many Orthodox Churches. Every corner has a breathtaking Russian Orthodox church. Being baptized and raised Russian Orthodox it is truly inspiring to see this religion so alive in Russia.

While awaiting Russian Christmas on January 7th it's fun to listen to traditional Russian songs!


This song is about the Christmas Tree, Yolka.

В лесу родилась ёлочка,
В лесу она росла,
Зимой и летом стройная,
Зелёная была.




Пусть бегут неуклюже - Watch the best video clips here

And this is a traditional children's birthday song!

English In Russia

I am fascinated by some of the differences in English spoken in Russia. Some of my favorite phrases or words include: Ques (instead of lines) why not (a favorite for every speaker of english as a 2nd language) Ohmygodable (popular with teens) varients, composition (instead of essay) marks (instead of grades) holiday (instead of vacation)

Russian Current Events..

Tragedy at a night club in Perm.. 100 people died to the club's not meeting fire regulations. There was only one exit and people could not get out of the building fast enough.. Hundreds of clubs were closed as around the country as an after affect to this event.



Train explosion between St. Petersburg and Moscow. This makes me fear leaving my flat.. :(

маршру́тка..

My Dearest маршру́тка Bus..



How I await you for you every morning in the Russian cold. I see your number 45 or 77 from the distance and know you've come for me. You never let me down.. Oh Dearest Marshutka with your driver yelling violently out the window.. I wonder how I'll fit today when you open your sliding door revealing Russians crammed into every space like a can of sardines. Marshutka is it safe for me to enter or should I bring a helmet with me?

As I embark my journey to the center of Rostov, I hold on to the bar for dear life as I can barely see through the solid crowd of people during the morning commute. All I can see is a Russian icon.. Saint Nicholas (The Protector) rocking from the rear view mirror as I'm surrounded by fluffy fur coats and soviet fur hats..

My Dearest Marchutka keep me safe on my journey to work today. Please take my 14 roubles and don't take my life..

Happy Veterans Day!

To Our Heroes:

Happy Veterans Day! God Bless you and Thank you.



Image is of my favorite painting by Thomas Kinkade.. named Homecoming.

From Russia With Love...

Close your eyes and dream a good dream.. Live with no boundaries.. do not conform, do without hesitation.. live the life you dreamt of living.. live like Heaven on Earth..