Ramblings from Russia

I made it and am finally getting over jet leg .My new favorite airline is Air France for the service and the food. Nothing like it! Everything went smoothly even entering Russia and having my body scanned for swine flu and a very intimidating guard inspecting my passport. I pretended I knew what I was doing and out I went to be greeted by my principal. It was so wonderful to see a friendly face. He took me immediately over to the school which is charming and in an old house which looks like the home in the Madeline books. My classroom is half the size of my room at Auke Bay but with only 14 kids. I was able to spend Wednesday with them and observe the woman who has been subbing for a day to get a feel for the routine. The children are very self motivated and capable. When I asked one child what her parents did here she said her Dad was a special agent. I asked her what that meant and she said, "He makes breakfast, lunch and
dinner." We need more special agents in the world. The city is amazing...out of a picture book with rivers and canals and gorgeous architecture. I walk to school which takes 22 minutes each way. The weather is cold and rainy and very much like Juneau's fall weather so that isn't going to be much of an adjustment. The apartment I am staying in in charming with high ceilings, spacious rooms and right on a canal. It even comes with a housekeeper who also cooks dinner. Not bad! My job is to walk the dog when I get home. I think I can handle one chore. I can't believe how gracious, friendly and welcoming every single person at this school has been. I have had many invitations for dinner, the ballet, musuem excursions etc. already. They have been unbelievable. I am learning a little more Russian each day. It really is a beautiful sounding language. Enough rambling for today. It's time for my walk home. I wonder what Irini is making for dinner? Life is good!
Love, Kathy