October 26, 2009
Where does the time go? The month of October is speeding by and another Russian Ramblings is at hand.
A few observations on the streets as I walk around to and from work:
I think I mentioned how someone (mostly Babushkas or older women) are always sweeping the night's debris away or raking leaves in the parks. I noticed that many of their brooms are hand made out of tree twigs tied together with string. I've seen a few people begging on the streets but not many homeless people, though I was informed that the police bus them away to who knows where. One night I was walking to a friend's apartment five minutes from mine when a man jumped out in front of me and started yelling something in Russian in my face. I was told if this ever happened to look them straight in the eye and act a bit "off" which I did and he ran away. It worked! I saw a small bear on a leash that a man was peddling for photographs. The poor bear was very submissive and the man had a club in his hand to use if necessary. Poor bear. What a contrast to our wild, mostly healthy Juneau bears.
I was to meet my friend Kat at a wonderful French Bakery that we discovered a week ago. I was sure I could find it but somehow ended up at the wrong place and without a cell phone couldn't get in touch. I did discover many new restaurants : Indian, Turkish etc. to try by accident. My poor friend was worred but we finally connected once I made it home and my poor host drew me a map to find the place. I must say the latte and cinnamon roll were very comforting .
I tried to buy some yarn for a project with my class and was told where a yarn shop was. I entered and the yarn sat behind a counter and you couldn't touch it. The clerk was very frustrated with this non-Russian speaking woman pointing to yarn, touching it and having her put it back on the shelf until I found the one I wanted.
Halloween was celebrated here on the 23rd. I taught the kids the American game of tying a donut on a string and eating it with your hands behind your back. They were thrilled. I told them the story of Georgie Ghost that my mother used to tell when she was teaching and I've told every year since I've been a teacher. As most stories go I change it every time but to see the light in their eyes is a magical connection when a story is told. All the elementary classes had a costume parade through the other classrooms and the kids shared trays of cookies and candies wishing us all a Happy Halloween as they marched through our room. Very sweet! After school the Trunk or Treating began on the playground. The parents decorated the trunks of their cars and served treats as the kids went from car trunk to car trunk. Jars with candles surrounded the playground to add to the festivities.
On the weekend Ron, my principal, hosted a dinner threatre in his apartment where the high schoolers could perform poetry, music, singing or any other talent. It was wonderful. Their parents came and the kids prepared salad, lasagna, and dessert which they served. They even cleaned up. A wonderful, community building event.
My birthday was this weekend so I went to dinner with friends and then to a production of Swan Lake with a prima ballerina. Lovely! Today at school the children made me cards and sang Happy Birthday to me in all their languages plus Russian. It brought tears to my eyes.
Tom is in California helping to care for his brother Bill who is in the final stages of liver cancer, so at this point he's where he needs to be. He may have to postpone or cancel his trip here depending on how things progress. I was so looking forward to sharing this experience with him but I know he's doing the right thing. Time will tell.
Much love to all of you and I love hearing your news.
Kathy
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ramblings from Russia
October 19
Hello Friends and Family,
I hope you are all well and enjoying the excitement of Halloween approaching. It's hard to believe I've been here for 3 weeks. Here's a few observations and news of this past week:
Our school is right next to a Russian Navy Academy so we start our day in the classroom doing yoga while outside we hear the cadets chanting and marching in formation. Today they actually were accompanied by a marching band. Nothing like yoga set to military marches . Lots of contradictions here!
My students are like a mini United Nations representing the following countries:Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Holland, South Korea and The United States. It's really interesting to have them try to interpret and translate to each other when I don't understand their ideas. Today they were trying to figure out what you call your second mother and it went translating around the room until I finally understood they meant "Godmother." There are many "lost in translation" moments!
One humorous note this week: One boy told me he wanted to be a banker when he grows up because they make a lot of celery. The kids wanted to know what celery was and I described the vegetable. After several amused faces I finally figured out he meant "salary!"
I told them the apple story about the little red house with no windows and no doors and a star inside and had them create a
story map to re-tell the story to me and a friend. That gave me so much insight into their comprehension and use of language. It really is a challenge to meet all their needs in language arts especially. We've been playing games like telephone and Simon Says etc. to increase their understanding. We made applesauce this week which they loved. The supplies are so limited. I ended up making it in the mircrowave and they really loved it.
We had a fun Friday where the children from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade are divided into colors and rotate between the classrooms all day for fall crafts. I did pumpkin paper weavings. I got a little tired of hearing myself say "over, under, over, under, push it to the side!" They hadn't done weaving before so it was fun to see their attempts. The older kids naturally offer to help the little ones and even thanked me for the activity. Their sweet politeness is a blessing.
I was invited to the American Consulate for wine and cheese on Friday evening with ten other American women living here. The Consulate was in a Duke's home and was quite lovely. I was given a tour and even got to see where Tricky Dick rested his head. (Richard Nixon!)
A Russian film crew has been filming a movie on our apartment roof so we've been watching the filming off and on. It's suppose to be a comedy. One of my fellow teachers has a skylight over her shower which opens to the roof and she caught a peeping Ivar looking in at her one evening so had to come over to my apartment to take a shower. Maybe she'll be in the film!
The Russian Museum was my Saturday cultural nudge and I really enjoyed seeing the works of Russian artists through the ages. I topped if off with hot chocolate at a cafe with a teaching friend. The hot chocolate here is more like hot, thick, pudding and you eat it with a spoon. Yum! I celebrated a friend's birthday at a restaurant later that night. On Sunday I attended a symphony of Russian Fairy Tale music which was lovely. The acoustics in the concert hall resonated the sound so well.
I have been venturing out exploring streets further away from my apartment bit by bit and enjoyed a lovely two hour labyrinth of a walk on Sunday afternoon getting myself lost and then realizing I really could find my way back.
Much love and missing all of you!
Kathy
Photos of Kathy's school in Juneau, AK - Linda
Hello Friends and Family,
I hope you are all well and enjoying the excitement of Halloween approaching. It's hard to believe I've been here for 3 weeks. Here's a few observations and news of this past week:
Our school is right next to a Russian Navy Academy so we start our day in the classroom doing yoga while outside we hear the cadets chanting and marching in formation. Today they actually were accompanied by a marching band. Nothing like yoga set to military marches . Lots of contradictions here!
My students are like a mini United Nations representing the following countries:Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Holland, South Korea and The United States. It's really interesting to have them try to interpret and translate to each other when I don't understand their ideas. Today they were trying to figure out what you call your second mother and it went translating around the room until I finally understood they meant "Godmother." There are many "lost in translation" moments!
One humorous note this week: One boy told me he wanted to be a banker when he grows up because they make a lot of celery. The kids wanted to know what celery was and I described the vegetable. After several amused faces I finally figured out he meant "salary!"I told them the apple story about the little red house with no windows and no doors and a star inside and had them create a
story map to re-tell the story to me and a friend. That gave me so much insight into their comprehension and use of language. It really is a challenge to meet all their needs in language arts especially. We've been playing games like telephone and Simon Says etc. to increase their understanding. We made applesauce this week which they loved. The supplies are so limited. I ended up making it in the mircrowave and they really loved it.We had a fun Friday where the children from Kindergarten to Fifth Grade are divided into colors and rotate between the classrooms all day for fall crafts. I did pumpkin paper weavings. I got a little tired of hearing myself say "over, under, over, under, push it to the side!" They hadn't done weaving before so it was fun to see their attempts. The older kids naturally offer to help the little ones and even thanked me for the activity. Their sweet politeness is a blessing.
I was invited to the American Consulate for wine and cheese on Friday evening with ten other American women living here. The Consulate was in a Duke's home and was quite lovely. I was given a tour and even got to see where Tricky Dick rested his head. (Richard Nixon!)
A Russian film crew has been filming a movie on our apartment roof so we've been watching the filming off and on. It's suppose to be a comedy. One of my fellow teachers has a skylight over her shower which opens to the roof and she caught a peeping Ivar looking in at her one evening so had to come over to my apartment to take a shower. Maybe she'll be in the film!
The Russian Museum was my Saturday cultural nudge and I really enjoyed seeing the works of Russian artists through the ages. I topped if off with hot chocolate at a cafe with a teaching friend. The hot chocolate here is more like hot, thick, pudding and you eat it with a spoon. Yum! I celebrated a friend's birthday at a restaurant later that night. On Sunday I attended a symphony of Russian Fairy Tale music which was lovely. The acoustics in the concert hall resonated the sound so well.
I have been venturing out exploring streets further away from my apartment bit by bit and enjoyed a lovely two hour labyrinth of a walk on Sunday afternoon getting myself lost and then realizing I really could find my way back.
Much love and missing all of you!
Kathy
Photos of Kathy's school in Juneau, AK - Linda
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Silver Springs Entertainment and Arts Quilt and Fiber Arts Show
We did a great job, showcasing the talent and creativity of the Quilting Bees. The annual SSEA Quilt and Fiber Arts Show transformed the Silver Springs Senior Center into a wonderland of quilts and fiber artwork. The pictures say what my words can only attempt to describe.
Linda
Ramblings from Russia
Cousins Linda and Kathy in Juneau, AlaskaHello Everyone,
It's been a beautiful fall weekend here with our first frost of the year making its arrival this morning. The fall colors are beautiful. I enjoyed walking around the town with my camera as my companion on Saturday.Lots of great photo opportunities which I will have to post when I return home. Walking is a necessity here and everyone seems to be out and about all hours of the day. The children are all bundled up in snowgear, hats and mittens even though it really isn't that cold yet. Women, especially young women ,wear very high heeled shoes or boots and stroll more than power walk. Older women seem a little more sensibly dress and I would include myself in this catagory for sure. Dark colors seem to be the style so I know I must really shout out "American!" in my bright fuschia Juneau parka. Dodging traffic a daily adventure and so far I am still standing.
I went with my class to their gym this week which is a 15 minute bus ride away. They use a public gym and reserve time there for their PE classes. It's a riot to watch avid athletic adults work out and then go outside to chain smoke. A slight contradiction. As I was helping kids tie shoes after gym I glanced up at the video screen and there was a naked woman advertising something. It didn't phase the kids at all. I wonder what she was advertising? Must have been sunscreen since she was at the beach.
School is going well and I am absolutely loving teaching once again. I asked one very precocious American girl in my class how she thought things were going. This is what she said:
"Well, Mrs. Hanna, number one, you know you are a Grandma and they are always nice. Number 2, You are very funny and a little silly but we're learning SO I think you're a good fit." Guess I got the thumbs up. I am having a ball with Science Notebooks. (Thanks Chris!) We have been exploring leaves and apples and I noticed today that the rose hips out in front of the school need some investigating. They love doing plays so we've been acting out stories we've read. Simple games like "Mother May I" they love. I'm finding that surrounding them with language is my role at this point.
This week I went to two ballets: Swan Lake and Don Quixote. I really do feel I am in the center of an amazing cultural scene here. I went back to the Hermitage Museum again on Saturday for a look at the Dutch and Flemish paintings. During the war they took all the art work out of the museum and hid it. They barely had firewood to stay warm during the 900 day seige by the Germans but they found a way to preserve their artifacts and cultural history. Amazing sense of perspective.
I went over to a friend's apartment last night for brownies, tea and a chick flick which was fun. Ann and John Symonds from Juneau who are now living in Moscow arrived last night by train so it was fun catching up with their lives. They've been in Moscow for four years now. Ann brought us canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce and two turkey roasting pans for our Thanksgiving. All the American teachers get together to celebrate.
Tom is working on his visa to come and visit and I am so looking forward to having him here. There's so much to see and do. All for now. Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Kathy
Monday, October 5, 2009
Ramblings from Russia
I started my first official day of teaching today and the kids were oh so helpful. I kept reminding them that sometimes people do things in different ways. They love active learning for sure and I'm into that. I brought a small photo album showing pictures of my town and family, so I may do a mini Alaskan unit since they are very interested. Thanks Zach and Suzanne for the many beautiful whale, swan, bear etc. photos. They are really into the animals.
The weather is definitely Juneau like. I wear rainpants and a hat and gloves walking to and from work each day. I am learning to walk like a Russian with my head bent down and no eye contact with passing folks. The body language and trust factor is very different, though the people I work with are more than friendly.
I have attached myself to the two female American teachers in the building though I am old enough to be their mother they include me in dinners out etc. It's very isolating not being able to speak the language or read the signs.
Over the weekend I played tourist and went to Catherine's Palace and walked the grounds taking many photos. Families were out gathering beautiful fall leaves and making garlands for their hair. I also visited the Hermitage which is a HUGE museum. I spent two hours just looking at Impressionist paintings. I found I was overwhelmed standing in front of the work of VanGogh, Picasso, Cezann, Manet, Monet, Rembrant, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelango, Gaugin and Matisse. I have to say I'm now into Matisse. They say if you spent only 1 minute looking at everything in the Hermitage it would take you 11 years!
I'm reading a great book about the 900 day seige of St. Petersburg during the war titled City of Thieves. It's a good one book group friends! It's so interesting to be in the place where the story took place. I actually walk over the bridge in the novel on my way to work. I think I need a "lighter" novel next.
I was able to shop for groceries in a huge Fred Meyer like store and came home with three bags of essentials for only $40.00. Amazing. I was quite surprised at the quality and freshness of the fruit and veggies. I made a pot of lentil soup on Sunday to eat for lunch all week.
Last night I went to the Mirinskiy Theatre to see the ballet "Le Corsaire" Amazing! The Russian teacher I went with took me back stage to see all the costumes and props since her husband works there.
The weather is definitely Juneau like. I wear rainpants and a hat and gloves walking to and from work each day. I am learning to walk like a Russian with my head bent down and no eye contact with passing folks. The body language and trust factor is very different, though the people I work with are more than friendly.
I have attached myself to the two female American teachers in the building though I am old enough to be their mother they include me in dinners out etc. It's very isolating not being able to speak the language or read the signs.
Over the weekend I played tourist and went to Catherine's Palace and walked the grounds taking many photos. Families were out gathering beautiful fall leaves and making garlands for their hair. I also visited the Hermitage which is a HUGE museum. I spent two hours just looking at Impressionist paintings. I found I was overwhelmed standing in front of the work of VanGogh, Picasso, Cezann, Manet, Monet, Rembrant, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelango, Gaugin and Matisse. I have to say I'm now into Matisse. They say if you spent only 1 minute looking at everything in the Hermitage it would take you 11 years!
I'm reading a great book about the 900 day seige of St. Petersburg during the war titled City of Thieves. It's a good one book group friends! It's so interesting to be in the place where the story took place. I actually walk over the bridge in the novel on my way to work. I think I need a "lighter" novel next.
I was able to shop for groceries in a huge Fred Meyer like store and came home with three bags of essentials for only $40.00. Amazing. I was quite surprised at the quality and freshness of the fruit and veggies. I made a pot of lentil soup on Sunday to eat for lunch all week.
Last night I went to the Mirinskiy Theatre to see the ballet "Le Corsaire" Amazing! The Russian teacher I went with took me back stage to see all the costumes and props since her husband works there.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)