After ten-hour plane ride I arrived in the Moscow airport to be solicited some fifteen times by various "taxi" drivers in a mixture of russian and english. I eventually was picked up by an AFS Russia representative. She was nice and very helpful. I forget her name. Guided by the AFS Russia representative I set off with the two other students for the train station. Two hour train ride from the Mocsow Airport to central Moscow----five hours of subway-----thirteen hour train ride from Moscow to Cheboksary where I was welcomed by my host family and two AFS Russia representatives. Valentina Yurpalova and Dimitry (Dimya) Yurpalov are extremely kind. Mrs. Yurpalova hasn't spoken a word of English, which is good because it encourages me to learn Russian.
After arriving at the Yurpalov flat I was treated to an excellent meal cooked by Dimitry. Cooking, and Hockey are some of his hobbies. Later on I met a lot of Dimitry's friends; they were all very jolly and interested in the very few things I could say.
Kvass---good
Russian fruit Juices (sok) -----very good
Russian Tea-----very good
Russian food-----pretty good most of the time
There is a cinema and a variety of shops within walking distance of my residence.
Wonderful, wonderful !! We are all so excited for you, John. Send our love and good wishes to the Yurpalova's.
ReplyDeleteMom, Dad, Nora, Andy and James
Wow! That's one heck of a journey! We're praising God for getting you there safe and sound! Our family prays for your safety and health every day! We're excited about learning of your experiences in Russia. Both my parents were born there but I have never been there (and my folks have never been back there either after coming to the US).
ReplyDeleteNice-driveway! (the easy way to remember the Russian term for "cheers": Nostrovia)
Irene Taschek