whereisallyson.com

Getting started

1 Oct 2008

Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days now. Yesterday, Tuesday, I went to a translation class at the university. I enjoyed that! Than, another professor took me to an elementary school that she is on the board of directors for. I was hoping to observe some classes, but instead, I was an instant celebrity. I talked to the students and answered questions, and gave autographs at the end! I did that with two classes and was immediately asked to come again. So, I went again today for another two classes. I also promised to go back on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week!

Going back to my schedule for yesterday, I went back to the university after going to the elementary school. It’s about a 30 minute walk – and it was raining. Ugh. So, instead of going home to grab a bite to eat (I stayed longer at the elementary school than I had planned, not wanting to disappoint my new fans!), I went to one of the offices at the university and had a trusty granola bar and some tea. I do hope that I can find some granola bars here, as I’m down to two! In all honesty, I haven’t even looked for them yet.

At 2:00, I stopped by a meeting of directors or something, so that I could be introduced. The head of the department (foreign language? Germanic languages?) was much more cordial this time around. She wasn’t rude the first time, but she asked some very pointed questions (i.e. How many years had I been teaching instead of asking my age). I felt like I was being grilled, and honestly, I think I’ll feel the same way when I defend my dissertation someday (assuming I get to that point). Ah well, a little practice never hurts, right? After the meeting, I went to visit the English Club at the university. They elected a president for the semester and two students gave presentations based on their summer activities. One of the students agreed to be my Russian teacher, and we are planning to meet on Saturday. I could use the help!

I was intending to go to a musical that was one of the projects of the Consulate here. But, my feet had been wet (and the rest of me damp) for a couple of hours by that point, and I decided that it was best to just head home. I think it was for the best because I crashed around 7 and stayed crashed until morning! That’s fairly normal when starting off in a new country. There is so much to concentrate on that it’s exhausting.

So, as I mentioned, today I got up and went back to the elementary school. It is a bit far from here, but it’s good exercise. Down the hill and right up another one!

One of the teachers mentioned that it is now illegal to celebrate Halloween in elementary schools in Russia. How sad! In Central America, as well, people are very anti-Halloween. In my opinion, it’s a shame that some extremists have passed on this view. (Enter derogatory remarks about missionaries here.) It is just against my ethos to run away from the bad. Why not celebrate it? It’s part of life, too – a very important part of life. I’m going to go make myself some more coffee and grumble some more!

Ups and Downs

29 Sept 2008

Today was a rough day, in some aspects. I slept well, for the first time since coming to Vladivostok. On the other hand, I went to the university to meet some more people. One woman gave me a bit of a hard time – asking very pointed questions that seemed to indicate that I was too young to be doing this job. I’ll have to hold my own again! However, my predecessor was in her fifties, I believe, and she had a Ph.D. So, I suppose that I have some big shoes to fill! She apparently felt the same way, as her predecessor was a younger guy who was immensely popular. I hope I live up to the challenge!

I’m pooped. I think I’ll go to bed soon. It’s early for me, but since I haven’t been sleeping well, I’m a little tired. Today, I made arrangements for tomorrow. I’ll observe some classes and interact with students some. I’ll also be stepping in to a meeting just so that I can be introduced to everybody there. Finally, the consulate has invited me to attend a musical that they’ve arranged. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about that when I made other plans, so I’ll have to juggle some commitments.

I had a good time at the consulate. Everybody was so friendly. They invited me to go there as much as I’d like – and they have a little library and some other resources that I can take advantage of. It’s always nice to have things like that.

Tiger Day

28 Sept 2008

Well, it’s Sunday, and I’m told that it’s Tiger Day, a local holiday. Apparently, kids will be marching soon. Yesterday, I learned that there are two hills in the downtown area of Vladivostok – Tiger Hill and Eagle Hill. Eagle Hill was so named because the first Russians who arrived here found an eagle’s nest on the hill. Apparently, they found ‘evidence’ of a tiger on the other hill. New knowledge also includes that they arrived on a ship named Svetlana, so one of the main streets is named Svetlanskaya.

Today, one of my new colleagues is coming over at 12:30. She will take me out for another tour. I’m really getting my bearings, because of all of the walking. Since I’ve never really had a good sense of direction, this is very helpful!

Well, today, I met Irina, who is a teacher at the university. She is my age, so we had a really good time together! I hope we will become friends. She came over to the apartment first, and then we went out shopping for a few things I need. She was very helpful in telling me where I can buy things.

After Irina and I parted, I walked to the grocery store down the hill…hehe…10 minutes. I bought several things and then hiked back up. It was only a little more than 10 minutes back up, but a good little workout! I foresee myself getting in better shape this year. I am also nervous about when it gets icy – maybe I’ll just slide down the hill to the grocery store! (That’s all well and good…but how will I get home??) In reality, the previous ELF left me some things that you attach to your shoes for more traction. I think they’re called Yak Tracks. I hope they work well!!

Day 3

27 Sept 2008

Day three. Last night, David, the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant came over. He’s 22, so I’ve got several years on him, but he’s very pleasant. We took a walk and stopped at the supermarket before making a stir-fry at my place; all the while, we talked about our circumstances and histories.

Also yesterday, I went out to the grocery store (before returning with David). It was a nice little walk. I’m proud that I found the grocery store close to my house and did a fairly proficient job of taking care of my immediate needs. I need to work on the money situation. I need to be able to recognize the bills without reading the numbers; it’s time consuming and draws attention, which then makes me a target.

Today, I’ve been invited to go on a tour of the city with David and a friend of his. I think that if it’s a walking tour, I don’t know if I’ll go. I’m tired! I feel a bit sick, too. I hope I’m not coming down with something. I know that I need to give myself time to adjust. So, maybe resting is what I need. Unfortunately, resting isn’t that much fun, either. I need internet!!!

Well, I just got back from a long walk. At 4 p.m., I met Marina, with whom I will be working. She called after I wrote the earlier section, and because of our professional connection, I opted to go out with her. She is very kind and helped me with a few things. First, I got a printer cord, then some cash from a cash machine (the first one didn’t accept either of my cards!!), and finally, she helped me locate the dumpsters near my house. I know it sounds strange, but she had to ask 3 people in order to help me! It turns out that there are dumpsters behind building that is near mine. A woman who lives in the building on the other side said that she carries her garbage to some dumpsters and gave us directions. It was a block away! When we happened upon a girl exiting my building, she told us about the dumpsters that are closer.

Now, I’m watching the Russian version of Skating with the Stars. It’s hosted by Evgeny Plushenko. It’s entertaining, to say the least. One of the stars is a singer from Camaroon, but he sings in Russian. He took the time to congratulate his daughter on her third birthday, but then one of the judges said that he’s a bad skater but a good father. I dare say that given the depth of the Russian pairs and dance tradition, there’s a bit more of a show!

Well, on the walk today, I was excited to find a Mexx! I love this store, and it doesn’t exist in the US! And, maybe I’ll have an excuse to buy clothes after living here for a bit. This is a very hilly city. It is nonstop walking up and down. I think I should go backpacking next summer! I’ll be used to carrying things up and down quite a bit by then. The supermarkets are downhill from my house, so I have to haul everything UP. I already feel myself getting more used to it, but I’m not there yet!

Well, the trip out definitely made me feel better today. I was feeling a bit out of sorts and wondering what was wrong with me. I knew that jet lag could have been the explanation, but I was feeling nauseated. It could have been the beginning of a bug…we’ll see tomorrow. My feet have been swollen since arriving here. I think it’s because I was basically passed out and not moving for the entire 12 hour flight. Also, I flew Korean Air, and it seemed that there was less space than on the American carriers. I’ve read that several people have developed blood clots and even died because of not moving enough on flights. It’s recommended that you move around the airplane at least every four hours. Granted, this generally happens to older people. Come to think of it, last summer, when I flew to Europe, I slept the whole flight and had slid down in the seat so that my leg was up against some part of the seat in front of me. I had a tingling sensation in that spot for months afterwards. Long flights can be dangerous! And, I definitely have not been sleeping well since arriving, so I suppose I’m just a bit discombobulated in general. Now you all know the list of my physical complaints!

Adjusting

26 Sept 2008

I’m so out of it that I had to think about whether to write 2008 or 2009!

It’s getting close to 9 a.m. now. I’m still jet lagged and groggy. I woke up many times during the night. Now I’m having some coffee and crackers. But, it will take an hour or more for me to fully wake up.

It’s so gray here in the morning. Yesterday morning, it was gray and chilly. In the afternoon, it was warm with blue, blue skies. In the evening, it clouded over. I talked to Galina Nikolaevna last night. She is in Moscow and said that she misses the beautiful weather here.

Day 2

25 Sept 2008

Well, here I am on day two. I’ve been in this apartment for over 24 hours now. I’m still thrilled with it! Today, I woke up at 6:30 and again at 7:30, when I got up. Jet lag. But, I did go to bed early. Jet lag. Give me a few days, and I’ll be up to my old tricks!

I’ve decided to change my method of writing dates. In Russia, it’s day-month-year. So, either numbers-only method can be confusing, and I’ve decided to go with abbreviated months. I ran into this problem already today, and there is no time like the present to fix any problems or hiccups.

Today, Galina Nikolaevna’s husband and son came to help me. We went to register me with the government. Galina Nikolaevna’s son, Alexey, went because he speaks English well, and he is pretty comical. He gave me the low-down on how things function in Russia now. After we got the registration taken care of, Galina Nikolaevna’s husband went to work, but Alexey gave me a walking tour and helped me buy some important things. Would you believe that MacDonald’s has missed a city on the face of this planet?? Hurrah! I guess it’s not complete global domination…only partial!

I got a cell phone and a hair dryer. I also bought some more food things. I realize that there is much more that I need. Salt. Hehe…strange to not have salt. Oh well. I guess I’ll be a bit healthier until I get to another supermarket!

It’s very hilly here. Alexey took me to a ‘hypermarket’, which is downhill from my house. How treacherous! Easy to get there and buy a lot of good stuff, but a good little workout to get home carrying your purchases! I will definitely be taking off the weight I gained in the States this summer! In fact, I walked for about 3 hours today. My feet are swollen and sore, and my legs will probably be stiff tomorrow, but no complaints! I’m glad to have a naturally more active life.

So, I’ve been pondering my self re-invention this time around. What are my weaknesses? What do I need to develop? Who do I want to be? I’ve had about 6 cups of tea today, and it seems so normal. I would have liked to have drunk more tea in recent history, but it was too hot! I suspect that most of my changes will be a little deeper than that! Actually, I’d like to hear your ideas, as those who are viewing my life from the outside. Sometimes, you have a better perspective. If you email me your ideas, I’ll post them here.

Alright…I’m tired of writing. I’ve been thinking of getting one of those speech-recognition software. I had one many years ago, and it was such a pain getting it trained to my voice that I trashed it. Maybe I’ll try again. But maybe that would be dangerous – too much for you to read!

Love!

I have arrived.

September 24, 2008

Well, I’m sitting on my new couch in my new apartment in my new city…Vladivostok. I was blasé about leaving for a new country again. I didn’t know if it was because I’ve done it so many times or if I am aging or if it’s because I had too much time in the States this year. Or…maybe it’s time for me to go back to a “normal” life. And, I must say that traveling was a pain this time – 4 flights with a total travel time of about 35 hours including 3 security checks and one 12 hour flight wedged between old Korean men. Ohhh…don’t forget severe gas and bloating accompanied by watery diarrhea. That’s a souvenir from Central America. Those little vermin must be having the time of their life in there! I’ve taken 3 different meds to kill them off (one of them is called Vermox, which is why I think of them as ‘vermin’ now). I could have gone the testing and official diagnosis route, but I read that it often takes 3 or more tests before any evidence is found. Yes, those kind of tests. Option B is just to guess and take a drug that kills certain parasites and see if it works. If not, guess again. This is not as clear-cut as it sounds because the vermin seem to be cyclical. I have a little episode like I’m having now, and then I’m fine for about a month, give or take a few weeks. So, don’t worry. I will recover very quickly and be well for another month. In the meantime, my plan is to acquire some Flagyl, which kills amoeba, which is fairly common in Central America. Enough about my digestive tract. I’m tired of considering it every time I consume anything. BTW, I watched the Sex & the City movie on the plane. It was great! I had to have a chuckle about the Mexican part…I can certainly understand.

I am so glad I came, as of tonight. After being blasé, I am now feeling comfortable and happy. My apartment is lovely! It’s on the 4^th floor…hello exercise! There is a little entry way leading into the main room, which is quite large. It has a sofa sleeper in it, along with a TV, VCR (yes), and a photocopier courtesy of the consulate. There’s also a cabinet full of things left by previous ELFs – some work-related materials, Russian studying materials, reading material, etc. It’s interesting to peruse through other people’s leftovers. Reminds me of an Anthropological project I read about – the study of garbage! There is a lovely bathroom with a small washing machine in it. The kitchen is a decent size, which make the small-size sink and double burner stove with oven seem out of place. Well, I guess it’s flip sides of a coin – overcrowded or small appliances and more room to work in. There’s also a spacious closet (I’m thrilled to have a hidden place to stow my suitcases!) Finally, there is a rectangular bedroom. There is a desk and wardrobe at one end, and the bed on the other, which fills almost the entire width of the room. The apartment looks as if it was redecorated recently, and I am thrilled to be living in such a comfortable space! Many things about it are perfect for me – linoleum floors (no carpet to harbor allergens), the size, the location, the washing machine. I see myself being very happy here.

I was met at the airport by the husband and son of the woman I’ll be working with at the university. They are also the owners of the apartment. They were very kind and thoughtful. Tomorrow, they are taking me to register my residency here. They brought me some food and water, so I do not have to do anything tonight. And, they very politely said that I had less baggage than the previous ELF. I had the two 50-pound suitcases, my carry-on, which was far over the technical limit, but they never weigh carry-ons. I also had my big purse and leather coat (which I could put on if necessary – it was heavy!). In LAX, I found out that I would have a middle seat on the long flight to Korea, so I bought a neck pillow – not a blow-up one, since my previous experience with those was about leakage! So, that was added junk…and then I had all of the duty-free stuff I bought! A 5-hour layover in a country I used to live in and enjoy the food of is dangerous! I ate gim-bap and drank Pocari Sweat and Chilsung Cider. I bought seaweed and several kinds of tea. I also had been toting a bottle of my favorite perfume (Light Blue) from LAX. And oh man, could I have spent a lot more money! Basically, I only got what I couldn’t live without.

Now, I’m pooped. It’s not yet 9 here, but I’m about to crash.

Night (or morning) to all!