A Monk's Party!

"A word of advice for all those aspiring monks in the the middle of their monastic studies, DON'T COME TO RUSSIA for it will be the end of you." (Jo, former monk in Vladivostok.)

My first impressions were cynical to say the least. Joseph or Jo, is an American studying at the Russian school I attend and a former monk here in Vladivostok. He invited Anastasia and I to a party on Saturday night and I had no idea what to expect. Jo mentioned that there would be a heap of Russian and English spoken there and so I was intrigued. Intrigued also about Jo's story. Here was a former monk inviting me to what sounded like a good old piss up, while at the same time not hesitating to mention how many good looking girls would be in attendance.

The party was fascinating. A collection of all sorts. American teachers, accountants, students from the UK, French diplomats, and of course a collection of Russians with expat ties. Jo's story was even more fascinating. He fell from the monastery because of Russian women, a curse from the look of things, he didn't seem to mind. The night was typically jubilant and all nations seemed to get along except for the Rugby discussions with the French. I met some interesting people and felt very much out of my league speaking only 2.5 languages.

Jo passed out before we left, I think he enjoyed himself. The night left me wondering, if Russia can do that to a monk, what chance do mere mortals have when visiting.

Jo (seated) surrounded by his guests.

The night's stalwarts, one Aussie (me, taking the photo) and the rest Russians.

We've Got Wheels And A Place To Live

All the signs are here, however, I am yet so see any evidence of it. The news is full of stories about it and nearly everyone has a tale to tell. Russian crime and it's mafia are infamous all over the world. Houses here are locked up like Fort Knox with double steel doors, a myriad of locks and chains, surveillance cameras and hidden microphones. Cars are fitted with extra, highly technical alarms and immobilisers. Corner stores are guarded my heavily armed security.

This week we received our car, a Honda CRV, and along with it the car's security alarm system. I think I've finally worked how the remote works with its' 5 different buttons. The fun doesn't stop there, because once inside the car, one has to find the 3 different hidden buttons, (secret compartments) that are needed to be pushed, in the correct sequence, before being able to start the engine. With so many things to think of, it's no wounder I left the lights on the other night after driving to work. Big mistake as there is no such thing as the RACQ here in Russia. You have to fend for yourself or call your unimpressed Father-in-Law.

This week we also finally got out of Anatoly and Nadia's hair and moved into our own apartment. In an old communist style, it's quite compact but has everything we need including a massage chair!


Breaky this morning, caviar and tea.



Kicking back wondering if that old phone really works!

New beginnings.

I love this old Soviet propaganda art. It's very bold in art work and adjoining statements. This anti alcohol poster states:

"Who is clever and who is stupid! One is with a book, one is in the bar."

Today I was the clever one. Surrounding myself with Russian language books by morning and English language books by night. I have finally officially started work for English First. Tonight I taught 2 classes at an intermediate level. It was great, the students seemed to really enjoy speaking with a native speaker. Actually, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the whole experience.

Today I may have been the clever one with the books, but come the weekend I'll be hitting the pub. Monday, will be nose to the grindstone once again. No sickies for me.

"On a Sickie"

Oh, and by the way, today Nastya and I finally found an apartment. It's close to work, clean and has all the amenities we need, even a spare bed for when Kate and Dan pop over in Dec.

Tail Between Our Legs

Being kicked out of the bus and dropped 5 hours away from Vlad, 1 hour away any sort of village, was unexpected. A complete uproar for most. However, all considering I remained quite calm. This is Russia, so I have come to expect the unexpected. Like any true Russian, I just rolled with the punches and excepted the card I was dealt. I guess a nation that has been dealt so many bad cards in the past,(20million deaths in WW2, 30million in Stalin's purges, Communism, Perestroika, the Oligarchy, the climate, etc..), has learnt to deal with minor set backs as they should, with minor fuss.
So there we were, 5 hours away from Vlad and not a car, bus or any form of transport to be seen. I decided to just plonk myself down and go over some Russian grammar. After about 1/2 an hour a returning Chinese bus picked us up and the long trip home began. A combination of bus, hitching and walking (not necessarily in that order) followed. Arriving back home was pure bliss.

Happy Birthday Lisa

Last night my friend, sister in iron, powerlifting pupil Lisa, celebrated her 40th birthday. Lisa was recently picked to represent Oz in the up coming Commonwealth Powerlifting Titles in New Zealand. This "WONDER WOMAN" can deadlift a small car all at the body weight of just 56kg! Rest up in Italy Lisa, you've got some records to break when you get back!

We're Back!

"Don't be Naughty"

Our trip to China was suddenly cut short today, as Russian border guards told me I couldn't cross into China. Apparently the crossing point was only for Russian and Chinese nationals. All others must cross elsewhere. Being plucked from the bus by grumpy well armed border guards and left in the middle of nowhere was just another interesting Russian experience. Funny the tour company we booked through had no idea that this particular crossing was for Russians and Chinese only! It reminds me of the stuff-up in Moscow when we were sent to the wrong airport.

We will try again to cross into China on the 5th of October, this time at the correct crossing point; this time with a bunch of customs' officials from Moscow. I thought this old Soviet propaganda poster was quite appropriate, as today I felt like the naughty westerner.

Shopping

Tomorrow we're off to China! Suifenhe to be exact. Situated just over the boarder the town is a shopping oasis for Russia's Primorsky Region's residents.
Built solely for the purpose to quench Russian shopaholics, I have been told one can buy what ever your heart desires and at little cost. The only problem is that it can be quite dangerous. Last week a woman from Vlad was murdered. The town is very poor and Chinese Russian relations are not the best. There is some resentment towards the Russians, as it was only recently that Chinese market traders were swept form Russian city streets. I think we should be pretty safe with street wise Anatoly.