My Apartment: Unique Spaces

Tomorrow, I receive my shipment, and I am shocked at the speed with which my items have traveled across the planet.  So, before my place is filled with some of the treasures that I've decided to bring, I thought I would share some of the cool curiosities of my place.

This is part of my neighborhood.

There is a dish drying rack in the cupboard above the sink, which is handy for everyone involved.

My window opens like this, to the side...

And also like this... from the top.  And this is all the windows in the place.

I have real radiators at every corner of this place, in every room.

This towel warmer uses hot water going through the pipes to warm up my towel, which is epic. 

I have a bathtub, and it is as tall as me.  This bubble bath with the Russian woman on it is the jam as well.

My washing machine is in French. 

This is part of my dryer, which is a condenser dryer.  Every time I use it, I empty this container of water from my clothing. 

A gas stove. Praise.

This is a trash chute in the hallway, for my garbage to fall down to the bottom.

And last but not least, the landing at my stairs. Beautiful and full of flowers. 

The First Few Days: Shopping/Restaurants

I have been using Duolingo to learn Russian for the last couple of months.

My lessons have not prepared me to shop at the grocery store.

At all.

Or to eat at a restaurant.

At all.

My first free evening, I went to the small grocery store around the corner to look around and see what was available.  I picked out a few green apples, a card, and a cup of yogurt, a pretty cheap order.  I went to the cashier to check out, and was asked a series of questions that I responded to with the blank stare of confusion.  There was a woman behind me in line who giggled at this, and at the ineptitude that comes with a new culture.  In fact, she paid for her bottle of water with just coins, while I utilized the money in my special envelope from the school to pay, which appeared to upset the woman behind the counter.

Then, I learned.

They were asking me if I wanted to buy a bag, because free bags at the grocery only exist at the fanciest store.  They were also probably asking me for some smaller money because the bill I paid with was considerably too large.  In fact, our orientation team told us that they get fussy, which... sounded pretty accurate.

At the restaurant, there are many water options that are not available in the America (or in Thailand).  You ask for water, and they ask if you want "gas or no gas".  Now, the first couple of times I heard this, I giggled like a middle schooler.  But it is actually part of the Russian description for sparkling water, or still water, which in fact is what they are asking.  There are also varieties of questions about wanting cold or normal water.  This is quite a boon for me; I dislike ice in my water, and I've finally found a place where this is typical and easy.

We've also noticed that there is wonderful service here, that your table gets cleared as soon as you are finished, and that you can sit and drink coffee as long as you wish.  However, this often also means that once your plate is gone, your server is also.  This has presented a curious change from the States.

I remind you that none of this was on Duolingo (and I'm a quarter of the way through the lessons).

Next up, I think I need to learn numbers and how to ask about price.

Yesterday, I went to buy some fruit from a local seller that sells out of the back of his car near the train station.  They've had these beautiful raspberries, peaches, apples, as well as a new fruit... a white melon.

So, I went up to him, and pretended to know all the Russian, utilizing the few words that I knew in a masterful way. Please allow me to sum up the conversation in a dramatic fashion:

Me: Hello.

Him: Hello. [па-русски and much more that I didn't grasp]

Me: (points at apricots with a smile).

Him: Yes! [price that I can't understand plus something about how the nectarines are also delicious]

Me: Yes! Good! Two, please. (with my fingers up). (points at apricots and puts three fingers up)

Him: Yes! [something about how I should choose them?]

I choose them, with his help.  Then he chooses some, and shows them to me.

Him: ... Apples ... (Duolingo had this word).

Me: Good?

Him: (takes an apple, cuts a piece out of it, and offers it to me).

Me: Good! (swooning from the delicious apple, puts 5 fingers up).

Him: (fills a bag with apples for me, weighs it). Three hundred and [unclear]

Me: (counts out 300 from the wallet, and gives it over)

Him: and [unclear]

Me: (gives another 50)

Him: [unclear]

Me: (gives another 50)

Him: (gives me a few coins of change)

Me: Thank you! I don't understand! (with laughter)

Him: You do understand!

Me: Thank you!

Him: Merci!

Apparently, I look Russian and French.  Someone also asked me for directions (a Russian) on the way home.  This is some home I have acquired.  But, look at my yummy delicious fruit purchases! Note: This was a previous fruit purchase.  I've already destroyed the current one for an evening staff picnic on the front lawn.

The Small Surprises

I must admit, I have many things to write and less time than I need to write them.  However, I was asked a question today at a girls' evening that I must write more on.

The question: What has surprised you about Moscow?

This place is full of endless surprises, if I'm honest.  There will be many in my years here, for certain.  For right now, at the end of this long and lovely day, here are my answers.

- The people are friendly, smiling, helpful, and forgiving of the stupid mistakes that my next blog will explore.
- My house has a towel warmer, a dish rack in the cupboard above the sink, and windows that open two ways.
- There is sun, and it makes a beautiful city.
- The city is safe, super safe, and alive at all hours.
- It can rain for more than 15 hours in a row (and not flood).
- The school community is amazingly diverse.
- I look Russian (yet to be determined).
- The sidewalks are made for walking: wide, pedestrian friendly, and everywhere.
- The metro (every metro line) comes every 2 minutes.  Without fail.  And the system is easy.
- Things are easy here, so easy.
- There are fruits and vegetables.
- (Once more for mom) This city is safe, so safe. Walking around, there are zero threats.

I'm thrilled to be here.  I know it won't always be easy, but I love it.

My New Home

Moscow is fantastic.  Simply wonderful.

I got into the SVO airport last week, on Wednesday, and was met at the airport by a new colleague, who was shocked at how fast I got through and that I had my luggage.  In fact, when I went down from Passport Control (in the diplomatic line), my bags were already there on the carousel, and I chased them with my cart.  Even going through customs, I likely should have been stopped with the cat, but I forgot, and we sailed through without incident.

It's a massive airport, overwhelming.  All of the Russian was washing over me, with a family in front of me in line and behind me in line speaking to one another.  As I exited, the taxi drivers were speaking to me fully in Russian, and I had no clue what anyone was talking about.

We found the school car that was to take us back to the apartment, and I somehow managed to make small talk despite the long travel time and the weariness in my bones.  My colleague had brought her son, a tenth (or eleventh) grader as a helper as well.

I was brought to my complex, and we sorted out the keys to find out which door and apartment I was in, and squeezed as much of my 50 pound luggage, two carry-ons, cat, and humans that we could manage before the beeps indicated that that was enough.  Up we went, to the place.  I walked in not knowing what to expect, not knowing what would be in front of me.  There is an outdated video online about the apartments, but with the multitude of complexes and the variety of setups, there is no way to know what you will come into.

According to the others (and me), this place is pretty incredible.  I spent more than a few minutes just blown away, thinking I had won the life lottery.  In fact, with every passing day, I believe more and more that I have completely won.  Disclaimer for family and friends: This place requires a personalized key card to get into the gate, a code/fob for the door to the building, and a key for the apartment.  I feel utterly secure in every way.

The first thing you see as you walk in, an entry way. 

Other side of the entryway. Note the freestanding heater.

Living Room (the most empty)

Living Room 2 (with the balcony)

Kitchen!

Fruit purchased from a street vendor. So, so good.

View out the window (to the school bus stop)

More view out the window.

Bathroom, obviously.

Laundry room off bathroom with storage.
Fun fact: The washer is in French, the dryer in Swedish.

Office, with cat model included.

Bedroom, with east facing window.

View from the office and bedroom, as they are on the same wall.

20 Reasons to be Grateful, or, My Trip to Moscow

The time has arrived; this morning (honestly, I've lost all track of time.), I left for Moscow.  I was originally booked on flights that flew Des Moines to Atlanta to JFK NYC to Moscow's airport SVO.  Of course, I woke up early on Monday morning, ready to begin my trip with all the bits and pieces organized and found that Delta had had a huge systems outage that grounded the majority of their flights for that day. What luck, right?  Mom, Mike, and I set out to the airport with little hope that I would be able to get to Moscow, especially given the delays for my flight to Atlanta.  ATL is the Delta hub, and I'm sure was a complete and utter mess.  We checked in, checked my luggage, and decided to chance it to see what would happen.  I got to play some luggage weight Price is Right, and my first guesses of small but heavy things to put in my carry on were spot on.  I also had to check in my pet (and pay that darned pet fee for her travel), so we did that as well.  And, since we had a few moments extra with the delays, we went to Perkins and had a lovely, healthy breakfast that kept me full.


Let me take a moment to express some gratitude.


1. My mom has a vehicle (a brand new Jeep, in fact) that fit all my things, and the time available to help me out throughout the day, to make sure that I'm not stranded at the airport.
2. Both Mom and Mike helped me with my luggage, so I wasn't carrying an insane amount of things on my own (plus cat).
3. Mike kept my cat carrier on his lap to comfort her on the trip down to the airport (which is about an hour) despite "not liking cats." 
4. The Des Moines airport is small enough that there was no Delta line when I went to check in, and had joyously Midwestern humans helping at the service desk.
5. Perkins was just down the road, and we had a car to get us there.


So, we got back to the airport after breakfast, and I watched the flight I was meant to take get delayed a few times while mom and I did a Monday crossword that only took 20 minutes to complete.  I decided to ask them to see if there was any rerouting possible, because I had noticed that flights to Detroit and a few other locations were on time.  Also, just imagine the Delta hub with all the stranded passengers and possibly no outgoing flights.  Eek.


Gigi, the Delta lady at the desk, had been at the airport since 3 in the morning.  It was about noon when I went to go see her.  She found me a flight that went from Minneapolis in the afternoon, to Heathrow, then on to Russia.  Then, she waited on hold on the phone for no less than 40 minutes in order to get my documents confirmed (again) and my baggage moved and pulled (with no one in the bag room) and my pet cabin rebooked (with documents confirmed again).  Tim also helped me when he wasn't occupied with getting pizza for passengers.  He had been at the airport since before 5. In fact, I think I was assisted in some way by every Delta staff member in the Des Moines airport.


By the end of this, I had my boarding passes and a few extra minutes to chat with my mom on my way.  We said our goodbyes after a little bit of conversation, and I was on my way up the escalator to security.  I still love this airport for its drama with the escalators.  I've gone up and down the DSM drama stairs more times than I can count, and always it is a thrill.  I was through security (with cat) in less than 15 minutes, mainly because I accidentally left a knife in my carry on.  It had flowers on it.


A few more items of appreciation:


6. The Delta people worked for no less than 1 hour on getting me rebooked on a flight that was on time. They could easily have just said wait.
7. I had people to wait with all of my things and my cat while I dealt with the tickets.
8. The desk was mostly empty, and with few passengers that were angry about the Delta problem.
9. The security people loved my cat.
10. The flower knife did not cause me any issues.


The flight to Minnesota was uneventful.  The plane was tiny, and the flight attendant noted that we had "40 minutes of flight bliss," and it was.  The layover in MSP was long, about 6 hours, but I found Chinese food (the last for a long time!) and an outlet near my gate to watch some films while I waited.  In fact, this layover brings many things to be thankful for.


11. I am strong enough to carry the very heavy pieces of luggage that I had: a backpack with two computers and important documents inside, a carry on suitcase with the heavy things I couldn’t keep in my checked luggage, and a cat fat from summer in America.
12. The airport has places to sit near the outlet, and I watched films to pass the time.
13. My cat is well behaved, and I even let her out in the airport to let her stretch a bit. She cuddled next to me, didn't make a sound, and remarkably… fell asleep.
14. I can afford this Chinese food and other things in the airport that I need and want.
15. The technology that I have, from phone to computer to headphones, has really improved the travel experience.


And the next flight: Heathrow. This long flight was mostly patches of me sleeping with my fancy memory foam neck pillow, with inspirational sports flicks playing in the background.  When we landed, I put my kitten up on the seat and my seat mates asked where she came from.  She didn't make a peep, and they didn’t even know that she was there.  That's really something to celebrate.  She's an amazing traveler, probably even better than I am.  I had some nice pasta.


I had a quick turnaround in Heathrow, including a jaunt through security where the cat was, again, quite popular.  The agent at the re-check in counter (with no line, thank you Moscow) got me my boarding pass with a minimum of fuss.  And I ran up to the gate filled with typical chaos.  I was one of the first to board and now have a window seat at the very back of the plane with no other seat person, on a very Russian flight.  In fact, I will arrive in Moscow in just a few hours, and be taken to my new apartment.  I have doubts that my bags will make it with me, serious doubts.  They've been routed and rerouted so many times that it will be a miracle if they are there upon my arrival.  Luckily, I've packed some essentials in this heavy bag I'm carrying around.


Which leaves me with my last five things to be grateful for:


16. People are going to meet me at the airport and help me get home…
17. … To my new apartment, which has been provided for me…
18. … that has a welcome kit and all the trimmings inside…
19. … after I get through customs with a Diplomatic passport…
20. … and safely exit this flight into the wild world of Moscow.


I'm in Russia.  It's official.


Also, magically, my bags made it.

My Rizza.

This cat.

At the vet. Terror face.

Every time I move, this cat always costs me a ton of money.  It is lucky that I love this little kitten, because it has become quite a hassle to get her from place to place.

I'd like to give you a taste of the types of things that she requires as she moves about.

To leave Cambodia:
She got spayed in Phnom Penh on a special weekend down in the city.
She got one set of her shots in Siem Reap with a local expat vet, then had to get a second round of shots in Phnom Penh with the French doctor.
She had to have a shot booster before we left, which led to me sending her down by herself in a taxi.  It was lucky I understood the taxi systems.
She had to get an export certificate from Cambodia, which barely got me through the airport in Siem Reap, with her new case, which came from PP.
Call the air company, pay the moneys, book in advance.
On the flight back home, her hard case was right at my feet, and my feet sat atop it most of the flight.
When we made it to Chicago, I had to take her to the bowel of the airport in international customs, press a strange button by a door, and wait for a human to come out and sign a paper.
Then, her case wouldn't fit on the flight home, so we got kicked off the airplane until I found a case to purchase down at the check in counter and got rebooked.

To leave America (for Thailand):
Microchip.
Another round of shots (maybe 2?).
Call the air company, pay the moneys, book in advance.
International Health 10 days before flight, which consists of a doctor visit, any bonus shots she needs, fees at doctor and for the paper, then a visit to the Des Moines office to certify/notarize the document.
Get a Thai Import License at the airport, with another fee and another mess of paperwork.

To leave Thailand (for America):
Another round of shots (for current Rabies vaccine, which was close to the flight but not too close).
Call the air company, pay the moneys, book in advance.
Thai Export License: This consists of visiting a strange office near the airport, in a place that even my taxi driver got lost in, seeing a vet and presenting paperwork and money, then waiting a couple of hours for the papers to be completed.  Also, it could only be done on a business day 3 days before flight.  All in all, a fairly simple process, but also long.  With lots of times where you wonder just what is happening.
She was in a soft case in this one, because I learned my lesson, and stayed under the seat the whole time.
I for some reason didn't need to visit the dark room in Detroit when I arrived... but ended up missing the flight home because of the customs line.  Not pleasant, the customs line and the second security check for no reason, but that's a different post.

And now to leave America (for Russia):
She had her rabies shot in Thailand, which turned out to be fine.  Otherwise, a rabies shot no earlier than a month before we leave, and no later than 10 months.
A call to the airline, and this one required me upgrading to switch seats for ample space beneath the seat in front of me.
Another International Health Certificate, which we went for yesterday.  So, a visit to the vet (Rizza was shaking and terrified), for a check up, some paperwork that she did, lots of cash money.
Then, since the Des Moines office that I visited before had since stopped accepting the paperwork, I have sent this paperwork into a Madison, WI, office by FedEx (because it is time sensitive), with a SASE (which is surprisingly difficult with FedEx).  Of course, this involves more money.

She's worth it, though, a constant part of my inconsistent life.  A totem that keeps me sane while I am traveling the world.  Plus, the vet said it was nice to see how much she trusted me. That was so good.

One Week and Counting

In exactly a week, to the minute, I'll be getting ready to board a plane on the way to Moscow, Russia.  Most of the details are in order at this point.  I've sent off my shipment, all the goods that have been taking up space in my mother's house, including my quilt, some cooking implements, and more stationary than any person needs to own.  I have an appointment tomorrow to see the vet with Rizza, to get her final paperwork in order.  My visa (in my fancy new passport) is reported to be in the mail. I even have a new computer, a fancy new Surface, to make myself more mobile around the massive school.

This final week in America (again), I'm spending time with family and picking up a few last minute items, although my suitcases have been packed for some time already.  I'd also like to catch a movie or two.  It's become something of a ritual to see a film before I leave the country.  I remember before I left for Cambodia, it was Dark Knight. Hopefully, I can eat a few more burritos from Chipotle, since there is something outstanding about that flavor.  Most of the rest is just ensuring that I'm organized enough to manage life in a new place by having my life in order.

Given the short time before I go, I thought I should get the blog back up and running and set some goals for my time there.  I'll be in Russia for at least two years, and possibly more if everything goes to plan.  Some of my family members reminded me that they both read the blog and note the goals that I have, so there is some accountability at stake here for me. :)

But first, let's review the Bangkok goals.

1. Add positive habits.
There were a few positive habits that I added in Bangkok, the most notable being a gratitude letter.  Every day, I wrote something that I was grateful for on a large piece of paper.  That will certainly be coming to Russia with me, because it was a beautiful way to reflect on the day and enjoy again a small interaction that I had with another person or with myself.

I created a Happy List, and try to do something from that list every day.  They are as simple as a crossword puzzle and cup of tea, but that idea that I'm actively making myself more happy is a blessed one.

I also utilize a nice task management system... Habitica.  That I would consider a positive habit, as I'm motivated to accomplish things through a somewhat external system, providing me added benefits to getting stuff done besides just, well, getting stuff done.

2. Learn Thoughtfully and Consistently.
I think at the beginning, this was happening more.  Towards the end, I think I was becoming lazy in Bangkok, but I've been working on my Russian and will have many new things to learn about a new city and a new culture.

3. Be Mindful.
It is hard to judge this, but I was meditating on a relatively frequent basis and reflecting about life often. I continue to search for this.

4. Save Every Extra Baht.
I was certainly saving some money in Bangkok, and quite a lot.  I have some new money goals for Russia, though, that I'm hoping will work out.

5. Organize a Life of Photos.
Indeed this organization has taken place... and is set up conveniently in a Dropbox folder that holds everything I own on three devices and the internet.

6. Find the Joy of Cooking.
Gosh, I must say that I've been unable to find the joy of cooking as of yet.  In fact, it is quite a challenge to find the joy of cooking when fresh, healthy, home cooked food is available 20 feet from your door for a dollar or two.  Perhaps it is unsurprising that my second home in Bangkok, in the city center, didn't even have a stove.

This year, I'll be 30. My aunt Carol calls me a "larva."  I have much improving of myself to do on my quest to be whatever comes after a larva, I think. Here are those goals:

1. Save Those Rubles.
It is my goal to pay off my students loans, all $18K, while I'm in Russia. I want to be free of the bounds of debt, and plan to take every step to pay those down.

2. Seriously, Learn to Cook.
I've gathered that Russia will not have the access to fresh food on the street that I've been recently accustomed to, so it really is time to learn to prepare a meal or two.  This will also help with the next goal, because I need to....

3. Eat the Healthiest.
I've been diagnosed with a condition that increases the likelihood of me getting diabetes by an insane amount, so I've restricted my sugar to almost none.  I eat mostly plants, with some protein thrown in, and I'm feeling (and looking) better than I have in some time.  I plan to keep that going in Moscow, and maintain my health as I start this new chapter.

4. Write.
I've been eager to write a book of short stories since I read a recent book. I would like to write a book that commemorates the people who have made my life as amazing as it has been, the men and women who have shaped my life into what it is.  I also want to write on this blog and write in my journal far more frequently than I have been doing.

5. Expand the Resume.
A librarian needs to be a little bit of everything, so this year is a year for growth.  The school that I'll be working at is considerably different than the ones that I've been to, so it is my goal to expand my resume by building in pieces of other disciplines and learning from the wealth of knowledge that will be in my colleagues.

6. See Europe.
I was getting lazy in Thailand, not wanting to travel.  I will make the effort to get out and see Russia, Europe, and Central Asia, and be sure to take some vacations that recharge me and my mind as I see the world.

I want to ring in my 30th year with happiness and joy through the thrill of improving myself and seeing all that I can.