I went to prison today. Fortunately, I was not taken in cuffs. We went on a tour. It seems odd, but the goal of this seminar is to help us understand every day life in Russia, and I guess the logic is that prison is everyday life for some people. I really can't make any comparisons to American prisons, since I have never had the joy of being in one of those.
Well, last night's party was a blast! It was a very big deal because it was not only the 4th of July, but it was also the American Home's 15th anniversary. There were local officials and media there. There were emcees, Russian folk dancers, and an American-style rock band. The food was Russian but had little American flag toothpicks stuck in it. I was kind of craving a burger, but I satisfied myself with lots of Russian cucumbers. They are so good here!
I won this little guy last night. He's called a domavionuk. He's a house spirit. For hundreds of years Russians have believed that there are little spirits that live in the corners of their houses and either help them or mess things up for them. You are missing a fork? Blame the domavionuk. You find the fork? It must have been the nice domavionuk. This one is holding some hundred dollar bills, so I think he's supposed to bring me prosperity. When I get home I will put this little guy in the corner and see what happens. My guess is that if I work I will be prosperous but if I don't I will be broke. Same as always.Tonight I will go home to my host family. Tomorrow we are going on a trip to a few factories and we will learn about the Russian economy. Paka, friends!
1 comment:
Dear Ms. Stegmayer,
I'm glad you weren't placed in the Gulag. They would take one look at your thick arms and send you to mine gold.
I'm glad you enjoyed the party. Those Russians really know how to rock. Did anyone spike the punch? Did they try to teach you to folk dance? It is fun. I always bump into people because I don't know my right from my left, but you would catch on fast.
I love that little domavionuk! He would be a good companion for me now that Doug is gone. I could show him how to groom himself and he could take the boogers out of my eyes.
Love Itchy
PS: An American won the the hot dog eating championship with 66 and 1/2 dogs and buns in 12 minutes. The former champ, Kobiashi, ate 63. I heard that there is a video on the web of him suffering a hot dog reversal but I don't want to see it.
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