Below you will find some short stories about different moments I have had in Russia... I hope you enjoy!

Nope, it was not a beetroot, it was a turnip!! You think that after being in Russia for just over 2 months I would know the difference. I was trying to buy beetroot to make Borscht. I have never eaten borscht but I know how to make it and now I also know the difference between turnip and beetroot!

Someone knocked on my door. I was excited about getting visitors and I happily opened the door. To my surprise I find a Russian lady standing there, she immediately began speaking to me and wanting to come in. I quickly tried to explain that I do not speak Russian... she started speaking louder. I spoke in English and she started yelling at me. I started shutting the door and she spit on the door frame! Safely inside I phoned someone and explained what happened and proceeded to get a lecture about opening the door to strangers!!

Marshutka Adventures in RostovRiding a Marshuka (a cross between a small bus and a 15 passenger van) is a new adventure every time. An easy ride being you get your own seat and the driver stops when you want him to. A more difficult ride being squished in the back with who knows how many people you have to work through to get to the door. I yell what I can in Russian and then just go into English, yes I get lots of weird looks but they know I am serious!!
Then there was the day that everyone got off the Marshuka and the driver, I think, asked me where I was going. I just pointed straight ahead as I did not know the name of my stop. I moved up closer and told him I spoke little Russian. I then proceeded with lots of hand actions to explain that I wanted to get off at the lights. He slowed down a few times and I kept saying "No, not here." Eventually, I got to my stop and he had a good laugh!!

One day while I was waiting at the bus stop some teenage boys approached me and started practicing their English. I did not know them but I am learning that many people know who I am! We figured out each others names and ages. They told me about Rap music and sang bits of songs for me. They then asked why I was in Russia and I said I came to work here. One guy looked at me and said, "God"... I smiled and said "Yes, God!" - what more do you need!!

Free Fanta for the Canadian girl!Being followed by a pack of at least 10 dogs.
Free Fanta for the Canadian girl.
Eating Walnuts off the tree.
Learning what chestnuts are good for roasting and which ones are not.
Being Captain for a day down the Don river.
Going out for ministry and saving the fish.
Watching Dagestani dancers.

Bye for now!