This is the local park that I have been hoping to visit in a snow shower. At one point it was like being in a hail storm and the snow was small and round and very hard. Hence the white spots. It's snow.
It has been great just having a normal week at school. No celebrations, no interruptions, just an ordinary week. It was incredibly wet at the beginning and the children were stuck indoors. On Wednesday I survived parent interviews. The majority were very complimentary about what is going on. It is a bit strange having a translator with you. Anna works with Nadine and me, so it wasn't too bad.
The snow showers started on Friday. The temperature is around zero. The ground is beginning to freeze. On Friday there were still big puddles, but they are slowly drying up. Yesterday I went out as often as I could, though I kept missing the sunshine. The ladies in the market were very patient with me. I wanted to buy some cheap plastic boxes for the freezer. I had no change but indicated that I would go into and get some change and she kept them for me. When I try and say a little Russian they are very patient.
I finally got into the park just down the road. It was snowing and full of trees so I didn't got far because I was worried about getting lost. I want to explore a bit further. but can't find a map except for Google and they aren't accurate enough.
Sofia came with a group of men to remove the extra washing machine and other bits that had been left in the flat. I have a lovely big space in the hall now, though the useful desk in the bedroom has also gone. I mentioned that the Internet was playing up late in the evening and Sofia's partner is going to ring up to find out why. He is so helpful.
Today I finally made it down to St Andrew's church in the city centre. There, ten minutes walk from Red Square is a Victorian English Parish Church. Most bizarre. I was met by the Chaplain and made to feel very welcome. A group were singing at the front and I asked if I could join. They are getting ready for the carol service which is being held the week before the end of term. This is the link to the church website so you can see where I went.
The service was Common worship like at home though a longer service. It's a big congregation when they are all there, many have gone home for half term, with a lot of Americans, though several people with an African background, and some Russians. I sat with a girl who is teaching English in a Russian institution somewhere, teaching children in the day and adults at night.
I have to allow about an hour each way, though today I was finding my way. I went down to Red Square and needen't. There is a nearer station on my metro line. I was escorted there by a churchwarden and his wife who are american.
On the way home I popped into Metropolis which was a mistake as the queues n Carousel were huge.
Day off on Wednesday for a public holiday so we are planning a nice meal out down in the city. Will be interesting.
No comments:
Post a Comment