28 February 2009

This was kind of a boring week. It was only a four day week because of a Russian holiday, but nevertheless it seemed to drag. The holiday itself was very interesting, however. It’s the Russian version of ‘Memorial Day’ called “The Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland” where all men who have served in the armed forces are honored for their service. Traditionally you are supposed to congratulate and thank any man you know that has served. On March 8th is International Women’s Day, where you are supposed to honor women, and thank and congratulate any women on this holiday. I asked about the meaning of the holiday, and while they weren’t sure, the answer I received was that the day originated in the days of the Soviet Union when the government was trying to encourage women to get out of the kitchen and take more active roles. I feel like holidays like these are taken much more seriously here than in the United States, where to many Memorial Day just means a day off. I think it has to do with mandatory military service here- people are much more likely to respect and honor veterans if they know that someday they will have to serve as well.
Yesterday I finally made it to the sports hall. I had gone a few days earlier and met with someone there, but I was finally able to get my first workout in over a month yesterday. I also bought a pool pass- for 500 rubles I am allowed 8 visits for the month of march. It’s a strange system to me- instead of a membership or a pay as you go, its both. I think that’s how most of the gyms work here as well, but this is through the university so its much less expensive. Oleg, the guy who helped me get everything in order to go into the gym told me that he used to be a boxer, and years ago went to Chicago for a bout. He spoke to Иван Сергеевич for me (the coach I worked with last time) and not only does he remember me, he’s looking forward to seeing me. I’ve been told that he is out of the hospital and slowly returning to his teaching duties.
After class yesterday Roma called me and invited me to go out to services and dinner with the Rabbi, but I knew I had already made plans to go work out. I told him I’d like to go, but I’d likely be late. Well, after rushing through a workout, I hopped on the bus, went back to the dorm, showered, changed, and jumped back on the bus back to the university. I had looked earlier in the day at a map of bus routes, and found that if I went back to the university I could catch a bus that would take me directly to the synagogue, instead of walking. I was making pretty good time, but when I got to the stop for the second bus, it never showed up. According to the sign, there should have been a bus every 10-13 minutes, but I waited for about 45 and didn’t see one. I finally spoke to Roma and told him I was going home, because I thought it would be rude to show up for dinner after missing services, and he said that was probably right. He told me they might be going to a party later, and he would call me if they were. As I got on the bus to go back home, the bus going to the synagogue finally showed up…
Roma finally called me sometime between 11 and 12, but I had to decline because the dorm closes at 1am so I wouldn’t be able to get back in. He said either today or tomorrow he and his friends are going to a movie, and he’ll give me a call.
Tomorrow I am meeting with Вова to go to the bathhouse. I’m looking forward to it. I don’t really know any details, other than that there are 8 of us going. It should be an interesting experience.
Tonight the marketplace next-door is closing. Apparently they are turning the building into a medical clinic, so I won’t have the convenience of going right outside for fresh produce and meat. I guess I’ll have to find somewhere else to buy Armenian rotisserie, Korean carrot salad, and freshly dried pineapples.