Well I have been here for one week today, and it has gone slowly!
I really do think time has slowed down in Russia. Maybe it's just keeping track of time in two countries making it seem like time is slow here, its already Friday in Australia!
Well I was thinking today that I should write a bit more about what it's like where I live and what the people are like.
It is so different here. As I said previously the house is simply magnificent, its three (possibly four) story's high. I was on the third floor today and I found the most depressing cactus on the face of the planet, I don't understand why you would have a cactus in moscow?!
The dinning room table can seat 16 people, I found some gorgeous glass wear and some very expensive looking vodka. There is the most beautiful timber used for all the furniture, doors and big wooden panels on the roof. All the floors have heating under them so they are lovely and warm.
I rarely see the dad, he is in his office, or out doing business type stuff. Mum is home a fair bit, but doing what I'm not sure. Grandma is here 5 nights a week. I don't think the cleaner lives here, she is just here most of the time. There are always at least three security guards here at all times and the two kids. Oh and of course the russian nanny works whenever I don't so she is here most days. So basically we have a very full busy household, which is really nice. I really feel like I'm getting to see what its like to live in this country, well the wealthy version anyway. I did find out that the russian nanny has two children and is 38, that bit of information took half an hour to figure out!
I would have to say the security guards and drivers got the rough end of the stick, I'm sure its warm where they are but it's not much to look at and they are outside a lot.
The security guards, one in particular are very nice. I think his name is Ulah... or something like that. He says hello to me instead of privet (Привет, I think that's how it's written in Russian). He also laughs at me a lot too, but I laugh at me too so It's ok.
The cook (whose name I don't think I will ever be able to pronounce) made me breakfast this morning, and it was like eating the left over bits of burnt pop corn that didn't pop, with milk on it.... it was bad. Then for lunch we had, vilumeani... its pastry wrapped around cherries, then boiled and eaten warm with cream, it was interesting. Boiled pastry tasted like something from home, but I still can't think of what it is....
The sun wasn't out today but a lot of the snow is starting to melt, which I feel is a bit premature (but I'm no expert) and because all the paths got cleared the other day, the snow melts and then freezes into ice on the foot paths, I am going to seriously bruise my bum one of these days.
I asked Nelli what happens when all the snow melts, because there is A LOT of snow and she gestured to show "covered" and said Moscow is like a lake. I really need to buy some better boots! You would think that they would maybe implement some sort of drainage system, but apparently not.
Oh just a quick note before I go to let you know that I am doing much better with the children, so well in fact that Billy doesn't seem to want to leave me alone!
And Grace doesn't cry every time she is left with me, and she actually wanted a hug today, so I'm feeling better about that! But I am still really missing my Aussie babies! One very special little girl in particular, Grace doesn't smile like she does!
I think I'm going to venture out by myself tomorrow, so I'm off to do an intensive language lesson!
Trivia: there are 33 letters in the Russian alphabet.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunshine!
Today, for the first time in almost a week, I saw the sun!!
I was so excited, I put on all my extra layers to go outside (because it is still below zero), found the front door and headed out!
I Don't think I have ever been happier to see the sun, apparently all the Russian people where a bit excited as well, because everyone was outside. Shovelling snow seemed to be the main activity as well as walking the dog, and pulling there very rugged up children on sleds.
I walked around the neighbourhood and you wouldn't believe the houses I am surrounded by, they are incredible. Even the house I live in, I have found a new room almost every day! The area I live in is obviously where all the wealthy people live, every house is like a mansion. They are all huge, and absolutely stunning.
I set off for my walk, and wound down through some lanes that ended no where in particular, went for a walk to the forest (there is a huge forest just a few houses away) I didn't venture too far. Mainly because the snow is waist deep and too soft to walk on, you just fall through it.
I tried to stick to the paths where other people had been, and the snow had compacted enough to walk on, but still managed to fall over about five times and I lost count of how many times I feel through the snow.
One day of sunshine and already the snow is melting, the icicles are dripping from my window and I saw some birds for the first time today. It's making me excited for spring, but I'm not getting too excited, it's snowing again tomorrow.
But I'm glad I got a bit of Vitamin D today. I don't know how people in cold countries do it, almost a week without the sun was upsetting enough, they do it for months on end. No wonder everyone seems grumpy on the streets here!
I said hello to a few people that I passed by, with out any dramas but I little girl asked me something and I felt terrible I couldn't answer her! She was so cute in her giant red snow suit that made her look like a star fish.
My russian vocabulary has flourished to about 12 words.... But that is double what I started with!
I'll keep working on it, I can only get better!
Thank you for everyones e mails and well wishes, it means so much to me, and it is fantastic to hear from people.
I hope everyone is well back in Australia, and I will post more when I have more to report on!
Baka! (bye-Bye)
I was so excited, I put on all my extra layers to go outside (because it is still below zero), found the front door and headed out!
I Don't think I have ever been happier to see the sun, apparently all the Russian people where a bit excited as well, because everyone was outside. Shovelling snow seemed to be the main activity as well as walking the dog, and pulling there very rugged up children on sleds.
I walked around the neighbourhood and you wouldn't believe the houses I am surrounded by, they are incredible. Even the house I live in, I have found a new room almost every day! The area I live in is obviously where all the wealthy people live, every house is like a mansion. They are all huge, and absolutely stunning.
I set off for my walk, and wound down through some lanes that ended no where in particular, went for a walk to the forest (there is a huge forest just a few houses away) I didn't venture too far. Mainly because the snow is waist deep and too soft to walk on, you just fall through it.
I tried to stick to the paths where other people had been, and the snow had compacted enough to walk on, but still managed to fall over about five times and I lost count of how many times I feel through the snow.
One day of sunshine and already the snow is melting, the icicles are dripping from my window and I saw some birds for the first time today. It's making me excited for spring, but I'm not getting too excited, it's snowing again tomorrow.
But I'm glad I got a bit of Vitamin D today. I don't know how people in cold countries do it, almost a week without the sun was upsetting enough, they do it for months on end. No wonder everyone seems grumpy on the streets here!
I said hello to a few people that I passed by, with out any dramas but I little girl asked me something and I felt terrible I couldn't answer her! She was so cute in her giant red snow suit that made her look like a star fish.
My russian vocabulary has flourished to about 12 words.... But that is double what I started with!
I'll keep working on it, I can only get better!
Thank you for everyones e mails and well wishes, it means so much to me, and it is fantastic to hear from people.
I hope everyone is well back in Australia, and I will post more when I have more to report on!
Baka! (bye-Bye)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Shopping is hard....
So Today I decided I would tackle shopping head on....
After lots of laughing, pointing at menu's, trying to speak Russian (very badly) and listening to the guy behind the counter try to speak english (very badly) I ended up with the wrong order.
After eating, whatever it was that I ordered, I went to the biggest most gigantic super market I have ever seen. There where 100 cash registers, every single one was open, with a grumpy little old russian lady sitting behind it. It was huge, and sold just about everything, I even found Nutella (my life in Russia has now been made substantially easier). I am not having any trouble using the Russian currency, although buying something for 1000 roubles seems like its very expensive, but its actually only about $36. A few sales people asked me if i needed help (well I'm guessing thats what they said) and as soon as I spoke english they just smiled and said they have no idea what I am saying. Although the few people I did bump into that could speak a little english were very happy to speak to me, and very nice. Most people understand a few basic words, such as "hello", "yes", "no", "excuse me", and "thank you", But I know how to say all of that in Russian. I will keep trying to learn more of the language and hopefully each shopping trip will get easier.
In my first blog I named the children, Billy and Grace.... those names do not suit at all, but I won't change them. Grace, likes to eat, a lot. She also likes to scream and cry all the time. Billy also likes screaming, and is being very difficult to get along with. The thought of the children being the hardest part of coming to russia didn't even enter my head back in Australia. I have never had problems with coming into a new family and becoming friends with the children before, I also have never been the second Nanny before, but it's early days still. Oh come to think of it I have been the second nanny to a family before, but that transition was very easy. Oh well, I wanted a challenge, and I certainly got one!
Well its getting late and it is snowing again, my heater is keeping me toasty warm as is my hot chocolate and the house is finally quite, so I am off to sleep.
Спокойной ночи (Spokoinoi nochi)
Good night!
After lots of laughing, pointing at menu's, trying to speak Russian (very badly) and listening to the guy behind the counter try to speak english (very badly) I ended up with the wrong order.
After eating, whatever it was that I ordered, I went to the biggest most gigantic super market I have ever seen. There where 100 cash registers, every single one was open, with a grumpy little old russian lady sitting behind it. It was huge, and sold just about everything, I even found Nutella (my life in Russia has now been made substantially easier). I am not having any trouble using the Russian currency, although buying something for 1000 roubles seems like its very expensive, but its actually only about $36. A few sales people asked me if i needed help (well I'm guessing thats what they said) and as soon as I spoke english they just smiled and said they have no idea what I am saying. Although the few people I did bump into that could speak a little english were very happy to speak to me, and very nice. Most people understand a few basic words, such as "hello", "yes", "no", "excuse me", and "thank you", But I know how to say all of that in Russian. I will keep trying to learn more of the language and hopefully each shopping trip will get easier.
In my first blog I named the children, Billy and Grace.... those names do not suit at all, but I won't change them. Grace, likes to eat, a lot. She also likes to scream and cry all the time. Billy also likes screaming, and is being very difficult to get along with. The thought of the children being the hardest part of coming to russia didn't even enter my head back in Australia. I have never had problems with coming into a new family and becoming friends with the children before, I also have never been the second Nanny before, but it's early days still. Oh come to think of it I have been the second nanny to a family before, but that transition was very easy. Oh well, I wanted a challenge, and I certainly got one!
Well its getting late and it is snowing again, my heater is keeping me toasty warm as is my hot chocolate and the house is finally quite, so I am off to sleep.
Спокойной ночи (Spokoinoi nochi)
Good night!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day one in Moscow
Privet everyone!
I landed in Moscow yesterday, to a very warm 4 degrees! I was shocked, it was meant to be -23! Once the plane had landed everyone clapped.... like hooray we didn't die.... It was then I realised I am in a very different country.
The snow was falling, I had no idea what anyone was saying, and everyone was looking at me. After struggling with my more then 7kgs of hand luggage I made it through customs and had my visa checked. I found my very stylish luggage and stole a trolley.
After being shouted at by about 15 russian men to see if i needed a "TAXI" I soon found Nelly holding up a sign with my name on it and "Welcome to Russia".
We hit the road, and it was terrifying, they drive on the opposite side of the road, and there is pretty much no speed limit! It is hard to see the lines on the road, so people just guess and go for it... I thought I was going to see a car accident for sure. I asked Nelli if they have many accidents and her response was "ummm duh" (yes).
We made it home after about an hour and a half, and it felt like I had stepped into a photo. Moscow has the most beautiful buildings, the snow is so white and there are icicles hanging from the gutters in perfect formation. Underneath the snow you can see all these colours and you just know that spring and summer will be gorgeous.
There are (big) russian men that live here too, well I think they do, they are security and drivers, but due to the language barriers I have no idea why there are so many of them. Or what it is they do exactly....
The house is very big and warm, with big windows. From my bedroom window I can see the neighbours house (which looks like a mini palace) and the snow covered trees and fence.
I start work at 3pm until 9pm sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, Friday. Thursdays I work 9am til 6pm and I don't work on Saturdays. I am yet to meet the Russian nanny who works in the morning. I have met most the security guards and the cook and cleaner, and have already forgot how to pronounce their names.
The children are very sweet, the little boy is so smart and very keen to speak english, which is lovely, the little girl is still very shy, but it won't take long for her to warm up to me, I'm sure.
I haven't gone into the city centre yet, we drove past the outside of it on our way home, and to be honest it didn't look very inviting, I could see big apartment building that looked very old and dirty. I'm sure once I'm in the city it will look different, and be nice. I will let you all know what I think after my first visit, when ever that may be.
Well it is snowing again and almost time for me to start work.
So for now, Dasvidaniya!
I landed in Moscow yesterday, to a very warm 4 degrees! I was shocked, it was meant to be -23! Once the plane had landed everyone clapped.... like hooray we didn't die.... It was then I realised I am in a very different country.
The snow was falling, I had no idea what anyone was saying, and everyone was looking at me. After struggling with my more then 7kgs of hand luggage I made it through customs and had my visa checked. I found my very stylish luggage and stole a trolley.
After being shouted at by about 15 russian men to see if i needed a "TAXI" I soon found Nelly holding up a sign with my name on it and "Welcome to Russia".
We hit the road, and it was terrifying, they drive on the opposite side of the road, and there is pretty much no speed limit! It is hard to see the lines on the road, so people just guess and go for it... I thought I was going to see a car accident for sure. I asked Nelli if they have many accidents and her response was "ummm duh" (yes).
We made it home after about an hour and a half, and it felt like I had stepped into a photo. Moscow has the most beautiful buildings, the snow is so white and there are icicles hanging from the gutters in perfect formation. Underneath the snow you can see all these colours and you just know that spring and summer will be gorgeous.
There are (big) russian men that live here too, well I think they do, they are security and drivers, but due to the language barriers I have no idea why there are so many of them. Or what it is they do exactly....
The house is very big and warm, with big windows. From my bedroom window I can see the neighbours house (which looks like a mini palace) and the snow covered trees and fence.
I start work at 3pm until 9pm sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday, Friday. Thursdays I work 9am til 6pm and I don't work on Saturdays. I am yet to meet the Russian nanny who works in the morning. I have met most the security guards and the cook and cleaner, and have already forgot how to pronounce their names.
The children are very sweet, the little boy is so smart and very keen to speak english, which is lovely, the little girl is still very shy, but it won't take long for her to warm up to me, I'm sure.
I haven't gone into the city centre yet, we drove past the outside of it on our way home, and to be honest it didn't look very inviting, I could see big apartment building that looked very old and dirty. I'm sure once I'm in the city it will look different, and be nice. I will let you all know what I think after my first visit, when ever that may be.
Well it is snowing again and almost time for me to start work.
So for now, Dasvidaniya!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Leaving home.
Hello!
I've been a nanny for the past three years and next Wednesday I'll be a nanny in Moscow, Russia.
This is by far the most exciting and nerve racking decision I have ever made!
I don't speak a word of Russian, or any other language for that matter, but the best way to learn is to throw yourself into a new culture, right? Well I'll soon find out!
I sold my car, that I love, and my visa came in the mail on Tuesday. Getting a visa into Russia is quite different then it is for other countries, you need to be invited into the country. Luckily my employers did most of the paper work.
I don't have that many winter clothes, so shopping is a high priority once
I get settled in. It was -26 in Moscow today, but a toasty 32 degrees here. I'll miss the heat, a lot.
I'm trying to prepare myself as best I can for a huge cultural change, but there is only so much preparation that can be done really. I'm super excited but every now and again I have little thoughts of doubt, but I'm pretty sure that's normal. I have been researching Russia and learned that you can't drink the tap water, so glad I found that out, also you should never go to somebodies home and not take a gift, they think you are greedy otherwise.
I haven't ever really traveled, I've only been out of Australia once before. Last year my best friend and I went to New Zealand for a ski holiday (on day two I skied into a fence, skiing apparently is not one of my many talents).
The family I am going to work with seem very nice although very limited english. Two children Grace* (one) and Billy* (three). I really enjoy working with children. Infants to about four or five years old are my favorite ages to work with, any older and they talk back, when they are little I can mold them into nice well mannered children, with a few exceptions of course. I have been so fortunate in that I haven't worked with any families that have been unpleasant or unkind. They have all impacted my life in different ways, taught me things and helped shape me into the person I am today and I am very grateful for it. I'm sure I'll share a few stories of previous families in later blogs.
I have lived in Brisbane for about two years now, and It's been so much fun! I have made the best friends, lived with amazing people and basically just had a lot of great times! I'll miss "my boys" so much. Of course I'll miss my mum and little sister Madi, all my family and friends. I am doing this completely by myself. I know I'm going to have an amazing adventure, no matter what happens, I know I won't regret this decision, and who knows where I'll go after Moscow.... Rome, Glasgow, Madrid, Rio.... the world is my oyster, and I intend to see it all!
I'm starting this blog to document my trip, keep me sane and to get advice from anyone out there who can share travel/survival tips, nanny tips, well, anything really.
So the countdown is on! Next week I'll be in Russia, Oh My Goodness!
* I will change all names of the children and families I have worked with, for obvious reasons. I am very aware that families deserve privacy and confidentiality.
I've been a nanny for the past three years and next Wednesday I'll be a nanny in Moscow, Russia.
This is by far the most exciting and nerve racking decision I have ever made!
I don't speak a word of Russian, or any other language for that matter, but the best way to learn is to throw yourself into a new culture, right? Well I'll soon find out!
I sold my car, that I love, and my visa came in the mail on Tuesday. Getting a visa into Russia is quite different then it is for other countries, you need to be invited into the country. Luckily my employers did most of the paper work.
I don't have that many winter clothes, so shopping is a high priority once
I get settled in. It was -26 in Moscow today, but a toasty 32 degrees here. I'll miss the heat, a lot.
I'm trying to prepare myself as best I can for a huge cultural change, but there is only so much preparation that can be done really. I'm super excited but every now and again I have little thoughts of doubt, but I'm pretty sure that's normal. I have been researching Russia and learned that you can't drink the tap water, so glad I found that out, also you should never go to somebodies home and not take a gift, they think you are greedy otherwise.
I haven't ever really traveled, I've only been out of Australia once before. Last year my best friend and I went to New Zealand for a ski holiday (on day two I skied into a fence, skiing apparently is not one of my many talents).
The family I am going to work with seem very nice although very limited english. Two children Grace* (one) and Billy* (three). I really enjoy working with children. Infants to about four or five years old are my favorite ages to work with, any older and they talk back, when they are little I can mold them into nice well mannered children, with a few exceptions of course. I have been so fortunate in that I haven't worked with any families that have been unpleasant or unkind. They have all impacted my life in different ways, taught me things and helped shape me into the person I am today and I am very grateful for it. I'm sure I'll share a few stories of previous families in later blogs.
I have lived in Brisbane for about two years now, and It's been so much fun! I have made the best friends, lived with amazing people and basically just had a lot of great times! I'll miss "my boys" so much. Of course I'll miss my mum and little sister Madi, all my family and friends. I am doing this completely by myself. I know I'm going to have an amazing adventure, no matter what happens, I know I won't regret this decision, and who knows where I'll go after Moscow.... Rome, Glasgow, Madrid, Rio.... the world is my oyster, and I intend to see it all!
I'm starting this blog to document my trip, keep me sane and to get advice from anyone out there who can share travel/survival tips, nanny tips, well, anything really.
So the countdown is on! Next week I'll be in Russia, Oh My Goodness!
* I will change all names of the children and families I have worked with, for obvious reasons. I am very aware that families deserve privacy and confidentiality.
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