I've now been at home for almost exactly two weeks, and that time is about to come to end. Tomorrow I'll be returning to Colby College, a place I have missed dearly, and to say I am merely excited would be grossly understating the fact.
These two weeks at home have given me a chance to reflect upon my time in Russia, absorb (and forget) many of the lessons from those four months. It's given me a chance to remember how much I enjoy being at home in Bedford, but also a chance to realize that I truly miss those friends I made in Saint Petersburg. I can only hope we can all meet again in the not-too-distant future. It's given me a chance to do what I love, namely doing 911 fire/EMS response again, but also given me a chance to long for a blini or a simple walk by the river or canals in Saint Petersburg.
It was an unforgettable four months in Russia, a truly life changing experience. I have a greater appreciation for the way Russians (and many others outside the US) live, if not a true understanding. My perspective has broadened, my eyes have opened...lalalala, this is all cliché, but like most such things, there is indeed an element of truth.
I do not understand the Russian soul, the Russian mind, or really anything about Russia (to be entirely honest, I'm not sure Russians understand themselves either), and nor did I expect to. Four months is a long time, but not THAT long, and to understand Russia, to truly understand her, would require years. There's something intangibly beautiful and awe-inspiring about the Russian people. The pesky grandmother on the street shoves you out of the way for no good reason has probably survived worse times than most in American can comprehend - and despite her street-shoving ways, she'll welcome you into her home with the proverbial red carpet.
Russians talk about themselves in terms of душа (dyusha), or the soul, which strikes me as entirely appropriate. The soul is something intangible, something impossible to truly grasp and understand, much like Russia herself.
im Paul's russian friend... hate russia, and i dont understand those people either, since ive alway had have and will have a what they call 'western' mentality.. plus the language sounds rude and it is rude.. find me any other culture/language with more swearing (you know like proper ones, that are in the dictionary as well) than in russian... they are also so rude themselves... goodness, im not looking forward for going back. and thats why i study as a doggy to get a chance to stay here, among people that dont hit you in the face for being bisexual, 'too rich' or accidently touching them when you pass by.
ReplyDeleteoh yeh the girls are pretty but so many of them are so weird...that's wy i dont have any riends there either. the guys... well dated with one russian guy, and i thought i'd have to spend me life at home cos of him: boring, too much of an old mentality that guys earn, girls cook, srsly *finger*. no other better boys than english or irish and maaaybe finnish: their craziness and understanding always attracts me, im always so good friends with them (not the relatioship way, but even my best relatioship was with an english and with an irish guy) and they re sooo much more fun... russians also never understand any sarcasm, which just kills me... and if you say smth like that, they wil get offended...anyway... glad you ve had a good trip, petersburg is a beauty, but i dont wanna live there eveeeerz
love
Trinity.