100th post! woo woo!
hmmmm, maybe say something russian-y (something nice of course) - if you have been - or are here - your favorite place, if you havent been - what you would like to see, what draws you to russian culture, what sights/sounds/smells remind you of russia, how has your impression of russian life changed over time - you get the idea - anything russian-y.
as for time frame - just leave a comment before my next post - so that gives you at least 4 or 5 days! haha!
take care and thanks for reading!
kat.
congratulations kat
ReplyDeleteyou give me a wonderful update on things russian and i've enjoyed your assimilation through your posts!
Can't believe it has been that many posts..... I must say, I remember vividly your first weeks in Moscow, and I felt SO sorry for you. I'm so glad that you are beginning to have adventures and fun, and "fit in". I say (and think) I envy you, but I'm sure I would have had those first weeks of homesickness, too. How glad I am you are doing so well - and that you have a blog! And friends around the world!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog, because I love you. I'm so glad you are settled in and building a life in Moscow. I had no doubt you would. You are strong and resourceful and always see the best in every situation. Next visit to Washington we're getting together -- no matter who's throwing up!
ReplyDeleteKathy W.
(aka anonymous)
Wow! How time flies! I met you at an AWO meeting when I lived in Moscow.I had been reading your blog and was glad to meet you. I'm back in the States now and keep reading your blog because it helps keep me connected to all the wonderful memories I have of living there for two years. I'm so happy you are enjoying it more now and experiencing all that Moscow has to offer. I commend you for adapting so well. Please keep posting,may you have 100 more.
ReplyDeleteAnnie and Kiwi- I know - 100 seems like a lot, but I feel like I dont post that often. It has been a long and winding road to get from when I started posting over a year ago. But it has been fun too. i hope for many more adventures.
ReplyDeleteKathy - there you go making me all teary. you are so nice - I love you too! sick kids be damned - we are getting together this summer. I have to admit I was a little twitterpated when I saw an " I love you" from an anonymous - I thought I had a secret admirer in blogland! :-) made my day.
hi annie - I remember meeting you- my first meeting with someone who read my blog first! :-)how is assimilating to life back in the US?
WOW! A CENTENNIAL!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I had a little Melancholy Moscow Moment when, for some reason, I suddenly thought of the street across from Alexandrovy Sad and the Manege. . . that innermost ring road . . . and how you could always see the onion domes of the Kremlin churches there and how I always thought that was very cool no matter how miserable I was while I was walking there.
But don't tell anyone or I might have to kill you. :-)
it is amazing every time I see it - which happens to be every morning on the way to the bus stop - never gets old.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the 100th post in your blog! You did great! Although this is my first comment in it (I am not registered in this blog and didn't know until now that I can post comments as anonymous), I should say that I really enjoyed reading it. First, it was a great insight for me as the Russian who lives in Moscow to see what the expats think about Russia, how they settle in etc. Second, I learned from your blog a lot of NEW things about Moscow (not only in relation to expats, but also generally). It was easy and fun to read and it has a lot of great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that lots of followers of your blog encourage you to continue writing your blog and celebrate the 200th post in the nearest future.
Roman
P.S. Of course, as Russian native I don't participate in the contest)))
Congrats on your 100th post!You have taken the beets place in sharing your funny experiences!
ReplyDeleteHoping that your next 100 posts are just as honest, and filled with Russiany things!
Happy, Happy 100th! I am drawn to the history of Orthodoxy in Russia, as you know, as well as the delight of seeing you, my dear friend, enjoy all Russia has to offer, with your fabulous love, and the kids in tow!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 100th post. I know your sister Christina so found your blog through hers. I have loved reading about your little family and all your experiences in Russia thus far. It is so interesting to see what kind of things you have come across and done. I also love to hear how your children have adjusted. I have an 8 and 1 1/2 year old. Take care and congrats again!
ReplyDeleteHi katherine! it's your sister. you don't have to enter me in your contest. just thought i would post:)
ReplyDeletehi monique! i didn't know you read my sister's blog!!! yay!
Congratulations on the centennial posting!
ReplyDeleteI love to read your blog. It is always so nice and honest.
I can not participate in contest either, I use to be native Russian.
I hope you will find safe way to enjoy places outside Moscow. May be event rent a dacha for your lovely children during summer vacations.
Olga
Hi Katherine, dad and I also read your blog religously.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe youve written 100!
I tell all my friends to read your blog because you are such a great writer!!
You have kept a very good journal for your children and you to remember your Moscow experience.
You know how proud we are of you. And we also miss you like crazy.
Dad and I really enjoyed Moscow, and the great tour guide we had.
We hope to visit again soon:)
Mom and Dad, we arent in the contest:)
Congratulations on 100 posts! Though I haven't been reading long, I look forward to hearing more. :)
ReplyDeleteTwo of my most memorable experiences when we visited Russia were standing in Red Square seeing St. Basil's, and three days that we spent at the Nilov Monastery near Ostaskov.
Blessings!
Wow! Congrats on the 100th post! :D
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog as we share one common thing, that is: expat living experience, though we obviously live in different countries (you in Russia and me in Finland).
When reading your story about how you and the kids were trying to adjust with the culture and living there, and that you guys learning the new language in order to survive living in the place where your mother tongue (English) is not commonly used. ;)
I haven't been to Russia, though my hubby had lived there (in St. Petersburg) a few years as an expat before we met.
However, as some of my close friends here are Russian, I got attached to their language and culture. Interestingly, some parts of the Russian culture are quite similar to the Finnish culture, especially when it comes to the food culture. :p
Here you can find lots of local food places that offer borscht soup (borssi keitto in finnish), bliny and paskha and kulitch (pasha and kulitsa in finnish) during Easter. First time I ate them, I didn't know that those food are originally from Russia until my hubby told so. :p
Anyway, take care and again congrats! :D
Favorite things from my visits to my daughter in Moscow:
ReplyDeleteThrill of seeing St. Basil's, the Kremlin and standing in Red Square, warmth of Russian people I've met, beauty of the golden domes, going to the Bolshoi and Moscow Circus, delicious pastries, all the handpained wooden crafts and blini!
I enjoy reading your blog so keep it coming.
Hi Kat, I can't believe you remembered me. I remember how adorable and well behaved your daughter was at that meeting. I was glad for you.
ReplyDeleteWe came back mid Sept. and I still miss Moscow and mostly all the wonderful friends I met while I was there. I try to stay connected on Facebook. It was our first expat assignment and at first I thought we were crazy but I'm so glad we had that whole experience. All I can say is keep busy,take in ALL you possibly can,get involved with the AWO as much as you can and travel outside of the city if possible. With three children I know it will not be easy. The time will fly by! The good days far out weighed the bad. I don't know how you do all that you do! Most of all HAVE FUN & please keep blogging. I'm adjusting quite well back in the States thanks to family & friends-Thanks for asking & take care.
Kat,
ReplyDeleteI recently found your blog when I was researching my visit to Russia to meet my husband's family. We have 20 month-old twins and it was our first time traveling with little ones. I've only been back in the US for a week but I already miss my mother-in-laws cooking! Homemade borsht, ladiki, odbivni, blini, soups. Ahhh, I probably gained 10 pounds! The biggest impression I got was that despite the hard life of the Russian people they are incredibly warm and welcoming. I miss them all.
Congratulations on your 100th post!
A US fan club for expat American women looking to make a fast buck in Moscow (Russia)
ReplyDeleteRoma -thanks! :-) thanks also for politely responding to my butchering of russian attempts. your friendship with our family and all around helpfulness has made our transition here much easier and I am grateful. you sure you dont want me to mail you something? haha - come for dinner sometime - you are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteJJJ- on no! too big of shoes to fill! thanks!
Mimi - thanks to you too! I always appreciate your comments!!
Welcome Monique! Come by anytime!
Hi Christina.
Olga - thanks - you always have an interesting perspective and I look forward to your comments .
Hi mom and dad. :-)
Rebecca - welcome back! thanks for reading.
КД - I am in awe of your language skills! How many languages do you speak? I cant imagine going to university and passing exams with honors in a foreign language. You inspire me when I struggle with just my second language!
Tina - thanks for reading - I still havent made it to the big circus! on my list - and of course pastries and blini - cant go wrong there - maybe sometime when you are here visiting your family we will meet!
Anne - of course I remember - you made be feel like a celebrity! haha! :-)
Liz- wow - travelling with 20 month old twins! It is such a long trip to get to moscow too - no real easy way. You are in the "so I married a russian club" too! yay! I agree wholeheartedly - also despite stereotypes, I have encountered nothing but friendly HELPFUL people here (especially when I am out with the baby).
Anonymous! Hello! Took you long enough to find me! Yes, I have read your keen observations on other expat blogs. You are like an endorsement now in our "American women looking to make a fast buck in russia" club. Welcome and come back anytime. Where is that fast buck, by the way?
Hello! I'm a bit late with my comments...congrats on your 100th post! I really enjoy reading your blog and hope you'll keep it up! You keep me in touch with a lot of those little Russiany idiosyncrasies that I love so much! I've visited Russia 3 times; fell in love with it on my first visit. Married to an Aussie born Russian and have been trying to learn the language ever since we met - more than 30 years ago! Would love to spend an extended period of time in Moscow - but haven't figured out how to support myself yet :) In the mean time I'm coming in September for 2 months to study Russian. Can't wait! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete