Metro Security

One of my most frequent Moscow experiences has been riding the metro, and I must say it is always an adventure. Whether it is busting out in random dance parties, having conversations (in Russian) with strange drunk people, or getting lost, it is never just a simple trip. What I find most interesting, though, is Russian Metro security – or should I say, lack of. Let me briefly explain how the metro system works. You either have a frequent users card to be filled each month, or you buy passes at the desk each time. To enter the metro, you need to swipe your card before passing through the stalls, otherwise it will slam closed against your legs.  These are supposed to the two metro options; however, lack of money or perhaps laziness has led to a third option. Many (and by many I mean a whole ton of younger people) simply jump the stalls, or they stick to the person in front of them and go in as one. It’s a free metro ride to anywhere from there. Are these metro “rabbits” (as they are called) reprimanded by the elderly female standing guard? Yes, of course they are. They receive the harsh punishment of a whistle blow and an under-the-breath mutter. Sometimes, if the guard is especially ferocious, she will wag a finger in their direction. The perpetrator then usually looks back with a sly grin and raises his/her hands as if to say “I jumped over it on accident”, and then continue on to wherever they are going. After seeing this over and over I just felt compelled to blog about it J

Oh Russia.

Going to a football match tomorrow! Will be sure to write about it J

Four Months

Two months ago it seemed like I would be here forever, but now, with a month left, it really has gone by too fast. Four months is a tricky amount of time. It is long enough to be somewhat of a big deal, but it isn’t long enough to have been gone a “really long time”.  It is long enough to be independent and disconnected from home, but it isn’t long enough to have a fully functioning life here.  It is an awkward in between length of time, and it can be frustrating, really.. It was just enough time to get established, get into a routine, and make friendships… and then leave it all. Before I ventured out on my little journey, I thought hard about the transition from home to Russia. What I didn’t really think about, though, was the transition back. It may be safe to say that leaving Russia is going to be harder than it was to leave home. I guess it is because when I boarded the plane to Russia, I knew I would be back home eventually to jump back into my normal routine. That isn’t the case here. When I leave Russia there is no guarantee that ill be back here again, and the friendships I made here will not be the same. With all the gray days, cold weather, and language issues I had a hard time believing that I would ever come to love this country. It turns out I never really had the option. I think Russia was growing on me before I even stepped off of that plane three months ago. I don’t know why I ever (even if for only a minute) doubted that God would bring me comfort here. He did every single day, and for that I am truly grateful. Being obedient to Him gave me this wonderful opportunity that will forever have an influence on my life.  I sometimes think of my life at home as my “real life”, and Russia as a time-out from that. This isn’t true, though. It is one big continuous phenomenon, and my four months here will always be a huge part of that.  I can’t thank God enough for bringing me here, and I will miss it a ton. But, I still have time here… so im going to go enjoy it :).

 

 My Russian Family <3