Another day, another Uncle (Russia Day 2)

So, day 2 in Russia has come to an end. I discovered today just how many 'uncles' my friend Ira has... Every time we needed a ride anywhere she would call one and they would come and pick us up. Of course none of these guys are really her Uncle. I think that maybe every Azerbaijani man over 40 is probably an uncle.



Ira with a couple more "Uncles"



A ride with Ira and yet another "Uncle"




I had a lot of fun today around Elektrostal, just shopping talking and walking, and of course hanging out with uncles - many of whom have made me promise to dance with them at the wedding. I also found out that at the Henna party before the wedding, I will be painting the Henna on one of the bride's hands...That's a lot of pressure right? Henna isn't exactly the most forgiving or removable thing, especially the day before the wedding.

Also, I found out that one custom is for the bride's family (which will include me in this case) are responsible for presenting the bride and groom with big platters of fruits and sweets, which they will carry in during the wedding party. I'm planning to fill mine with some American specialities (cupcakes and cookies), which none of them have even heard of before so that should be interesting.

Tomorrow I'm off to help Ira decorate her new apartment. I think we have to tie lots of red ribbons on everything because in their culture it symbolizes a new married couple.

Back to the Motherland

I find it really funny that yesterday I left the Fatherland and flew to the Motherland...Where do I come from??? Uncle Sam or Big Brother I guess. Never thought about it before, but I wonder if every country has some kind of family/relative nickname.

Anyway, a little about my trip...

Things I forgot (momentarily) about Russia - how dirty the bathrooms are, how angry some people can sound when giving directions or talking to strangers, the crazy driving (this is a positive for me - some people like the rides at the fair; I like Russian driving), the way every city looks like some kind of giant lego construction, the warm hospitality and welcoming from 'family', the way every man you walk by in the airport walks up to you and whispers "taxi? Taxi Madame" if they think you are from a different country, and that I can't drink tap water.

Things I remembered about Russia - The smell (I guess after 4 years as home I will never forget it - not bad, not good, just Russia), The way to my old apartment (across from Johan and Judy's apartment where am staying this time - Thanks guys!), the way that Russian women dress as if they are walking out of a fasion magazine, and 24 hours supermarkets.

Things that surprised me - Being met at the airport by my friend in a Lexus SUV - nice - very nice, being greeted with flowers, electronic immigration forms, a smile from the passport control woman, and last but not least - the fact that I am in Russia right now.

I am still surprised that I am here. Two weeks ago my friend Ira called o say that she was getting married - in two weeks. I wasn't really sure that I would be able to get everything in order (visa, plane tickets, time off), but somehow it all worked out and here I am. Still surprised to be here. So, that's all for now... Keep reading, as there will be more to come this week, and hopefully wedding pictures!

Carjacked....again

Okay, well clearly I wasn't carjacked in the sense that someone stole my car, but this strange thing happened to me today that has happened once before. I'm not sure if it's a common thing around here, or if I just have really strange "luck". I am sure that this kind of thing doesn't happen in the US, or at least not the US I remember...Ahhh, it's been so long.

So, I was driving home from my morning class at about 9am (also about the same time the previous incident occurred.) I was stopped at a stoplight when all of the sudden my passenger door opens. I woman leaned in and asked if I would mind giving her a ride downtown. "Ummm, sure, ok." I answered (except in German). I definitely felt more prepared and less shocked as this was my second German carjacking. So, she got in and I gave her a ride downtown. Of course we chatted, about work and how she was running late, and my work, and how the weather was nice, and how she thought I looked like a safe person to catch a ride with (no comments on my driving please ;))

That was about it. Completely uneventful. Just like the last time it happened about 6 months ago when I helped a woman who was late for her driving test. You would think that in driver's ed she would have learned not to open a strangers car door uninvited...Of course they have stricter gun laws here, so maybe your worst consequence would be getting driven to a German beer festival or being yelled at in German (which can be scary and always reminds me of some world war two movie - am I allowed to write that?)
Anyway, that's all I had to say about that.
The End