History Day

Wow!!! I am filled with information today!

We began by having two lectures from a professor of history from Kuban State University about the history of Russia. She focused on the Soviet years to present day. The professor had a great deal of information to share and also asked our opinions of the Soviet period as Americans. I forgot though how hard it is to take notes for three hours. Miss O'Neal needs to go back to school to do a better job of studying!!! :)

After our lectures, we had another fabulous lunch at the university before riding a bus to the Krasnodar Natural History museum. The museum was very impressive. A guide took us through their premier exhibits including regalia from the beginning of Krasnodar's history in the 18th century. A group called the Cossacks settled this area after Catherine the Great gave them the land as a gift for their bravery and loyalty to Russia. The Cossacks named the town Ekaterinodar, Catherine's gift, in recognition of Catherine the Great's gesture. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the town's name was changed to Krasnodar.

We also saw a wonderful exhibit about World War II and Krasnodar's history in the war. There were many artifacts on exhibit to see including ammunition, rifles, military suits, parts of planes, and more. It was very interesting to hear about the battles fought in and near Krasnodar. This area was very important to the Allies eventual victory over Nazi Germany.

First day of classes

I am having a great time. Yesterday we went for a tour around Krasnodar then saw Romeo and Juliet at the ballet. It was amazing!!! Boys and girls, the ballet is a performance where the actors dance to tell a story. There are no words only dancing. Today we had our first classes at Kuban State University. This is a university just like Pittsburg State University. Right now, the students are out of school like you. However, many students are still studying because they have to take special tests to see what information they learned this year and the tests are very soon. My host family lives about 10 minutes away from the university so I can walk to campus everyday. We had an awesome lunch in the cafeteria (in our own special room).

We also just met the rector of the university. He is like Mr. Gottlob. He is the principal of the university. While we were talking to the rector, a few film crews from local news stations and a newspaper reporter were at the meeting. So, I might be on the Russian news tonight or in the Russian newspaper tomorrow!! Pretty cool! (The picture below is of one of our group members, Vinton from Washington. He is being interviewed by the Russian TV station.) After our meeting with the rector, we had a short tour of the school and are all using the internet right now in their university computer lab. It is very nice and new. Their computers are just like our computers at George Nettels, but I have to make sure I am typing in English and not Russian! :) I had my first Russian class today too! Pryvet!!! (This is hello in Russian. You can see a picture of my classmate, Attalia from Indiana, above. She is practicing her Russian alphabet.) Hopefully by the end of the three weeks, I will be able to say a few things in Russian!!! ;)

Finally in Krasnodar!!

Hi everyone! Well...after 30 LONG hours of traveling, I am now in Krasnodar, Russia! I started my travels on Friday morning at 5:45 am and traveled to the Detroit airport. From there, our group flew to New York City to Moscow, Russia, to Krasnodar, Russia. This doesn't sound like a lot but with 3, 5, and 7 hour layovers, it made for a long trip. Below is a picture I took while flying from New York to Moscow as the sun was coming up! Beautiful!

I am happy to say though, that I am in Krasnodar and am setteled in with my host family. Artur, Olga, and Anna are wonderful. They made a special welcome meal for me tonight including a cake!!! YUM!!! I really am excited to get a chance to travel/tour Krasnodar and share pictures and information with you! Keep checking the blog. I will try to post as much as possible. This is a marker in Krasnodar that celebrates the year the city was founded (or settled). Do you know what year Pittsburg was founded? Look for the signs in Pittsburg the next time you go with your mom and dad in the car. They will have the year that Pittsburg was founded.

Final day of orientation

Today has been another long day but very interesting. We had some good sessions that helped us prepare for our time in Russia. I got to enjtoy a little taste of Ann Arbor today. Several of our group members walked to Zingerman's Deli! It was awesome! It is an internationally-known deli. It was really good but not as good as Mall Deli!!! I'll really miss the deli while I'm gone! Well, I have to get up really early tomorrow to start the long journey to Russia. I will fly from Detroit to New York City to Moscow to Krasnodar. It will be a long day but very exciting to see my host family. I hope that I will be able to post everyday, but I am not 100% sure. So for now, Do svidanja (goodbye in Russian).

Learning about Russia

Today has been a long day but interesting. Eight presenters gave us background information over topics ranging from Russian politics, language, customs, history, and what to expect during our stay in Krasnodar and Moscow. Right now I am watching a documentary called Anna. We'll have another session tomorrow to learn more about Russia. Had a great day!!

Russia Bound!!!

I can't believe today is finally here! After waking up at 5:30 am this morning, I started my journey to Russia. First, I am attending a pre-orientation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Can you find Michigan on a United States map? Hint - Michigan looks like a mitten!!! I started my adventure in Kansas City this morning and flew to Chicago then to Detroit. From there I took a shuttle to Ann Arbor. I will be spending the next three days here getting ready for my trip to Russia. Today I met my roommate. Her name is Julie. She is from our neighboring state to the north (can you figure out what state that is?) and she teaches high school Spanish and Russian. I also met the other 10 teachers that will be going on our trip too. They are from all across the United States including: Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Nebraska, and of course...KANSAS!!! They are really fun people and I look forward to learning more about them on our adventure together! I am in the Eastern Time Zone now so it is getting late. Tomorrow we have a long day of lectures about Russia so I need to get some rest. I hope you are having a great summer and I look forward to sharing information with you!

Map of Krasnodar, Russia

While in Russia, I will be in two locations - Krasnodar and Moscow. I have included a map of Krasnodar. Students - Can you find Moscow on the map? Hint - In Russia it is pronounced 'Moskva'! Good luck!!


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