With the end of fall approaching, dawn comes around 8:30 and dusk sets in around 6pm. With not a single traffic light and only three streetlights by the school, Lesnoye is pitch black once the day ends. It is a village with three main roads: one that leads to the village center, one that crawls up a foothill and leads to more vast forests and a river, and the final one onward to the steppes and two other local villages. Snow arrived on November 10th and it has not left. The village is more beautiful in the snow and the air is so fresh. A 15 minute morning walk is a quality cup of coffee. Being my first experience living in the snow, I love it even though it takes me about ten minutes to put on and re-check the new armored wardrobe.
As for the volunteer assignment, I taught my first English class to 10th graders recently. I will be working alongside three English teachers and teaching 5th to 10th grades. Being a village, each grade only has about 15 or so students. School begins at 9 and ends at 2:50 with no lunch break. Students from three smaller neighboring villages bus to school every morning. Lesnoye (with its 850 denizens) is the biggest village within its county. It’s been about two weeks and I am beginning to remember the lengthy Russian/Kazakh names of students and fellow teachers.
Hi Roshan,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're getting into the jist of things and sounds like you are embracing the village life. :o) Keep warm and I hope that the experience will continue to enrich and excite you.
Do I see a piggie in one of your pictures? ;o)
Continue to keep us posted.
Sumitra
Hey Mr.D,Things are great back here. Seems that you're doing well.
ReplyDeleteTony
Hello Roshan -- your life seems pretty exciting.In the US , we have to spend a fortune to dine on venision, under some exotic name . You have it the natural way.
ReplyDeleteThe snowy steppes remind us of a scene in Dr Zhivago .. looks like it has not changed , even after 40 yrs.
Glad that you are integrating well with your fellow villagers. Take care ... R & KT
Dear Roshan, So very impressed with all your good efforts - keep up the good work and do take best care of yourself. Your info. is truly interesting and what you are doing is indeed worthwhile. Love from Uncle John and Akka Syl.
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