July 2015 – Tales from Abroad

Studying a second language can be a challenge. Add one senior citizen memory and the Cyrillic alphabet to the mix and you have enough of a mental challenge to keep one’s brain active and thriving!

I first requested audit status in September, 2013. Since that time I have completed SLST 100, 101,102, 200, 201 and partial 202. I participated in whatever Russian classes the University had to offer: the Russian Café, tutoring sessions, as well as reviewing previous classes. I kept my goal of a trip to Russia in 2015 as the ultimate ‘carrot’. My fellow students were inclusive and supportive – the age difference was not a barrier to learning. My professor was outstanding. She understood my learning style and gave me the freedom to participate at my pace.

Soon enough, my dream of travelling to Russia and practicing my language skills was coming true. This past May I flew to Moscow, down to Simferopol (Crimea), toured throughout Sevastapol and Yalta. I flew to the Cossack city of Krasnador, visited the heritage village of Toman, rode the overnight train to Volvograd, flew to Moscow and then the overnight train to St. Petersburg. I never felt threatened in any way.

I was able to navigate the ‘Red Train’ from Vnukovo airport to Moscow, take advantage of the magnificent Moscow Metro, take a above ground bus in St. Petersburg and ask for directions when lost, which happened on many occasions. There were a few travel glitches but there was always some kind person willing to help out.

As a Rotarian, I have access to Rotarians throughout the world and joined a US Committee to support Rotary in Russia. News coming out of our Canadian and US correspondents is not favourable which, as a responsible adult, one has to take into consideration. However, I also knew that Rotarians would take care of me if I ran into any type of difficulty. I joined three US Rotarians en route and continued my travels. We were all so fortunate to have this opportunity to be exposed to Russian culture, stay in private homes, and meet so many kind Russian citizens. I have learned so much and there is so much more to learn. The bonus factor: I now have many friends in Russia. How great is that!!

policemen in Yalta

With two very good looking police/soldiers in the inner harbour of Yalta. I just went up to them and asked if they would mind have a picture with me. You can see that one was a bit hesitant but the other was enjoying himself.

Myself and a fellow traveller participating in a ‘Cossack Wedding’ in the village of Toman. It was a lot of fun.

Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd (former Stalingrad)

This monument was a ‘wow’ factor for me.

Sometimes in the rush of moving on to the next stage in your life, it’s easy to forget to wrap up loose ends from the last stage. My position with the PAD finished over a month ago, but I suppose it’s never too late to post a farewell on this blog.

I couldn’t have had a better time during my year as an assistant. From the photos that I saw on Instagram, the tweets, and Facebook posts, many of my fellow assistants felt the same. For a couple of days, there was a stream of class pictures, photos of farewell gifts and parties, and general fondness as we all said goodbye to our schools, students, and friends. I, for one, felt many pangs at leaving my lovely flat and driving out of Göttingen.

If anyone is considering applying to the PAD, all I can say is: DO IT. My goal for the year was to improve my German to the point that I felt comfortable communicating in any situation, and I think I can say that I’ve made it. It’s often sprinkled with mistakes or missing the perfect words, but just in the past month, I’ve gone apartment hunting again and managed everything comfortably; shopped for new running shoes with proper arch support; talked politics, feminism, and history; and sorted out new health insurance at the Krankenkasse. I wouldn’t have dared to do those things ten months ago.

Not just the language, but the cultural experiences have been incredible. From Christmas with friends near Frankfurt to classes at the university to a choir retreat in the Harz mountains, my German friends and colleagues were kind and welcoming, and they gave me a real taste of life here. That’s not to mention the literal tastes – we just finished Spargelzeit. Asparagus season is the most delicious national celebration period ever.

The next stage is just beginning. A few weeks before the PAD assistantship ended, I was hired by a travel company to manage their day-to-day operations in central Europe, based out of Berlin. When I started German 101 at UVic almost four years ago, I had no clue that I would end up moving here long-term. I came to Germany hoping that some new direction would open up for me, and thankfully I was ready to seize the opportunity when it came. I’m now becoming an expert on all things ‘visa paperwork’, which is just as much fun as it sounds…

So this is ciao from me for now – viele Grüße aus Berlin! Bis dann!