The first feeling going trough me in Russia where very good, wich I dint really aspect so early in the morning on the biggest airport of Russia. Everybody wanted to help me to get to the right airport to catch my plane to Samara (where the introduction camp from my host organisation would take place, Swallows, ICYE russia) and meanwhile I met some really nice people from Ufa and Novosibirsk. When Katia, from Swallows, and I where looking for the busstop in the neighbourhood from the airport, suddenly a man straight out of the movie "Life is Miracle" appeared to help us. Thank You!
The language-and-introduction-to-russia-camp took place in a former pionieers camp from USSR. Special atmosfere, but very good to have your first russian culture shock. And the other volunteers where just wonderfull to keep the spirit!
My project is situated between the Black sea and the Sea of Azov, where you have the nicest climate from whole Russia:-)! I travelled from Samara to Anapa by train with platzkart, the best way to understand something of the russian spirit ( and where you sleep less). On the trainstation of Anapa father Dimitri (Ortodox priest who is the leads my project) was waiting for me. He was young, dindnt look like a priest had a big jeep, 3 mobile phones and a wife. The big jeep is for his 3 childeren and his BBQ and fish stuff, I discoverd later.
Until the end of my project I will life in Strelka, with baboeska Ola and dedoeska Kolja who are feeding me wiht soup 3 times a day and has the best grapes ever growing around their house.
(very typical russian countryside house with gooses tomatoes, chickens,...)