For the first time in years, we celebrated spring break with a staycation. We were quite disappointed to miss our planned trip to Dublin and Riga, but have tried to make the most of it by enjoying the extra time to relax and enjoy activities that we are often too busy to enjoy. After a weeklong crash course in juggling homeschool and online teaching, a … Continue reading Spring Break Staycation

Every morning, noon, and night I peruse the Nytimes, Oregonlive, and the Moscow Times to try to keep up with what is going on in this crazy world, here and at home where my friends and families are hunkering down. The headlines in the US are quite alarming, at times taking my breath away-a few nights ago, in bold, large font I read that all … Continue reading KAZAN HIDES FROM THE VIRUS: ON THE ROADS THE TRAMPLES HAVE BEEN DISAPPEARED, AND THE GRANDMAS, WHEN BUYING THE BREEDBUCKLE, STOPPED TO GO TO POLYCLINICS

Prior to moving Kazan, we did some serious prepping for the cold. Simon’s parents busted out Simon’s Dublionka from the depths of their storage closet and Simon’s aunt loaned me a Dublionka. My mom bought me a long Columbia parka outfitted with Omniheat and other top chill-fighting technologies for my birthday. I searched Amazon for the best-reviewed long johns and wool knee-high socks. Luba helped … Continue reading Wishes for a Winter Wonderland

Here are 10 random observations we’ve made since our arrival in Russia that didn’t really fit with any of our other posts, but that fit together as highlighting some unexpected cultural differences. 1- Shoe covers– we quickly learned about shoe covers-disposable plastic covers lined with elastic that Russians wear on their feet when coming in many buildings like schools and doctors’ offices. The covers are … Continue reading Quirky Odds & Ends

The Caucus Mountains were a place of myth and legend at the edge of the ancient world. To the ancient Greeks, they were considered the pillar that holds up the earth. Historically, the Caucuses have been home to dozens of different nationalities with their own unique languages and cultures separated by only a few miles and nearly impassable mountains. We found ourselves at the edge … Continue reading The Pillar That Holds Up The World

Woohoo! We made it through our first quarter living, working, and studying abroad and are now enjoying our first well-earned vacation. Since we were not sure whether our multi-entry visa would be ready before this break, we decided to stay in Russia. We wanted to eke out a few more warm days, so opted for a Sochi trip via Moscow. We are still in Sochi … Continue reading Wind of Change

When the Frumkins embark on a family adventure, it usually begins with Seymour booming, “Are we going to have FUN?!” (appropriately punctuated as it is both a question and command). Well fun we had when the Frumkins/Morales crew convened in Kazan for a week+ adventure- much food, sightseeing, cousin shenanagins, and of course vodka. We rented a tour bus and hired a guide to take … Continue reading Are we going to have FUN?!

Seasons are changing quickly here in Kazan. Last weekend we went biking/scooting in the park by our home and fall leaves were clumping in the tires of Mila’s scooter. She loves collecting fall leaves, coming home each day with pocketfuls. It’s definitely hat and glove weather most days now, and we even got a fluke snowfall. My students are now showing up in full snowsuits … Continue reading September, I remember…

Party time, excellent! This week we had three parties- Mila’s classmate’s birthday party, a progressive party between the post office and customs office, and finally, Mila’s 6th birthday party. Two of these parties were quite fun and the third, well, it was interesting…. Mila was invited to the birthday party of one of her classmates which was held at a local restaurant. It was quite … Continue reading Customs Party!!!