Maslintsa
This past week in Russia was Maslintsa. Although it is essentially Russia's Carnival, it is celebrated as a farewell to winter. I fondly refer to it as "pancake" week though. Russian pancakes, or blinies, are very thin (at least in comparison to American pancakes), and they can be eaten plain or stuffed with different delightful treats. During the week of Maslintsa, it is common to eat a lot of these pancakes, and to give some to friends and family.
On the last Sunday, or the "I'm sorry" Sunday, an effigy of Maslintsa is burned as a symbol of winter's last days. Also, people gather in the squares, feast on free food and drink, play games and just generally make merry. The religious side of this day is when people go around to their family, friends and acquaintances and apologize for things they did wrong in the past year.
My Maslintsa Sunday was, on-the-whole, much quieter, but just as nice. I woke up early and went to Lena's. There, she finished baking the blinis, and I made a fruit salad. For those of you who are interested in cooking and food, I'll try to describe these delicious portions of heaven. Lena has already proven herself a wonderful cook many times in the past, but I have to say, her blinies were superb. In many ways they reminded me of a superior Ihop chicken florentine crepe. The blinies were stuffed and rolled with chicken, onions, and mushrooms. Then they were topped with a cream/cheese concoction. I'm sure there were other seasonings and things used, but I have no clue. Suffice it to say that I will be asking for the recipe, and maybe a repeat performance.
Anyways, while we feasted upon our goodies, we watched Notting Hill. My AD joined us a little later and finished watching the movie with us. I don't know what it is, but I absolutely love that movie; maybe it's because it has the triple thread - comedy, romance, and accents. I still love British accents.
After the movie, I came home, cleaned a little, watched a little tv, cooked and just basked in the knowledge that I don't have school on Monday or Tuesday! In addition, I was able to talk to both of my parents, and my papaw. A truly good Maslintsa Sunday!
International Women's Day
I'm still not sure why it is called International Women's Day. As far as I know Russia is the only country that celebrates it. However, I'm not complaining. International Women's Day, celebrated every March 8th, is an official state holiday, which means that I am off work the 7th and 8th of March. In addition, it is tradition for the men to bless the ladies in their lives with presents. Any day where I get presents for being a female is fine by me. I felt so blessed by my students this past week. I couldn't help but think that back home, teachers are being given and treated like crap right now. People think they are overpayed babysitters. They are being fired, patronized, and all sorts of other horrible things because the education system has gone to hell.* Yet, here I am being blessed by my students.
*Read here about one teacher's ordeal with a spoiled brat. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/student-calls-911-after-t_n_830719.html
Sincerely,
Your Russian Traveller
