It's Here

Spring has finally stretched its fingers enough to tickle the frozen grounds of Zelenograd. First one finger gently reaches out as warm sun rays. Soon, the blocks of ice lining the streets begin to unfold in streams of watery rivulets, pooling in the conclaves of the streets and sidewalks. But spring likes to have its fun, and like the tease it is, it goes away and allows the snow to fall once again, its virgin whiteness covering the unhidden cigarette butts and pieces of long-forgotten trash. The pools of water turn to slush and sludge. After all, Spring can't be too easy on us. But when he chooses to, Spring returns bearing fresh gifts. Maybe a small green stem here, a baby leaf there. Warm tendrils and lingering kisses on our cheeks. If ever there was a playboy, his name was Spring. When he comes, you forget to be mad at him for taking his dear, sweet time. Instead, you openly embrace him with open arms and return the trail of kisses by basking in his glory with long walks under freshly-leafed trees.

Winter, in its magnificent splendor was lovely. And we need the cover of white snow to encompass and hide our transgressions. But winter is frozen and closed, an elusive mistress that costs too much. Spring is open and welcoming. It both takes and gives. And, Spring is here.

Sincerely,
Your Russian Traveller

In Sickness and In Health

Argh. I'm still sick. My head congestion has settled into my chest, although my ears are still clogged and my throat is still raw which means my voice comes and goes. However, I am in a better mood, so being sick isn't quite as bad. I will be teaching today as I really can't afford to lose any more time.

So, today's challenge is to incorporate lots of listening and speaking into my classes - lots of activities where I don't have to do a lot of explaining or pre-teaching. I found a video on TED about why people should switch to a diet of bugs. I think it will be a good listening topic with comprehension questions, and then I can turn it into a class debate. Maybe a writing topic?

Anyways, I'll figure something out. The exciting news is that in four weeks I'll be spending my May break in Virginia before finishing out the last three weeks of my contract. I'm extremely excited as I can't wait to see all my friends from uni.

There was something else I wanted to write about, but the cloud in my head is limiting my mental functions, so I'll just sign off now.

Sincerely,
Your Russian Traveller