Playing catch-up

Here are some random observations and events in the last two weeks....


The night of the 450th included a wonderful fireworks show, and all of the fountains in the central square were flowing and lit! That was the first time I had the opportunity to see them, as they are drained early in the fall to prevent any damage from freezing. Also, here is a picture of me with the other fabulous translator who works with me, Marina.



















Remember I told you all about the crocodiles? Here is what the workers' coats looked like and got them the name of 'crocodile' which they detested....














They were stuck with it though! Here is the crocodile on a bench statue that sits in Izhevsk today. It's usually covered with kids--or an American tourist or two, but that's another shot for another day ...


















Arissa, one of the English teachers at UdSU had a Mexican party, which was fun and colorful. The company was great, although I have now established on 4 continents that I am incapable of producing any sound resembling music--I'm not sure that's a good thing, but a fact nonetheless....

The weather has varied quite a bit. We've had a light freeze already, but most of the time it's been in the upper 40s or lower 50s. Recently, it's been very warm. Russians tend to wear coats all of the time, part of the formal nature of dressing. However, Hannah and I remain amazed at the quiet resilience of the Russian child. They are perpetually covered, even if parents are wearing jeans and miniskirts. It's not been unusual even in September to see infants in snowsuits, splayed out in carriages with no possibility of arm movement. On a walk the other day, we saw this stoic little guy and his dad--full snowsuit, wool cap and snowboots at 58 degrees....