News and Washington

Yes, it`s Washington!

Maybe that sounds surprising, but those who are au courant might be happy for me now. Yes! It`s finally confirmed! I am going to the United States, and moreover – to Washington! Washington DC, baby :) Whether it`s real America which I hoped to see, or not.

But now it is time to become serious (and by the way, what a serious, tenacious, and industrious person I am..). Anyway! Going to study there for two years. Now, if that sounds surprising (the “study” part) – well, it does not! I am, and was always working. Definitely the larger part of my life, trying to combine both educational and working processes (which was all right, and always my decision, and who else could care). Anyway! Now it is time to support my background with some more knowledge. And that is serious! Wow! I am so very much pleased that I managed it! And thankful for this opportunity, which, again, became possible and real only because of me. Now this is the time to be proud about some achievements, isn`t it?

Anyway! Should I be more specific with names and fields? I don`t know, but will think about it.

First of all, need an apartment in DC. Realistically it will be a room. Something nice with the White House in the window, perhaps. A bit further west maybe. Or are there better places? Oh, I just started to learn prices and locations. Searching the Craigslist and the maps, and asking contacts I have (any ideas?).

Secondly. Arriving early August, which is so soon… And of course I am still deeply in my work and other activities in Moscow. No boring details for now, but with such a speed of everything it is quite lively here, I promise.

Thirdly, and that`s the point (for this blog place). As I need to improve my academic English writing skills now, I need to become more serious about it: about writing, about the whole thing of thoughts delivery, and about writing discipline as well. On the other hand, writing in Russian in this case also has its own advantages: that is my language which always needs practicing, and also – again, the sharing thing… So looks like I need a new place to write, at least not to mix the languages. I am thinking about something ambitiously called like usa-special.blogspot.com in Russian, but still have no definite idea. All I know, there certainly will be something to write about! After I decide, I will put the link on this page, so everything will be in one place, and fresh updates will be seen.

Looking forward to this wonderful challenge which starts so soon. It has already started – packing my Moscow stuff, books and disks…

This is so very much exciting, I can`t describe (it`s not about packing). I wanted it, and I have done it! No comments, I am happy and speechless. Of course I have already passed various stages of excitement. Need to concentrate now, and will come back soon.

PS: I`ve bought a new laptop as well!

PPS: And with all my "I did it" attitude, of course I do realize that the most important part is ahead.

The zero-meaning message

"In Russia, in ten years - everything changes, in two centuries - nothing changes". Just a phrase, heard this week.

Happened to find one of my old "English-language-texts" now. Quotation marks are necessary because it is not English at all. And how heavily do I write... (*embarassed).

Tomorrow attending special reception in Spaso House (that`s the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Russia). Finally there might be some good news soon.

Fake summer snow

What do you think this is? Besides of an awful road covering. This is typical Moscow June disaster – the poplar “fluff”.
(*as usual, pictures are clickable to be enjoyed full size)

That is how this tree disseminates its seeds in nature.

Tiny seeds are surrounded by fluff which allows them to fly to reach a larger territory in order to make new trees (does not work in a city though).

In my native Vladimir, which has the same climate as Moscow, there are less poplars, and they are regularly cut to stop (at least to diminish the quantity of) the fluff.

In Moscow however it is almost a tradition to have the fluff in late May and early June.

Which looks quite nice for me, but I also have some empathy towards people with allergies.

I really like the fluff, it makes some difference.

Birds seem to enjoy the seeds.

It is rather beautiful, though messy. While walking this week, you constantly move hands sharply, because the fluff is everywhere around your face, and nose, and eyes, and mouth. It makes the throat sore a bit, because without doubt you swell some amount of the smallest parts.

Rains help to freshen it up.

Poplar tree.

Voila, that`s all for today.