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well, thought id best update..
went skating for the first time..went on my arse once but otherwise was ok. had to endure old russian childrens music in the process tho.
have already partaken of the cherished custom of visiting a friends house for tea and cake..the first of many no doubt.
went to a gig on saturday in an old cinema. it was a multi band night with bands from as far away as st petersburg..all fairly heavy.lots of covers. my favourite being personal jesus by depeche mode - with a rather unusual version of english..good night tho..first real taste of beer.

also had a night at my friends parents for blini and borscht. with plenty of political debate.
coldest day yet today - so quite unlogically , decided to cross the frozen river..was slightly parky. stunning colours and clarity tho..
today at work i made a ten year old girl cry..i gave her a lower mark than usual for her reading and she was absolutely gutted and cried..i felt awful! - i still do!

anyway heres some random pics

everyone needs a stuffed chicken in your cafe

the main church..will get more pics soon

the view from my works window

road through the park

wouldnt want one of these babies dropping on me..

another sunrise

after the frozen river trek - a nice warm cuppa of  green tea in cafe chocolat - perhaps my new cafe 5?

oh and while i remember - ive been having regular lunches withmy friend in a nearby canteen. really nice food. average price for a meal, couple of slices of bread and a tea - £1.50

before sunrise..at 8.30!

yes, getting stunning sunrises and sunsets at moment. this is the view from my balcony..

and the same view at midday.

this is my street again (soviet street). they dont use grit here. they have studded tyres..pedestrians take their chances.

this is my flat, right at the top! i resist the temptation to go on the swings.

went for a walk in the park which is just behind my flat - heading for the river..

this is the river, all frozeny. saw someone walk across. will try this when i get the courage up..

ice sculptures in the main square

and more of them. good to see no evidence of vandalism

my place of work

a snow leopard? more nice ice art

maybe we need this stuff in sowerby bridge?..ah but first we need a council that gives a shit

like this best but it looks like the penguin has been on the vodka. if hes still under the weather tomorrow, i will set him on his feet..

had my first full day at work. tiring but very enjoyable. the tutors are great and so are the kids.i find myself smiling way to often. its good old fashioned teaching but it works. and i like being called mr offen. get used to it. oh and for your amusement here is my first attempt at skiing (this is uphill by the way)

stuff

the main square with ice sculptures and new year tree.
well , was put in a different flat than was expecting (soviet street) which is just above a sex shop. the flat is basic and sparse but very very warm. so much so its in the niff kippin with no sheets.
it is cold here. moisture in your nose starts to freeze ( a strange sensation)..lots of snow everywhere - but people just get on with it. went outside in the morning to explore - right outside, maybe a thousand waxwings were constantly cirlcling around the buildings and occasionally diving into two small rowan trees for berries.
then i went to work. nice rooms, nice tutors , nice students. joy..
tomorrow i go skiing. also swimming, snowboarding, bobsleigh and yoga are on the cards..also badminton is big here! so lots to do..
will post pictures of flat and also any skiing escapades..hope all is well in blighty

here and cold!

well, ive made it. despite a hair-raising landing at moscow - plane was just about to land when there was huge scream of engines and the plane lurched upwards.later the captain informed that there was a plane on the runway..have to go out now for meal so will update properly when i have time..