Ye-ka-teer-een-BURG

Now that we're back overseas, its time to revive this blog again.  Not that there was nothing to blog about while in the US, but living in a foreign environment gives so much more fodder to write about. We arrived in Yekaterinburg (anglicized as Ye-KA-ter-in-burg, or more simply Yekat) about a week and a half ago, and are quickly settling in.  We have a rather large apartment within walking distance of work, near most of our colleagues, and near some excellent stores and restaurants.  Once our stuff arrives in a few months, I think we'll be very comfortable in our home, which is great because with the Siberian winters here, we'll be spending quite a bit of time there.

Just getting to Yekaterinburg took a herculean effort.  I had to relearn Russian and take a fluency exam, we had to rent out out house, and with all of the logistics of moving from one continent to another with a 2 year old and a cat, I'm amazed we got here at all.  We stopped in Moscow for a few days to check in with our administrative center, completing a whirlwind of consultations and briefings, all of which were done in a fog of jet lag.  We had no time or energy to see any tourist sites.  Maybe next time.

Since arriving, most of our time has been dedicated to settling in and finding a routine, first of which was just getting to work in the morning.  We also had to grocery shopping to get our shelves and fridge filled with food. Then, with those tasks out of the way, we got C registered in preschool. While not officially an international school, all of the international kids go there (which admittedly is not many).  C seems to love it.  We're really glad we enrolled here in a Russian speaking preschool in D.C. before we came, as she understands quite a bit of the language, and had been exposed to the food.  Our only hangup so far is that I had to arrange for her to be tested for pin-worm, which turned out to be easier than expected.  Beyond that however, the school gives the kids hot sweet tea in the morning and then expects the kids to take a nap.  Our request that C not be served has fallen on deaf ears, so now we're trying to teach two year old how to say "no!"  So far we seem to be successful. Fortunately, coffee doesn't appear to be on the menu.

So most of our friends know that I lived here before in 1999, so I though I new what to expect returning now.  Absolutely incorrect.  This city has changed so much (mostly for the better), that I hardly recognize it.  Aside from the statue of Lenin in the town square, nearly everything has changed.  This is a huge modern city, with modern convenience and European ambiance.  The stores are stocked with quality food and brands, and luxury goods are everywhere.  The internet at home is fast, and we have great cell service.  Restaurants and service meet international standards.  That's not to say there aren't idiosyncrasies here, but overall, we are pleasantly surprised about how livable the city is, especially with its modern conveniences.  

Fear not however.  The many idiosyncrasies will be the subject of my next post.

M