spartacus

For the first time in my life, I went to see a ballet. (At least, the first time which I can really remember or have the ability to make a judgment of personal taste… I have a vague notion that I might have “seen” the Nutcracker in NYC, but if so, I was probably only 7 years old and I probably fell asleep…) There are a few certain cultural events that you must take part in or experience wherever you are, and I have realized that over here, these cultural musts can be narrowed down to: the circus, the opera, traditional dance, ballet. After tonight, all that remains is the opera.

The show was Spartacus. I am sure Plutarch had something to say about this guy, but I wouldn’t really know, I never got into Plutarch very much beyond required reading, and of what was required, I haven’t retained much (sadly). I wasn’t sure what I would think of ballet. I mean, I like to dance, but watching dance was another thing… and not just any dance, but ballet dance… I attended dance recitals of a friend in high school, and well, found those trying to sit through. So, tonight I wasn’t expecting too much; I was just looking to enjoy myself at something new for the evening. As it turned out, I became a sold fan. Granted, I could have really done just fine with 2 acts. The 3rd act was pushing it a bit for me onto the long side. Having that said, I was quite impressed. Musically, physically, aesthetically overall. I’ve heard that Romeo and Juliet tends to be one of the favorites around here, so I hope my next ballet will be to that one.

Also, as an aside, there is a verdant cultural texture and richness in the arts here in Minsk. I don’t think this is unusual for this part of the world. Ballet and opera and theater and concerts are attended regularly by everyone in the populace, so it seems. It isn’t just for the “artsy folks.” Everyone here enjoys this cultural, shall we say, tradition? Furthermore, there is a tremendous heritage of writers and poets. Many a street is named after poets and writers throughout this city. If you want your name to be on a street sign in Minsk, you better be a writer or a revolutionary. Up until recently, the main street running through the city center was named after a man who made a significant literary and religious contribution to this country, the man who translated the Bible into Belarussian language. Sadly, the name has been changed. But the secular poets and writers have retained their places in society, with street names and monuments, statues and busts.

national men's day

February 23rd is national army day. But then, it somehow was morphed into national men's day... the men all just claimed it as their own holiday. I unknowingly celebrated this day. I had made chocolate cupcakes and invited friends over, but then it was cool when I realized there was an actual occasion to share these cupcakes! But I think there is also some strategic planning of this holiday... because in about 2 weeks, there is a national women's day... so all the men who got treated so nicely on their day now feel obligated to do something for the women, when otherwise they might have been too lazy .... ;) At least, I am sure that is the logic behind the timing of these two holidays...

thanks

I can’t remember the last time I lived somewhere where it was snowing for multiple consecutive days. It snowed here for 5 days in a row, then the snow took a weekend off, and again this morning, it was snowing. The ground goes from white to brown to slush to ice and back to white… I am sure there has been over 6 inches of snowfall in the past week. It’s really quite lovely… I really love snow. If it’s going to be cold, I want there to be snow.


I had the chance to enjoy a Valentine’s “date” at McDonald’s for lunch today, but I turned it down. Well, I would have had to pay for myself anyway, and I didn’t have time, and it’s McDonald’s. So, no. No excitement on Valentine’s day.

I had a Reese’s peanut butter cup today. Oh-so-delectable!! The small joys from America are worth noting.

Belarussians don’t get baked potatoes. They don’t eat them like that. They don’t cook them like that. It’s a new concept for them. They do however like drinks made from birch sap…

I had the opportunity to thank someone this past week for doing something that changed my life forever. I’ve thought about, off and on for several years now, this girl I knew when I was in seventh grade. She was the first person to share with me about who Jesus is. Not that I believed her, or the truth she spoke of, then. I moved and we lost touch. But later, it was her sharing that propelled me to investigate truth for myself. It was her sharing that propelled me into a life that follows after Him who is Truth. So it’s been on my mind and heart to track her down and give thanks. But I had no idea how this would ever happen…. yet thanks to one of those annoying social networking websites that I like to gripe about… I stumbled upon her. So now I can’t gripe about them too much, but thank them. I was able to express in writing what a difference her words and life made in my life, over 11 years ago. What was even more awesome was when she thanked me for expressing my thanksgiving, because it came at a time when she needed encouragement like that. Being thankful people is an awesome command of our Dad. It glorifies Him, yes, and it’s also a privilege to give thanks to people too. So, thanks Dad, for letting me participate in thanksgiving, and for reconnecting with a girl whose life intersected with mine for less than a year – a brief time, but a revolutionary time.

lately

lately i've been embarassing myself by pretending i can rap in russian. on video.

lately i've been learning about the Old Testament, and even had to write two papers based on the OT!!

lately i've been procrastinating from doing russian homework, cuz i don't understand it anyway....

lately i've been listening to music in ukrainian.... which i also don't understand much of....

lately i found myself spending nearly 16 consecutive hours on trains. ugh.

lately i've been enjoying some new snow boots which are quite handy with the recent weather... since i've lately noticed that people in Belarus are not that concerned about shoveling the snow.

lately i've been living in the moment. i don't want to miss the goodness that is enveloped in the now.

lately i've been thinking that i am in exactly the right place at the right time.

lately i've been embracing the mystery in life.