Orlando Landing

Well, ladies, gentlemen, I am in Orlando and I leave for Rio tomorrow night. Todo bien, had a lovely Latin American Christmas with Angela's folks, relaxing and lots of es-pa-nish!

[Side note: I just read in the news that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Pakistan. Sad, but ultimately no surprise. Note to self: don't go to Pakistan.]

The more challenging part of my trip hasn't begun yet, but let me assure all worriers that I am taking all the necessary precautions -- including double- and triple- checking my flights, packing appropriately, paying attention (yes, do not doubt -- I am scatterbrained when I am in the company of others, but quite focused when I am in my own company), and not looking gringa.

So far, I have been successful at the latter part, albeit here. In general, upon arrival in Miami International Airport, one becomes very much aware that nobody in the entire state (or at least Miami-Dade county) speaks English as his native language.

The shuttle guy was Cuban. The hotel guy was Colombian. The flight check-in lady was Dominican. Vamos, they see my name is Margarita, and they don't even attempt!

The next day my flight to Orlando was uneventful -- after a full security swipe yet again, because I continue being a suspicious (Chechen-looking?) character.

After passing the security check successfully, I read the new Time Magazine issue with the frightening photo of President Putin ("Person of the Year", interesting series of articles, by the way), and helped interpret for a confused Mexican family on the plane. They could not communicate with the anglo-speaking flight attendant.

In Orlando, I was picked up by Angelita in a strikingly sexy, shiny red Ford, and we stayed at the house of a family friend of theirs. The house, an absolutely precious one-floor ditty, was decorated to Christmas perfection like no other. Never have I seen so many perfectly etched and carved nativity scenes so strategically arranged within the confines of a single property.

I found, too, that a Latin American Christmas celebration is very much like our Russian New Year celebration, only five days early and with different food. There's the same voluminous gift exchange at midnight, toasts to the health of all present, the same abundance of tasty non-Kosher carne, the same warm hospitality, "dushevnost'", and a Christmas tree to boot. The only, perhaps, noticeable difference is that on the eve of the holiday they say the "novena" prayer and we, also religiously, watch Putin's on Russian TV streamlined from Moscow (our "Mecca"). Christmas was great, with guests from all over Latin America, and I had a wonderful time making them guess where I am originally from.

Orlando itslelf is a sleepy, sprawling city, far different from the Disney-colored impression I had when I came here at age 13. Since the only thing I remember from that trip is Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (and some other type of Kingdom, and I think there was Epcot Center, too), the city itself is shockingly quiet and reminiscent of multiples of suburbia. It's also bubbling with enclaves of Mexican-owned grocery stores, such as the one that sold us the huge tub of lomo past closing time on Christmas Eve, and mega-malls crawling with gringos returning their Christmas presents on Boxing Day, December 26.

Angela's family is absolutely delightful and really lovely!! Madrid reunions make me happy, and I wish there were more of them. I had a fantastic time rechurning my rusty Spanish and releasing my inner Latina.

And tomorrow more adventures await.

My flight to Rio takes off past 11 p.m., so I'll be hanging out in Miami ("bienvenido a Miami") most of the day tomorrow. Therefore, if anyone feels a burning necessity to speak to me, you know where to call!

Hallelujah

College madness in this house, thank goodness, is over. For this generation at least.

Lyalya is going here!

White Christmas

Well, my travel monologue has stalled for now. Sorry, everyone, it's been paper-writing and procrastinating time lately. But I think you'll be more interested in hearing about Rio anyway, and I'll be in Rio starting December 28. Starting this Sunday, you may find me in Florida! Раз гулять, так гулять.

Boston is depressing this time of year, and if I hear yet another rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock" on TV or a store radio, I'm not responsible for my actions.

We do have a Christmas tree (err, Russian New Year tree/елка/whatever) set up for our annual New Year Russian TV-watching marathon that I am missing once again this year. But the lights from the tree are all tingly and lovely and homey. Very homey... until one turns on the TV. It seems that instead of evoking that "Aww-I-don't-celebrate-Christmas-but-it's-a-lot-like-Russian-New-Year-and-makes-me-warm-and-fuzzy-inside" feeling, TV makes me think, "@#$^%, Walmart's at it again!"

I remember when I was a little girl, I used to think New Year's Eve was the most magical night in the world. It is also true that this belief was perpetrated by Russian TV concerts and the president's message of world peace or whatever, and children's books with Ded Moroz, but it seemed a different promotion than Christmas nowadays. I can't put my finger on how -- or why. Or maybe it's just that as one becomes older and enters adulthood, these things lose their meaning. Presents, instead of being gifts, turn into dollars spent.

I used to love shopping for gifts for my friends and family. My sister and I would often do it together and spend several evenings wrapping them and putting them under the tree in all their glitzy wonder. At what point does that really turn into "another thing to do"? At what point did something fun -- giving -- turn harder and harder as the years go on? Probably when everyone you're giving gifts to hits everything they need. Until they figure out what else they might want.

It irritates me when I read newspaper articles that call the holidays "stressful". They're holidays. They're not supposed to be stressful! They're supposed to be fun! Why do so many people hate their family? Vacation! Why do you really need to get that pot holder for your dentist's assistant's parakeet's foot doctor's son? Lights! Come on, people... when did the season go all stock-market-y?

Mujeres

This is me with coworkers at last month's Mujeres Unidas sale at the DSMHI office manager's house. (We were selling Peruvian alpaca scarves, made by recovered TB patients in Carabayllo, a shantytown of Lima, after they finish DOTS.) On the left is the PIH Peru project manager; next to her is the chief lady who organized the entire workshop in Peru and directs the señoras; next to her is MU's contracted graphics/artistic gal; and I am on the right. The project made over 5K, with proceeds going straight to the señoras in Carabayllo. I bought a couple of scarves and am particularly fond of my bright, Andean fuscia one that I wear nearly every day now!

My Mantra

It's simple, really.

2 weeks till FL/Rio... 2 weeks till FL/Rio...

Лингвистическое Отвлечение

Такое впечатление, что я скоро забуду русский. Ну, наверно все-таки не забуду, но чувствую, как все больше и больше отделяюсь от так называемого местного русскоязычного мира. Вернее, местный русскоязычный мир начал говорить по-английски и, впрочем, незачем уже сопротивляться. А куда, спрашиваете, удаляюсь? А не знаю. В свою непонятно смешанную глубь.

Когда целыми днями иногда не говорю по-русски, начинаю спрашивать себя, на каком языке вообще думаю. То, что «я из России» уже кажется враньем с маленькой долей истины. То, что «американка», впрочем, всегда казалось тоже, но с большой долей правды. Вечный, всем известный вопрос «ни того, ни сего» но зато..... !

Впрочем, я в полном согласии, что мне нужно больше читать книги по-русски. Но, в данный момент, предпочитаю читать по-испански, так как испанский больше грозит эффективному забыванию, которое проявляется в отсутствии прежней беглости. И теперь у меня есть литература из Чили после возвращения родителей.

Интересно, что обратила внимание, как мне на работе легче иметь дело с испанским, чем с русским. По-русски я, конечно же, говорю лучше. Но испанский знаю лучше грамматически, структурально. Просят перевести на испанский—фактически без проблем. Просят перевести на русский, и уже начинаешь думать, как себя, черт, докажешь.

А пишешь по-английски, и думаешь—на своем языке. На смеси.

Как говорят, «каждый выбирает для себя»...

NQR

I've been at this school for four years -- three in practice. Yet by Jove, I still don't comprehend this masochistic ritual that everyone raves about nostalgically. NQR -- "Naked Quad Run" -- happens on the last day of classes (today).

An explanation for my international visitors: a large part of the student body, 90% inebriated, shed all clothing on this snowy and rainy December evening, and, altogether, run around the academic quad as a nudist colony. Most wear sneakers. Some wear a scarf. I had the audacity to watch it from my window during my sophomore year, and it's possibly the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Lots of naked people. Running. Townspeople also often come to watch this exhibition, and videos and photos of it usually end up on the Internet in a metter of minutes.

Supposedly, it takes place to relieve stress before final exams (explain that one to me!).

Every year, we get this email:

Dear Fellow Jumbos,

Monday, December 10th is the fifth annual Nighttime Quad Reception (NQR) [euphemism for Naked Quad Run]. Here's all the information you need to know about this event, please read carefully:

NQR falls on the last day of classes this semester, which is a great time to celebrate before finals begin. However, it is important to remember that this night is no exception to state laws and the university's standards of conduct for the student body. Laws regarding underage drinking and open containers in public must be observed and they will be fully enforced. If you do choose to drink, use common sense: drink in moderation, be aware of your limits, and surround yourself with friends. Throughout the night, members of TEMS, NQR volunteers, RAs, and police officers will be readily available in case of emergencies. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you or someone you know needs help.

If you decide to be athletic and participate in the night's festivities, do not forget that that this event attracts many onlookers and that pictures and videos can be easily distributed throughout Internet sites such as Facebook or YouTube. For this reason, we ask that students do not bring cameras.

Also, this year, due to recurring problems with overcrowding, access to West Hall will be limited to residents and their guests. Every West Hall resident will receive four wrist bands--one for him or herself and three to give away. That evening, people will not be allowed to enter West unless they have a wrist band. Yet regardless of wristband status, should the Fire Marshall decide to shut West down, re-entry will fall to the discretion of the Police and priority will be given to those with wrist bands. So unless you live in West, please avoid leaving your belongings there if you choose to leave throughout the night. These protocols are only to ensure your safety throughout the night.

To help runners, a large changing tent will be located on the Academic Quad between West and Ballou Hall. Individuals are responsible for the safety of their own possessions left in this tent. Once you begin your run, please remember to confine your path to the quad, as there will be consequences if you wander off into neighboring areas.

In addition, thanks to Programming Board, there will be a great reception in front of Barnum Hall. Starting at 8 pm, hot chocolate, donuts, and snacks will be served. At 9 pm, there will also be music provided by DJs from GrooveBoston. Come unwind and enjoy!

And as in years past, free t-shirts will be distributed throughout the evening. If you happen to be near a volunteer handing out the shirts, please be patient and do not push or shove others for a shirt. T-shirts are strictly limited to one per person. If you are not given the size you want, please consider swapping with someone else.

Should there be inclement weather, Facilities will do their best to sand the course and put up safety barriers. However, regardless of weather conditions, it is CRUCIAL that if you run, you wear appropriate shoes to protect yourself and others from falls and pile-ups.

Finally, in the spirit of NQR, we'd like to remind you that we are having a clothing drive to collect winter clothing for those who are less fortunate. We encourage you to donate warm clothes that will be given to local Somerville homeless shelters. Drop-off bins can be found in Carmichael, Dewick, the Campus Center, and Hillel.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact [bla bla bla]. We hope you all have a safe and fun night and good luck with finals!

Sincerely,

TCU Senate and Programming Board

There are some things I will never understand. Maybe it's because I'm a "nice Russian girl", but the first thing I think of is... you'll get a cold! Don't sit on any stone surfaces! Oy.

Gracias a la Vida

Video of this great song sung by Mercedes Sosa.
Pops and I are learning this in our own "interpretation" at home.

Spanish King Juan Carlos tells Chavez to "Shut Up" (subtitled)

Hilarious moment at Iberoamerican summit. Spain's President Zapatero tells Chavez off after the latter calls the former Spanish prez a fascist. And the King intejects and says it as should be...

Brief Hiatus

Sorry, everyone, for the brief hiatus. Still planning to write on the remainder of Montreal and the religion debate, but I took a brief trip to New York City this weekend. I interviewed two extremely kind and interesting (not communist) Chileans who were imprisoned along with Luís Corvalán, Secretary General of Chilean Communist Party, star of the 1976 Soviet/Chilean prisoner exchange and winner of Lenin Peace Prize (one of my dad's many idols, of course).

I actually did not know this at all when I went to talk to them -- it accidentally came up in conversation. The señores I interviewed were in the same set of prison cells as "Don Lucho" in the 70s. Then they came to the US as political refugees. The two of them were very good interview subjects -- so much so that I should have interceded more to steer the conversation the way I wanted. More on this later, but I'm learning how much of people-gauging skills interviewing really takes.

My article was supposed to be more biographical/"people-focused", but the conversation came out very much political and I didn't want to push it. So now I'm working fast to read up on the names, the references, write it up and kind of change my focus of the story. It also happens to be the first real interview I have done entirely in Spanish.

And tomorrow I face a much less interesting interview. Except I'm on the other end: explaining what makes me the perfect candidate to earn a ridiculously low amount of money in a position with many hours that certainly won't take advantage of my skill set and capabilities. But hey, all the world's a stage, right?