This is the best read and viewing on the entire internet .. I found it very moving, heart breaking, comical in parts, inspiring and humble. No Nika or musical finale today though, but I can forgive that... Thank you for posting Edward.
"...it more closely resembles a national wake in which Russians gather for the most painful and rewarding of human endeavors: Remembering—or at least trying not to forget"
to Amy Harlib: I, like you, are older than young, som it always delights me to discover something new -- like, for example, an "eccentric yoga entertainer".
I told a russian colleague of mine a while back about your blogg and how Riley has become Roman. He nodded sagely and just said "of course".
Weirdly enough, your description of the festivities sounds like much of any I have ever attended, which just goes to show how right my granny was, when she said, we are all just human after all 🤣
A lovely piece, Edward. The only such look into normal life in rural Russia that I have ever seen - and, of course, a pleasant one.
I keep trying to suggest to Sam of 'Sam's Russian Adventures' on Youtube that he do like that but he's nowhere as intimately involved with the people as yourself for he's not Russian save by adoption: he is/was English.
And the Russian girl on Youtube 'Eli from Russia' she still fails to give that sort of 'looking' though she gets much closer than Sam, of course.
Bald and Bankrupt was the greatest until Russia kicked him out, but I still follow his adventures everywhere else, such as former Soviet republic, Tajikistan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBBiFhhY2to
If I may humbling suggest… adorable cuteness and disarming charm of reportage may be further enhanced by time-honoured Russian tendency to leave out unnecessary words.
To take a paragraph in point, which could read as,
“Our story begins at 10:55 am on unacceptably snowy May 9, at village’s Great Patriotic War memorial… located between abandoned boarded-up grocery store and brand new bus stop…propped up with large tree branches after large gust of wind carried it down street last week.”
In the US "Memorial Day" is celebrated with massive sales either online, or in stores. Shopping, rather than booze is the selected option.😁
"In an address to the nation on the evening of the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush reassured the public that “our financial institutions remain strong” and the American economy was still “open for business.” He would go on to tell people to “get down to Disney World in Florida."
This is the best read and viewing on the entire internet .. I found it very moving, heart breaking, comical in parts, inspiring and humble. No Nika or musical finale today though, but I can forgive that... Thank you for posting Edward.
Thank you Edward.
"...it more closely resembles a national wake in which Russians gather for the most painful and rewarding of human endeavors: Remembering—or at least trying not to forget"
Passages like this are why I read you these days.
to Amy Harlib: I, like you, are older than young, som it always delights me to discover something new -- like, for example, an "eccentric yoga entertainer".
Wonderful slice of Russian life!
Funny, wholesome, and poignant all in one. One of the gems of Substack.
"[...] my dear neighbor strongly advised to me marry the daughter of the local butcher."
I look forward to hearing more about this exciting development!
I hear Netflix just picked it up as a series. Starring Lizzo as the butchers daughter.
Does she know about this idea?
Maybe not! That's part of the excitement.
I told a russian colleague of mine a while back about your blogg and how Riley has become Roman. He nodded sagely and just said "of course".
Weirdly enough, your description of the festivities sounds like much of any I have ever attended, which just goes to show how right my granny was, when she said, we are all just human after all 🤣
When is the wedding? 😃
I guess Nika and the puppies would bark at the prospect of having a butcher as Riley's stepfather.
Where is Nika, she never answered my question! Must be too busy keeping Riley from marrying just anybody, she must have a good tractor.
The As to the Qs will be published next week. Nika says sorry for the wait.
Cool! Stay well, Roman.🙃🤣🤣🤣💪
Drinking and remembrance are the hallmarks of a civilized people.
In your honor, I'm going to become more civil about now.
Thank you for the touching way you shared this experience.
You'd be a fool not to! - Not to marry the butcher's daughter, I mean. ;)
A lovely piece, Edward. The only such look into normal life in rural Russia that I have ever seen - and, of course, a pleasant one.
I keep trying to suggest to Sam of 'Sam's Russian Adventures' on Youtube that he do like that but he's nowhere as intimately involved with the people as yourself for he's not Russian save by adoption: he is/was English.
And the Russian girl on Youtube 'Eli from Russia' she still fails to give that sort of 'looking' though she gets much closer than Sam, of course.
So I reckon it is great. Thanks. :)
Would like the words for that song though.
http://sovmusic.ru/text.php?fname=vasvas
Thank you for that.
I am pleased to have it.
Google translate makes a poor job of it I think but I'll get a better translation later..
Sure seems awful sad.
:)
ahh chat gpt gave me this... even made it rhyme. much better:
Title: Вася-Василек
Verse 1:
What's wrong, Vasya, why so down,
Hanging your head, wearing a frown?
Your bright eyes are clouded, it seems,
Why so gloomy, lost in dreams?
With jest and laughter, you used to roam,
What happened to you, dear Vasya, at home?
Oh, darling,
Oh, Vasya-Vasilek! Ah!
Chorus:
Not fitting for a warrior bold,
To dwell where sorrows unfold.
Even if reasons seem to weigh,
Never let despair hold sway,
Where sorrows unfold,
Never let despair hold sway,
Do not dismay!
Verse 2:
To fight the foe, that's another tale,
With jest, the heart shall prevail.
No letter from your beloved in sight,
Darkening thoughts, day and night.
Weeks pass by, no word arrives,
Understand, dear brother, our hearts strive.
Oh, darling,
Oh, Vasya-Vasilek! Ah!
Verse 3:
Why torment yourself, dear friend so true,
If she loves, a message will find you.
If she refuses to pen a line,
Then she's forgotten, it's a sign.
Understand, it's time to see,
She never loved you, it's meant to be.
Oh, darling,
Oh, Vasya-Vasilek! Ah!
Verse 4:
Lean on shoulder, friend to friend,
True friendship will never end.
If your heart burns with fiery desire,
A maiden will come, no need to tire.
Today's pain, don't let it bind,
Tomorrow, fortune, you will find.
Hold your head high, don't be meek,
Vasya-Vasilek, strong and sleek!
Oh, darling,
Oh, Vasya-Vasilek! Ah!
Bald and Bankrupt was the greatest until Russia kicked him out, but I still follow his adventures everywhere else, such as former Soviet republic, Tajikistan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBBiFhhY2to
I appreciated when Yes Theory went to Transnistria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXzhcfYlKFQ
Agent Nesty has a good sense of humour - https://www.youtube.com/@AgentNesty/videos
Well, wow... thanks for those links... three good ones in a row.... keepers. Great stuff. :)
Love your ‘Institute’ reports.
If I may humbling suggest… adorable cuteness and disarming charm of reportage may be further enhanced by time-honoured Russian tendency to leave out unnecessary words.
To take a paragraph in point, which could read as,
“Our story begins at 10:55 am on unacceptably snowy May 9, at village’s Great Patriotic War memorial… located between abandoned boarded-up grocery store and brand new bus stop…propped up with large tree branches after large gust of wind carried it down street last week.”
More punchy-cute, da?
In the US "Memorial Day" is celebrated with massive sales either online, or in stores. Shopping, rather than booze is the selected option.😁
"In an address to the nation on the evening of the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush reassured the public that “our financial institutions remain strong” and the American economy was still “open for business.” He would go on to tell people to “get down to Disney World in Florida."
🤣 ah, never let a good opportunity go to waste.
remembering Stalin's jews...written by an Israeli jew...https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3342999,00.html
The daughter of the local butcher might be skilled in handling your meat 😂
But if you double cross her, she might also be skilled in turning you into meat 🍖.
Double plus if she has plow experience as borat states here...
https://youtu.be/HgCfmTHLX6I
SO THERE IS NO ROGER WATERS, " US OR THEM "ITS ALL DEEP STATE EDOMITE LIZARD SCRIPTED POP THEATER ENTERTAINMENT EQUAL TIME PERSPECTIVE THANKS
NO WINNERS OR LOSERS JUST THE TRUTH PLEASE