 |
 |
Anthony Kirby |
|
|
 |
| “This travelling thing was
a new experience for me. Before I knew it I thought I
found my self in the back seat of a taxi inbound to the
city Kaliningrad. I had just spent two days travelling,
now I'm holding on to the edge of my seat wondering to
my self "are all the roads here like this?"
I come from a little black dot on a map, a small city
in the southern United States, of about 60,000 people.
So Kaliningrad seemed enormous to me. Well I settled into
my apartment and with in a week I had adjusted quite well
to the city life of Kaliningrad. I discovered some thing
about this city. It is rich with beauty, culture, and
wonderful people. I soon met and befriended many great
people and I continue to learn more about this place and
culture every day. Even though I must return to the U.S.
a piece of my heart and life will be left here in Russia.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leanne Walker |
|
|
 |
| “There's a question in one
of my teaching units: "What is your favorite season?"
The vast majority of students say "Summer",
and now that we've had a taste of summer weather, I'm
beginning to understand. Summer is when Kaliningrad puts
on its most obvious display of beauty. But one or two
say, "All - every season has its own charm."
I find myself agreeing with this claim. I'd never lived
in a place where one needed a thermometer that could measure
degrees below zero (Celsius), so the starkness of bare
trees and ground when I arrived did not immediately appeal.
However, throughout winter, I never ceased to be enraptured
by the beautifying effect of a fresh covering of snow.
Winter has its delights. And it's only after a 'real'
winter that one can appreciate spring. For several weeks,
each day revealed more and more green shoots responding
to the sun's beckoning. Colours started to appear. The
fountains were turned on. Spring is an enchanting season.
Summer is approaching. I love sunshine - and of course
there is the ever-present appeal of the nearby beaches
and seaside forests. I'm yet to experience autumn, but
logic tells me that the transition from the abundant green
foliage I see around me now to the starkness of winter
must be marked by splendor. Every season has its charm.
Kaliningrad is a place of learning. For the Russians,
it provides a variety of universities and institutes,
as well as military, navy and police training centers.
For our students, it's a place where they learn English
and gain insights into live, culture and religion in the
English speaking areas of the world that each teacher
represents. And for me, it's a place where I'm learning
more about life, love, myself and the people who make
up our world. I've learned that in some parts of the world
it snows on Australia Day. I've learned that one should
not hurry on icy footpaths unless one wants to make a
quick journey in the direction assisted by gravity. I've
learned that a garlic press has many uses. I've learned
that one can survive a few hours without running water.
I've learned that the best way to really understand something
is to teach it - be it my own language, or a Bible story
that I've known since I was a child. And I've learned
from the people here, who count 'walking with my friends'
among their favorite pastimes, more of what it means to
stop and smell the roses. I'll never regret that I came
to Kaliningrad. For many in the world it continues to
be an easily overlooked place on a map. But for me, it's
a place where I'm forming friendships, learning lessons
and having experiences that will be special for the rest
of my life.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy Paul James Canham |
|
|
 |
“Kaliningrad - Hidden
Treasure
Russia, the largest country in the world, is lavished
in many historical treasures. It is blessed with the grace
of nature's beauty that gracefully paints its artistic
senses upon its land.
"You're going to
Russia?" was the question that was chanted across
my neighborhood. The stories that followed it were terrifying
nightmares that wavered my decision. Nevertheless, pictures
of this great land enticed me to sojourn to this splendiferous
country. Being in the Southern hemisphere, mandated a
preconception of this great country. Schools taught very
little about this great country and so I was not well
informed about the country of historical treasures. As
my enthusiasm to travel abroad left the ground, my heart
sunk with fear and sadness. I was leaving my homeland
for the first time to travel to a country I new nothing
about, but bombs, trees and very old people. Images of
people dressed in very old Scottish styled kilts and covered
in brown and gray looking overcoats kept me awake as I
flew to my destination.
On my arrival to Moscow, all my thoughts and conjured
impressions were shattered by a warm welcome of a frigid
airport. Moscow I thought, but as soon as I dwelled on
its impressions I was directed instead to a place I've
never heard of, Kaliningrad. This is the story of how
I came to Kaliningrad, a city of hidden treasure.
Kaliningrad is situated on the Baltic Coast between Poland
and Lithuania. However, this is not the treasure I am
speaking about. The hidden treasure of Kaliningrad is
its people, many of them carrying the memories of war
and the effects of their previous government. Their survival
and preservation of their city is amazing. Unlike many
other cities, the people here are mixed with a touch of
openness that sometimes can be misunderstood. In their
own way they go through each day with motivation to work
and vigor to live.
Traveling here is very interesting. You will meet a variety
of different faces. To ignore such a sea of interesting
countenances would be failure to enjoy the richness of
this city. I enjoy traveling in the public transport and
in the taxis.
Kaliningrad is a great city. My experience here has been
a wonderful one. I hope that you too would choose to come
to this city of hidden treasure.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
