Baptism, Brrr!, and Banya boys

I returned Thursday midday from the great northern city of Petropavlovsk. It’s the northern-most city in the country and is situated well within sub-Siberia. That said, it was quite chilly. The mail reason we went there is to take part in Крещение, which means “Baptism” in Russian. I’m still a bit foggy about the true meaning of why they celebrate on January 19^th; is it to remember Jesus’ baptism? To remember our own baptisms? I’m not sure of the meaning, but this is what happens:

- Holes in the shape of crosses are cut into the ice and the water blessed by the preacher – people fill jugs and bottles to later bathe with.

- Other holes are cut and wooden frames are inserted, complete with stairs. People then strip down to either their underwear or a bathing suit and climb in and dunk thrice.

- Run back to the big tent to dry off and change!!!

The following day was a teacher’s conference. Zach and I led a discussion with local English teachers about the use of both internet and humor in their lessons as a way to make them more interesting than the typical grammar and translate method that most teachers here use to “teach” English.

Later that evening, we gathered at one volunteer’s apartment to huddle around his laptop and listen to the inauguration of the new president. For some, it was quite an emotional event, but moreover, I enjoyed everyone’s company. I got to meet some of the new volunteers that just arrived last November.

But now that I’ve returned to Pavlodar, it’s time to get serious about what I’m doing. Work is one priority. But language is another that’s really on my mind. Peace Corps focuses on our speaking and understanding, but reading and writing are also important aspects and will help build style and vocabulary when speaking. I’ve also been trying to get into Russian comedy, which is quite different than ours. And so I’ve started writing little page-long compositions. Maybe if I decide one is good enough, I’ll put it here in both languages one day.

And lastly, Olga and I have decided to give it another go, but take things a bit more slowly this time.

Ringing in the Old New Year with volunteers and staff from ОФ Challenge, an HIV/AIDS organization I work with once a week.


Dancing with the director, Elena Bondereva.


Director's son, Alex - really nice, original, and funny guy.


Snow storm! It was worse before this, but I didn't take a picture until later.


Except for the lady in blue, these are the people I go to banya with every Thursday. After banya routine: food and a bottle of vodka.


Cross-country skiing - I'm not very good.


Olga and I taking a break on the frozen river.


Mike, Phil, and Joe putting on a concert in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan.


Dancing with Suzannah.


Zach Scheid, dipping in the frozen waters.


What a great expression!


We did it!


A cross made from ice bricks with a saint on a board in front of it.


For those who wished not to swim, you can get water that is blessed and wash with it later at home.


Pretty grove of trees.


Aaron, myself, and Zach, warming up at a cafe afterwards.