Tag Archives: vodka
holiday party

Day 121: Fruit is the Last Thing I Want as a Beer Snack (a Ukraine memory)

By on May 3, 2011 in Soviet Travel, Ukraine

Sliced oranges, banana halves and apples were all dropped on the table by Ukrainian friends, and she couldn’t help but comment on the fact that this is the exact type of thing you *should* be eating when imbibing alcohol. I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but think how bad I wanted some salted peanuts, some cheesy nachos and some spicy salsa to go with my drinks. Is this a cultural thing?

May 3, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 3 }
Day 48: Epic Train Journeys Rock So Let’s Build One Together

Day 48: Epic Train Journeys Rock So Let’s Build One Together

By on February 18, 2011 in Russia, Soviet Travel

We all know that the amazing Vodkatrain made me beyond excited… Read more, as read in my post, and it turns out it made a few of you excited as well. Go you! You obviously have awesome taste for adventure and travel, so I was thinking…
I was thinking that maybe we could all team up and put together a totally

February 18, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 19 }

Day 46: Teaching English in Ukraine – How I Got My Teaching Gig in Kiev

By on February 15, 2011 in Soviet Travel, Ukraine

I get quite a few emails asking me about how I got my job teaching English in Ukraine, so now is as good a time as ever to divulge my lovely bits of insider information. If you happen to be one of those interested in an extended immersion into this former Soviet country, then listen up!
I never thought … Read more

February 15, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 13 }
vodka pitcher

Day 45: Vodkatrain – A Passion for Vodka, Travel & the Former Soviet Union

By on February 14, 2011 in Russia, Soviet Travel

What is it about former Soviet countries that sucks me in? I haven’t quite figured it out, but something about these somewhat stark areas makes me want to get up, book a ticket and try to deal with all the red tape involved in actually getting there.
I rediscovered this unique passion just the other day.… Read more Pat and I made

February 14, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 25 }

Fat, Unhealthy Americans

By on February 24, 2009 in Soviet Travel, Ukraine

“Most Americans aren’t in good physical condition because they don’t exercise enough.”
“No matter how unhealthy it maybe be, Americans love fast food.”
“Who do you think is healthier: Americans or Ukrainians?”… Read more
If you haven’t guessed it already, this is material I have to teach. At first I laughed a bit. Now, I find myself getting angry. The amount of

February 24, 2009 · Read full story · Comments { 21 }
Well hello there, 2009! Guest blogging, travel planning, and more!

Well hello there, 2009! Guest blogging, travel planning, and more!

By on January 6, 2009 in Soviet Travel, Ukraine, Writing

With only one word to describe 2009, I think I would have to go with sneaky. Yes, 2009 – you little sneak, you – you are definitely here now in full-force, but only after giving me quite the impressive surprise party on New Year’s Eve. Thank you, Kiev, for that one. The twenty minute fireworks display and the free concert… Read more

January 6, 2009 · Read full story · Comments { 5 }

Food, Vodka, and More Vodka

By on April 27, 2008 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

One of the perks of being involved with a language school is meeting all the interesting people that come and go. We have a nice little community of people to hang out with, which also opens the door for meeting other Kyrgyz families. This week, Ryan and I were invited over to Jamie’s host family’s “mansion” for a typical dinner… Read more

April 27, 2008 · Read full story · Comments { 2 }
Rocking out in a bomb shelter.

Rocking out in a bomb shelter.

By on April 19, 2008 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Bishkek is chock full of surprises! When I planned this trip a few months back, I had no idea how truly interesting this city would be. From learning Russian to jam-packed marshrutka rides, my weekdays are pretty much booked, but the weekends tell a whole different story.
Last weekend I was enticed into attending a local rock concert. Generally into… Read more

April 19, 2008 · Read full story · Comments { 0 }