доброе утра!
I went to the circus last night with one of my colleagues from the office, Valia, who was kind enough to take time away from her family and studies. Very interesting and dramatic event. Lots of animals which for me as with many of my friends and family, gives me some pause. The bears are especially tragic figures......
More on the цирк later though.
My walk to the Institute this morning was especially cold, though I am getting used to it quickly. It is not unlike Grinnell, Iowa in the dead of winter---where I spent my college days. When you are young these things do not phase you, but now....
Anyway, I had been quietly ruminating on how, despite the dreadful iciness and such on the roads here, everyone seemed particularly adept at driving without incident. It is generally a pedestrian nightmare at times but if you cross with the Russians you tend to be OK. Dogs and cats know this---at least the ones who are living. Anyway----two traffic accidents in one block. Very minor but quite a bit of damage. Participants matter of factly----almost mellow---in the post event machinations. I did not stick around for the aftermath so I wonder how these things get resolved
So, the circus--
Quite an affair. A permanent structure, quite old but very sturdy. We had seats up about 20 rows and had a very good view of everything. Brief comedy sketches, some very funny. Clowns. Amazing acrobatics and feats of strength, tap dancing, many dance routines, juggling. Very professional and efficient. Quick set changes---some involving intricate safety nets and such. I shall endeavor to post some video this evening. Right. The check is in the mail.
So the animals: My wife, Janet and I, along with many of our friends are animal lovers. All of them seemed well fed, coats glossy, peppy, and relatively happy---NOT what you see in American outfits---mangy, unhappy, subjected to loud noises etc. I shall list the actors: cats, dogs(mutts and poodles), leopards, monkeys, horses, parrots, cockatoos, bears, horses, and snakes. The bears seemed especially sad. ...walking around on their hind legs, muzzled, going through the motions. Valia echoed my sentiments when she said..."they should be free!"Leopards were affectionate and seemed sort of happy, rolling around for belly rubbing etc. The monkeys did a lot of horseback riding, dressed up in little outfits, but there is a sense that this is beneath them, and that they should not be there either. Cats and dogs have evolved over millenia to please humans in this way and are not tragic, but....
Birds looked a little like all captives.....missing some feathers, but seemingly healthy.
Lastly the snakes---huge white boa and another normally colored constrictor. How they fare in this cold is beyond me----though the arena was nice and warm. They were handled quite a bit, swung around a little, and a bit sluggish as any snake would be. But god I ache for their lot in life...can't describe it really.
All of these animals were extremely docile, smart, and very entertaining. The handlers seemed to love them and were kind at all times. No yelling really, no whips, lots of little treats.
We checked our coats and this became an interesting proposition at the conclusion. Lots of jostling, long lines. The elderly ladies in charge of this operation did some hustling at the end I must say. Many old people in this country work very hard---old fellas shoveling snow and chipping ice in apartment complexes, бабушкаs doing all sorts of things. Children must be quite the saving grace for some.
All for now; I am procrastinating preparing for my conference presentation on Wednesday. I have no idea what to expect, though everyone tells me to relax. I miss you all.
I went to the circus last night with one of my colleagues from the office, Valia, who was kind enough to take time away from her family and studies. Very interesting and dramatic event. Lots of animals which for me as with many of my friends and family, gives me some pause. The bears are especially tragic figures......
More on the цирк later though.
My walk to the Institute this morning was especially cold, though I am getting used to it quickly. It is not unlike Grinnell, Iowa in the dead of winter---where I spent my college days. When you are young these things do not phase you, but now....
Anyway, I had been quietly ruminating on how, despite the dreadful iciness and such on the roads here, everyone seemed particularly adept at driving without incident. It is generally a pedestrian nightmare at times but if you cross with the Russians you tend to be OK. Dogs and cats know this---at least the ones who are living. Anyway----two traffic accidents in one block. Very minor but quite a bit of damage. Participants matter of factly----almost mellow---in the post event machinations. I did not stick around for the aftermath so I wonder how these things get resolved
So, the circus--
Quite an affair. A permanent structure, quite old but very sturdy. We had seats up about 20 rows and had a very good view of everything. Brief comedy sketches, some very funny. Clowns. Amazing acrobatics and feats of strength, tap dancing, many dance routines, juggling. Very professional and efficient. Quick set changes---some involving intricate safety nets and such. I shall endeavor to post some video this evening. Right. The check is in the mail.
So the animals: My wife, Janet and I, along with many of our friends are animal lovers. All of them seemed well fed, coats glossy, peppy, and relatively happy---NOT what you see in American outfits---mangy, unhappy, subjected to loud noises etc. I shall list the actors: cats, dogs(mutts and poodles), leopards, monkeys, horses, parrots, cockatoos, bears, horses, and snakes. The bears seemed especially sad. ...walking around on their hind legs, muzzled, going through the motions. Valia echoed my sentiments when she said..."they should be free!"Leopards were affectionate and seemed sort of happy, rolling around for belly rubbing etc. The monkeys did a lot of horseback riding, dressed up in little outfits, but there is a sense that this is beneath them, and that they should not be there either. Cats and dogs have evolved over millenia to please humans in this way and are not tragic, but....
Birds looked a little like all captives.....missing some feathers, but seemingly healthy.
Lastly the snakes---huge white boa and another normally colored constrictor. How they fare in this cold is beyond me----though the arena was nice and warm. They were handled quite a bit, swung around a little, and a bit sluggish as any snake would be. But god I ache for their lot in life...can't describe it really.
All of these animals were extremely docile, smart, and very entertaining. The handlers seemed to love them and were kind at all times. No yelling really, no whips, lots of little treats.
We checked our coats and this became an interesting proposition at the conclusion. Lots of jostling, long lines. The elderly ladies in charge of this operation did some hustling at the end I must say. Many old people in this country work very hard---old fellas shoveling snow and chipping ice in apartment complexes, бабушкаs doing all sorts of things. Children must be quite the saving grace for some.
All for now; I am procrastinating preparing for my conference presentation on Wednesday. I have no idea what to expect, though everyone tells me to relax. I miss you all.
