Blog,  Life in Russia

Happy International Women’s Day (Belated) – 3/14/18

Last Thursday was International Women’s Day. I had to clarify several times that it was actually an international holiday and not just a Russian holiday. It is a major holiday in Russia and I couldn’t believe how much Russians do to celebrate. I do not even remember hearing about the holiday, much less getting anything special for it in the USA.

I wasn’t even aware of the holiday until two days before the actual day. I received a gift basket from one of my students. It looked like an Easter basket so I was just a bit confused if Easter was coming quicker than I expected. Then the next day I was interrupted mid-lesson with a flower delivery.

On the actual holiday, Thursday, there was barely anyone walking the streets in the morning. I later found out that other than my international school, Russian schools and other big businesses were closed. That night I went out of my way to go to the bank and about 10 steps away from the door I realized it would probably be closed……yup. It makes you think about all the big American holidays and the people who do not celebrate them or may not even be aware that is a holiday.

Usually my students’ moms or nannies pick them up and drop them off at school. When the dads are taking over the duty it’s another sign of a holiday. Most people were off Thursday and Friday as well.

The best part was the gifts I received! Seven families brought me presents. I only have 9 students so that is pretty good odds. I set up a nice little window display in my room to showcase the flowers, chocolates, and teas/coffees/jams that I received.

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For International Women’s Day flowers seem to be the most popular gift choice. From Wednesday to Friday it appeared like every other person walking down the street was carrying flowers. I wish I could have gotten a picture of this one man loading up his trunk with bouquet after bouquet of flowers. I did get a quick side picture of a flower shop and all the mess left behind from constant flower preparations. Unfortunately I didn’t snap one of the gigantic line inside the store.

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The Irish chocolate company’s motto of “purveyors of happiness” is spot on! The flowers are beautiful, but these chocolates are amazing! I can only hope there is another unknown holiday coming up that focuses on giving chocolates.

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