A cultural day of Georgian food, Russian history and Russian language with a Spanish speaking friend. 

Georgian Food

Everyone kept talking about the Georgian food in Moscow. Apparently Russians love the cuisine of their southern neighboring country, Georgia. I went with friends to give it a try and I am happy to say it is much more flavorful than the rather bland Russian cuisine. Cheese is very prevalent in the food. The restaurant we went to had about a 20 page menu, I don’t know if this is typical or not, but needless to say I had many non-cheese options to choose from.

I had the Khinkali, the Georgian dumpling, as an appetizer. For my main course I had some sort of pork, potato and vegetable dish. I also was able to try a few of my dining companions dishes including some sort of turkey kebabs and a bean dish. Of course I passed on the cheesy balls, the Khachapuri (cheese bread) and the cheese wrapped in eggplant. Overall I found the food to be tasty and a nice flavorful change from Russian food.

 

Victory Museum

In the afternoon I went with one of my Spanish friends to the Victory Museum. The museum focuses on the Great Patriotic War.

The Battle of Berlin dioramas were interesting to walk through, as were the many battle scenes they had on display. There was too much information to fully take in, but it is interesting to learn about WWII from another country’s perspective. As I was learning about the war, I was also brushing up on my Spanish speaking skills.

Russian Lessons

In the evening was my Russian class. I am happy to see that I am finally taking weekly lessons. I’m finding  myself to be quite the slow learner, but I am making progress nevertheless! Being able to read a few signs as I walk around the city gives me great joy. Lucky for me I am the only person in my group class, so I am getting a lot of attention. Unluckily for me, it can be quite obvious when I don’t spend as much time on my homework as I should. It reminds me to be more empathic and patient with my students as they are learning to read. It is crazy to be in that position of learning how to read all over again. Learning Spanish was a challenge, but it wasn’t as difficult learning the alphabet and pronouncing the sounds. I’m starting to learn the sounds but I have to pause before each letter to remember the sound it makes and then give my best attempt of blending them all together. Sometimes I get annoyed with my students about having to give in to their constant desires for praise, but then I notice in my lessons when I sound out a word, I want that praise too!!!

It is such an amazing feeling to speak in English, Spanish and Russian all in one day….and it is getting to the point where I am truly having conversations in all three languages! Well Russian just consists of a very slow how are you and where are you from, but I am going to count it. And when you throw in the Georgian food and Russian history it makes for a great cultural day.

Visiting Information

Where

Dzhondzholi Georgian Restaurant: Osenniy Bul’var, 10, Moskva, Russia, 121609

Victory Museum: Ploshchad’ Pobedy, 3, Moskva, Russia, 121170

Russian lessons: I found someone through the expat organization, Internations. Check out the language exchange groups and post in the forums if you would like a teacher/tutor.

How to get there

Dzhondzholi Georgian Restaurant: blue 3 metro line, stop Krylatskoye.

Victory Museum: blue 3 metro line, stop Park Pobedy

Read my Moscow Metro article to learn more about getting around the city.

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