November 21, 2010 2:35 pm Yakutsk time
Well, I had mixed feelings when I heard about the fight results back home. I am very happy that Mike achieved his second MMA victory and disappointed to hear that Jessee suffered a loss. These things happen.
Other than that, it has been a great birthday weekend for me.
On Friday, Olga, Polina, and I were picked up and taken to a city on the outskirts of Yakutsk. Once there, we met up with other international martial arts instructors here for the International Martial Arts Festival.
We were taken to the city of Pokrovsk, about an hour outside of Yakutsk.
Upon arriving, we were taken to the Lena River. The Lena is the 10th largest river in the world and is the 2nd largest in Russia. It flows into the Arctic Ocean. I have visited the Lena every other time I have been to Yakutsk, however, this was my first time in the winter.
The river was frozen and we were taken there to go ice fishing. We walked out onto the river. The host said that the ice we were walking on was only about 20 centimeters thick and that the river was about 5 meters deep beneath us.
We really didn’t do much as far as fishing goes. We just watched the process as the fisherman checked his lines at the 3 holes he had in the ice. The fish we caught were a type of catfish native to the area.
After that, we toured the city and were the honored guests at the grand opening of a martial arts school. We took part in the ceremony which had all of us drink horse milk from a traditional Yakut cup while an old Yakut shaman sang a song.
The students of the school did an exhibition of their styles and culture. It was very interesting. The kids that did the judo demo were especially outstanding.
We were also guests of honor at a crafts exhibit where we were introduced to local artists, including blacksmiths that make traditional Yakut edged weaponry. Like the Japanese Samurai swords, the Yakut swords are folded and hammered steel. The Japanese and Yakuts were the only ones of that era that made blades in that particular shape.
From there, we went to a local school and were given the honor of handing awards to winners of a children’s art contest. Going along with the theme of the martial arts festival, the kids were asked to draw something to do with martial arts. The artwork was impressive in all age groups.
We finished the day by going to the VIP room at the local restaurant for dinner and toasts. As is tradition here, we sat at a long table and each of us was introduced to the group. The introduction includes who we are, what our martial arts background is, and how we are involved in the event.
After the introduction, you give say a brief toast. After everyone at the table has been introduced, dinner is over and vodka bottles are empty.
On Saturday, the international instructors attended a press conference. We were asked questions mostly pertaining to the Festival.
Later, we went to the Festival and watched Muay Thai, San da, K-1, and MMA matches. There were also several demonstrations performed by the local martial arts schools in between watching fights.
I was very impressed with the skills of the Yakut fighters. Their kickboxing program has really become formidable. The Muay Thai tournament was between Mongolia and Yakutsk. It ended with 3-1 in favor of Yakutsk.
On Sunday, I attended the International Martial Arts Forum. While there, I did a short speech about the application of modern science to martial arts. The Mongolian instructor, Thailand instructor, and I were inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation.
That evening, we attended the Festival again. There were more Muay Thai matches. The final match of the night was for the Asian championship title. It was Yakutsk vs Thailand. The fighters got off to a slow start, but made it exciting later with dynamic sweeps and lightning fast combinations.
After the fights, we went to the awards banquet and received awards for participating in the Festival.
I made some valuable contacts including the Minister of Sports for Republic of Sakha, Eastern Russian President of Combat Sambo Federation, President of the Mongolian Kickboxing Federation, President of the Russian Kickboxing Federation, President of Eastern Russian Wushu Federation, Secretary of Federation of Wushu and Sanda from Laonihn, China.
I was asked to bring a team of MMA fighters to next year’s Festival.
November 25, 2010 1:42 pm Yakutsk time
Last night I visited the Budo Center and did a seminar for Sambo, Judo, Aikido, and Jujitsu students. It was a nice school with very attentive students. The instructor, Sergy was my uke for the demonstrations. He will be my uke again at Genshinkan this Friday when I go there for another seminar.
While there, I was interviewed by another local sports newspaper. The reporter was also interested in my Scottish heritage. It seems he is a big fan of the movie “Highlander” with Christopher Lambert. I must admit, it is one of my favorites as well.
November 29, 2010 2:46 am
Well, we are flying from Yakutsk to Moscow later this morning. So much has been happening in the last several days that is worthy of writing about, yet, I haven’t had time to write. Anyway, I have a lot of big news for the dojo when we get home.
Leaving Yakutsk is always hard for Olga. She doesn’t get to see her family very often and gets to see her homeland even less. This is the first time she has been home in the winter since 2001.
Leaving will be especially difficult for little Malcolm. He has had a wonderful time here with his family. He adores his little 4 month old cousin Olga. He clowns around for her to make her smile and laugh. When someone brings her into the room, he stops whatever he is doing to go see her.
Also, every day, he makes it a point to spend time with his 98 year old great-great grandmother. He does this totally on his own, just because he loves her.
Living in the apartment with all these family members has kept him entertained (or entertaining) constantly. He will miss that for sure.
Anyway, I just wanted everyone to know that while I am looking forward to coming home to the states, leaving Yakutsk isn’t easy for any of us. We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends back in Oregon, but we will be leaving others behind here in Russia.
See you soon.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November 18, 2010 3:11 pm Yakutsk time
On the 12th, we celebrated Malcolm’s birthday with the family. His real birthday is February 12, but since we won’t be with the Russian family at that time, we had a birthday party for him.
Vitya’s birthday was on the 13th. So, we woke him up with flowers and the traditional “Congratulations” cheer.
We have been very busy visiting friends and fellow martial artists. A few days ago, I met with the president of the Russia’s International Martial Arts Federation. This weekend will be the International Martial Arts Festival. It will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At the festival, I will be inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation. I will be the first American to receive such an honor. I have also been asked to do a speech on Sunday. The topic for the speech is the use of science in martial arts. I’m looking forward to it.
Last night I taught a “master class” to junior Judo and Sambo students at the Gerisamov dojo. I also spent some time with MMA hopefuls.
While at the dojo, I was interviewed by a local sports reporter named Alexander. He was the same reporter that did the special on our guys back in 2006. Two years ago, he was involved in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Fortunately, he is able to continue working in the profession he loves. I couldn’t help but admire his optimistic outlook on his own life.
Sadly, the medical community here is not advanced enough to do much for him. He has had a difficult time finding funding to support physical therapy. We hope to find some kind of helpful information for him in the states upon our return.
Tonight, I will visit Gerisamov’s banya. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to give perspective.
I haven’t had a chance to randori again. I will next week for sure, as it will be our last week in Yakutsk. I will also pay of visit to Shihan Silistein at the Genshinkan dojo.
...more video coming soon.
On the 12th, we celebrated Malcolm’s birthday with the family. His real birthday is February 12, but since we won’t be with the Russian family at that time, we had a birthday party for him.
Vitya’s birthday was on the 13th. So, we woke him up with flowers and the traditional “Congratulations” cheer.
We have been very busy visiting friends and fellow martial artists. A few days ago, I met with the president of the Russia’s International Martial Arts Federation. This weekend will be the International Martial Arts Festival. It will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At the festival, I will be inducted into the International Martial Arts Federation. I will be the first American to receive such an honor. I have also been asked to do a speech on Sunday. The topic for the speech is the use of science in martial arts. I’m looking forward to it.
Last night I taught a “master class” to junior Judo and Sambo students at the Gerisamov dojo. I also spent some time with MMA hopefuls.
While at the dojo, I was interviewed by a local sports reporter named Alexander. He was the same reporter that did the special on our guys back in 2006. Two years ago, he was involved in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Fortunately, he is able to continue working in the profession he loves. I couldn’t help but admire his optimistic outlook on his own life.
Sadly, the medical community here is not advanced enough to do much for him. He has had a difficult time finding funding to support physical therapy. We hope to find some kind of helpful information for him in the states upon our return.
Tonight, I will visit Gerisamov’s banya. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to give perspective.
I haven’t had a chance to randori again. I will next week for sure, as it will be our last week in Yakutsk. I will also pay of visit to Shihan Silistein at the Genshinkan dojo.
...more video coming soon.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
...catching up
November 7, 2010 5:44pm
Today Olga and I went to Gerisamov’s dojo. He asked me to come there and do a “master class” for some of his 12-16 year old Judo and Sambo champions. We spent about 2 hours going over grip fighting techniques and then another hour on grappling. The students worked very hard and displayed the discipline that is what champions are made of.
We took a lot of video, so I will put together a highlight video to post on youtube. The camcorder battery went dead before we finished the grappling portion, but there is still a lot of good footage.
Tomorrow I will go teach another “master class” for adult Judoka at a local university. I will probably go over some of the same stuff as I did with the juniors today. I have been told that tomorrow I will have some people my size to practice with. This makes me happy.
Gerisamov invited me to his banya tonight at 7pm. He has one of the best saunas I have been to here. Usually a Russian Banya experience means eating, drinking toasts, and sitting in the sauna with a group of peers. Many Russian business deals are done in the sauna. It is tradition as a way of showing that you are not hiding anything and everything is out in the open…literally.
Speaking of business, Gerisamov and I have begun plans to bring a Russian Judo/Sambo team to visit and train with us in the states, as well as getting things started for our 2012 Judo team coming to compete in the International Games of Asia.
When I return to the states, we will begin our tryout and training process for athletes and coaches.
Well, it’s off to the banya…
November 8, 2010 1:19 am
Wow…I should have taken the camcorder with me to Gerisamov’s banya (sauna). Tonight’s banya was not like the previous experiences I have had in the summertime. Tonight, it was -30 degrees Celsius, so this was a “winter banya”. The process went like this. First, we stripped down to nothing but a wool hat. Next we entered the heated up banya where we sat and discussed Judo, Sambo, BJJ, MMA, and future plans. Then Gerisamov beat us with eucalyptus branches (as a form of massage and exfoliation). After that, we went outside to the 30 below weather and rubbed snow all over our bodies. Then we return to sit in the banya for several more minutes. After cooling off and a quick shower, we got dressed and went into the dacha for dinner and more conversation.
At dinner, Gerisamov put together a schedule for my next few weeks here. I will teach Judo/Sambo “master classes” to the teens 2 days a week, to the adults 2 days a week, and train some MMA competitors on the weekends. I was also invited to help coach at an international Sambo tournament that is scheduled for later this month. Exciting stuff.
November 8, 2010 8:15 pm
I managed to go to the gym today. While I was running on the treadmill, Olga came over to me and asked, “Is the smoke in here coming from your machine?”
I thought, “surely I am not running so fast that I’m buring up the treadmill.”
About 10 minutes later, the treadmill stopped. I thought I had accidently pushed the stop button. I was only about 3 minutes short of finishing my run, so I decided that I would just be finished.
A couple of minutes later, a local came over to Olga and me and asked us if the machine was broken. Apparently, I had run the machine into the ground. I felt a small sense of pride along with my sense of guilt for breaking the treadmill.
Later in the day, Olga, Vitya, and I visited the “Sport University” where I taught a “master class” (seminar) to senior Judo students. I was amazed at how quiet the class was when I was demonstrating techniques. I am also always impressed with the work ethic of the Judo/Sambo students here.
We spent about an hour working on cross sleeve grip techniques and then about 45 minutes on groundwork. I found it ironic that I ended segment by teaching leg locks. I mean really…leg locks to the Russians?
Anyway, it was fun and I am looking forward to doing some randori with them tomorrow and then visiting Gerisamov’s banya again.
November 9, 11:12 pm Yakutsk time
Wow, I’m tired. We walked to the gym today and got in a pretty good workout. We then went to the big dojo in town for randori with some of the top talent in the area. We arrived too late for me to take part in the grappling randori.
Instead I got to do some 5 minute matches of tachi-waza (standing techniques) with some very tough opponents. I’m pretty sure I either broke or dislocated my middle finger while grip fighting with my first opponent. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow to decide whether I will see a doctor or not.
The grip fighting skills and grip strength of the first guy was amazing. Especially considering I probably outweigh him by 40lbs. Anyway, I got in some semi-good throws throughout the matches. I will post some highlight video. I might even include a couple clips of myself being thrown.
I felt really slow and sluggish on my randori today. However, I do feel that I did pretty well considering I was going against national champs that are 10 and 20 years my junior. Hooray for us old guys!
Even though I was looking forward to the ground work, it was the stand up that I truly needed. I will most likely go back for more this Friday.
I didn’t make it to Gerisamov’s Banya tonight. Instead, I will hit it on Saturday and Sunday this week. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to get some film of what a Russian Banya looks like.
Today Olga and I went to Gerisamov’s dojo. He asked me to come there and do a “master class” for some of his 12-16 year old Judo and Sambo champions. We spent about 2 hours going over grip fighting techniques and then another hour on grappling. The students worked very hard and displayed the discipline that is what champions are made of.
We took a lot of video, so I will put together a highlight video to post on youtube. The camcorder battery went dead before we finished the grappling portion, but there is still a lot of good footage.
Tomorrow I will go teach another “master class” for adult Judoka at a local university. I will probably go over some of the same stuff as I did with the juniors today. I have been told that tomorrow I will have some people my size to practice with. This makes me happy.
Gerisamov invited me to his banya tonight at 7pm. He has one of the best saunas I have been to here. Usually a Russian Banya experience means eating, drinking toasts, and sitting in the sauna with a group of peers. Many Russian business deals are done in the sauna. It is tradition as a way of showing that you are not hiding anything and everything is out in the open…literally.
Speaking of business, Gerisamov and I have begun plans to bring a Russian Judo/Sambo team to visit and train with us in the states, as well as getting things started for our 2012 Judo team coming to compete in the International Games of Asia.
When I return to the states, we will begin our tryout and training process for athletes and coaches.
Well, it’s off to the banya…
November 8, 2010 1:19 am
Wow…I should have taken the camcorder with me to Gerisamov’s banya (sauna). Tonight’s banya was not like the previous experiences I have had in the summertime. Tonight, it was -30 degrees Celsius, so this was a “winter banya”. The process went like this. First, we stripped down to nothing but a wool hat. Next we entered the heated up banya where we sat and discussed Judo, Sambo, BJJ, MMA, and future plans. Then Gerisamov beat us with eucalyptus branches (as a form of massage and exfoliation). After that, we went outside to the 30 below weather and rubbed snow all over our bodies. Then we return to sit in the banya for several more minutes. After cooling off and a quick shower, we got dressed and went into the dacha for dinner and more conversation.
At dinner, Gerisamov put together a schedule for my next few weeks here. I will teach Judo/Sambo “master classes” to the teens 2 days a week, to the adults 2 days a week, and train some MMA competitors on the weekends. I was also invited to help coach at an international Sambo tournament that is scheduled for later this month. Exciting stuff.
November 8, 2010 8:15 pm
I managed to go to the gym today. While I was running on the treadmill, Olga came over to me and asked, “Is the smoke in here coming from your machine?”
I thought, “surely I am not running so fast that I’m buring up the treadmill.”
About 10 minutes later, the treadmill stopped. I thought I had accidently pushed the stop button. I was only about 3 minutes short of finishing my run, so I decided that I would just be finished.
A couple of minutes later, a local came over to Olga and me and asked us if the machine was broken. Apparently, I had run the machine into the ground. I felt a small sense of pride along with my sense of guilt for breaking the treadmill.
Later in the day, Olga, Vitya, and I visited the “Sport University” where I taught a “master class” (seminar) to senior Judo students. I was amazed at how quiet the class was when I was demonstrating techniques. I am also always impressed with the work ethic of the Judo/Sambo students here.
We spent about an hour working on cross sleeve grip techniques and then about 45 minutes on groundwork. I found it ironic that I ended segment by teaching leg locks. I mean really…leg locks to the Russians?
Anyway, it was fun and I am looking forward to doing some randori with them tomorrow and then visiting Gerisamov’s banya again.
November 9, 11:12 pm Yakutsk time
Wow, I’m tired. We walked to the gym today and got in a pretty good workout. We then went to the big dojo in town for randori with some of the top talent in the area. We arrived too late for me to take part in the grappling randori.
Instead I got to do some 5 minute matches of tachi-waza (standing techniques) with some very tough opponents. I’m pretty sure I either broke or dislocated my middle finger while grip fighting with my first opponent. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow to decide whether I will see a doctor or not.
The grip fighting skills and grip strength of the first guy was amazing. Especially considering I probably outweigh him by 40lbs. Anyway, I got in some semi-good throws throughout the matches. I will post some highlight video. I might even include a couple clips of myself being thrown.
I felt really slow and sluggish on my randori today. However, I do feel that I did pretty well considering I was going against national champs that are 10 and 20 years my junior. Hooray for us old guys!
Even though I was looking forward to the ground work, it was the stand up that I truly needed. I will most likely go back for more this Friday.
I didn’t make it to Gerisamov’s Banya tonight. Instead, I will hit it on Saturday and Sunday this week. I will be sure to take the camcorder with me to get some film of what a Russian Banya looks like.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
November 3, 2010 3:24 pm Yakutsk time
Today, Olga and I walked to ProFit. The temperature was somewhere around -20 Celsius. At that temperature, you can feel the moisture in your nostrils freeze when you inhale.
After we got back from our workout, we loaded onto a “bus” with the rest of the family and headed out to see the annual ice sculptures. As traveled further out of town, I recognized the terrain as the route we usually take in the summer time to get to the Lena River. We go camping on the beach at the river. The Lena is the second largest river in Russia.
Anyway, this time our destination was not the river, but instead some old retired mine shafts. The mine shafts had been converted into a type of “frozen museum” of ice sculptures. We had a guide that led us through the tunnels and explained each piece of art as we got to them. We took some really good pictures and video. I will post something soon.
The roads here are horrible in the summer time. In my opinion, they are actually better during the cold season. However, our bus still managed to get stuck twice while on our way to the mines. After we got unstuck, Olga reminded me that I had the camcorder, but I was too late.
What’s funny about getting stuck is that once it was on a turnout part of the road that the driver really didn’t need to travel on in order to get where we needed to go. Another funny thing was that it was on large loose gravel. There was a water truck spaying down the gravel to make it freeze and therefore easier to navigate through. Whatever works!
Malcolm really enjoys the snow and actually seems to like the cold. He has a blast walking and listening to the sound of the snow crunching beneath his feet.
I also think he is having a bit of a growth spurt while we are here. He has been eating anything we have put in front of him, including beef tongue (yuck!). He still isn’t interested in caviar or fish, but give him time.
Today, Olga and I walked to ProFit. The temperature was somewhere around -20 Celsius. At that temperature, you can feel the moisture in your nostrils freeze when you inhale.
After we got back from our workout, we loaded onto a “bus” with the rest of the family and headed out to see the annual ice sculptures. As traveled further out of town, I recognized the terrain as the route we usually take in the summer time to get to the Lena River. We go camping on the beach at the river. The Lena is the second largest river in Russia.
Anyway, this time our destination was not the river, but instead some old retired mine shafts. The mine shafts had been converted into a type of “frozen museum” of ice sculptures. We had a guide that led us through the tunnels and explained each piece of art as we got to them. We took some really good pictures and video. I will post something soon.
The roads here are horrible in the summer time. In my opinion, they are actually better during the cold season. However, our bus still managed to get stuck twice while on our way to the mines. After we got unstuck, Olga reminded me that I had the camcorder, but I was too late.
What’s funny about getting stuck is that once it was on a turnout part of the road that the driver really didn’t need to travel on in order to get where we needed to go. Another funny thing was that it was on large loose gravel. There was a water truck spaying down the gravel to make it freeze and therefore easier to navigate through. Whatever works!
Malcolm really enjoys the snow and actually seems to like the cold. He has a blast walking and listening to the sound of the snow crunching beneath his feet.
I also think he is having a bit of a growth spurt while we are here. He has been eating anything we have put in front of him, including beef tongue (yuck!). He still isn’t interested in caviar or fish, but give him time.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
October 29, 2010 11:38 am
It was -15 degrees Celsius today with no wind. Olga and I are going to walk to the gym so that I can run on the treadmill and then spend some time in the infrared sauna.
Continued…8:20 pm
I had a good run on the treadmill and spent half an hour in the infrared sauna. One of the things I love about Russia is the sauna. Many dachas and some apartments here have saunas. The Russians treat it as preventative medicine as well as a type of recreation.
Sensei Gerisamov boasts that he has the best sauna in the area. In 2006 he treated our group to a proper Russian Banya (sauna). This meant getting a flogging with birch branches. It is supposed to serve as an exfoliation and bit of massage. The guys were a bit apprehensive, so I through myself in front of the herd and went first. It was awesome. After I received my treatment, they each took a turn and did not regret it.
My experience today wasn’t quite like that, but it was very refreshing nonetheless. I had an entire sauna to myself for the entire half hour. Olga was nearby reading her a book. Over my years of coming here to visit, the banya has always been one of my favorite things. I have done a lot of research and came to the conclusion long ago that we need one at our dojo. Someday…someday.
October 30, 2010 11:39pm
Today was Olga’s and Vera’s birthday. We celebrated as is Yemelyanov family tradition by waking them with flowers and offering them birthday congratulations. The temperature today was -20 degrees Celsius.
Most of the day was spent with me taking care of Malcolm while the family prepared the house and dinner for the Birthday party. Tonight we just had immediate family. Tomorrow night is the big jubilee party. We are expecting over 30 guests…all in this apartment.
November 1, 2010 1:56 am
Well, tonight (Sunday night) we had Olga’s and Vera’s big birthday celebration. We showed the birthday video compilation to the friends and family in attendance. Everyone loved it. Thank everyone that contributed and especially those that took the time to video and email the clips to us. Luckily Polina and Vitya both have experience in video production and were able to take the clips and put together a quality video. We will be sure to put it on DVD and make copies for anyone that would like one.
We also took plenty of video and pictures of the jubilee celebration tonight. I will post some highlights after I get some rest.
I read a few posts on Facebook about the Dynamic MMA Halloween party. It sounds like it went pretty well and people had a good time. As I have said before, the Halloween party is one of my favorite events that we do. I’m glad everyone had fun.
It was -15 degrees Celsius today with no wind. Olga and I are going to walk to the gym so that I can run on the treadmill and then spend some time in the infrared sauna.
Continued…8:20 pm
I had a good run on the treadmill and spent half an hour in the infrared sauna. One of the things I love about Russia is the sauna. Many dachas and some apartments here have saunas. The Russians treat it as preventative medicine as well as a type of recreation.
Sensei Gerisamov boasts that he has the best sauna in the area. In 2006 he treated our group to a proper Russian Banya (sauna). This meant getting a flogging with birch branches. It is supposed to serve as an exfoliation and bit of massage. The guys were a bit apprehensive, so I through myself in front of the herd and went first. It was awesome. After I received my treatment, they each took a turn and did not regret it.
My experience today wasn’t quite like that, but it was very refreshing nonetheless. I had an entire sauna to myself for the entire half hour. Olga was nearby reading her a book. Over my years of coming here to visit, the banya has always been one of my favorite things. I have done a lot of research and came to the conclusion long ago that we need one at our dojo. Someday…someday.
October 30, 2010 11:39pm
Today was Olga’s and Vera’s birthday. We celebrated as is Yemelyanov family tradition by waking them with flowers and offering them birthday congratulations. The temperature today was -20 degrees Celsius.
Most of the day was spent with me taking care of Malcolm while the family prepared the house and dinner for the Birthday party. Tonight we just had immediate family. Tomorrow night is the big jubilee party. We are expecting over 30 guests…all in this apartment.
November 1, 2010 1:56 am
Well, tonight (Sunday night) we had Olga’s and Vera’s big birthday celebration. We showed the birthday video compilation to the friends and family in attendance. Everyone loved it. Thank everyone that contributed and especially those that took the time to video and email the clips to us. Luckily Polina and Vitya both have experience in video production and were able to take the clips and put together a quality video. We will be sure to put it on DVD and make copies for anyone that would like one.
We also took plenty of video and pictures of the jubilee celebration tonight. I will post some highlights after I get some rest.
I read a few posts on Facebook about the Dynamic MMA Halloween party. It sounds like it went pretty well and people had a good time. As I have said before, the Halloween party is one of my favorite events that we do. I’m glad everyone had fun.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Yakutsk, Russia--Larry Keith
October 27, 2010 12:03pm Yakutsk time…
Well, the family picked up Grandma Faye at the airport at 5:30 am today. She flew in from Novosibirsk to be here for the birthday celebrations. Grandfather Visalia will be flying in from Moscow tomorrow. There are currently 12 people living in this 3 bedroom apartment. The sleeping quarters aren’t as much of a challenge as the living space when everyone is up and around.
One advantage to having all of us in one apartment is that Malcolm is constantly entertained. As soon as he is finished socializing with one family member, another one is close by. He is also infatuated with baby Olga, Vera’s 3 months old baby. She is my very first niece and Malcolm’s cousin. Any time she sounds uncomfortable, Malcolm is right there to help get her smiling again.
Malcolm has also been interacting with his great-great Grandmother Polya. She is 98 years old and spends most of her time in her bed these days. Malcolm sets up an altar and performs Russian Orthodox Church service for her every day. She loves every second of it. (I’ll post video soon)
It did snow a little bit overnight, so the city looks a little whiter this morning. Hopefully, the clouds rolling in means that it will snow again today. The cold seems a little more worthwhile if there’s snow to go along with it.
Victor and I went to the gym today. I had a pretty good workout. I was feeling pretty weak, having not worked out for nearly a month.
I will try to put together a couple more clips of activities with the family and outings. We really haven’t had many outings besides the trips to the airport. I will also be sure to post clips from Olga’s birthday party this weekend.
Next week I plan to get in some Judo/Sambo workouts. I will post some video on that as well…(unless I’m getting beat up!)
Well, the family picked up Grandma Faye at the airport at 5:30 am today. She flew in from Novosibirsk to be here for the birthday celebrations. Grandfather Visalia will be flying in from Moscow tomorrow. There are currently 12 people living in this 3 bedroom apartment. The sleeping quarters aren’t as much of a challenge as the living space when everyone is up and around.
One advantage to having all of us in one apartment is that Malcolm is constantly entertained. As soon as he is finished socializing with one family member, another one is close by. He is also infatuated with baby Olga, Vera’s 3 months old baby. She is my very first niece and Malcolm’s cousin. Any time she sounds uncomfortable, Malcolm is right there to help get her smiling again.
Malcolm has also been interacting with his great-great Grandmother Polya. She is 98 years old and spends most of her time in her bed these days. Malcolm sets up an altar and performs Russian Orthodox Church service for her every day. She loves every second of it. (I’ll post video soon)
It did snow a little bit overnight, so the city looks a little whiter this morning. Hopefully, the clouds rolling in means that it will snow again today. The cold seems a little more worthwhile if there’s snow to go along with it.
Victor and I went to the gym today. I had a pretty good workout. I was feeling pretty weak, having not worked out for nearly a month.
I will try to put together a couple more clips of activities with the family and outings. We really haven’t had many outings besides the trips to the airport. I will also be sure to post clips from Olga’s birthday party this weekend.
Next week I plan to get in some Judo/Sambo workouts. I will post some video on that as well…(unless I’m getting beat up!)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Yakutsk, Russia--Larry Keith
October 26, 2010 12:30pm Yakutsk time
So, there are Russian Disney and Nickelodeon channels! Malcolm was able to watch Phineas and Ferb in Russian. Awesome! His Russian language skills are amazing. He is being saturated with the language. We are living in an apartment with, Grandpa Oleg, Grandma Tanya, Great-great grandma Polya, Aunt Polina, Aunt Vera, Uncle Vitya, Aunt Lilya, Mama Olga, and me.
Today we are going to visit a few of the local gyms to choose which one I want to work out at. Hopefully, we get started on it soon. It seems like it takes quite a push to get the ball rolling around here sometimes…not quite sure if it is a Russian thing, Yakut thing, or family thing.
Continued…10:43 pm Yakutsk time
We drove to a few different gyms today to check out the equipment, hours of operation, and rates. The gyms here are really behind when it comes to modern equipment and business management. However, we did find a gym to my liking. It has freeweights, machines, cardio area, and an infrared sauna. Tomorrow I will begin lifting.
The low temperature today was -16 Celsius. The wind wasn’t blowing much today, so it didn’t seem so bad. A person does have to pay attention to their footing as ice is everywhere. There obviously isn’t a liability issue here like there would be in the states as it seems all the businesses have stairs that are very slippery. The stairs here are treacherous enough without the added nuisance of ice.
So, there are Russian Disney and Nickelodeon channels! Malcolm was able to watch Phineas and Ferb in Russian. Awesome! His Russian language skills are amazing. He is being saturated with the language. We are living in an apartment with, Grandpa Oleg, Grandma Tanya, Great-great grandma Polya, Aunt Polina, Aunt Vera, Uncle Vitya, Aunt Lilya, Mama Olga, and me.
Today we are going to visit a few of the local gyms to choose which one I want to work out at. Hopefully, we get started on it soon. It seems like it takes quite a push to get the ball rolling around here sometimes…not quite sure if it is a Russian thing, Yakut thing, or family thing.
Continued…10:43 pm Yakutsk time
We drove to a few different gyms today to check out the equipment, hours of operation, and rates. The gyms here are really behind when it comes to modern equipment and business management. However, we did find a gym to my liking. It has freeweights, machines, cardio area, and an infrared sauna. Tomorrow I will begin lifting.
The low temperature today was -16 Celsius. The wind wasn’t blowing much today, so it didn’t seem so bad. A person does have to pay attention to their footing as ice is everywhere. There obviously isn’t a liability issue here like there would be in the states as it seems all the businesses have stairs that are very slippery. The stairs here are treacherous enough without the added nuisance of ice.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Yakutsk, Russia Day 4--Larry Keith
October 25, 2010 10:49 PM Yakutsk time
Today we went to the airport to pick up Vitya and Lilya. Vitya is Olga’s brother and Lilya is his fiancé. They live in St. Petersburg. If I were going to choose a city in Russia to live in, it would be St. Petersburg. The architecture is spectacular and the overall attitude of the people there is much more relaxed than in Moscow and more modern than Yakutsk.
I was asked to stop filming today by store security while we were in a supermarket. I was filming all the different vodkas available in a single store. I think the store management got nervous because there have been news programs filming stores because of bad food investigations. I am sure the food in this particular store is up to par, but they certainly don’t want to chance bad publicity. Once they realized that I was an American visiting my wife’s family, they cooled down. Anyway, I still got to film the vodka. I will post the video clip soon.
We also made a few calls inquiring about gyms to work out in while I am here. They have some really weird ways of operating their businesses here. If you only go to the gym in the morning hours, it is cheaper than if you attend in the evening hours. Cardio equipment is almost impossible to find. I think we finally found one with a treadmill. One doesn’t dare go for a run in these temperatures, so as bad as I dislike them, I will still have to opt for the treadmill.
Shihan Silasteen has sent word that he is expecting me to come do another seminar at his dojo. He is a traditional Jujitsu master that lives here locally. The guys that came with us in 2006 got to visit his school and will surely remember some of the cool techniques he taught us. Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting up with him again along with several other friends.
Today we went to the airport to pick up Vitya and Lilya. Vitya is Olga’s brother and Lilya is his fiancé. They live in St. Petersburg. If I were going to choose a city in Russia to live in, it would be St. Petersburg. The architecture is spectacular and the overall attitude of the people there is much more relaxed than in Moscow and more modern than Yakutsk.
I was asked to stop filming today by store security while we were in a supermarket. I was filming all the different vodkas available in a single store. I think the store management got nervous because there have been news programs filming stores because of bad food investigations. I am sure the food in this particular store is up to par, but they certainly don’t want to chance bad publicity. Once they realized that I was an American visiting my wife’s family, they cooled down. Anyway, I still got to film the vodka. I will post the video clip soon.
We also made a few calls inquiring about gyms to work out in while I am here. They have some really weird ways of operating their businesses here. If you only go to the gym in the morning hours, it is cheaper than if you attend in the evening hours. Cardio equipment is almost impossible to find. I think we finally found one with a treadmill. One doesn’t dare go for a run in these temperatures, so as bad as I dislike them, I will still have to opt for the treadmill.
Shihan Silasteen has sent word that he is expecting me to come do another seminar at his dojo. He is a traditional Jujitsu master that lives here locally. The guys that came with us in 2006 got to visit his school and will surely remember some of the cool techniques he taught us. Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting up with him again along with several other friends.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Yakutsk, Russia--Larry Keith
October 24, 2010 12:18 pm Yakutsk time
Today we walked to the church. Before we left, we had to make sure we were dressed warm enough. Baby Olga (my niece) looked like an Eskimo doll all bundled up. Malcolm reminded me of the little brother in the movie “Christmas Story” that could barely move due to all the layers of clothing. Today is a warm day for Yakutsk it is merely -14 Celsius. Keep in mind that it is only October and that we will be here until the end of November. It will get much colder before we leave. When we return in December, Oregon will seem like a tropical paradise.
Yakutsk Day 2 video
Yakutsk Day 2 video
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