Ivan Khoo Kay L’erh ----- Иван Кху Кай Лерх

Well….wondering how to pronounce my name in Russian??? It’s pronounced as (e-v-a-n k-h-oo- k-a-yeh l-eh-r-h). Well, the pronunciation of my name in Russian is somewhere around there. If you all have notice I have actually leaved my native country and hometown for around 1month or so. Not mentioning how much I miss those days and time spend back in my Loveland, I actually want to share some changes that I have seen in me – physically and emotionally.

My hair have grown longer (yah, I know I am just stating the obvious, so what????). I would buy around 1 or 2 box of Milk a week, eat some Russian food sometimes (katleta, kolbaca – sausage besar, and some sort of dumping), it taste not bad. I feel that now I am slightly more immune to the cold weather, although I still need to bath hot water every night as I still tak bole tahan the cold water. I cook my own meal everyday, thanks to my mum’s ‘Simple Recipes’ I can make marvelous food everyday. I bet I can cook much better than Evan, he is far from comparison to me.

I use to go around with my car but now I go around with public transports especially trolleybus (the public transport here is superb convenient compared to the ones in Malaysia). I used to walk around with my head lifted up and looking at public people straight to the eyes, giving smiles to people that I come into contact. However, now there are times at certain place and time where I just got to walk around with my head down and just moving ahead, turn to the other side whenever I notice some suspicious people looking at me, when I am in the bus I would also always go to the front, near to the driver or the bus conductor (just in case the wrong gang of homo-sapiens come in and stand beside me and even give me headache). But there are times when I am in good mood I would still go around smiling at people, especially to the elders. There was one Sunday where my teethes where coming out at the right time, and the old lady gave me a sweet, just can’t believe huh???

Adding on, I am still trying my best to share my life with people over here especially now I am having a hostel life. However, there are still some personality in me which I didn’t leaved it back in Malaysia, I still smile as much as possible, enjoy talking and mixing around with people and still enjoy playing computer games, hahaha…….

One more evolution that I see in me, over here I mixed around with a lot of Indians and Malays, especially Malay girls (don’t worry I will not be a Muslim, hahaha). This is the time that I have actually come into such close contact with Malays.

# The other day, while we where having dinner with seniors that helped us a lot on our arrival, they where saying that every year when there are new students coming in, they where all in high spirits (hoping to find an ideal gf of course), however every time those coming in are not within expectations, it seems that they are getting used to it already. It is like all the ‘girls’ will go over to Moscow rather then Volgograd except Malay girls, so I suggested that next time Russian Resources should use my photos rather then others, I bet you should understand why lah……. #

Stories to Tell

• Well……today (Sat night) I am very free, so here are some stories that I would like to share with everyone. Interesting ones of course, well…… I guess most of them would be issues that my parents are interested in.
  
  After coming here I found out that there are a number of seniors that dislike Russian Resources, saying that many things that are promised are not fulfilled, especially Mr. Ng (that’s my agent). However, they like Mr. Alan, for instance, the last year batch they paid 8 K and they said that they actually didn’t do anything much. For our batch we had to pay 10 K pula. Mr. Ng accompanied us to Volgograd, then at one fine day he came to our hostel with our curator, so certainly our seniors took the opportunity to make some complains that they deserve, however Mr. Ng told all of them to settle those problems themselves. Yah, we are all big already and even ‘old’ enough to get married but since we paid them so why not let them made the complains and request on our behalf. Adding on, he said it in front of our Russian curators, so do you think that next time we can still depend on our curators when we have problems??? (Every Malaysian pays them USD 100 a year that is if I am not mistaken)
  
  Since last year our hostel rental has been increased USD 200 a year, simply because they say that the hostel had buy 5 new washing machine, but most of the time only 2 is being used, so what for we pay so much extra??? When the students went back to Malaysia they made some complains and asked for reasons but it seems that Russian Resources don’t know anything. When they came back after the summer holidays everything was still the same. Recently things have been better, and I guess that credits should be given to ambassadors from JPA, cause after stating our complaints to them, then things only got better, so what do you thing, huh????
  
  But honestly to me I am so naive, I totally have no idea about my rights or the basic stuffs that I deserved. However, been here for around 1 month I am quite satisfied with the facilities and accommodation given over here, no complains from me.
  
  Most of the people over here (as in Russians) they don’t have personal transport, because the public transport over here are quite convenient and at low cost, although they increased the charges quite a lot since last year. In general, I guess there are more girls then guys over here but the divorce rate is quite high as many men are alcoholic. Everyday, when we walk to the bus stand, we are certainly to see broken glasses on the road, you can make the guess why lah…….From advised given, we are supposed to avoid policemen as they would always ask for passport, but we should be careful not to let them have it on their hand, if not they will ask for money before they return it to you.
  

1st Touch

Last Sunday I got to know to of my seniors friends, whom are Russians, it was before church, as we went to church together. However, today we went to Panorama Museum, the museum was really fascinating.

Besides that being the main point of the visit, there were actually some Russian students from another university who came to find out that we Malaysians will be going to the museum for visitation, so although they have been to that museum for a thousand time, but they still decided to go, simply because they wanted to get to know Malaysians. So we met at the museum’s entrance and went around the museum together with a tour guide. At first, I didn’t know why these Russians are following us, asked our names and even wanted to take pictures with us, are we monkeys in the zoos or what???? Or is it just because we have ‘sotongs’ (Malay girls) among us. They even accompanied us to the autobus-stop, from there then only I got to find out, that they knew we where coming that’s why they purposely came to join us. It seems that sometime next month they will be organizing some sort of cultural gathering where we are suppose to bring our own cultural food, so we Malaysians are invited, I am not too sure but I guess they are members of a society known as anti-racist or maybe a society for the Russians to get to know international students.

4of them even followed us and visited our hostel, 2 of my course-mate made them Malaysian made coffee (its actually Nescafe 3in1, ish,…..), curry and some other stuff to go together with rice, certainly they said that it was nice (to ask is just the routine questions). After that, we sent them off at the lobby of the hostel, because I need to get back my student card also (they are still considered visitors although they are Russians). Before leaving, they said they were so touched by our warm welcome and never expect Malaysians to be so warm and friendly, they have never met Malaysians until today, one of them don’t even know where is Malaysia, but she knows where is Singapore pula.

However, don’t worry guys, I still remember that I am a foreigner and is vulnerable, that’s why I’ll be careful. 2 of them actually suggested that we meet somewhere or they come to our hostel next Sunday to let us try some home made Russian pie, but I told my room mate and we declined, there is nothing to rush about, if there is really that gathering then we can still meet there and try those pies. All in all, it was fun to get to know some Russian friends although there where only 4of them that came to our hostel, and the only 4that I really had the opportunity to know, but I hope to have more chance to know more Russians, but first thing first I need to brush up my Russian language. The 4 of them speaks a bit of English also, that’s why during conversation there is mixture of 2 languages. Till now, these are to only Russians that I know, excluding my lecturers and curators.

Changing of Colors

Leaves turning color, continues drop in the degree Celsius, the wind blowing stronger and stronger, people falling sick (including my flu) are all signs showing that winter is getting nearer. The weather is indeed very cold to us and it’s only around 8’C. The torpedo wind added on to our body cause us to suffer even more, Mr. Ban in all the winter gifts that I received, I used the gloves that you gave me first, thx a lot. I’ll be getting myself a winter boots and winter coats soon, although it will be tough be I am sure will the strength from God I’ll be able to make it. Continue to keep me in prayers guys, thx ;)

High for nothing

Ish……YK just made me happy for nothing. Telling me that she might come to Russia, at first I thought she wanted to come here for holiday, and then later I found out even better news, she said that she might come here for internship. Yeah, I was indeed very happy and high that I can feel myself being so mighty to jump 10feet high up and touch the sky, mana tau later on she said that the branch is in Moscow, ishh…. straight away I tell her not to come, hahaha……..Although I really wanted her to come very much, and even told her that we will get marry if she comes over. However, to be a foreigner and someone who does not understand a single thing about Russian, I certainly didn’t recommend her to come to Russia. Second thing is that she will be at Moscow and I’ll be at Volgograd so what’s the point??? Ohya……we are nearer just 900km apart rather then being so far back in Penang, Malaysia but it’s not quite safe especially for a girl (but one thing I agree, she is indeed a very independent and a brave girl). But wherever you will be going for your internship I just pray that you will have a great time and a once in a lifetime experience, like what I am experiencing now, take care and God Bless ;)

The mixture of Colors

I just had my bath after coming back from a gathering by Jesus Embassy or maybe the group known as Wassup, the weather outside is 9’C but indoor is fine (I am just wearing a singlet). It’s actually quite late for us to come back but I was with 2of my seniors whom I guess can speak Russian quite well, as they did their pre-med here (the pre-med here are in Russian). Its actually quite fun as all of them are international students and I even got to know a couple of them. There are people from Malaysia, China, Ghana, Africa, Kenya, India and Nigeria. This black people just have their own way of dancing, it’s like they will just whole on to their jacket and dance with their feet. I hope to get to know more people over here and to learn more new stuff.

Seeing those people so close to each other has just made me think back about my time back in Malaysia with all you guys especially friends from my church. Being here for around 3 weeks already but I haven’t really found a real good friend whom I can share my life and experience with, I haven’t meet people like Eng, Jin, Chong Yi, Joanne or even YK yet (well I guess you all just cant be compared, huh??). However, I believe that God will certainly Bless me with One at the very best and right moment when I need it. Take care my friends and cherish the things you have by putting effort to your relationship with friends and people that you Love.

Laying down at my pillow........... ;)

Yeah !!!!! Yesterday we finally got our new big freezer, its one time bigger then the seniors, hahaha. Last week, after meeting officers form the Malaysian embassy, many complains where made by the seniors while we all where quite bored and I was sleepy, but some of the complains given where beneficial to all of us. Not long after that, the head of the hostel came to our room and asked about things that are missing. 1 week ago he said that its impossible for us to get 3tables even though we are using a 3 persons room, we are just allowed to get 2, even the seniors said so, it has always been like this for the pass years. However, after that incident, he promised to add a table and a mirror in our room, nice huh??? (Well I guess the complains made where worth it).

The name of my hostel is Hiroshima, what is the history of it?? I totally have no idea, so don’t asked me but if you where to ask me about the history about Volgograd then I can tell you some stories. Every floor have 4 3 bedded rooms and 4 2 bedded rooms, so how many people in my floor, you make the calculation yourselves lah. We use to only have 2 average fridges but as I said just now recently we had a new big size freezer. In every floor there are 2 toilets and 2 bathrooms equipped with hot water facilities. Whereas in the kitchen there are 8 stoves in different size. There are 10 stories in this building and mine is on the 4th floor, at the 5th and a half stories no guys are allowed to enter as many Malay girls are in that floor, with the tudung thing and religious stuffs so it’s no entry for ‘Adam’.

To me I am very satisfied with all the facilities given and thank God for everything that He had provided and is still providing. No worries, all my needs are well provided. From my hostel to the nearest bus-stop, it takes me around 10mins if I walk fast and around 20 mins if I enjoy the view. However, for long term issue it’s not that healthy as everyday when we walk by the road, there are much ashes and smokes, so recently we would walk nearer inside to have a cleaner air. God Bless Hiroshima ;)

Life in Autumn

My dad has been complaining why didn’t I update myself about the food, weather and other stuffs that have been going on over here. Well, I guess is because I don’t get much replies from my updates so thought what’s the point, right?? Well……I guess I was wrong.

Class
Both our Russian lecturers are good, and even one of them are very concern about our safety and the personal stuffs that we need although she is not our curator. So far the classes are going on fine although they are ALWAYS LONG HOURS but we get breaks in between as well. Our lecturers even brought us around and show us some stuffs or maybe bring us to get some stuffs, quite fun huh??? Don’t have to always be in class and study. But, our lecturer can’t really speak English very well, but we still understand each other through sign languages and ‘rojak’.

Food
For the first week there were 5 of us where we all get together to prepare meals, then we split and divided to 3 of us who are roommates, but starting form tomorrow ( Monday), we all prepare our own meals individually. That’s actually what I always wanted, honestly cause I’m not so particular with the taste of food as long as it is healthy while they are and most of the time they don’t know how to cook and will ask me then after that they give lots and lots of suggestions pula, ishh….. then better they prepare it themselves according to their plans and taste. But they are not bad for a roommate though. (being here so far I’m always the last one to sleep and they allowed me to leave the light on).

Most of the time we prepare meals with rice, so since we are going to prepare our individual meals then I guess I’ll have a weekly timetable of my meals (easier for me to get the raw materials prepared). We have 8 stoves but all are functioned using electricity so it’s kind of slow, got to wait for it to be heated up.

Whether
The whether here is crazy, for the past 2days its quite hot, however today it’s the coldest ever day at my stay in Russia, its around 8 degrees that might be caused by the strong wind as its always very windy over here, adding frezzz to the chillness. But don’t worry everything is still within my shoulder and barer able. Today morning we got ourselves winter blankets which could add fire deep down to our skin. We will be getting carpets next Sun and winter jackets at the following week, as now is still autumn and winter jackets are seldom to be seen. Expecting snow to fall in a month or two, good news for newcomers like us but bad news for our seniors, they might say: ‘ishh…… its snowing again’ whereas to us is like: ‘yes its snowing !!!!’ whatever it is I bet at the beginning of winter all of us will enjoy ourselves then complain about it later but I guess the Russians must be thinking that we have Hurricane Katrina going on in all of our minds, well who cares???

People
Actually the people here are not that bad after all, of cause excluding the rascals and drunken. So, as long as we stay indoor when the Sun sets, then we shouldn’t have any problems or to worry about anything.

Transportation
So far there are no seniors here who owns a car, although there are in Moscow. So all of us uses public transport to go around, as they are quite convenient if where to compare it with those in Malaysia. The common ones are trolleybus and tram, we bought a monthly pass with unlimited access, so is quite worth it.


So to everyone, don’t worry about me I’m doing very good, not really having any stress or pressure yet, still being able to watch Dr. House season 2 (just finished it last night) and play Dota. However, continue to keep me in prayers and of cause don’t ever forget me, take care everyone and God Bless ;)

Place to lift our voice in Praise

Last week I went to a Russian Church with English translation – The Grace of Jesus Christ Church. I enjoyed the praise and worship, its some sort of that like Hillsongs, except it’s all in Russian. However, I was able to sign 3 of the songs as I recognized the tune – My Redeemer Lives, There is none like U and the other Hillsongs Song(no idea what is the title). But I didn’t really enjoy the service as it’s quite charismatic. Today I went to Kinonia Fellowship, the word ‘Kinonia’ it’s a Greek word which means fellowship in Greek, it’s a small church where we use a rented hall, but I enjoyed the whole thing, the whole congregation are students except for the Pastor, Frank and his wife, Laura. The seniors that I mixed with most of time also attends this church. The Pastor and his wife are Americans whom devoted their life to God and came all the way here to Volgograd, for the sake of the gospel.

I also found out about the Jesus Embassy but still not too sure whether or not to get involve into it as it’s under Christ Church but I’ll certainly it try out. Because its quite impossible for me to get involve into 2 church.

GoodNews

Yeepy……Finally I got back my national passport yesterday (thought we need to wait for 1 month), immediately today we went to apply for a Russian telephone line known as MTC (its pronounced as MTS, cause that’s suppose to be Russian characters). I bet all of you all are hanging yourselves upside down to get my number, so here it is 89197963078 this telephone company is a new one thus its network coverage its not so good, and with this number I can only sms to 012 coverage but I don’t know whether I can receive from 016 or not but maybe starting from next week when I get my 016 num you guys can sms to my 016 number. I’ll get another line next week known as B-Line, this line is slightly more expensive but it has a wider coverage where I can sms to 016 numbers also. So for the time being if you have a 012 number then feel free to sms me but I have no idea how much it’ll cost you, for me it just cost me 0.95 rubles, which is around Rm0.13, so it doesn’t cost much to me. When I get my 016 number then I guess you all can sms me that number it shouldn’t cost much. Take care, God Bless and continue to keep in touch and keep me update ;)

Intensive Russian Class

Wow…. Class has started + got my time table + back to school life = end of holiday…..Ishh….. after such a long holiday finally back to school life or should I say it’s a new start for me ---- University life ;) . However, the timetable its not fun at all, our timetable from now until the 25th of November its all Russian and Chemistry only, and guess what the Russian class its around 5 hrs a day, 6 days a week get a off day on Sunday. Wow, it’s really intensive Russian class lah, some of the days we even have 6 hrs 20 mins of Russian class, issh…. Don’t know how to survive, but today I’ll class end earlier and our lecturer bring us to jalan-jalan and bought some stuffs, hehe….. ‘Intensive Russian Class’ ---- I’ll survive for these 2 months. God Bless Me ;)

Beloved Sis, Janis

My beloved Sis, Janis gave a stack of envelopes and of course with love letters in each and everyone of it. The time has just pass 12 (as in at Russia), I took the first envelope, nicely and neatly labeled October by my sis. Surprise !!!! It’s a card, on it are words of wisdom “Count your blessings, name them one by one”. First thing first, not to take the pass into account, just taking my few days here at Volgograd, I cant even count my Blessings its too much for me to take them into account moreover to name them one by one, sorry this ‘dude’ over here cant make it happen. At the ‘backside’ of it – ‘Yo, how is your life there’. Excellent, Wonderful, Blessed, Amazing, Nice, Fun, Relaxing and Inspiring, its as if I am here for a holiday (class haven’t start yet but will start on Monday). Thanks Janis for the cares, don’t worry this ‘dude’ over here is enjoying himself ;)

30th Sept 2006

Well, I just got myself a new internet account, even though our floor don’t have the internet cable, but hopefully by next week our floor and room will have internet access. Yeah !!!!!

Yesterday and a day before there where another 2 groups of Malaysian students that checked in – the MARA and JPA students. All the MARA students are Malays, came in with coat but all of them seems to have the same ‘Abdullah’ look. However, all in all the JPA students are the best, they have all their fees been paid by the government and for the first 2 months they have allowance of USD 700 and every month they have USD 500, Wow, their monthly allowance is like our 2 and a half months expenditure. They even get the allowance during the 2 months summer break when they are back in M’sia (more then enough for their air ticket). However there is a trick here, they have signed a contract with the government where they are obligated to work for the general hospital for 10 years. But, it’s actually still quite worth it, as doctors that are serving in the general hospital these days have better pay.

The JPA students have actually spent 2days at Moscow, and guess what. Just for the accommodation it cost them around USD 450, no wander Moscow is one of the most expensive cities to life in.

One more thing, do feel free to e-mail me at crazy_ivan777@yahoo.com but please don’t sent pics and videos if it isn’t necessary as it will cost me a lot. (when we online here, we all shut off and don’t download pics, even those at the toolbar – it’s costly to go online over here). Till now, take care guys and GBU, do keep in touch and keep me update rather just me updating you all ;)