The Dacha
One thing that all of my students have in common is that they all have dachas. They go almost every weekend in the summer to their country homes, what I call a 'cabin' or a 'cottage'. Some retired folk live in them year round, if they're lucky enough to have heat and running water. This past weekend my former student, Elmira, took me and Emma to her family's dacha. We were treated like royalty by her parents.
Their house is modest but the yard is quite big - 6 Sotok (600x800m) , with lovely plants and veggies... tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and a greenhouse for herbs. They know most of their neighbors. However, some, which have changed ownership, now contain mansions with giant fences. They're avoided due to 'suspicious activities'.
Elmira's sister, Gulia, is barbecuing sausages. Yummy!
Dacha's have been around for the select few since the 1700's, but in Soviet time an important duty of trade unions was to obtain the land for the dachas and distribute it among the members of the union in order for people to grow their own food. Since everyone then was a member of one or another trade union, every family had a chance to get the land. It was federal land until sometime after the collapse of the soviet union when it was offically signed over to the people. Now tens of millions of Russians, some who can barely afford to survive, are landowners. 
Luckily, Emma can speak Russian so there wasn't the pressure of socialising with gestures... like an 'English' lesson. However, Elmira was constantly translating to ensure I didn't feel left out.. or maybe to practice her English.
This area has recently become a village, but there is still a lot of green space and a little river running through this park.
We came across the goat lady, reportedly a constant figure in this park. Her friend asked us for money when he saw I was taking photos but we pretended he was joking.
Dacha's have been around for the select few since the 1700's, but in Soviet time an important duty of trade unions was to obtain the land for the dachas and distribute it among the members of the union in order for people to grow their own food. Since everyone then was a member of one or another trade union, every family had a chance to get the land. It was federal land until sometime after the collapse of the soviet union when it was offically signed over to the people. Now tens of millions of Russians, some who can barely afford to survive, are landowners. 
Elmira's father, a Tatar, was so excited to have 'foreigners' visiting. He used to work for the ministry and said it's been a very long time since he had foreigners in his house. Elmira said he could only speak Russian, but, as the day progressed, there were more and more English words, perfectly pronunciated, mixed into his Russian.
Luckily, Emma can speak Russian so there wasn't the pressure of socialising with gestures... like an 'English' lesson. However, Elmira was constantly translating to ensure I didn't feel left out.. or maybe to practice her English.
This area has recently become a village, but there is still a lot of green space and a little river running through this park.There were people having picnics, playing football, or just walking around the apple trees, like we were.
We came across the goat lady, reportedly a constant figure in this park. Her friend asked us for money when he saw I was taking photos but we pretended he was joking.
We stopped at the natural spring for some 'holy water'.
It was wonderful being around nature again and away from the crazy city. In fact, it was very much like being in a small Canadian town or at a cabin. The biggest difference, aside from the goat lady, is the reverence felt by the Russians about their country homes. They don't take them for granted.
Dachas are definitely not cabins... they are part of their culture. I hope they can sustain the test of time.
posted by Ilsa @ Sunday, June 03, 2007
5 Comments:
How very,very interesting! I am very happy to learn of this most pleasant part of the Russian culture and so happy that you were able to experience it. How old is Elmira and how long has she been learning English?
I am presently reading a book whose characters are situated in Russia and they talk about their "dacha."
Thanks for sharing your experience and were the sausages tasty?? Do you find the produce in the stores plentiful and fresh? Expect the fresh veggies were a treat!
You look great too!!
Mom
Happy Birthday Lisa! Next time you're in Calgary I'll have to treat you to some Crave cupcakes, sooo goood. For now, maybe I'll just go get myself one and then tell you about it. Have a good one!
Were you always this cruel or has our family rubbed off on you?
Thanks for birthday greetings, Amber.
Mama... produce around here still isn't up to standards set so high back home but they had fresh lettuce and herbs. that was nice.
Elmira is 29. She and her sister had an English tutor since they were young. She speaks really fast but makes many mistakes which are impossible to correct. She's very funny.
And no more food talk for anyone, you hear?
Happy Birthday Lisa !
We hope you had a very special day !!!
We have been faithfully reading your blogspot - what an experience you are having !
We are just getting ready to celebrate Breagha's 4th birthday. How time flies....
Take care of yourself
Love Rozzie, Bob, Breagha & Luger
Hi Lisa,
Nice to see your still having fun and enjoying life.
JT and I were just reminiscing
about our small get togethers at your house. Many smiles and laughs!
Cheers
Stephen
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