Before I prepared to move to Ekaterinburg, I had never heard of this city. Actually, I had heard of Uralmash, because the region is the destination of many engineers and other industrially-minded characters in Soviet literature. But my previous experience with Russia was limited to St. Petersburg and its environs.

Let's begin at the beginning. I graduated from Bard College in upstate New York with a degree in Russian Studies. Russian Studies encompasses the study of Russian language, literature and history. My focus was on literature.

Vainera pedestrian street or "Ural Arbat"

How did I become interested in Russia and Russian? This is a simply question with no simple answer. To put it briefly, Russia is my passion.

Russian literature is my favorite in the world and no other country's history is so fascinating.

I began my studies with no view to a practical or professional application.

However, as graduation approached, I realized I would need a job, and it might as well be in my field. Thus, I decided to apply for a Fulbright grant.

Fulbright is an American government program which sponsors international research and education. There are many different types of Fulbright grants, but the one best suited to me was an English Teaching Assistantship. An ETA is a recent college graduate with a language background who travels to the country where that language is spoken in order to teach English at a local university. After months of applications, I was shocked and thrilled to learn that I had gotten the grant and would be sent to Ekaterinburg. ETAs apply to a specific country, but once accepted into the program, the administrators decide the city.

At the border of Europe and Asia

That being said, I could not be more pleased that I landed in Ekaterinburg.

Many of my friends in the Fulbright program are in small towns or far in the hinterlands of this great country. I, however, was lucky enough to be placed in a centrally-located, bustling metropolis.

Moreover, in no other Russian city have I seen pre-revolutionary, Soviet and modern architecture all together on one street. The city is full of incredible local lore, history and tradition.

I felt lucky to be here to celebrate New Year's, Women's Day and Victory Day!

Ekaterinburg is home to so many universities; it is no wonder that the city is full of young people. Also, the multitude of theaters, museums and cultural institutions ensure that there is always something interesting to do.

Most importantly, Ekaterinburg is the heart of Russian rock! Coming from Cleveland, Ohio, the "birth-place of rock'n'roll," this was a big plus for me!

It did not take me long to find my way around and my place in Ekaterinburg. I teach at the Ural State Pedagogical University, where my colleagues and students are wonderful. They give me the freedom to teach in my American style, while also teaching me a lot about the Russian system of education. And of course, my command of the Russian language has improved greatly in the nine months I've been living here.

The Church on the Blood with students from the Institute of International Relations

In my months living here, I have taken the time to go on some local excursions.

Of course, one reason the city is famous is because of the fate of the Romanov family.

On my first walk through the city, I was struck by the grandeur of the Church on the Blood. Since then, I have been inside the church many times. The most memorable visit was around Easter time when I, along with some local translation students and other foreigners, got a personal tour through the building. The tour culminated in a climb to the top of the bell-tower and a raucous ringing of the bells. Boy, is it cold up there!

On another occasion, I followed the trail of the Romanovs to Ganina Yama. This is a very beautiful and moving site; the air there is thick with spirituality. However, I am interested in these places more for their historical than religious value.

Ganina Yama Monastery

As a matter of fact, I am Jewish, and am thrilled by the Jewish community I found in the local synagogue. In addition to attending their services on Saturdays and holidays, I teach a weekly English class at the Jewish Community Center. Some of my best times in Ekaterinburg have been spent at the synagogue and with the friends I've made there.

Our host-tour guide Professor Mikhail Brodsky (IMS) asked Jessie: “Are you as cold as you look?” She said: “Colder!”

I can tell that Russian people, both young and old, are excited to finally have freedom of religion.

As the terms of my grant are ten months, I have one month left in this beautiful city. I have no doubt that my final month here will be full of good times and great adventures.

Thank you Ekaterinburg for a wonderful year!

By the way, my blog is called Abbichka: Rocket to Russia. Feel free to write me!

We welcome comments and appreciate your feedback. Share your own opinion with us: info@ekaterinburg.com