Christmas Still

Its the 29th of December, and still Christmas. The big celebration doesn't happen until January 7, Christmas and New Years rolled into one. Most of the lights are up now, which means practically all of the buildings (except ours - owned by our client - a real scrooge) and all of the parks. The grocery store is a mob scene. And you would not believe the amount of alcohol these folks are buying. The store is crammed full of pallets of Vodka, Konyak, and Champanski, and the people buy it by the cart full. What made my day today is, after my long wait in line, after watching all the bottles being scanned through, the lady behind me wishes me a Happy New Year in her best practiced English! I wear a parka that has the emblems of Fluor and Taneco and its not hard to distinguish me as an expat. This does not generally get worn around town, as I don't like to stick out, but the grocery store is ok. Anyway, so I say a pleasant "Spasiba Bolshoi" back, then she says "I wish you all the best." And with a truly great smile, like she really means it! I was awestruck, didn't know what to say except "Tebye Toscha" (you also). I wonder if it made her day as well, her chance to actually make verbal contact with a westerner and speak their language!