Presenting

Sophie,

her mother

Alla,

babushka Zanna,

&

Lolo

the guinea pig

[photos]

Apartment available for rent in the very center of
 Lipetsk,
 on the main town square!

Want to go to
KAMCHATKA?

Talk to Alla
 

GOOD USED BOOKS, HARD COVER, WILL BE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. THEIR FAVOURITE READING: AGATHA KRISTIE, HARRY POTTER, LORD OF THE RINGS. I WOULD SUGGEST C.S. LEWIS, W. GOLDING AND, OF COURSE, SHAKESPEARE AND THE BIBLE (KING JAMES TRANSLATION). START WITH THE CLASSICS TO GIVE SOLID FOUNDATION TO YOUR ENGLISH. AN OLD WEBSTER'S WOULD BE BEAUTIFUL. ABC OF ENGLISH USAGE, A BOOK BY LANGUAGE SNOBS FOR LANGUAGE SNOBS, IS SOMETHING I'D RECOMMEND TO THEM AND EVERYONE ELSE.

In exchange to being a talkative guest you are welcomed to a mattress and other basic amenities.

This offer is for authenticity enthusiasts only. The two rooms that belong to this charming bunch are part of a "communal" apartment shared with an elderly couple of the Soviet working class origin. The old man is a harmless alcoholic who will, when drunk, probably insist, in a somewhat obnoxious manner, on talking to you. His wife, however, a person of the Stalin-era formation, and will openly express disappointment that these days she can't just call the authorities to have you hauled off to the Gulag as a spy. Given the current political and social trend, she may have her wishes come true before she leaves this mortal coil but for the moment you need really be somebody to be of concern to the state. But that's another matter. Where was I? Yes, the authenticity factor. While discomforting for many, this living situation may be of interest to travellers with an interest in the recent period of Russia's history.

The apartment is one minute from Metro Vodny Stadion, 8 stops or about 30 min. to Red Square.

Part of your undiluted real-life experience will be "hospotality" by Babushka Zhanna. Alla and Sophie will do their best to protect you but do expect to be subjected to a certain amount of force-feeding.  I was explicitly asked not to use the expression "Russian food torture" in connection with Babuskka Zhanna.

At the very least you'll get a mattress on the floor. During holidays one whole room may be available.

Sophie will give you an extended tour around the neighbourhood and will act as your guide around Moscow. In exchange you help her to get really talking in English.

Speaking of the neighbourhood, here are some of the things you'll find within walking distance:

• two beaches (10-20 min. walk)
• nature reserve (30 min.)
• yacht club
• North River Port from which most boat cruises start
• Sea Museum
• [add more places worth visiting]

Sophie and Alla are avid campers, travellers, cyclists, canoeists, roller skaters. They can loan their equipment to you if, of course, you'll treat it with care. They are in the habit of visiting song and music festivals, or other "alternative" cultural events, and you can join them. 

Both are frequent guests of honour at Uncle Pasha's Dacha near Staritsa, Tver region.

This offer is new and availability is thus high. Write to pusha_95@mail.ru and expect a reply within 24 hours.
 

[Sophie]
Sophie, 12, is a 6 grade student. She speaks German and English. Her hobbies include Eastern dances. Fantasy is her favourite reading.

Alla is a lawyer with specialization in ecology law. She may be able to answer a lot of questions related to Russian laws, or will recommend a lawyer who has the expertise you require.

[Babushka Zhanna]

[Lolo]

[A few apartment photos]

[A few photos of the neighbourhood]

[A photo of the beach]

[Bicycles]

[Parks]

[Yacht Club]

[Canoe]

[Toilet with two seats]

[Water heater]

[North River Port]

[view from the window]