Apparently March 8th is not only my dad’s birthday, but it’s International Women’s Day. While this holiday isn’t much celebrated in the U.S., it’s a huge holiday in Russia.
It’s a day off work, and it’s traditional for men and boys to give gifts to the women in their life — mothers, sisters, wives, girlfriends, friends, daughters — you name it.
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I had vaguely heard that it was a big deal, but you know, it’s not something ever thought of before I moved here. I’m telling you now — it’s something we should adopt in the U.S. Forget Valentines Day or Halloween or St. Patty’s Day. This is a holiday we need in America!
I’m at a resort (loosely defined) in the Moscow region for the first seminar of our Knafaim students. We met them at the selection seminar a few weeks ago, but this was the first time we had the group of 21 together in one place.
When choosing a group, you always question whether you made the right decisions, but after this morning, I can tell you we definitely chose our young men right!
As each of women walked into the the dining rose this morning for breakfast we were presented with a small bouquet of roses, a kiss on the cheek and applause. Not a bad way to wake up.
As we left the dining hall, Ilya, our translator presented each woman with Ukranian chocolate, and the men were exceptionally kind to us all day. I thought this was it.
But they had another surprise for us! For our movie night, the men procured a chocolate fountain, fruit and cookies, and non-alcoholic champagne. I’m sitting in Russia, watching Everything is Illuminated, eating bananas and chocolate and loving my life.
Male friends and family in the U.S. take note — expectations next year will be high.
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