Lesson 2 - Saying 'Goodbye'

How do you say 'Goodbye' in Russian? This show teaches you a couple of ways to do that. As you listen, the images below will help you visually.




- Пока, Эмили.
- Пока, мам.




- До свидания, Эмили.
- До свидания, папа.


Sorry for the quality of the show's audio. Was out of town, and recording was made on my notebook. I am hoping that I'll have all my usual gear unharmed (by hurricane Katrina) when I go back to New Orleans, La. on Monday.

Off Topic: Hurricane Kartina's Devastation

Just to keep all my listeners posted. I am using internet access through Houma Public Library at the moment. I was affraid I wouldn't be able to get the next show out to you this coming Saturday, but now I promise you it WILL happen.



This is the 1st opportunity I had to get online since last Saturday. My husband and I, and our two little girls left New Orleans at 7am on Saturday and went to Houma, Louisiana, where my husband's parents live. We grabbed bare minimum of clothes, food, etc. and left.

I am sooooo glad I took my PowerBook with me. Without it I'd have no way of making the show or communicating with anyone, especially my parents in Kostroma, Russia. I have no idea whether my house is still there or not. None of the residents of New Orleans area are allowed to go back to the city till Monday. I can't wait to see what happened to our home, but there are reports that it's very unsafe to return at this moment - too many criminals on the loose...armed. Now, about the folks you saw on TV that were taking food and drinks out of the stores. Reporters are calling them "looters", but all they are doing is trying to save their lives.

Anyway, I am extremely thankful that our lives were spared, that we have a roof over our heads and food to eat. I just pray for the ones that are struggling right now, as well as for the rescue teams. More about this and A Spoonfull of Russian later on Saturday!

Lesson 1 - Greeting

Friends and family members greet each other with a simple "Привет".



for those who want to 'Copy'+'Paste' :

- Привет, Эмили.
- Привет, мам.


Use "Здравствуйте" with people you barely know, with much older folks (unless they are your relatives) or with government officials.



- Здравствуйте, мисс Наталия.
- Здравствуй, Эмили.


Remember, "Practice makes perfect".

Your e-mails with questions and comments are welcome.

If you are brave enough, you can e-mail me an audio file with your greeting in Russian. I'll play it on the next show.

One Step Closer

The musical intro and the artwork for my podcast are accomplished today - thanks to Apple's Garage Band and my family members for lending their voices:)

Ideas for the content keep coming. One thing I know the show is going to come out on a weekly basis for now. Short show notes and links will be here on speakrussian.blogspot.com

Things are looking better.....It'll be good!

Getting Ready for Podcasting

Today, while listening to one of the Russia-related podcasts, I started entertaining an idea of creating my own podcast. Seems like I got all the tools, the only ingredient needed is the content. That will be revealed in the Pilot Episode soon. Although you can probably guess judging by the BLOG title.

Now, for the podcast's artwork.....I thought it would be great to represent it with an image symbolic of Russia.

There are many symbols of Russia: Vodka, Ballet, and Matryoshkas (nestling dolls) just to name a few. Can you name more? I personally, enjoy caviar (every true Russian does:)

I didn't have to look for the artwork long. I happened to have one on my hard drive. I photographed it at my home studio about a year ago.