Vladimir

Russia

22/02/2012

Dear Ellen,

Glad to hear from you! Thank you for your last letter.

It was interesting to read the story about your aunt, who left her town for France but soon came home. You know, I have something curious to tell you. I think I have understood one important thing: I love my birthplace, I love my town. So, I love my country. Sometimes, when I am in my countryhouse  breathing fresh air or gathering  the harvest I think about my land. I need to sit alone for a while and to enjoy myself watching green waves of the trees in my garden. These moments are like gifts, they calm me. I believe they mean much for me. 

You know, I was in London some months ago. I visited the most famous sights of the UK’s great capital. It’s a wonderful city: historical buildings on every step, lots of flowers, colorful posters around me, you know, things like that. And London is modern, it really is! I’ve never seen such advanced city before! It struck me as a fantastic megacity. I was standing in the middle of a large street with my mouth open and eyes of a small baby first time saw an elephant . There was a scary contrast between London and my native Vladimir. That moment I was thinking about my town as a tiny settlement and me wasting my time living there because London was dizzy. So, an idea of leaving Vladimir came into my mind.

Suddenly a loud voice woke me up and I found myself sitting in the bus which was taking me back to Vladimir. I was thinking about my hometown looking through the bus window at alien people, houses, big supermarkets.

For what do I love Vladimir? I remember the summer which I spent in my country house where my grandmother lives. You know, I’m a romantic person, I like to dream. Well, I prefer dreaming alone and think about something eternal, for example, the sun or Motherland. I like listening to happy songs of small birds hiding in the branches with juicy green leaves. Sometimes I could notice even an ant carrying blades to build their own house. Tell me, how can I dream this way living in such a busy city like London? I believe, I can’t leave the lake with absolutely clean and warm water. When I duck into it, I can always see a sandy bottom. Isn’t it fabulous? I get used to wake up early in the morning, open the curtains and  look at the sunrise. I don’t think I will enjoy myself watching the sun in London or other megapolis. I am rich; I have got a place which is very important for me. If you ask me: "How can you be fond of an old village situated far away from the civilization?” I will answer: "Because I love it with all my heart”. Really, how couldn’t I love the place with which all my best memories are connected? It’s my birthplace, it’s my native land, and it’s my Motherland and my country, Russia. I will love my country whatever will happen.

I took my eyes off the window. After a busy day (flight on a plane,  the train to leave Moscow airport , the bus to Vladimir)and I , of course, felt tired but I couldn’t fall asleep because of light burning in the window. We were passing a city and I noticed a group of young people who were going along the road and laughing. I smiled. How could I think about leaving Vladimir to live in the foreign country? The British speak English, but my native language is Russian. Great, mighty, truthful and free Russian language! My first words were in Russian. Sure, I love Russian most of all.

Walking down the streets of Vladimir I feel free, protected and happy, especially I like evenings, when the main avenue lined with the illuminated trees leads me to the Golden Gates, one of the masterpieces of  ancient Russian architecture. For some time Vladimir was the capital of Russia and it has glory as a strong city with brave people. I suppose a piece of those centuries is always with me. Now I can understand why the English say  my home is my castle.

You know, Ellen, people in Russia and the UK are very different. Various traditions and ways of life are the true examples. I love to celebrate Easter and Christmas the way my parents do, I don’t want to change anything. Speaking about Russian culture I will call it most exciting in the world. I wish you visited my dear Vladimir one day. This town is like museum under the open sky.

I know you can agree there because you were born and grow up in the USA. America is your birthplace and Motherland. I guess you often feel lost somewhere else. So do I. Our countries give us strength and protection, and it is true. Well, all I want to tell you is that I love my country. If I compare any country with my native land, Russia always wins. I was born in Vladimir, the most wonderful and magic city in the universe. My warm and comfortable house is situated in the picturesque and peaceful place. I know, every single day my nearest and dearest are waiting for me to smile and to embrace. My best friends are also nearby. They can help me every minute. Enough to love my land, isn’t it? I hope so.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, am I right?

Hope you’re keeping well!

With lots of love,

Your Alex

МБОУ СОШ №10

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