I am very happy to see your letter and I think you are happy to see mine. I enjoyed your country very much. It was a very interesting and rewarding trip. I hope to go there again someday. I learned a lot of useful things there and people were very polite to me. It is a very pleasant experience. To answer your question, I enjoy staying active, but I don’t jog on the street regularly. I prefer going to the gym twice a week to stay fit, and I also love cycling when I have the chance. It’s a great way to clear my mind while keeping my body active. Swimming and boxing sound really interesting, especially boxing — it’s such a powerful and disciplined sport. I can imagine how it helps with both physical fitness and mental strength. As for spiritual development, I think it’s a very important topic! It’s always nice to explore ways to grow emotionally and mentally, and sports like boxing can certainly be a way to connect with both body and spirit.
As for my own hobbies, I have a passion for cooking, particularly Russian cuisine. It’s something that has always connected me to my culture and heritage. I also love reading, especially Russian classical literature and books by Evgeny Grishkovets. I find joy in learning new things, and cooking is a way for me to express myself and my creativity. I’m also fond of traveling, though I haven’t done as much of it as I’d like, given my busy schedule.
Regarding my friends and the people around me, I tend to keep a close-knit circle. I have a few good friends who I can trust and turn to when needed. It’s important to have people around you who truly care. As for family, I don’t have any direct family connections, as I grew up in an orphanage. But I’ve made my own little family with close friends over the years. It’s wonderful that you’re involved in charity work. Helping others is something I truly admire. While I haven’t been involved in a formal charity group, I always try to help where I can, whether it’s lending a hand to someone in need or donating to causes I care about. It’s important to give back, even in small ways.
Today I would like to talk to you about food. I really like to cook. If I didn't work as an accountant, I would probably become a chef (smi-ile!).
Cooking is the foundation of a healthy family life. I know a lot of recipes. Food should not only be healthy but also tasty, that's important. I love potatoes and potato dishes. When I come home, the first thing I do is to go to the kitchen and cook something delicious. Mhh... I really love to host guests. I always try to cook something special for them. I love it when my friends appreciate my cooking abilities, and it's almost always positive. I also really enjoy baking pies. do you know what are "Russian pies"? They are different foods wrapped in dough and baked in the oven. If done right it is divinely delicious!!! you have to try it sometime..... I started cooking when I was 9 years old at the orphanage. I helped our cooks in the kitchen and they taught me everything. But no one can appreciate it except my friends. Now you're in my life. you're my friend. Can I think that? I really want to get to know you, talk to you and see you. I don't want to hide it. I always tell the truth. I don't like lying. I hate it.
I'm very fond of dreaming. I have been dreaming since I was a child. My teacher at school once told me, "You should forget about dreaming! " She said that dreams only bring pain and disappointment. Maybe she was right. Dreams don't always come true. It happens, but you have to put your best effort to reach your goal. But often that's not enough. Not everything in life is up to us. But anyway, I think it's impossible to live without a dream. With a dream, life becomes more interesting. You start to analyze and make decisions. And every small victory, every passed obstacle on the way to your dream brings great pleasure. you remember the pleasure of victories and achievement of the goal better than the pain of losses and disappointments. That's why I love to dream. I'm surprised to be telling you all this. it's been a long time since I've had someone to share thoughts with. But now I have found you, and I am very happy.
I don't separate people by country or skin color. Someday I would like to leave Russia. But no one is waiting for me there. your letters are the only thing I have outside Russia. your letters are part of my life now. And I appreciate that very much. And honestly, I'm afraid of losing you. I'm sorry if I caused any inconvenience. Don't stop writing to me. I'll reply to you, one way or another.
Now I want to ask you new questions: What do you think about children living in an orphanage? I heard that in Western countries, women do not like cooking and doing housework (cleaning, laundry, etc.)? Do you believe in love at first sight? I am waiting for your letter and your photos.
Yours Ekaterina...
PS. I am sending you photos from a trip to Sochi and from a trip to St. Petersburg (in pink clothes).