–Written by a Teacher in Russia–
Grocery Shopping:
We have been to two different grocery stores: one is considered a “supermarket” (like Sams) and the other is a local “market” (like a small Kroger or Save-a-Lot). I like the smaller store better because it isn’t crowded and we can still find the items we need. They do not have ground hamburger meat in the stores. Only fish, sausages, pork, and whole chickens. We were lucky to find a few chicken breasts already cut and trimmed. Pasta, rice, bread, and vegetables are easy and quick to cook, so we have been eating a lot of these foods. Having pasta for lunch and dinner every day for 2 weeks is getting a bit old. We are hoping to get invited to homes for dinner, but no such luck, yet. 
I am very glad I bought peanut butter before I left America because there is none in Russia. Russians have never even heard of it! We are going to make some good American peanut butter cookies soon!!
Restaurants:
There are no fast food restaurants in Novgorod, only small cafes. The Russian people only eat out on special occasions or if they have guests. Since we are guests in this country, some people have invited us out to eat. First course is usually a cold salad (not a green/lettuce salad, though): chicken salad, tomatoes and cucumbers, or mix of cold canned vegetables. Next is the main entree: “surprise” meat (usually pork and beef mix or chicken) and vegetables (green beans, peas, corn). Third is usually fruit or a dessert of some kind. It was good, but not comparable to restaurants back home.
Our Apartment:
In Europe, apartments are called “flats.” Our flat is on the first floor, so we only had to drag our luggage up a few stairs. It is VERY nice compared to Russian standards. Actually, it is very nice compared to American standards, as well. It has two bedrooms, a shower room, toilet room, kitchen, and living room. We have a flat screen TV, in which we only receive Russian channels, but occasionally we will find a cartoon on Nickelodeon or a movie that we recognize. There is no air conditioner, but really we have no need for it. The weather has been very nice and temperatures range from mid-60s to mid-70s.
Transportation:
The bus system in Novgorod is the major mode of transportation, though more people are starting to drive cars. We take the bus to and from the university every day. The administrator of the university’s summer English program provided us with a bus pass for the duration of our stay. The more we ride the bus, the easier it is to get around. Even though I can’t read the street names, I have memorized things by landmarks.
People:
Most Russians we have met are very friendly and hospitable. Our students have bent over backwards to help us get adjusted to living here. One of our adult students drove us to the larger grocery store so we wouldn’t have to carry our bags home on the bus. I have felt very welcome since arriving in Novgorod. It really does feel like home.
