Of all the places, Valeriya, a Russian translator, has ever visited, Vizag appears to be special to her for a variety of reasons. Be it the long stretches of beach, pristine charm of the Eastern Ghats, elaborate cuisine and warm people, the city draws the Russian.
The 32-year-old woman from St. Petersburg, who was in the city for an assignment, talks to The Hindu about her love for India and its people. Working as a teacher in one of the linguistic schools in Russia, she keeps frequenting the city for her projects.
Every trip increases Valeriya’s love for the place. “Unlike most Russians who are tangled in problems, people over here are cheerful, tolerant and lead a complete life, valuing every little aspect. And it is the same attitude that made me fall in love with the people and discover different ways to be happy,” she observes.
After her day’s work, Valeriya does pencil sketches. She hops into one of the neighbourhoods and captures many interesting moods on the spot. “Most of my sketches have been given away as gifts to the passers-by who appreciate my work. I have also taught the art to some of the children who have been curious to pick up the skill,” she says, while giving the finishing touches to one of the pencil sketches.
Favourite hobbiesHer favourite hobbies include listening to the waves gently lapping the seashore, capturing the beauty of Kailasagiri, enjoying the toy train journey and pampering herself with paneer, samosa, and a platter of rice. “The cuisine is very unique. I like the masala-coated paneer with rice. Except the ingredients that are spicy, Indian food is really amazing,” she explains.
Valeriya’s dream is to set up a school in India and introduce skill development courses that include fundamental level of interpretation to advanced teaching methods.
