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Hey it's lovely! I've just uploaded Haruka's bush warbler! GO to the picture gallery and find the ume tree - click on the tree to hear the bush warbler (I understand that's where he's supposed to be. Hope I'm right!) The extra dimension that sound adds is really cool. That's the first time I've put sound in a web page - maybe I'll have to start experimenting a bit more...!

Natalya, to answer your questions, yes some of my students are taking the International GCSE. They have the spoken exam a week Monday and the rest in May. Every year I think I am more nervous than they are! (And I seem to do more work to prepare for it!!!)

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Hello dear all, so nice to see you all alive and more active:) Duane, yes, I am nursering my Language Centre (I type "Centre" as in Russia British English is more preferable traditionally and officially, though during some last years American English is becoming more and more popular). Sure, it's more interesting to work for myself, financially too. Haruka, thank you for our cooperation regarding our students' correspondence. It will not be continued, you know why. Please say my best wishes to your wonderful students. They were very kind and polite, and also well-informed about Russian culture and traditions. I think they are very lucky to get such attentive and professional teacher as Mr Haruka. Dear Jo, the most patient lady in the world! Perhaps you had to read all the naive and similar messages "Russia - Japan and back". Thank you! What have you been doing? Are you busy preparing your students for any summer examination? Please, excuse my always long letters.Your Natalia

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Haruka, I'm sorry I had forgotten about your Ume tree! Of course I will upload it. But I haven't heard your bush warbler!?!

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Haruka: How nice to hear from you again. I think I am a nice fellow and I also think you are a nice fellow. I'm sure there are many things that we could be divided on but let us choose not to do it here. I also pray for peace and for this war to be over as soon as possible. I miss seeing our friends on the board and I think the war is to blame for a lot of unrest. Please, everyone, let it not affect the friendship here. I have often felt that this message board is a good example of what can be accomplished by intelligent people reasoning together. Thank you for your friendship.

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Hello, everyone. My new students would show up around April 21. Thanks to Jo's messageboard my students would practice English writing for the fourth year. Last year they could experience interesting exchanges with Russian students with the help of Natalia but no more of that this time? Duane, you must be really a nice fellow. It's a pity if we have a divide on the war issue. Let's try to minimize our schism. My position is just "non-violence", as simple as that and I won't go further at least on this board. Neither will my students. I just pray the war is going to be over as soon as possible. Jo, do you think you can somehow put up my Ume tree picture and chirping of a bush warbler in your photo gallery? It must be fun if you can see pictures and listen to the sound.

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Hello friends and welcome Anderson. I'm afraid I don't know your area, Anderson, so I can't recommend any schools, but you're right, you won't get free classes if you're not a permanent resident in the UK. As your English is pretty good already, maybe you will make good progress anyway through independent study (use the Internet, and your local library may have books, cassettes or videos). What are you doing in the UK anyway? If you are working you are bound to learn a lot from interacting with your English colleagues.

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Natalia: I can't believe that you left the university and took a huge leap of faith and started your Language Center (Centre). You sure are not lacking in self confidence or courage. Hope it goes well for you. Is this something that will keep borsht on your table? I hope so. I hope the others come back soon. It is lonely here without them.
BFN, Duane