For most of the fall I walked past an old Russian accordion player on the way to work. I took to giving him four to five som each time I saw him. He always expressed great appreciation. When the weather got cold I did not see him for many weeks. Finally, yesterday it was quite warm and I saw him again. I gave him 10 som this time. Since I have finished all my work for the semester I figured it was a good way to start my Christmas break.
I too have a soft spot for musicians on the street. More often than not, I'd give some money to violinists, accordian players, flutists, whomever I saw making melody in the underpasses in Kyiv. I guess I just want to encourage them to keep the music going in a dreary place.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen any violinists or flute players on the streets of Bishkek. We have a number of accordion players and I gave 20 som to a saxophone player the other day. He was playing Bolero. But, I do not think Bishkek is a dreary place.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize until now after reading your response that Kyiv is different from Almaty. Honest, it can be overcast the WHOLE winter season, so that's what I meant about "dreary." We have spurts of sunshine here which I welcome because there are Kyiv kind of days here too. Music on the komuz or any other instrument fortunately is able to lighten one's step.
ReplyDeleteKristina: Kyiv sounds a lot like London in terms of sunshine. We have a fair bit of sunshine here in Bishkek still. Yesterday, I gave the accordion player 20 som and wished him a Happy New Year.
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