Читать книгу The English Teachers - RF Duncan-Goodwillie - Страница 36

Setting the scene: Gorky Park is lovely at any time of year, but it’s at its best in the spring. I meet Andrew for our interview at the giant gates which mark the entrance to this place of myth and legend, spies and conspiracies. Today, it’s a place for coffee and interviewing. He wears a tracksuit for his run through the park, a popular place for people to keep fit in Moscow. He’s slightly shorter than me, but definitely fitter and stronger. That’s not the only thing which is stronger. His Scottish accent is broader than mine, but he remains clear and comprehensible throughout.

AS: My first job was with the Police in the UK which I did for two years and then I joined the custody service. After that I was in the Navy for four years and then I found my way into English teaching in Russia.

RFDG: What prompted you to make the change to teaching?

AS: I was responsible for teaching new recruits in the Navy and showing them the basics of living on a ship. It was something I enjoyed, so I decided to do something that would let me travel and teach at the same time which was what I always wanted to do.

RFDG: You could have gone anywhere, why Moscow?

AS: I thought it was interesting given the Soviet past and history. I always wanted to live in a big city and they don’t come much bigger than Moscow. It’s also close enough to home not be too alien, but far enough to be somewhat different to what I was used to.

RFDG: If not Moscow, where do you think you’d have gone?

AS: I’d have gone to Korea. I did have a break there for a year but I didn’t like it.

RFDG: Why not?

AS: I think because there were too many cultural differences that meant I couldn’t live there comfortably. Moscow is a happy medium.

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