I was born in the Soviet Union that fell apart after 4 years and the country became Republic. The time of political changes was very harsh for the majority of people. It was very rare that people bought new furniture or home appliances at that period of time: it was almost impossible to find anything in the stores. Most of the furniture that has been in my parents’ apartment was given by their parents.

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One of the most valued pieces was a Persian rug. Originally it occupied the whole wall in the living room, serving as an artwork. Later when it became older and shabbier my mother moved it on the floor, so it would give warmth to the feet in winter. In the summer it was usually rolled up and put away. Cleaning the carpet was one of the family rituals in winter. It is hard to believe now, but my family used snow for carpet cleaning and not sprays or chemicals. It worked perfectly well and was ecologically clean.

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Another piece of furniture, actually electronics, was an old TV. It was my parents’ wedding gift, long time before remote controls and flat LCD screens were invented. It has always been the center of the evening at home. After a good meal it was the place where the whole family enjoyed a movie: lying on the couch, wrapped in the blankets and sipping tea.

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Balconies serve an important role in Russian apartments. They provide a glimpse of nature and outside experience for apartment residents. My parents had an astonishing panoramic view of the Volga River from the balcony; it was the main reason why they chose to purchase apartment at the exact location. Because of the severe winters people tend to glaze their balconies. It is also common to use them for the storage of vegetable and fruit preserves. Also, the balcony in my parents’ apartment was used as a napping place in the summer evenings. It provided sufficient shade and light breeze coming from the river.

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I think the great appreciation of having home came to my family after a tragic event that happened several years ago. My grandfather lost his house and miraculously stayed alive after the fire on the New Year’s Eve. It was absolutely devastating for my family. At the same time, we couldn’t believe the courage and great luck of my grandfather: he woke up in the middle of the night when the fire and smoke filled the house and rushed to the gas tank that was about to blow up the building. He threw away the dangerous container out of the window and saved his house from becoming the ruins. After a year my parents rebuilt the house for my grandfather completely on their own: from the foundation up to the roof. Because all the things that hold memories were lost in the fire the home will never be the same for my grandfather.