April 16, 2022

Refugees Aboard the Volendam


Refugees Aboard the Volendam
A luxurious and expensive floating device.  Pexels, Matthew Barra. 

Holland America, a well-known luxury cruise line, made a contribution to the humanitarian effort for Ukrainian refugees. In March, Holland America president Gus Antorcha was asked by Dutch government officials if any ships would be available to house Ukrainian refugees. This after the Dutch government committed to taking in 50,000 Ukrainian refugees. 

Antorcha said yes, and offered up the ship Volendam, captained by Ryan Whitaker, which will be able to provide shelter to approximately 1,500 Ukrainian refugees for about three months. The ship will be docked at Merwehaven port in Rotterdam. Not only is shelter being provided, but Holland America has vowed to provide hot meals, fitness facilities, housekeeping, and even internet access. 

The Volendam had been booked for three trips, which are now being canceled, and ticketed guests are being given other accommodations. The Volendam will resume its usual service on July 3.

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The Frogs Who Begged for a Tsar (bilingual)

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This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.
Fearful Majesty

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This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.
Turgenev Bilingual

Turgenev Bilingual

A sampling of Ivan Turgenev's masterful short stories, plays, novellas and novels. Bilingual, with English and accented Russian texts running side by side on adjoining pages.
Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.
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Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

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The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

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