Friday 5 October 2012

Security guards, talons, and a Boy's imagination

If your children attend at an expat school in Russia, there are certain things that one needs to take as a given.  The mix of nationalities, for one.  The yearly changeover of students and staff (between 20% and 30% move on at the end of every year), for another.  And the ever-present Oxrana (pronounced ochrana - with 'ch' as in 'loch' and which means 'security guards').

I thought that the Boys didn't really pay much attention to the security guys; sure, they are always there at the boundaries, demanding to see our passes, opening the gates and barriers and waving us through, but overall they are an affable team, especially if you take the time to smile and wish them good morning and good afternoon when you see them.  You would be surprised how many parents don't - but that's a subject for another post...

Yesterday, however, changed that.  It was an inset day so there was no school, but there was an after-school activity the Boys were attending which meant we needed to enter the premises at around 6pm.

As we reached the main gate, one of the Oxrana approached the car.  The premises were closed today, he said unsmilingly.  No entry.  Ah, but I countered.  We have Taekwondo to go to - at which point he happily waved us through.

Boy #2 was amazed.  "He KNOWS about Taekwondo?  How does he know about Taekwondo?"

Before I could answer, his brother jumped in.  "The security guys know everything.  They know all.  They are constantly watching, constantly circling, like hawks, above us."

There was a moments silence.  The Boy #1 concluded; "At night, when they sleep, they dream of being hawks, and they sharpen their talons in the darkness..."

It appears I'm not the only one in the family with an imagination.  And I will make doubly sure I continue to say good morning to them from now on...

6 comments:

  1. We've also been constantly surrounded by security guards for the past almost 6 years (not personal guards, mind you). They are generally nice and seem to like kids. But I'm not sure if their constant presence is more reassuring or worrying even if one does get used to them being around.

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  2. I'm a little scared of them now!

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  3. Glad he was talking about the security guards, not the teachers.

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  4. Isn't it funny how they can come out with this stuff and not think it's the least bit weird? Hilarious.

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  5. Thanks that made me giggle on tube

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  6. i think this is depend on a person. and this is not true.
    security guarding service

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