Hello From Siberia, Russia

[Max Kredel]

Hi there!

I've been reading this forum for quite a while and the tradition to introduce yourself seems to me very nice and friendly. So here we go)

My name is Maxim, I'm 27 and I live in Novosibirsk which is the heart of Siberia, it is often called the "capital" of Siberia) As for my occupation I'm payment systems architect, certified Oracle database professional.

 

As soon as my package of nibs and ink arrives I will start to study Spencerian, I really like the way it looks.

Maybe you can help me with my first question? I know that this thread is not the best place for that but it is just to start the conversation)

 

Can you substitute Gelatin for the Arabic gum? Gelatin can be bought in every store and you should wait for a long time for the Arabic gum to arrive)

[Clancy]

Hello Max. Greetings from California and a warm welcome to FPN. It's great to have you here with us.

[fromthecrowd]

Hi Maxim! Welcome to the forum! I am also beginning to study Spencerian. What ink did you order. If its Higgins Eternal or the like, you don't need gum arabic to start practicing.

[H1N]

Hello Maxim and welcome to FPN!

[Titus D]

Hello there! Siberia eh.... My dog would love it there!

 

Enjoy the forum!

[PAKMAN]

Hello Maxim and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

[freewheelingvagabond]

Not sure about your questions, others would surely help you out.

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome, Maxim !

 

Novosibirsk is a name I recall from reading about the Great Trans-Siberian Railroad.

I assume that it is a crossroads and center for commerce. Is the availability of fountain pens

and materials in good supply there ?

 

Which fountain pen did you order ?

[Max Kredel]

Thank you all for your greetings!

Well for a starter kit I ordered Leonardt Principal EF nibs and several bottles of Windsor & Newton calligraphy ink. After reading the FPN forum I now understand that Nikko G nibs would be a better choice for spencerian. Next time I will order them with the Higgins Eternal or Sumi Moon Palace ink (have not decided it yet).

 

Yes maybe gum is not necessary but I know it also depends on the paper you use so we will see) I will definitely try gelatin for this purpose and write the post afterwards.

 

Titus, is that Huskies or Alaskan Malamute? Huskies are very popular here - people unite in clubs for carriage and ski riding)

 

Sasha, yes you are right you have very good geography knowledge. Yes Trans-Siberian railroad is what historically made Novosibirsk the third biggest city in Russia. Well yes there is some availability of fountain pens but when it comes to dip nibs, penholders and calligraphy ink (other than Pilot and Parker) the only way to buy this stuff is to order from the US or Europe.

[KaB]

Hi Max, welcome here!

[notVirtuThe3rd]

Hi! Welcome to FPN.

I'm really glad you've joined us.

Enjoy!

Best wishes from Japan,

VirtuThe3rd

[Wahl]

[Titus D]

Hello again Max! Yeah Titus is a Malamute,bigger and heavier than huskies. Lazier as well!

 

I also think I have some valves(for my amplifier) from Novosibirsk! Great bits of kit - high quality.

[Pen Nut]

Hello and welcome to you...... always sounds 'cold' your place. What temp is it at the moment ?

[Max Kredel]

Thank you all)

Titus, Oh Malamutes are very huge. I mean really) Ive seen only one and that buddy was like a bear but looked pretty kind and friendly. And yes Ive seen bears only at the zoo despite what Hollywood movies show you hehe)

 

Yep valves could be from here. It was probably manufactured at the soviet times before all the electronics started to come from China.

 

Pen Nut, yes it does sound cold although really cold weather is rare here. At this moment it is -8C (17.6F), week ago it was -30C (-22F) for a one day. At summer it can rise up to 35-40 C (95-104 F) for a short period of time (about 1 month of hot summer).

[SujiCorp12345]

Welcome to FPN!

[Misfit]

Welcome to FPN. Let us know about your progress with Spencerian.

[Max Kredel]

Thank you. Yes I will do for sure!

[WaskiSquirrel]

Welcome!

[fountainpagan]

Welcome Max.