Thread: A letter I can't read!

Hello everyone!
I went through SAPE to find some Russian speaking penpals as I have just begun to learn the language (I've got the alphabet and some basic words down, but that's it). I recieved a reply today from a woman named Olga in the Ukraine. The only problem is that it's in Russian! I can read it, but except for a few words, I have no idea what it means.
Anyone feel like helping me out?
Here's her letter:


A big thank you to anyone that can help!
Also, can someone tell me something i can write to her to let her know that I can only write in English for now? My first letter was entirely in English.
Thanks again!
Amanda

Hi Amanda!

I got your letter and was pleasantly surprised. I’ll be your pen-pal with the great pleasure. I’m 26, I study in law department in university and work for State Labor Agency.

I was married and have daughter Natasha, she is 7, and she goes to school, to 2nd grade.

I live in small town in apartment with my mother and my daughter.

I have an older brother Alexander who also lives in my town with his family.

I like to sew, to knit, and to read fiction books. I also like to go for a walk with my daughter. I’ve a lot of plans at home and a parrot.
I also like sweets, as you do, chocolate, candies, pies and pastry.

I’m going to have a vacation soon, I’m going to go to Black See with my daughter, we’ll take sunbathes and swim.

Write me more about yourself, your parents, and your friends.

Your Ukrainian friend Olga.

Thank you Vesh! That helps a lot!
Does anyone know how I can tell her that I can only write in English?
Thanks again!
Amanda

Originally Posted by Vesh

I’ve a lot of plans at home and a parrot.

I think Vesh wanted to write "I’ve a lot of plants and a parrot.

But anyway I would prefer to translate "цветы" as "flowers"

Originally Posted by Старик

Originally Posted by Vesh

I’ve a lot of plans at home and a parrot.

I think Vesh wanted to write "I’ve a lot of plants and a parrot.

But anyway I would prefer to translate "цветы" as "flowers"

Yep, I did. "цветы" in this context = "домашние растения" which is "home plants".

Originally Posted by Celephais

Does anyone know how I can tell her that I can only write in English?

Я не умею читать и писать по-русски, пиши мне, пожалуйста, по-английски.

Thanks again, Vesh! This will (I hope!) help me out.

Originally Posted by Vesh

Originally Posted by Celephais

Does anyone know how I can tell her that I can only write in English?

Я не умею читать и писать по-русски, пиши мне, пожалуйста, по-английски.

What's the difference between "Я не умею" and "Я не могу"?

What context would you use one or the other in?

-Fantom

"Я не могу" implies your physical or sometimes mental inability to do that. "Я не умею" means that you are capable of doing that but you don't know how to do that.

aah, I see, thanks!
-Fantom