NASHIK: The three-and-a-half year stint at Ozar has left an indelible mark on Russian expert M A Matckevich, who would be flying back to home after the stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Ozar and HAL Township, 18 km from Nashik city, ends on Monday.As he prepares to leave town, he fondly recalls days of learning and loving a new culture, local cuisine and festivals. "We loved the samosas, tandoori and various kinds of curries. I am heading home with loads of memories that will remain etched for the lifetime," Matckevich told TOI.From the staple diet of bread, meat and mashed potatoes with rice, they were introduced to spicy Indian food. "We love the spicy food. I have observed that Indians eat lots of vegetables. Russians have bread, meat, fish, mashed potatoes with steak and rice," the Russian expat said.The Russians also got to experience local culture and festivals, which were a novelty to them. "A friend had invited us to their place in Nashik city for Ganpati festival, which we enjoyed a lot," he said.Matckevich and his wife Liudmila stayed at the HAL township. Their son, now 21, is studying in Russia. During the couple's stay in Nashik, Liudmila used to attend yoga classes at an Indian family's residence. "There were several occasions when my wife and her Indian counterparts cooked food of their respective countries and shared with each other," he said.The salubrious climate in Nashik, in parts warm and pleasant, was in stark difference from the cold weather they are accustomed to back home. "The climate is different. Here, we didn't need to wear our fur coats, fur boots or mufflers," he recalled. Overall, it was an enriching experience and the couple never for a moment got bored during their stay in Nashik. "My wife used to go for swimming, spend time in the local gym, interacted with our relatives and friends back home on skype, viber," he added.The occasional get-togethers, when there were more Russian families living at HAL, were a source of entertainment at the recreational hall. "On holidays, we would head to Nashik city to buy foodstuff. In fact on April 16, which was a Sunday, we went to Mumbai for shopping and sightseeing. We used to visit Goa during New Year celebrations. We have also visited Vani, Pune, Ajanta and Ellora, Saputara and Ozarkhed in the last three years," he said.It is not Matckevich's visit to Nashik. He was earlier posted here for three years in 2007. He has developed a bond with the country and loves India. "Indians have the warmth to accept outsiders. They are very large hearted and kind. They do not interfere in others' lives. They are composed and peace-loving people. We will take these memories with us," he said.However, he found that whenever they went out of the township, people were very eager to click pictures with him and his group."But they never disturbed us. There was not a single unpleasant incident that has taken place with us during our stay in the city," he said.

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