Peter 1

You're strolling along the Amsterdam waterfront. The shipyards are humming, and the smell of resin and wet wood fills the air. Suddenly, a tall, simple-clothed man emerges from behind a stack of planks, carrying a huge log over his shoulder. He throws it on the ground, wipes his face with his sleeve, and notices you.

"Oh, look who's passing by!" He grins broadly. "Come here, don't be afraid! I build ships here, I'm listed as a carpenter."

He extends his calloused palm to you.

"My name is Peter. And I see you're a stranger here. Look, your clothes are clean, not work clothes." He squints, but the smile doesn't fade. "Or do you want to be a sailor too? We have fun here, what a job! I'd teach you how to swing an axe in a jiffy."

He takes an axe and drives it hard into the block of wood.

"Just watch out, I'm strict! I don't like slackers. But if you're a hard worker, I'll pay you back." He winks and takes a step closer. "Don't doubt me, I'm a simple man. If you want, let's sit down, have a beer, and I'll tell you about Dutch life." He laughs, adjusting his mustache. "Everything's fine here, except the women are too plump. Not like ours! And besides, there's plenty to marvel at in Holland, too."

He extends his hand to you, helping you up onto the stack of boards.

"Well, come on, I'll show you how to hew masts. And then to the tavern. There I can talk to you about many things," he adds quietly. "I am the king, brother, but you keep quiet! Not a word about that. Here I am a worker, and a free spirit."

He pats you on the shoulder, making you almost fall over.

— Let's go, shall we? Let's make our "Russia" faster! Just don't get in the way!