Worth a thousand words..if only I could prove it

We got an early start this morning (ready to go before 10am? Who is this group?) to catch a train out of Moscow to Sergiyev Posad, a monastery about an hour and a half away. The train ride itself was an experience. It was not the nice, posh European trains that I have traveled on before, it was an old, dirty car similar to the metro with passengers sitting knee to knee. Throughout the entire trip, various people of all walks of life stood up to sell every kind of product imaginable. I saw someone selling magazines, cigarettes, eyeglasses, and demonic electronic stuffed animals. One shabbily dressed man who had no legs below the knee and no hands made some kind of verbal appeal and then shuffled down the aisle with his hat extended for coins. Both a dark-haired young boy playing the accordion and a middle-aged gentleman with a guitar serenaded the passengers at one point during the trip.

It was a cold, cold day but the monastery was well worth braving the weather (and the train ride). It is literally a fortress. According to Bolshoi Max, it was built in the 1400s, started by Ivan the Great and finished by Ivan the Terrible (Katie McKee pointed out, "You know, you don't hear much about Ivan the Mediocre") and it was impenetrable, even by a Polish force of 30,000 troops at one time. Once we entered the grand gate, we could see why--the walls were several meters thick and layered. Once inside, it opened to a beautiful community of churches, brightly-painted religious buildings, and gardens. Each building was unique and painted with vivid, wonderful colors, made more so by the snowy surroundings. There was a chapel (shrine?) for people to sample the famed "saint water," holy water that you can buy by the bottle. Inside many of the dimly-lit buildings was artwork: paintings of saints and biblical scenes stretched from floor to ceiling, gilded pillars and pictures and ornate metalwork added to the reverent scene. Miles looked around appreciatively and said, "Michelangelo gets a lot of credit for the Sistine Chapel but, if this were only a little brighter, it would be every bit as impressive." True statement, Miles.

Unfortunately, somewhere between leaving Sergiyev Posad and getting off the train home, I lost my camera. And with it, all of my pictures from today. I can’t express how aggravated this makes me, I hate losing things. And I really hate to not have it for the remainder of the trip. So, unfortunately, I guess you will have to google image the place since I now have no proof I was ever there…

A slightly sad пока from Moscow tonight...

No good title came to mind

It has been an interesting few days. Although we still haven't been exploring quite as much as usual due to the cold and most of us being under the weather to some degree, that has not stopped us from having some adventures, anyway.

On Wednesday of this week, Russia celebrated Men's Day, which is a holiday that gives tribute to men who served in the military. For us, this meant a day off from class and an opportunity to play laser tag at an arcade in downtown Moscow. Maksim and Anton took the Americans and French Maxime to play and we teamed up with a few Russians to win at least one game. My stealth skills need some work (the flashing red lights on my vest and gun didn't exactly help). Afterwards, Shelli and I went to get shawarma for the Russians and that almost ended up being a very bad night. Somewhere between the hostel and the shawarma stand, my purse fell open and all of my papers fell out--my passport, my hostel paper, my immigration form, my student ID. I realized this as Shelli was ordering the food and told her I was going to backtrack to try and find it. I walked the entire length of the sidewalk but couldn't find it so I returned to the stand. Shelli saw me and grabbed my arm, "Where were you?? I thought you got kidnapped or something!" I started to explain where I was when these 2 Russian guys dressed all in black came running up to me yelling. I had no idea what they were saying until one of them handed me all of my papers. I didn't know what to say, so all I said was, "Большое спасибо!" Crisis narrowly averted. And the Russians still got their shawarma.

On Thursday night while the American girls were getting food at the canteen, we met 2 Russian Special Forces soldiers, Alexei and Denis. They joined us for dinner and though they didn't speak English, they were able to tell us about how they served in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside American Special Forces. They were both extremely amusing. Alexei was celebrating his graduation so they brought out a bottle of champagne and we toasted with them. After, Alexei made each of us an origami flower out of napkins. Who said you need to know the language to communicate?

Last night, a large group of us went to an authentic Ukrainian restaurant a few metro stops down from the hostel, complete with colorful artwork, bright woven tapestries, and waitresses donning traditional flowered headdresses. We had a private room and ordered everything from boiled berries to horseradish, honey, and vodka (no better way to clear your sinuses, let me tell you). I split a dish of rabbit cooked in sour cream sauce with sauerkraut and sweet raspberry dumplings with Katie McKee, our newly-arrived, freshly doctorate-awarded professor. It was all absolutely delicious, made better by the setting and, of course, the company.

I'm still fighting some kind of derivative of a cold (I think I'm about as congested as is possible to be) so I hope that won't slow me down too much this weekend, though I don't know what's in store. Tomorrow we are planning on taking a little excursion outside of the city, which will be a nice change and I'm very much looking forward to it.

пока!

Statues and Sunsets

Not really sure what to blog about today. For some reason, I haven't been in the greatest of moods this past week. I think part of it is being cooped up because of the weather. It's been the longest stretch of bitter cold (although they tell us warm weather is coming--in the low 20s next week! woohoo!) we've really had since we've been here.

I was talking to Maksim about accents and how you can frequently tell where a person comes from based on their accent. Maksim told me that when he travels to Europe, he tries very hard to drop his accent because the general sentiment towards Russia is not very friendly. I found this interesting because though we are several years away from the "old Russia" that many feared, we really are not so far away at all. And, unfortunately for Russians, I think a Russian accent is about the hardest kind to lose.

Oh, and I am proud (and a little relieved) to notice that a few things in Russian have become second nature. They may be basic phrases but I figure that still counts for something! I struggle in class because I get hung up on the verb conjugations and gender construction but I realize that when we're out and about actually using the language in its "natural context" it comes much more easily to me. That's not to say it's easy, but it's more practical. Hopefully, with practice, the conjugations will start coming naturally, too.

Today, Miles, Maxime, and I went to some kind of statue garden. It's a garden filled with statues of the pre-Soviet era, if I remember correctly. Many of them are old religious statues that were taken down at one point or another during that reign. One portion of the garden was devoted to statues of the heads of various Soviet leaders. It was beautiful because we arrived around sundown and it started to snow lightly as we were walking around the snowy paths with these neat statues. I've officially become obsessed with Moscow sunsets. Maybe because of the perpetual winter and the smog but somehow the sunsets are incredibly vivid--I think a large portion of the pictures I've taken so far have been of sunsets.

OK, I know that is a random blog post today. But I am feeling a little better so I figured I'd post again (because the world really needs to hear more from me...). If I think of more interesting things to say, I will post a more cohesive blog.

пока!

Change of Tune

This evening, we were invited to an English-speaking club by some of our Russian friends (so we can practice our English?). It was a doomed mission from the start. It took us about an hour just to find the place and once we did, I strongly considered just walking the other way. It was a crooked door in the corner of an alley that led into a kind of auditorium/cafeteria. The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of Russians trying to practice English but Miles met a British guy and someone who spoke German. It was mostly just an awkward experience for us because we had no idea what was going on. Nadia, Karlie, and I took the earliest opportunity to get out of dodge.

No sooner did we make the metro back than did Maksim meet us and coax me into going back to the same station we had just come from to go to dinner. I almost didn't go because I was cold, wind-whipped, and tired but I agreed to go with him, Shelli, Katie, Katye, and Christina to a little cafe for dinner. It was another long trek but Maksim did eventually get us to a little basement restaurant set up with little tables and coaches surrounded by paintings. Soon after we arrived, we were joined by Roma and a new friend, Anton. He doesn't speak much English but seems like a lot of fun so we immediately encouraged him to come back. And, wonder of wonders, there was a piano! Everyone must have seen the longing glances I gave it because Miles asked the waitress if I was allowed to play it...and I was! I played everything I could remember. Admittedly, it's not as much as it could be but for my limited repertoire, I don't think I've ever had a more appreciative audience or setting. The waiters dimmed the lights as I started to play so that the entire room was lit mostly by candles, a few people made requests, and no matter what I played (or how poorly I played it), I received thunderous applause and cheers from my table. Katie told me that one of the waiters got out his lighter and was waving it while I played. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire rest of the night. Everyone was so complimentary and I appreciated their support and acknowledgement as I finished. I hope to be able to play again but if not, I think that tonight will be one concert that I will remember for a long time. As I sat down, Maksim grinned at me and said, "I knew this place had a piano the whole time, that's why we tried so hard to find it."

Thanks, Maksim. You have no idea the gift you gave me tonight.

Frustrated

I feel like I need to vent a little bit so I apologize in advance if this blog comes across too negative or disorganized.

Up until this point, I really haven't had any issues with Russians or trying to shop with my extremely limited vocabulary. Probably because we are usually accompanied by our friendly classmates-turned-translators. But recently we have begun venturing out on our own. This really hasn't been a problem, either. Between the few words or phrases we know, some strange form of sign language, and a lot of pointing, we make due. What really has been the point of frustration for me lately is the feeling of...contempt, maybe? I have sensed from the Russians we have encountered at stores or restaurants. Contempt is probably too strong of a word. Miles and I were discussing this as we were coming back from downtown Moscow. He doesn't get the vibe as strongly as I do (maybe I'm just reading too much into it) but has encountered it a little.

In the major centers of the city, most restaurants offer English menus and many of the stores have English text under the signs (if not strictly English signs). And yet I'm surprised, whether I should be or not, by the limited ability we have to ask for help or understand directions. Most of the staff seem to know just a little English, if any, and I get a sense that our ignorance and perhaps even mere presence is annoying. This might just be a wrong impression or a stereotype but I can't help but feel a little awkward or dumb when I stand there unable to communicate. It's made worse by the fact that every time I fail to communicate or understand, I feel like the Russians talk to each other about it. I suppose in the same situation in America, I would expect nothing less, either. Maybe foreigners are merely a curiosity, if not a slight frustration, to workers in general.

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store and when I went to pay, the cashier tried to tell me to pay with some small change I had to make it even. It took me a while to get what she was saying (and I only did because I was rescued by Nadia) and as she handed me my change, she turned to the other cashier and started laughing and talking as she glanced at me. Maybe it had nothing to do with me, but I couldn't help feeling a little irritated as I left. It's times like these that I really wish I knew Russian fluently. I know that not all Russians behave in this manner, but I know that it has happened on more than one occasion because I can tell by the expression in our translators' faces that something perhaps less-than-friendly is being said. Obviously, there's nothing I can do about it.

But it's frustrating.

Yay for double post days!

So I'm sure nobody wants to hear from me twice in one day but I just had to finish the day off with an update.

So it turned out to be one of the best Valentine's Days I've had in a long time. The rumors of a home-cooked meal were, in fact, just rumors because our would-be cooks didn't get back until late. Maksim came over and gave each of the American girls valentines and took us to dinner at a sports bar place not far from our hostel. We got some universal feel-good food (French fries and club sandwiches) accompanied by some classic French wine. We joked that Maksim got to have 5 dates in one night-good even for a Russian! We bowled and ate and danced like fools and were really loud when we got really good or really bad scores. It was a lot of fun and I didn't even mind everyone making fun of my "aggressive bowling style" or the fact that I came in last place. Yeah, bowling's not my thing but that's OK because the night was so much fun. I loved getting to celebrate with my Russian-American-French family!

пока!

Valentine's Day in Russia

I don't know why I was surprised to find out that Valentine's Day is a very big day in Russia (maybe I just hoped that Hallmark had somehow overlooked this country. It's so hard to miss, you know...). Apparently, it's even crazier for Russian young adults because their view on and approach to relationships is much different than ours in America, or for most people in America.

Russians tend not to be exclusive when entering into romantic relationships. This was first pointed out to me by writer Berdy and I have seen it played out among our friends here. Several of the Russians are in "open relationships" with more than one significant other. Sure, this sounds appealing in one sense and as a Russian guy, it even almost makes sense. All the Russian women are beautiful so how could you choose just one? But on a day like this it just sounds exhausting! Trying to keep up with one person is hard enough, let alone more than one. But maybe I'm just jealous...

I've noticed in general that Russians are very effervescent and friendly towards each other and their guests. I've already commented on their manners and chivalrous behavior towards us but it goes even beyond that. A few times we've had drinks with them and it doesn't matter who we are, who they are, or how much we understand each other (which oftentimes is not very much), they always want us to have a good time. "Russians never drink alone," Maksim told us as he poured us some wine. They are quick to engage us in conversation and offer food or drink before we're even done with the first round. And Russian men and women, whether or not they are dating, are very tactile-playing with each other's hair, casually slinging their arms around each other, and kissing familiarly on the head and cheek. I was a little taken aback by this behavior at first (and I still am a little) because it is very different from what I am used to. I have a very strict "personal space" policy that doesn't quite mesh with theirs.

Valentine's Day here has been very quiet so far. Miles, French Maxime, and I attempted to go to the Gulag Museum and the Museum of the Revolution (what better way to celebrate the feast day of love?) but wound up only managing to go to another Russian bookstore to browse. I really wish I knew more Russian...Later, there are rumors of one of the American girls (not me!) whipping up a dinner for the occasion but we'll have to see if that's true.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day, with whomever and however you celebrate it!

пока!

Big Mac Moment of Weakness

So I have to confess to a very un-Russian, all-American moment of weakness yesterday. Katie, Karlie, and I were all hanging around the hostel and noticed that our diets have consisted almost entirely of carbs. I for one was craving a big hunk of meat (hi, my name's Marie and I am a carnivore...) and a little taste of America. So we decided to go to a Russian McDonald's for "the full Russian experience" as one of my friends quipped. A happy meal and a coke? Yes, please! Better than all of those carbs, for sure...

I think we made up for our un-Russian evening today, though. Maksim came over this morning to supervise making blinis, a dish so Russian that it has its own national day! It's called Масленица and to my understanding it is a celebration roughly equivalent to Mardi Gras. Just add some jam and sweet milk and we were in business, Russian-style! Tonight, Miles made our group another traditional Russian dish: borsch. This cabbage, beet, and carrot-based soup is surprisingly filling. Between the 2 dishes, I felt that we counteracted our American moment of weakness. And, really, the Russians like McDonald's as much as we do, though they seem to think that it is the sole restaurant that defines the US.

Between the two days of food, if I continue to eat this way, I'll probably wind up being the size of a house. And next to all of the tall, thin, beautiful Russian women, too...hmm, salads from now on, anyone?

пока!

Fun fact!

Oh, and I forgot to include this fun fact in my last post-I may have mentioned already that Moscow has a lot of stray dogs running around the city. They are pretty tame for the most part in the sense that they do not chase after people or act aggressively (disclaimer: we never attempt to pet them). But apparently these "smartest dogs" will ride the metro from place to place! I find this hilarious and impressive-sometimes I don't know how HUMANS navigate the metro system! But these dogs do and everyone seems totally fine with it. I haven't seen any on the metro itself but I have seen them sleeping in the stations.

Anyway, I just found this random fact interesting and wanted to make sure I mentioned it.

пока!

"We ain't in Kansas anymore"

So, it has been an interesting trip so far, to be sure. And it has already been bookended to this point by some pretty dramatic events.

The day before most of us flew into the country, Domodedovo airport was bombed by terrorists. We were not flying into that airport but supposedly the bombing was meant to target foreigners. It didn't affect our trip at all but certainly made for an interesting welcome to Russia.

This morning in class, Dr. Malashankov informed us that the French-American students were grounded to the hostel because of riots in the center of Moscow. I'm not entirely sure what the riots are for right now, although it is my understanding that they are some sort of protest against foreigners. They are nowhere near our hostel but the idea of being restricted because of unfriendly political activity is intriguing.

Last night, we were heading home to the hostel and we were stopped by the Russian police. We were told to expect this because they are allowed to stop anyone at any time and require identification. I was sort of surprised it hasn't happened sooner, we're not exactly inconspicuous when we go out. We just handed them our passport and papers, our Russian friends bribed them a little, and everything was fine. Certainly a new and unusual experience and much different than the type of system we are used to dealing with. Russian justice is its own unique brand. As Dorothy might say, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore..."

No, we most certainly are not.

Russian School

We all got a case of the hyper giggles today after our visit to the school. The energy from the students apparently transferred to us when we left because we were all hopping around and babbling in Runglish. I'll have to admit, I was incredibly apprehensive about the whole thing. Working with children in English scares me enough! But I actually ended up having a great time. The Russian students all spoke excellent English and were eager to practice so they were very friendly. The two girls I sat with asked me all kinds of questions about music, movies, and my life in Moscow. Then they asked me eagerly, "So what do you want to learn?" So I got to ask them all kinds of phrases and slang terms. They told me my pronunciation was good, which made me feel good. I ended up having a really good time and I think that I will wind up learning a lot of Russian from my interactions with them in the future.

пока!

Family Dinner and Дом Книги

The American girls were brave the other night and ventured to the Moscow-equivalent of a Wal-Mart all by ourselves! We didn't have any Russians to help us translate and, surprisingly, we all made out just fine. We're learning to navigate the city (especially the metro-if nothing else, we'll be experts in that lingo). Probably my biggest goal is to be able to get around the grocery stores or markets and be familiar with the vocabulary and phrases. We picked up some food for dinner and when Maksim and Bolshoi Max heard that Shelli was cooking dinner, they both said, "Shelli's cooking? We'll stay!" Shelli whipped up potatoes and Russian pork with green beans and fresh bread. It turned into another great international family dinner.

Yesterday we got to tour the departments of the university and get a glimpse into the studies of the many Russian students. I don't remember the specifics about the programs but MSAU specifically has partnerships with certain agriculture-based companies (such as John Deere) that provide training to the students on their equipment, ultimately providing future career opportunities. We got to tour the military department where we learned a little about the Russian occupation in World War II, or the Great Patriotic War as they refer to it. On the walls were pictures of veterans and generals, including a prominent picture of Stalin. It's interesting to get a glimpse of history from the Russian perspective, particularly such prominent figures as Stalin and Lenin. Here they are revered (at least in public forms) whereas our history has a much different view.

In addition to the school tour, Karlie, Miles, Maxim (the French edition) and I went to Arbatskaya-one of the major centers in Moscow-to find the Дом Книги, a mega bookstore in Moscow that has books in English. I bought a book of Russian fables written in Cyrillic. Optimistic? Maybe, but I hope that it will improve my vocabulary as well as my reading. It's probably a bit of a stretch to think I'll be able to read it with any kind of fluency by the time we leave but I'm going to give it a shot!

The weather today was particularly Russia-esque, that is to say...the type of Russia I was expecting before we left. It was gray and snowy all day, although not very cold until we got back to the hostel. I noticed as we were trekking around in the winter wonderland that for a city the size and significance of Moscow that should be used to this kind of weather, it's surprisingly ill-equipped to handle the slush and snow. The city had been described to me as dirty and up until this point, I hadn't really seen it. But the slush and melted snow leave everything a mess. The stairs to the metro are slick and the sidewalks are slushy and full of puddles or sheets of ice. Cars kick up the brown slush and cover the lines in the road. I would have thought that the city would have perfected some kind of system for handling this kind of thing, seeing as how they experience it a great portion of the year...

Today, we're going to a Russian high school to observe Russian students learning English, possibly to help them later in the semester. And....Maksim has arranged for me to be able to play the piano! I wish I had thought to prepare something but just being able to play will be wonderful! It seems like it's been a long time, even though this trip has already flown by.

Well, it's still early in the day so I may post later, depending on how the day unfolds. I feel like there's so much more to say!

пока!

The City At Night

Went on another exploration last night.

We took the metro to downtown Moscow and got to see the city center at night. We went into a shop that had everything from tea, fresh breads, and ice cream to wine, honey and souvenirs. I even saw peanut butter, although it has been practically nonexistent in any other part of the city. It was no Jiff and at a premium of about $9.00 but it does in fact exist in Russia. Probably from all of the Americans complaining about how we can't make our PBJ's (which we have all determined is one of the quintessential all-American foods). Afterwards, we found our way to a Japanese sushi bar. I've been telling people that I had a Mexican quesadilla and Italian wine in a Japanese sushi bar in Moscow, Russia with my French and American friends. I know, clever, right? The gentleman at the door who takes people's coats was frustrated because I hung my coat over the back of the chair and it kept dragging on the floor. This is apparently a big no-no for Russians and he came over and adjusted it a couple different times.

Next, we went to Red Square so that Katie could see it. I've decided that Red Square at night is much more beautiful than during the day. All of the buildings--the Kremlin, St. Basil's, the skating rink etc.--are all lit up and there's just a very cool atmosphere about the place.

Today, Vera told us that Red Square is named because in ancient Russia, red meant beautiful. And it really is. One of the amazing things about being there to me is how much history is there. Not only ancient history but recent history. The commemoration of Lenin is everywhere around Moscow but especially in Red Square. Maksim said that many people think it is called that for all the blood that has been spilled there over history. "It's not why it was named Red Square," he said, "but it is true." Hopefully, one of our upcoming adventures will be to a museum where we can learn more about the history of the place in which we live.

I feel like I have a lot more to say about it but can't think of anything else right now. For now, we are having class with the Russians and the French so I'm going to sign off.

пока!

"When everybody else is gettin' out of bed I'm usually gettin' in it..."

All-nighter last night, Russian style!

A big group of us decided to go to downtown Moscow near Red Square last night. However, our hostel does not allow anyone to enter or re-enter the building after 1am. So...that meant that we had to stay out all night until 6am, when the hostel reopened. Right away, it promised to be an interesting night.

We took the metro to Red Square and got to see it all lit up at night, which in of itself was worth the trip. The club we went to was right on the edge of Red Square and appeared to cater to a tourist-based crowd because most of the menu was in English as well as Russian. The music, too, was mostly American music, circa 1980s and early 90s maybe? And, luckily for me, Russians don't know how to dance any better than Americans so they did not expect any sick dance moves a la Michael Jackson or anything. One of the guys, Valera, was hysterical on the dance floor and I enjoyed letting him steal the spotlight (I know, big of me, right?). We literally danced the night away and then found an all-night coffee shop around 4am or so to wait for the metro to start running again and the hostel to reopen. By that time, not even a cup of real coffee could entice me to stay awake. By the time we made it back to our rooms around 6:30am, I think I fell asleep before Karlie even lay down. I woke up around 1pm this afternoon, completely disrupting the regular sleep pattern I finally established. It was a fun night and definitely something to say I experienced. However, I can't say it's something I'll be in a hurry to do again. Turns out, I'm a big fan of sleep.

On another note, I asked Maksim this morning if the Russians ever watch the Superbowl (I didn't even care that I was living out the American football-loving stereotype). He looked at me and said, "The what?" So...it looks like I will have to root for my team from afar. Hey, what can I say-I'm a devoted fan!

пока!

Be Careful What You Wish For

Well, I got what I wished for, if not quite what I was anticipating.

Tonight, Shelli decided to be awesome and cook the American girls and Bolshoi Max and Maksim a chicken and dumpling dinner. Bolshoi Max agreed to drive Katie, Karlie, and I to a nearby grocery store to pick up a few ingredients. Simple enough, we thought. What we didn't anticipate was Moscow traffic.

Moscow appears to have no rhyme or reason to its road system-I'm pretty sure Max drove diagonally through a line of cars onto a four or five lane highway with no visible lines to guide him. Impressive, but not exactly comforting...Once we got on, the traffic was stop and go the entire way. Ambulances couldn't even get through. We passed many apartment buildings in varying states of disrepair, a hallmark of this city, I've noticed. And there's a pharmacy and a flower shop at every corner. At the very least when I leave here I will be able to read the word "аптека" with no problems. We did eventually make it to the store but they didn't have thyme or chicken broth so we had to get creative. Katie bought flour and butter to make a rue for the chicken and then handed me a bottle of oregano and said, "Is this like thyme?" In my infinite cooking wisdom I said, "Sure!" We picked up a couple of other things (we're still learning to navigate grocery stores)-I'm trying Russian pretzels.

Well, coming out of the store, poor Max's car was giving him trouble and we wound up stranded at the grocery store and had to call good ol' Maksim to come by metro to pick us up. Of course, that took him a good hour-plenty of time for Bolshoi Max to teach us some colorful Russian. But like the loyal friend that he is, Maksim did show up to escort us home and Bolshoi Max managed to get his car home a little bit later. We were all greeted three and a half hours later than expected by poor Shelli, who had no clue what had happened. She managed to make due with our substitutes and cooked a delicious chicken and dumpling dinner. I really appreciate Maksim and Bolshoi Max-they're both such great guys, they've really taken care of us this trip. And I appreciate Shelli for cooking, especially under duress!

So, I asked for an adventure and I got one. Probably not going to try that one again anytime soon but at least the day wasn't boring! We're venturing into downtown Moscow tomorrow to see what we can find. Sounds like another adventure brewing to me...

пока!

Learning About Statistics, Russian, and Friendships

It's early in the day for me to be posting a blog so, depending on how the rest of the day goes, this may be a double-post day. But we'll see.

Over the past couple of days, I haven't really left the hostel very much. Between the dreary weather (I guess I'm gonna get used to it eventually), Russian homework and class, and statistics, I have spent the majority of my time in the classroom. But I've been working on a project with some of the Russians and it's been fun getting the chance to meet them and work with them. Like everyone else, they have been very friendly. I find it funny that I somehow thought working with them would be different than working with American students. Other than a couple of language hiccups (on both ends), they really are just like every other student I've met. I don't know why I thought it would be different-if anything, I like working with them even better! Right now while we wait for class, they're playing Mario on the computer. I guess some things really are universal haha. I will be really glad when this class is over, though. It's a very painful 4 hours...

We have a new teacher in Russian, Ludmilla Aleksandrovna, who will work with Vera. She is always smiling and likes to tease Miles, especially, about having a Siberian accent. She's quick to correct and compliment. But, man, does she give a lot of homework! Last night, the girls all gathered in Shelli's room to work on it. It probably wouldn't have taken so long if we didn't keep getting so sidetracked chatting. But it was really fun to talk and goof around in between intense Russian cursive training. Even though we've only all been together for a few days, we have already had some great conversations-it feels like we've known each other a while. Hopefully, by the time this trip is over, we will have made solid friendships that will last beyond Moscow.

After this class is over, the weekend is here. I don't know yet what it will bring but I'm excited. It's time to bust out of the hostel for a while and find an adventure!

пока!

Just a blog

Not a whole lot to blog about today. It's been a pretty bleak day without sun but it's probably been the warmest day since we've been here. Some of the snow has already melted into gray-brown slush. Supposedly, it starts getting warm here within the next month. Vera told us today that the dreary days are usually the warmer ones here. For some reason, she said, clear, sunny days are always very cold and often windy.

Today was spent mostly with work and getting things done. I feel like I've been sitting in the classroom staring at Russian cursive and excel for the entire day. Unfortunately, I didn't get out much today. But hopefully tomorrow I will make up for it.

Over dinner this evening, Elisa was telling Miles and I about her grandparents living during Stalin's era. Her grandmother lived in a little village in Siberia and during that time, if you did not travel to a city to obtain a passport by the time you were fourteen, you were not allowed to leave your village for the rest of your life. Of Elisa's family, her grandmother was the only one brave enough to leave. Elisa wants to get to the United States eventually but she says it is difficult for Russians to get visas, especially if they are traveling on their own.

Well, there's not much else to say for now and I'm still getting over this obnoxious cold so I think I'll probably get to bed early tonight. But of course, I've made that plan for the last week now and it has yet to work out...

пока!

Ice Skating

This trip has already proven to be a host of new experiences and today I got to add another one: ice skating! It was the first time I've ever gone-and what more appropriate setting than Moscow? As always, the awesome Russians Maksim and Bolshoi Maksim (we've given them nicknames to help differentiate them) were at the helm of this adventure and brought along a new friend, Christine (I'm not sure how to spell her name in the Russian fashion), who is a lot of fun. They taught us how to play a skating game and saved from falling those of us who were a little uncertain on the skates. It was such a fun group and it was an awesome time. I noticed, though, that we attracted a lot of stares. I think it's because we Americans are a very boisterous and happy group. Russians in general, I've noticed, are not a very expressive group in public, preferring to display a cooler demeanor, whereas we were all bouncing around and talking loudly. Couldn't have been more obvious if we were walking around wearing shirts that said, "Hi, We're Americans!" (not that we'd be any less obvious anyway).

More Russian language class today. By the time we're done here, I hope to be a master at writing in Russian cursive. Of course, by then all of my English cursive writing will have been completely forgotten and I'll start writing my English t's as n's like they look in Russian.

Oh, and today we found out that security guards take their duty VERY seriously. We heard this but poor Shelli found this out firsthand. She did not have her entrance card that we were given the first day and she was trying to come into the hostel but the security guard wouldn't let her. Not only would he not allow her to go upstairs (despite having her passport), she had a hard time leaving the hostel without it in order to return. So far, we haven't had any problems with this because the guards knew who we were and let us by with no problem. But the new guard tonight meant business and we all learned that there's no messing around. Russian students have to carry passports with them everywhere. They have 2 types-one for the city of Moscow (plus their student IDs and driver's licenses if they have them) and their international passports. As one of the Americans pointed out, "Russians are very well documented." Interesting to think about.

I'll add pictures of the skating later.

пoка!