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!