Just a kid, with a fake AK-47, shooting at pedestrians crossing the street and buses that passed by.
Endearing.
Normal
Just a kid, with a fake AK-47, shooting at pedestrians crossing the street and buses that passed by.
Endearing.
Weekend 07.03-04.10
This past weekend I went to Lena's parents house. I love it there. She has like this massive garden with everything- cucumbers, raspberries, strawberries, lettuce, etc. So we ate raspberries and sour cherries the whole time, picking them fresh when we ran low. And her mom prepares the most delicious dishes and after she's done cooking we all help to carry the food and drinks to this gazebo covered in grape vines. Then we eat. Each meal takes about three hours to finish. The best part is-- her mom doesn't speak English but for some reason I understand her perfectly and we have awesome conversations!!!! This makes me soooo happy.
Anyways.
For breakfast I had these pastry things with tvorok which is like a dehydrated curdled cheese thing, sounds weird, but when you mix it with sour cream and sugar and then you add your choice of raspberries or strawberries, it's absolutely delicious. Then we had this summer squash thing with garlic and that was fantastic and I had the most delicious hot chocolate and a cup of tea as well.
Then we went to the market, to buy some food and some bug spray to numb the itch of my mosquito bitten body. Sidenote---there are tons of mosquitoes here, for some reason, I fool myself into thinking that mosquitoes only exist in America and Africa but I am proven wrong every time. The market is really cool because you get to try the food and fruit before trying it and it's just a great environment.
Then we went to her mom's friend's dacha and went to a river to swim. The water was great until the creepy seaweed started to exist, so I refused to go into the deep part, until someone let me borrow a floaty thing. I floated over it just fine, but I'm not letting any scary seaweed monster grab me and take me under
Then we returned to the dacha and had this potato carrot vegetable stew, but not stew thing. And this wonderful salad and perfectly seasoned tomatoes and kompot which is like a homemade berry juice---I just kept eating and eating, then I fell asleep.
They have the biggest bunny I've ever seen.
When I awoke we went back to Lena's mom place and had dinner which was like this garlic-y dill potato thing and cucumberandtomato salad and then for desert we had fruits and tea. Then we watched the game--- woot woot SPAIN! Then we fell asleep again. I really love hanging out with her mom, she is so Russian.
Anyways.
For breakfast I had these pastry things with tvorok which is like a dehydrated curdled cheese thing, sounds weird, but when you mix it with sour cream and sugar and then you add your choice of raspberries or strawberries, it's absolutely delicious. Then we had this summer squash thing with garlic and that was fantastic and I had the most delicious hot chocolate and a cup of tea as well.
Then we went to the market, to buy some food and some bug spray to numb the itch of my mosquito bitten body. Sidenote---there are tons of mosquitoes here, for some reason, I fool myself into thinking that mosquitoes only exist in America and Africa but I am proven wrong every time. The market is really cool because you get to try the food and fruit before trying it and it's just a great environment.
Then we went to her mom's friend's dacha and went to a river to swim. The water was great until the creepy seaweed started to exist, so I refused to go into the deep part, until someone let me borrow a floaty thing. I floated over it just fine, but I'm not letting any scary seaweed monster grab me and take me under
Then we returned to the dacha and had this potato carrot vegetable stew, but not stew thing. And this wonderful salad and perfectly seasoned tomatoes and kompot which is like a homemade berry juice---I just kept eating and eating, then I fell asleep.
They have the biggest bunny I've ever seen.
When I awoke we went back to Lena's mom place and had dinner which was like this garlic-y dill potato thing and cucumberandtomato salad and then for desert we had fruits and tea. Then we watched the game--- woot woot SPAIN! Then we fell asleep again. I really love hanging out with her mom, she is so Russian.
Voda
Roads in Voronezh are horrible. There are potholes and ditches and simply unrepaired wholes in the ground everywhere. So when it rains, the streets basically flood, which would be perfect for baby pools if it wasn't for the insane drivers or the shards of glass that help make up the road.
Oh yeah, and do you see how there are people parked on the sidewalk? Well, in Voronezh there are no parking rules. You can park anywhere you like. On sidewalks, in parks, in the middle of the road. There are seriously no rules. None at all.
Speaking of water, apparently for two weeks out of the summer, each section of the city experiences hot water cut offs. And lucky for me my two weeks just begun. Yay, no hot water!
Oh yeah, and do you see how there are people parked on the sidewalk? Well, in Voronezh there are no parking rules. You can park anywhere you like. On sidewalks, in parks, in the middle of the road. There are seriously no rules. None at all.
Speaking of water, apparently for two weeks out of the summer, each section of the city experiences hot water cut offs. And lucky for me my two weeks just begun. Yay, no hot water!
Rabies
Like many foreign places, stray dogs and cats are common place in Voronezh. So one day as I was walking to work, I saw three resting in the sand of a park and I thought-- this would be a cute picture for my blog. As I approaced to get a closer photo, the largest dog stood up and stared me down. Just slightly unsettling, so I just stopped where I was, snapped this photo, and went on my way.
But the animals for the most part are nice, like this cat. He just walked into work, snooped around, was petted by all the kids, and then took a nap by the entrance.
But the animals for the most part are nice, like this cat. He just walked into work, snooped around, was petted by all the kids, and then took a nap by the entrance.
Weekend 06.27-28.10
I don't know if you know this but Voronezh is ridiculously hot- upper 90s everyday. Where's the cold, snowy, freezing Russia I was hoping for?! But lucky enough I was in Dvinigorie for the weekend which is a small village two hours away from Voronezh. It's still absurdly hot, but we were staying a ten minute walk from a river.
The first day, I didn't get out of the water until I pruned and when my first swimming session was over, my family took me to another part of the river where there was a rope swing called Tarzanka, yes, like Tarzan. (And fun fact- this is my first time swimming this summer.)
After we all dried off, we headed over to a monestary located deep in a valley of chalk mountains. It was neat, but I wasn't dressed appropraitely, which made me feel like a giant flooz and totally disrespectful.
One part of the monestary was located in the mountain, like carved into it, but getting to it was treacherous. One slip on the eroding terrain meant that you were going on the most painful slide of your life. Entering the church was amazing, I mean it wasn't much to see, but it was about 20 degrees cooler inside.
While our tour guide was talking, my favorite mentor Natalia and two other people beside me decided to wander off.
AND NO LIE THE SCARIEST AND MOST RIDICULOUS ADVENTURE PURSUED.
Well there are no lights inside this place, so we were equipped with skinny little candles to light the way. So as we travelled deeper into the catacombs, the dark quickly enclosed us and all we could see were etchings on the walls from travellers past. Me, being afraid of getting in trouble, was a nervous wreck. Natalia, who was leading the way, would ask at every turn, "Should we keep on going?", and everyone whispered "Yes". With each turn, the temperature dropped and the sound of someone singing was growing louder and louder. I was afraid that we were going to run into monks who took turns praying and that they would get angry and lock us up to freeze to death inside this scary place and curse us to hell. So I kept pestering them to turn around, but they kept going, so finally as the singing didn't stop I bolted back towards the lit chamber like the scardey cat I was. And finally when I got back to the safety of the light, no one was there except for some kids from the group. They told me the group went down another catacomb, so I followed with only half a candle left. So slowly I walked, taking each turn cautiously, watching my breath take form in the freezing temperature. I thought, what if everyone leaves without me and they lock me in this church overnight. But then that fear was overshadowed by the one before because again as I kept getting deeper, I heard the singing grow louder. As I was about to turn around, I heard a female voice and then I thought-- there aren't female monks-- and then I realized that I've been through this part of the catacomb before and then I began to run toward the voices. Before I knew it I was with the group in the same lit up chamber as before. And I came to find out, that it was the tour guide who was chanting the whole time. Obviously, I have an overactive immagination and am quite paranoid.
The next day, I just slept, slept, slept.
I left my camera at home, so I borrowed the photos from this guy, so if you want to see more photos from this place. Go for it.
The first day, I didn't get out of the water until I pruned and when my first swimming session was over, my family took me to another part of the river where there was a rope swing called Tarzanka, yes, like Tarzan. (And fun fact- this is my first time swimming this summer.)
After we all dried off, we headed over to a monestary located deep in a valley of chalk mountains. It was neat, but I wasn't dressed appropraitely, which made me feel like a giant flooz and totally disrespectful.
One part of the monestary was located in the mountain, like carved into it, but getting to it was treacherous. One slip on the eroding terrain meant that you were going on the most painful slide of your life. Entering the church was amazing, I mean it wasn't much to see, but it was about 20 degrees cooler inside.
While our tour guide was talking, my favorite mentor Natalia and two other people beside me decided to wander off.
AND NO LIE THE SCARIEST AND MOST RIDICULOUS ADVENTURE PURSUED.
Well there are no lights inside this place, so we were equipped with skinny little candles to light the way. So as we travelled deeper into the catacombs, the dark quickly enclosed us and all we could see were etchings on the walls from travellers past. Me, being afraid of getting in trouble, was a nervous wreck. Natalia, who was leading the way, would ask at every turn, "Should we keep on going?", and everyone whispered "Yes". With each turn, the temperature dropped and the sound of someone singing was growing louder and louder. I was afraid that we were going to run into monks who took turns praying and that they would get angry and lock us up to freeze to death inside this scary place and curse us to hell. So I kept pestering them to turn around, but they kept going, so finally as the singing didn't stop I bolted back towards the lit chamber like the scardey cat I was. And finally when I got back to the safety of the light, no one was there except for some kids from the group. They told me the group went down another catacomb, so I followed with only half a candle left. So slowly I walked, taking each turn cautiously, watching my breath take form in the freezing temperature. I thought, what if everyone leaves without me and they lock me in this church overnight. But then that fear was overshadowed by the one before because again as I kept getting deeper, I heard the singing grow louder. As I was about to turn around, I heard a female voice and then I thought-- there aren't female monks-- and then I realized that I've been through this part of the catacomb before and then I began to run toward the voices. Before I knew it I was with the group in the same lit up chamber as before. And I came to find out, that it was the tour guide who was chanting the whole time. Obviously, I have an overactive immagination and am quite paranoid.
The next day, I just slept, slept, slept.
I left my camera at home, so I borrowed the photos from this guy, so if you want to see more photos from this place. Go for it.
Thursday 06.24.10
I made an awesome lesson plan for my class. It was centered around vocabulary of animals and we played a game that was a mixture of pictionary and charades. I love doing this.
Then I ate lunch on a bench where a russian man asked to sit next to me and I of course said yes. He began talking and I nervously said that I don't understand russian, but he kept at it, trying to communicate with me sometimes talking loudly, sometimes talking slowly. So as I was eating my banana and peanut butter sandwhich, I was trying to decipher what he was saying. But when the other person only has four teeth in their head and isn't a clear speaker and you only know a little of a language this can prove to be very very difficult. He told me that I spoke Russian well, but my understanding was terrible. But nonetheless I managed and it was fun. Then I left to meet up with my group and visit a dacha.
We arrived and holy balls it was amazing! They built the house themselves and had about every fruit and vegie you could possibly want. Strawberries, sour cherries, gooseberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, everything. And to top it off they had the most delicious well water.
Before you walk into the dacha, this is what you're greeted with.
The Bam! You are like in a magical place. It's bright. It's beautiful. There are flowers all around. And the gardens help to create this unreal place because they are filled with fake animals and gnomes and flamingos and other great things.
The owners built this dacha themselves.
The owners are amazing. They basically let us treat their place as if it was our own, letting us roam free throughout their gardens and house. This is Daniel.
For those who don't know what dachas are--- they are basically get away homes where now a days people can go to relax and get away from the city, but back in the day they were a means to grow your own food so that you could survive through the harsh winters. Hence all the food you are about to be bombarded with.
These are fresh amazing raspberries.
Most delicious strawberry I've ever tasted.
I couldn't stop eating the gooseberries.
Sour cherries!
Carrots! Interesting fact- Russia doesn't have baby carrots.
The amazing woman who raised everything that went into my stomach that day.
After we explored the garden we went inside to enjoy some fresh blini(I don't know how to spell in English) with sides of sour cream and honey.
Then she taught us how to make these dumpling things and we all participated in folding them. Here she is with the uncooked finish products.
While we were waiting for them to finish cooking, we continued to eat the blini and talk and bond and go on a tour of the house (they have a sauna in their place- straight up jealous). She then showed us some old communist USSR army gear that she had.
This place was paradise.
Then we left. As soon as I returned home, my host family whisked me away to an opening of a photography exhibit that their friend put together, apparently it was exclusive (I feel so cool). The exhibit was of photos taken from a mans journey from China all the way to Paris, it was pretty neat.
Then I ate lunch on a bench where a russian man asked to sit next to me and I of course said yes. He began talking and I nervously said that I don't understand russian, but he kept at it, trying to communicate with me sometimes talking loudly, sometimes talking slowly. So as I was eating my banana and peanut butter sandwhich, I was trying to decipher what he was saying. But when the other person only has four teeth in their head and isn't a clear speaker and you only know a little of a language this can prove to be very very difficult. He told me that I spoke Russian well, but my understanding was terrible. But nonetheless I managed and it was fun. Then I left to meet up with my group and visit a dacha.
We arrived and holy balls it was amazing! They built the house themselves and had about every fruit and vegie you could possibly want. Strawberries, sour cherries, gooseberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, everything. And to top it off they had the most delicious well water.
Before you walk into the dacha, this is what you're greeted with.
The Bam! You are like in a magical place. It's bright. It's beautiful. There are flowers all around. And the gardens help to create this unreal place because they are filled with fake animals and gnomes and flamingos and other great things.
The owners built this dacha themselves.
The owners are amazing. They basically let us treat their place as if it was our own, letting us roam free throughout their gardens and house. This is Daniel.
For those who don't know what dachas are--- they are basically get away homes where now a days people can go to relax and get away from the city, but back in the day they were a means to grow your own food so that you could survive through the harsh winters. Hence all the food you are about to be bombarded with.
These are fresh amazing raspberries.
Most delicious strawberry I've ever tasted.
I couldn't stop eating the gooseberries.
Sour cherries!
Carrots! Interesting fact- Russia doesn't have baby carrots.
The amazing woman who raised everything that went into my stomach that day.
After we explored the garden we went inside to enjoy some fresh blini(I don't know how to spell in English) with sides of sour cream and honey.
Then she taught us how to make these dumpling things and we all participated in folding them. Here she is with the uncooked finish products.
While we were waiting for them to finish cooking, we continued to eat the blini and talk and bond and go on a tour of the house (they have a sauna in their place- straight up jealous). She then showed us some old communist USSR army gear that she had.
This place was paradise.
Then we left. As soon as I returned home, my host family whisked me away to an opening of a photography exhibit that their friend put together, apparently it was exclusive (I feel so cool). The exhibit was of photos taken from a mans journey from China all the way to Paris, it was pretty neat.
Wednesday 06.23.10
Today, I only had to shadow an hour long class, which was nice because I was able to go home and take care of some business (like paying my bills and stuff). Ooooo and I also made pasta, I miss eating pasta every day.
I've been watching a lot of cliche american chick flicks that have been dubbed in Russian with no subtitles and I'm not going to lie- I've been loving it.
At around 6 or 7 our good friends, Ilya and Luda came by to take me to a show. Yes, a show. A hip, folk show at a DIY store called freakfabrique(clothes, books, and things), where everything is hand made and the books are used. Everyone sat on the ground and there where even cookies and orange juice to share.
I didn't really understand anything, but I could gather that the band, Morj, was really funny. The lead singer wore this burlap dress and the bass player wore a kilt, striped socks, deep v neck, and fitted suit jacket.
My host family bought me their cd and made me take a picture with them, which I tried to run away from. I'm trying so hard not to be a complete tourist, but it hasn't been working out.
But I just think it's funny how perfect my host family is. Like really? I'm with the hippest people in Voronezh. I don't care how lame that sounds. Like Ilya and Luda are one of the best graphic designers in the city and they do a lot of stop motion animation stuff, which melts my heart. And Lena is this adorable cute girl, that's super sweet, fun, and silly- I honestly can't imagine living with anyone but her.
But then we went back to mine and Lena's place and tried some moonshine that Ilya's father made. Hahhaha. It was kind of spicy. I preceded to teach them some words such as lightweight and chaser and they taught me how to take a shot without dying. Then I went to bed.
I've been watching a lot of cliche american chick flicks that have been dubbed in Russian with no subtitles and I'm not going to lie- I've been loving it.
At around 6 or 7 our good friends, Ilya and Luda came by to take me to a show. Yes, a show. A hip, folk show at a DIY store called freakfabrique(clothes, books, and things), where everything is hand made and the books are used. Everyone sat on the ground and there where even cookies and orange juice to share.
I didn't really understand anything, but I could gather that the band, Morj, was really funny. The lead singer wore this burlap dress and the bass player wore a kilt, striped socks, deep v neck, and fitted suit jacket.
My host family bought me their cd and made me take a picture with them, which I tried to run away from. I'm trying so hard not to be a complete tourist, but it hasn't been working out.
But I just think it's funny how perfect my host family is. Like really? I'm with the hippest people in Voronezh. I don't care how lame that sounds. Like Ilya and Luda are one of the best graphic designers in the city and they do a lot of stop motion animation stuff, which melts my heart. And Lena is this adorable cute girl, that's super sweet, fun, and silly- I honestly can't imagine living with anyone but her.
But then we went back to mine and Lena's place and tried some moonshine that Ilya's father made. Hahhaha. It was kind of spicy. I preceded to teach them some words such as lightweight and chaser and they taught me how to take a shot without dying. Then I went to bed.
Tuesday 06.22.10
Today was my first day actually working. I basically shadowed a teacher in a class of four girls for three hours. She was teaching about Brittish culture, which I know nothing about. Then they were playing a grammer game and the answers just didn't seem right, then she told me that the students are taught Brittish English wich is stupid. Like really, Brittish English? It's not even useful, ammiright? Jokes, obviously.
Here are my girls! They're great.
And one of them, Diana, is an artist and she drew this. I'm not sure if you can tell, but I'm the only one with a real smile. Score.
After the three hour language session, I wasn't scheduled for anything else, but the girls invited me to lunch and a boat trip, so of course I went.The boat just went up the Voronezh resevoir, which was pleasent. Then afterwards we went to a small park. Russia has the best parks hands down, like, they still have all the scary dangerous swings and equipment that wouldn't fly too well with the over protective parents of modern american society. There I just hung out with the kids, where they berated me (in a good way) with questions. For example: do I know about Lady Gaga? Who's my favorite football player? What kind of alcohol is in the US? Do I know about Spongebob Squarepants? Do I play Sims? And my two personal favorite--- What do you think about Obama? And how do you feel about the economic crisis? Which are two things I honestly know nothing about.
Here are my girls! They're great.
And one of them, Diana, is an artist and she drew this. I'm not sure if you can tell, but I'm the only one with a real smile. Score.
After the three hour language session, I wasn't scheduled for anything else, but the girls invited me to lunch and a boat trip, so of course I went.The boat just went up the Voronezh resevoir, which was pleasent. Then afterwards we went to a small park. Russia has the best parks hands down, like, they still have all the scary dangerous swings and equipment that wouldn't fly too well with the over protective parents of modern american society. There I just hung out with the kids, where they berated me (in a good way) with questions. For example: do I know about Lady Gaga? Who's my favorite football player? What kind of alcohol is in the US? Do I know about Spongebob Squarepants? Do I play Sims? And my two personal favorite--- What do you think about Obama? And how do you feel about the economic crisis? Which are two things I honestly know nothing about.
Monday 06.21.10
Today we had a history tour around the city of Voronezh, which ended up with us just walking around and looking at cool buildings/houses. The most beautiful parts of the city seem to be the parts that are old and in poor areas.
After our walk we went to meet with the English teachers we are going to work with, so that we could figure out our schedule for the upcoming week and a half. They are all super nice and super funny. Especially this one old woman named Natalia. Oh. My. God. She is hilarious! She knows every idiom in the English language and manages to use about five in every sentence. And she's also super sarcastic, so naturally we became best friends.
Then I went home and fell asleep at seven- my host woman probably thinks I'm really lame.
After our walk we went to meet with the English teachers we are going to work with, so that we could figure out our schedule for the upcoming week and a half. They are all super nice and super funny. Especially this one old woman named Natalia. Oh. My. God. She is hilarious! She knows every idiom in the English language and manages to use about five in every sentence. And she's also super sarcastic, so naturally we became best friends.
Then I went home and fell asleep at seven- my host woman probably thinks I'm really lame.
Sunday 06.20.10
Last night I slept for a collected 12 hours- I was exhausted.
Today was such a great day. Everyone from the Lingvist group (which is the program I'm working with) met up and I had a delicious lunch. It was piroshok (or however you spell it) which is like a bready thing with potatoes in it and I also had a banana and salad. Quite delicious. Then we were sent on a quest through a market and through the city. I was too uncomfortable to speak Russian so I kind of didn't get anything out of it, but seeing the beautiful market was enough.
This is Lenin. I met him on our walk.
I really hope to break out of my culture shock soon.
At the end of the mission everyone met up on an on an island in the middle of the resevoir to eat some snacks and drink some juice or wine and get to know eachother. It was great. I'm learning a lot of vocabulary, but I'm also forgetting it immediately, so I really need to put some work in actually trying to learn Russian.
This is everyone, mostly.
And this is Abby's host sister. She is awesome and she speaks English perfectly.
This is the view from our spot on the Island.
There were men playing volleyball in skimpy bottoms near us. They ended up coming over and asking us to join them, but we kindly declined the offer. Probably my biggest regret so far.
My wonderful host family (from left to right: Ilya, Lena, Luida). They bought me a frisbee! They are perfect.
Today was such a great day. Everyone from the Lingvist group (which is the program I'm working with) met up and I had a delicious lunch. It was piroshok (or however you spell it) which is like a bready thing with potatoes in it and I also had a banana and salad. Quite delicious. Then we were sent on a quest through a market and through the city. I was too uncomfortable to speak Russian so I kind of didn't get anything out of it, but seeing the beautiful market was enough.
This is Lenin. I met him on our walk.
I really hope to break out of my culture shock soon.
At the end of the mission everyone met up on an on an island in the middle of the resevoir to eat some snacks and drink some juice or wine and get to know eachother. It was great. I'm learning a lot of vocabulary, but I'm also forgetting it immediately, so I really need to put some work in actually trying to learn Russian.
This is everyone, mostly.
And this is Abby's host sister. She is awesome and she speaks English perfectly.
This is the view from our spot on the Island.
There were men playing volleyball in skimpy bottoms near us. They ended up coming over and asking us to join them, but we kindly declined the offer. Probably my biggest regret so far.
My wonderful host family (from left to right: Ilya, Lena, Luida). They bought me a frisbee! They are perfect.
Saturday 06.19.10
I'm in voronezh. It's been a rough long day. I tore my feet up and can't seem to speak any Russian.
I met a girl on the train last night and she seemed to be annoyed with me and Abra's attempt to communicate. She did end up stumbling through a conversation with us and sharing a yogurt thing, which my hungry belly was really happy about. Russian poeople are straight up scary at first- they don't smile and they are very cold. And it would have been a good night if the train didn't wake me up hourly. Oh well, it was nice to finally lay down.
Our overnight train was interesting. It was small and cramped and four people where in each compartment. If you were on the top bunk you had the luxury of not having to make your bed, but you did have to somehow manoeuver yourself ontop without hitting anyone in the face or using the table as a step stool. And if you were on the bottom you had to make your own bed and deal with everyone hitting your feet. I had the top bunk.
Early the next morning, I met my host family- Elena, Liuda, and Ilya. I love them. They are super nice and are helping me learn Russian as I help them with English.
In actuality, I only live with Elena. She is gorgeous. She hasn't been speaking much English because I think she's nervous, but from what I've heard her English is much better than my Russian.
I have a feeling that I'm going to get home sick real fast, or not even that, but sick for a place I can communicate decently in-- like a spanish speaking country because for some reason all my body wants to do is speak in Spanish. Fail. This kind of scares me because now I'm second guessing my desire to learn Russian or study it. Bleh.
I met a girl on the train last night and she seemed to be annoyed with me and Abra's attempt to communicate. She did end up stumbling through a conversation with us and sharing a yogurt thing, which my hungry belly was really happy about. Russian poeople are straight up scary at first- they don't smile and they are very cold. And it would have been a good night if the train didn't wake me up hourly. Oh well, it was nice to finally lay down.
Our overnight train was interesting. It was small and cramped and four people where in each compartment. If you were on the top bunk you had the luxury of not having to make your bed, but you did have to somehow manoeuver yourself ontop without hitting anyone in the face or using the table as a step stool. And if you were on the bottom you had to make your own bed and deal with everyone hitting your feet. I had the top bunk.
Early the next morning, I met my host family- Elena, Liuda, and Ilya. I love them. They are super nice and are helping me learn Russian as I help them with English.
In actuality, I only live with Elena. She is gorgeous. She hasn't been speaking much English because I think she's nervous, but from what I've heard her English is much better than my Russian.
I have a feeling that I'm going to get home sick real fast, or not even that, but sick for a place I can communicate decently in-- like a spanish speaking country because for some reason all my body wants to do is speak in Spanish. Fail. This kind of scares me because now I'm second guessing my desire to learn Russian or study it. Bleh.
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