понедельник, ноября 28, 2005
7 Days
I can't believe it's been a week since I posted last. Sorry, unfortunate internet happenings and a long weekend away. Anyways I am back now and have a couple posts for you guys. Read the one at the bottom first, as they go in order. I don't really have much more to say right now except Happy Advent!
Mead
As it happens Suzdal is rather famous for its “medovukha” which you can simple call mead. It is basically a beer made out of honey and it is incredible delicious. I’m not really the biggest fan of honey, but this mead really surprised me, it was so good! Why I bring this up is because we kind of had a mead party after the sauna and Friday night.
From the beginning, we had about 4 hours of free time after we got to the hotel and had lunch. We actually planned to go bowling (yes the hotel had a bowling ally), but it did not open for about 2 hours after lunch. So which ended up watching a horrible movie called “one point o” It wasn’t Russian (although of course it was dubbed), we think it was Australian, but anyways it was bad. It had to do with nanobots and evil controlling corporations and brain stealing and milk. I don’t really want to go too much into it, but the real reason I hate it is that by watching it we missed to cheap hours to bowl and would’ve had to pay double the price to play when we got there. That was stupid! Still, we decided to go play some pool instead and had a very fun time, despite our disappointment.
After billiards was dinner, this was then followed by the sauna. Saunas are fun. This one was particularly hot, but the heated pool definitely made up for an overly hot sauna. I guess I can’t really say much more than that, the pool was fun and big, we played sharks and minnows.
Here is where we get to the mead party. It started slowly; my friend bought a bottle, than I bought a bottle, than another friend, suddenly everyone was buying some medovukha. It was really good and more alcoholic than you think, as a few friends could attest to that J. Well we ended the night with some more billiards and a discotecka (which I declined).
The next day was a quick tour around the kremlin and then we got to ride horses to our restaurant for lunch. Original we thought we would each get our own horse. I guess if we had though about that, it would seem unlikely, but needless to say, the disappointment was still there. But man, there are a lot of horses just walking around the streets in Suzdal (they had riders obviously). Most we people selling horse rides, but it’s just weird to see so many horses walking down the street. So we went to our restaurant in some horse drawn carriages, it was fun. After lunch we drove home, short and sweet this trip was.
From the beginning, we had about 4 hours of free time after we got to the hotel and had lunch. We actually planned to go bowling (yes the hotel had a bowling ally), but it did not open for about 2 hours after lunch. So which ended up watching a horrible movie called “one point o” It wasn’t Russian (although of course it was dubbed), we think it was Australian, but anyways it was bad. It had to do with nanobots and evil controlling corporations and brain stealing and milk. I don’t really want to go too much into it, but the real reason I hate it is that by watching it we missed to cheap hours to bowl and would’ve had to pay double the price to play when we got there. That was stupid! Still, we decided to go play some pool instead and had a very fun time, despite our disappointment.
After billiards was dinner, this was then followed by the sauna. Saunas are fun. This one was particularly hot, but the heated pool definitely made up for an overly hot sauna. I guess I can’t really say much more than that, the pool was fun and big, we played sharks and minnows.
Here is where we get to the mead party. It started slowly; my friend bought a bottle, than I bought a bottle, than another friend, suddenly everyone was buying some medovukha. It was really good and more alcoholic than you think, as a few friends could attest to that J. Well we ended the night with some more billiards and a discotecka (which I declined).
The next day was a quick tour around the kremlin and then we got to ride horses to our restaurant for lunch. Original we thought we would each get our own horse. I guess if we had though about that, it would seem unlikely, but needless to say, the disappointment was still there. But man, there are a lot of horses just walking around the streets in Suzdal (they had riders obviously). Most we people selling horse rides, but it’s just weird to see so many horses walking down the street. So we went to our restaurant in some horse drawn carriages, it was fun. After lunch we drove home, short and sweet this trip was.
Suzdal
Following Thanksgiving, we traveled to Suzdal for 2 days. This was a very fun but very quick trip. Suzdal is only about 40 minutes from Vladimir, and it is a very small town, around 40,000 compared to 350,000 in Vladimir. There is not much to say about Suzdal itself. We went to a Monastery and the Kremlin, but spent half our time in our hotel. Now there is a lot to say about the hotel, it was great. Our hotel had billiards, a pool, a sauna, a couple bars, and it just a nice hotel, but I’ll get to that later. For now, I’ll talk about the Monastery. The one thing about that place that sticks out in my mind was the bell tower and the bell player. Just about every monastery in Russia was a bell tower, which contains many bells of various sizes. With every bell tower, there are also monks who play the bells, or maybe I should say monk, because all the bells are played by only one monk. This is really cool. All the bells are connected by ropes. The monk stands at one end and holds all the ropes (or planks that hold several ropes), and there are at least 15 bells. The cool thing is that it is not just slowly ringing Church bells; these monks are really good. The music is fast and very beautiful. I have a 60 sec clip of the monk playing and if I can figure how to put it up I will, it sounds so awesome.
So that was really neat. The monastery itself was the same as many that we have seen, a couple big beautiful churches and some museums. These particular museums focused on Suzdal’s role in World War 2 and the monastery under communist rule.
We were there about 3 hours or so and then we went to the hotel to eat lunch and to check in.
So that was really neat. The monastery itself was the same as many that we have seen, a couple big beautiful churches and some museums. These particular museums focused on Suzdal’s role in World War 2 and the monastery under communist rule.
We were there about 3 hours or so and then we went to the hotel to eat lunch and to check in.
Stuff and 3 more weeks
Hey Everyone! I apologize for not posting in a couple days, at least not on Thursday, but sleeping in was just too tempting. I had a rough week and I enjoyed the break. A lot has happened last week like Suzdal, Thanksgiving, and now it’s finally Advent season!
So, let’s see, I guess I will start with Thanksgiving. We were able to pull some strings and get off from school that day. It was great, I like three day weeks. Not only were we off from school, but we also put together a Thanksgiving Day dinner! Somehow, our resident director got a hold of a turkey. Not only that but we have some very good cooks in our little group. I’ll give you a quick run down of our feast; turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans, garlic bread, jello, chocolate chip cookies, 2 pumpkin pies, 2 cakes, apple fritters, and some wine (red and white). It was a feast! Pretty much everyone misses American food (or at least that food that is not fried). The turkey was especially delicious, so were the scallop potatoes, oh and the jello, actually everything was delicious! After we managed to stuff ourselves (by the way, you know that feeling you get after eating a thanksgiving meal, that is almost every dinner for me, although this time it was actually desired), we busted out the laptop and some good old American television. We watched a few various shows and then settled in for a movie (Dodgeball). Man, those pumpkin pies were good. Anyways, it was a great Thanksgiving, much more so than I had expected, and to be honest when I heard we were making pumpkin pie I expected a lot.
After I left, I got home in time for a call from home to top off the evening. So after sleeping in, eating turkey, and talking to home I went to bed very happy.
So, let’s see, I guess I will start with Thanksgiving. We were able to pull some strings and get off from school that day. It was great, I like three day weeks. Not only were we off from school, but we also put together a Thanksgiving Day dinner! Somehow, our resident director got a hold of a turkey. Not only that but we have some very good cooks in our little group. I’ll give you a quick run down of our feast; turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans, garlic bread, jello, chocolate chip cookies, 2 pumpkin pies, 2 cakes, apple fritters, and some wine (red and white). It was a feast! Pretty much everyone misses American food (or at least that food that is not fried). The turkey was especially delicious, so were the scallop potatoes, oh and the jello, actually everything was delicious! After we managed to stuff ourselves (by the way, you know that feeling you get after eating a thanksgiving meal, that is almost every dinner for me, although this time it was actually desired), we busted out the laptop and some good old American television. We watched a few various shows and then settled in for a movie (Dodgeball). Man, those pumpkin pies were good. Anyways, it was a great Thanksgiving, much more so than I had expected, and to be honest when I heard we were making pumpkin pie I expected a lot.
After I left, I got home in time for a call from home to top off the evening. So after sleeping in, eating turkey, and talking to home I went to bed very happy.
понедельник, ноября 21, 2005
100 posts
So this is definitely the most posts I have ever posted in a single sitting, although it is more like 5 days worth anyways because I haven’t been able to post in a while. Still with this group, I have surpassed 100 posts. Hurrah! And Huzzas all around, another milestone done and gone. I also see that I have almost 2500 hits at this point, also a milestone. Once again, thanks to all for staying interested, always nice when someone listens to you. Actually, if I can add one more milestone, it’s been about 6 months since I’ve started this blog, how interesting indeed. Well I guess I’ll keep going then!
November Birthdays
I’m sure I don’t have to say this, everyone must know and agree, but I will mention it anyways, November birthdays are the best birthdays in existence. I know what you are going to say, “Hey wait a minute, you have a November birthday, you’re just being biased!” Although that is true I assure you that this fact is an absolute truth, but I lost all my proof so you will just have to believe me. Besides ask anyone with a November birthday, I’m sure they will agree. There is just something about November; it really is a great month.
So why bring this up? Well besides it being just a good topic, today, the 20th, is the birthday of a good friend of mine here. He also happens to be on the same scholarship I am, which makes him doubly awesome. Anyways, this weekend we all celebrated. It was pretty fun too. In the morning we opted for a little ice skating. The best part was there was hardly anyone at the rink; it’s always more fun to skate when you have room to do it. Once it gets cold enough here they are supposed to flood a couple natural rinks around the city. That means ice hockey! (Can’t wait for that) Of course, Saturday night we went to one of the bars we tend to frequent, The Red Stallion. Well actually, it’s more of a café/bar type place and not too big, but bigger than most cafes around here. Even though it was his birthday, Tim bought all the guys a shot of absinth and the girls a glass of wine; of course, we all pitched in and got him a new cell phone to replace the one he lost. It was fun and a late night too. After the Red Stallion closed at midnight, we decided on a cup of coffee at one of the few late night cafes in Vladimir.
So why bring this up? Well besides it being just a good topic, today, the 20th, is the birthday of a good friend of mine here. He also happens to be on the same scholarship I am, which makes him doubly awesome. Anyways, this weekend we all celebrated. It was pretty fun too. In the morning we opted for a little ice skating. The best part was there was hardly anyone at the rink; it’s always more fun to skate when you have room to do it. Once it gets cold enough here they are supposed to flood a couple natural rinks around the city. That means ice hockey! (Can’t wait for that) Of course, Saturday night we went to one of the bars we tend to frequent, The Red Stallion. Well actually, it’s more of a café/bar type place and not too big, but bigger than most cafes around here. Even though it was his birthday, Tim bought all the guys a shot of absinth and the girls a glass of wine; of course, we all pitched in and got him a new cell phone to replace the one he lost. It was fun and a late night too. After the Red Stallion closed at midnight, we decided on a cup of coffee at one of the few late night cafes in Vladimir.
Russian Lit
Have any of you guys out there read much Russian Literature? What about Dostoyevsky? Ok so of the people who have read Dostoyevsky, how many liked him? I ask the question because apparently Russians really don’t care for him. Last Wednesday (the 16th) at our weekly round table with some Russian English students, the topic was American and Russian opinions on Dostoyevsky. It was a surprisingly interesting discussion, but every single Russian student there admitted to disliking Dostoyevsky. I find this interesting because I actually really like him, as do many Americans (I was told), and this was obviously what we talked about. The other interesting thing was that the only book that the Russians had read was “Crime and Punishment”. This is odd because most people claim “The Brothers Karamazov” as Dostoyevsky’s greatest work and usually if they’ve read Dostoyevsky, they’ve read that (of course that may not be true, most people I’ve talked to have read Crime and Punishment as well). Unfortunately, I can really recall the specifics of the conversation, but it doesn’t really matter. I was just found it interesting.
Giving Blood
I’ve been meaning to post on this for some time, I’ve just haven’t gotten around to it. Anyways, because we needed to renew our visas for another semester we had to have another AIDs test done. Obviously, this required us to go to the hospital and have our blood drawn. All I can say is wow that was an experience. Of course, nothing bad happened but it didn’t exactly raise my opinion of Russian health services.
When we arrived at the place, we entered to building and found our way up to the place we all thought we would be giving blood. I stress the word “thought” because our group was rather surprised when our resident director came back with several empty test tubes and told us to head back outside. Let me explain how this works. When you need to give blood, you must first go to the building where the do the actually testing. There you receive a test tube which you have to take outside and across the road to another building. In this second building, you have to buy a pair of booties to put over your shoes. Then you walk down to the room where they draw blood. After waiting in line, you put on your booties, grab your test tube, and head in. Once inside you seat down, get poked, and your done. The nurse fills up your test tube and this you yourself take back to the room in which you got it across the street in the other building. Ok so who and spot the major problem with this little system? Anyone? Don’t be afraid just shout it out.
If you said that it was having to buy the booties in order to get your blood drawn, no I’m sorry that is incorrect. Don’t worry this is a tough answer; it’s actually the fact that you yourself take your blood outside to the other building. Hmm, what could possibly be wrong with that? Not to mention that this is a blood test to find out if you have AIDs and whether you should be given a visa.
Ya so, that was interesting, it definitely was an experience, a pretty amusing one too.
When we arrived at the place, we entered to building and found our way up to the place we all thought we would be giving blood. I stress the word “thought” because our group was rather surprised when our resident director came back with several empty test tubes and told us to head back outside. Let me explain how this works. When you need to give blood, you must first go to the building where the do the actually testing. There you receive a test tube which you have to take outside and across the road to another building. In this second building, you have to buy a pair of booties to put over your shoes. Then you walk down to the room where they draw blood. After waiting in line, you put on your booties, grab your test tube, and head in. Once inside you seat down, get poked, and your done. The nurse fills up your test tube and this you yourself take back to the room in which you got it across the street in the other building. Ok so who and spot the major problem with this little system? Anyone? Don’t be afraid just shout it out.
If you said that it was having to buy the booties in order to get your blood drawn, no I’m sorry that is incorrect. Don’t worry this is a tough answer; it’s actually the fact that you yourself take your blood outside to the other building. Hmm, what could possibly be wrong with that? Not to mention that this is a blood test to find out if you have AIDs and whether you should be given a visa.
Ya so, that was interesting, it definitely was an experience, a pretty amusing one too.
The Russian Winter
As I start to write this post, I really hope I don’t end up eating my words, but here we go anyways. I am really disappointed with the Russian winter. I mean from everything everyone is always assuming and everything everyone (including Russians) has told me Russia is supposed to be a giant icicle for like 6 months out of the year. Let me use today as an example. Today is November 18th, I was comfortable walking outside in a sweater and a windbreaker, I also had a hat scarf. I mean it rained today, and we’ve had only one snow since I’ve been here. My friends even went up to Archangel (if you don’t now that is a town right around the artic circle) and there wasn’t even snow there. It’s just like where is the snow! I have this very nice boots gathering dust and a nice big warm down jacket I’ve needed maybe once. It’s barely been below zero at all. Now I’m not one that likes to be cold, but when you are dressed warmly, it is pretty enjoyable to walk around the snow in sub-zero weather. I really want some snow; I only have four more weeks till I come home, how much snow could we get in that small amount of time, not much. What am I supposed to tell people when they ask me how I survived the “Harsh Russian Winter”? “Oh ya! The winter, it was horrible, it was snowing sheets and we had to dig tunnels 12 miles through the snow just to get to school!” “Yes, there were dog sleds instead of cars and people skied everywhere, we couldn’t see the sun for weeks and our breath turned into snow when we breathed!” Somehow, I don’t think so. Man I want some snow!
An odd end to an odd occurrence
Well, my window has been repaired; actually, it was repair before I got home the day it happened. This was pretty fast, and it surprised me because Russia and fast are usually not associated in my mind. Yup, all repaired and the incident pretty much forgotten. My host mother told me she filed a report with the militsya (police) and that’s that. She said it was most likely just some young kid. Not much more to say on that subject, so I’ll move on.
As today is Friday, I have officially been in Russia for 13 weeks. Amazing. This Sunday is of course is Our Lord Jesus Christ the King and with it the closing of Ordinary Time. Cause come the 27th it’s Advent baby! I like Advent, always a blast right? Hmm, so four more weeks. I guess I won’t get reflective just yet. I’ll save that for when I’m home and finally connected to my internet 24/7 again. Actually, I should confess that aside from wanting to see my family and friends again I really just can’t wait to play some Xbox live. Oh so many new games I haven’t touched yet, and the new Xbox 360 and, well you get the idea.
So let’s see, next weekend we have Thanksgiving. For this, we get the day off and we are planning a big feast, our resident director has even found a turkey (apparently, turkeys are really small when they don’t get fat and steroids all day, I hope the tiny one we found will be enough). But everyone is trying to bring something; it should be fun. The very next day (that’s the 25th) we are gone for 2 days to Suzdal. This town is actually really small, but like every other Russian town has some sort of historical significance. Then when we get back we may or may not be going to a party at a Russian’s friends house that we meet (we were promised blini and Russian pastries). Sounds like a fun weekend to kick off the Advent season. Of course, I can’t wait to see oh my Church does Advent. I’ve liked everything else so far, so it should be good.
As today is Friday, I have officially been in Russia for 13 weeks. Amazing. This Sunday is of course is Our Lord Jesus Christ the King and with it the closing of Ordinary Time. Cause come the 27th it’s Advent baby! I like Advent, always a blast right? Hmm, so four more weeks. I guess I won’t get reflective just yet. I’ll save that for when I’m home and finally connected to my internet 24/7 again. Actually, I should confess that aside from wanting to see my family and friends again I really just can’t wait to play some Xbox live. Oh so many new games I haven’t touched yet, and the new Xbox 360 and, well you get the idea.
So let’s see, next weekend we have Thanksgiving. For this, we get the day off and we are planning a big feast, our resident director has even found a turkey (apparently, turkeys are really small when they don’t get fat and steroids all day, I hope the tiny one we found will be enough). But everyone is trying to bring something; it should be fun. The very next day (that’s the 25th) we are gone for 2 days to Suzdal. This town is actually really small, but like every other Russian town has some sort of historical significance. Then when we get back we may or may not be going to a party at a Russian’s friends house that we meet (we were promised blini and Russian pastries). Sounds like a fun weekend to kick off the Advent season. Of course, I can’t wait to see oh my Church does Advent. I’ve liked everything else so far, so it should be good.
четверг, ноября 17, 2005
An odd night
Here is an interesting (although short story for you).
Last night I happened to be sleeping at 3 am, as I usually do, when I was suddenly awaken by a rather loud bang. This bang was followed by another in quick succession and than a very loud crash. What happened? Well apparently someone decided it would be a good idea to break my window. Yes, the window in my room now has a very large whole in it. Don't worry too much, the window is double paned, so I won't get cold, but really what the heck! I should mention that this has happened before. I mean that about 11 pm that same night I was startled again by someone banging on my window. I can also think of a couple other days when this occurred to. Now whether this person was actually trying to break the window or whether he finally got a surprise of his own (and maybe some glass in his hand) I really can't say. All I really know is that he is a big jerk who just made a sweet old lady have to buy a new window. Man, if I ever find out who this is ... well anyways it really sucked. I don't really like people who screw with people they don't know just for there own perverse pleasure. I mean a joke is nice around friends, but a friend would pay for a broken window.
Last night I happened to be sleeping at 3 am, as I usually do, when I was suddenly awaken by a rather loud bang. This bang was followed by another in quick succession and than a very loud crash. What happened? Well apparently someone decided it would be a good idea to break my window. Yes, the window in my room now has a very large whole in it. Don't worry too much, the window is double paned, so I won't get cold, but really what the heck! I should mention that this has happened before. I mean that about 11 pm that same night I was startled again by someone banging on my window. I can also think of a couple other days when this occurred to. Now whether this person was actually trying to break the window or whether he finally got a surprise of his own (and maybe some glass in his hand) I really can't say. All I really know is that he is a big jerk who just made a sweet old lady have to buy a new window. Man, if I ever find out who this is ... well anyways it really sucked. I don't really like people who screw with people they don't know just for there own perverse pleasure. I mean a joke is nice around friends, but a friend would pay for a broken window.
Birthday Blast
Greetings everyone! Yes, I have returned once again from Moscow. I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated a birthday like this, in fact, I’m sure of it, but it was very fun. Moscow, as well, was very fun. And on top of all that, I have only 5 weeks left in the semester. Welcome to week 12. That’s ¾ of the way through, thanks to everyone for keeping up with me, it’s been fun, but it’s not over yet. (I should apologize though, I took absolutely no pictures this weekend, mainly cause I kept forgetting my camera, guess you’ll all have to take my word for it).
So, what did I do for my Birthday? The actually day (the 9th) started with birthday wishes (and presents) in class. I received a couple candy bars and the like from teachers and friends. The actually celebration took place that night in one of the cafes we frequent here. We went directly from our weekly round table with some Russian students to the café so of course they were all invited along. So I had some American friends some Russians and of course my tutor, it was a fun evening. My tutor, Ivan, even got me a gift, which was so cool. Of the actually evening, there is not much to tell, we all had a great time, but it was a short night. Most of us had early trains the next morning and needed some sleep (our train left at 7:25am). Besides, this was only half of the party; the other half was to be in Moscow.
We trained to Moscow early the next morning and arrived at the dorms we were staying at a little bit before lunch. After we dropped our stuff off, we decided to check out the Moscow zoo. Lunch was at a Mongolian place, which was delicious, and the zoo was strange. I haven’t been to the zoo in a while, but are most animals crazy at the zoo? Specifically, the seals? We must have watched this one seal for ten minutes doing nothing but swimming back and forth between a ten foot section of the pool, we walked by again like 2 hours later and it was still doing that. Another seal we think was blind. We watch it try to eat a fish for ten minutes, it was really sad actually, and it nearly jumped out of the cage after it finally got it. Actually, they have many seals at the Moscow zoo. Anyways we were there till the place closed. Later the night we were meeting up with everyone else who went to Moscow for dinner. So to kill some time we stop at a café. I found out that what is cold “hot chocolate” in Russia is not what you think; it’s actually a small cup of hot fudge, which was an odd surprise (I did eventually find a cup of hot chocolate; it was called “kakau”. Eventually, we meet up with everyone and headed out to find a Mexican restaurant. The one we wanted apparently does not exist, but the one we found was great. Not only did it have live music (another great rockabilly band), but it had the best enchilada I have ever eaten. With being in Russia for 3 months and my lack of taste for 3 months before that, I can honestly say that this was the best meal I have eaten in 6 months. It was great!
So that was my birthday. The rest of Moscow was great. It was highlighted by excellent meals at an Italian restaurant and an American 50’s diner. We really didn’t do anything touristy; mainly just walking around the city checking out cafes and restaurants and having a great time in Moscow (The Italian place even had lemonchello! That was great!)
So, what did I do for my Birthday? The actually day (the 9th) started with birthday wishes (and presents) in class. I received a couple candy bars and the like from teachers and friends. The actually celebration took place that night in one of the cafes we frequent here. We went directly from our weekly round table with some Russian students to the café so of course they were all invited along. So I had some American friends some Russians and of course my tutor, it was a fun evening. My tutor, Ivan, even got me a gift, which was so cool. Of the actually evening, there is not much to tell, we all had a great time, but it was a short night. Most of us had early trains the next morning and needed some sleep (our train left at 7:25am). Besides, this was only half of the party; the other half was to be in Moscow.
We trained to Moscow early the next morning and arrived at the dorms we were staying at a little bit before lunch. After we dropped our stuff off, we decided to check out the Moscow zoo. Lunch was at a Mongolian place, which was delicious, and the zoo was strange. I haven’t been to the zoo in a while, but are most animals crazy at the zoo? Specifically, the seals? We must have watched this one seal for ten minutes doing nothing but swimming back and forth between a ten foot section of the pool, we walked by again like 2 hours later and it was still doing that. Another seal we think was blind. We watch it try to eat a fish for ten minutes, it was really sad actually, and it nearly jumped out of the cage after it finally got it. Actually, they have many seals at the Moscow zoo. Anyways we were there till the place closed. Later the night we were meeting up with everyone else who went to Moscow for dinner. So to kill some time we stop at a café. I found out that what is cold “hot chocolate” in Russia is not what you think; it’s actually a small cup of hot fudge, which was an odd surprise (I did eventually find a cup of hot chocolate; it was called “kakau”. Eventually, we meet up with everyone and headed out to find a Mexican restaurant. The one we wanted apparently does not exist, but the one we found was great. Not only did it have live music (another great rockabilly band), but it had the best enchilada I have ever eaten. With being in Russia for 3 months and my lack of taste for 3 months before that, I can honestly say that this was the best meal I have eaten in 6 months. It was great!
So that was my birthday. The rest of Moscow was great. It was highlighted by excellent meals at an Italian restaurant and an American 50’s diner. We really didn’t do anything touristy; mainly just walking around the city checking out cafes and restaurants and having a great time in Moscow (The Italian place even had lemonchello! That was great!)
понедельник, ноября 14, 2005
I'm Back
Hey everyone,
I'm back and to tell you the truth I had a real nice post ready for you guys, but I saved the wrong one onto my flash drive so it will have to wait. Since the said post goes into the weekend and other stuff I won't do that now. For now I'll just say that with 35 days to go (hmm I'm counting, is that bad?) I'm looking forward to coming home. It's not really like homesickness. I'm having a great time here, it's more like ok this was fun and I still have a year ahead of me, maybe a break would be nice. Anyways, Moscow was great I can't wait to till you guys about it.
I'm back and to tell you the truth I had a real nice post ready for you guys, but I saved the wrong one onto my flash drive so it will have to wait. Since the said post goes into the weekend and other stuff I won't do that now. For now I'll just say that with 35 days to go (hmm I'm counting, is that bad?) I'm looking forward to coming home. It's not really like homesickness. I'm having a great time here, it's more like ok this was fun and I still have a year ahead of me, maybe a break would be nice. Anyways, Moscow was great I can't wait to till you guys about it.
среда, ноября 09, 2005
Birthday Wishes
It's my Birthday!
Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed me a birthday hello, you guys are great.
I thought I would post once more before I'm off to Moscow. So what has my birthday been like so far? Breakfast was good, my host Mom got me a card and a copy of Doctor Zhivago (Russian of course, I hope I can read it soon). That was great and unexpected, she is so nice. I also got a big candy bar from my teachers and some various things from friends like candy and an orange shoe horn (seems everywhere I go my reputation follows). What's next? Well there'll be some cafeing and the like, than its off to bed (my train to Moscow is at 7:25am). Should be fun.
As you might have noticed I added a new section to the blog, a nice little book list. I figured you can't just read War and Peace and not tell everyone! Aside from the bragging rights that come with having read it, it was one of the best books I have ever read. It took 6 months but it was worth it. Certain people may also notice that I finally read Orthodoxy (only took me like a year and a half, what?), but it was also very good.
Lastly, as I've said I'm off to Moscow this weekend, which means no posting again till most likely Monday, but come Monday I will have plenty, see ya soon!
Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed me a birthday hello, you guys are great.
I thought I would post once more before I'm off to Moscow. So what has my birthday been like so far? Breakfast was good, my host Mom got me a card and a copy of Doctor Zhivago (Russian of course, I hope I can read it soon). That was great and unexpected, she is so nice. I also got a big candy bar from my teachers and some various things from friends like candy and an orange shoe horn (seems everywhere I go my reputation follows). What's next? Well there'll be some cafeing and the like, than its off to bed (my train to Moscow is at 7:25am). Should be fun.
As you might have noticed I added a new section to the blog, a nice little book list. I figured you can't just read War and Peace and not tell everyone! Aside from the bragging rights that come with having read it, it was one of the best books I have ever read. It took 6 months but it was worth it. Certain people may also notice that I finally read Orthodoxy (only took me like a year and a half, what?), but it was also very good.
Lastly, as I've said I'm off to Moscow this weekend, which means no posting again till most likely Monday, but come Monday I will have plenty, see ya soon!
вторник, ноября 08, 2005
And it was down to 6
You guys, you realize that I have only 6 weeks, well less than 6 weeks, left in my first semester abroad. This is crazy just crazy. So many things are in motion. For example, I have already bought my plane ticket home. (Actually never bought a ticket by myself before, it was fun, hope I make it home). Not to mention that it is November, that's the orange month, or am I the only one who thinks of orange when I think of November? And because it is November Advent is almost upon us. I get to see the Christmas season in Russia upclose and ... (hmm that's a bit cliche), nevermind. True I will be home for Christmas and New Years, which is too bad. Russians celebrate 2 New Years, Dec. 31 and Jan. 13 I think. I was told there will be much partying. Oh well, guess I'll just have to make do with America (and I think I will, ya America!).
Another interesting fact is our group here has found out who our new spring semester additions will be. This means we get to break in the newbies, always fun.
I should also mention that tomorrow shall be my Birthday, or the day of my birth if you will. Yes, it will be the big 22, drinking and the like will be so last year, on to more important things (No, I guess I don't believe that either). Actually I will be celebrating in Moscow, never said that before. Don't worry I'm sure I'll have pictures.
Another interesting fact is our group here has found out who our new spring semester additions will be. This means we get to break in the newbies, always fun.
I should also mention that tomorrow shall be my Birthday, or the day of my birth if you will. Yes, it will be the big 22, drinking and the like will be so last year, on to more important things (No, I guess I don't believe that either). Actually I will be celebrating in Moscow, never said that before. Don't worry I'm sure I'll have pictures.
суббота, ноября 05, 2005
Petersburg, End
Time to finish this chronicle. Day 7, we got up early again and bused for another 3 hours or so to Novgorod. Once there we pretty much went straight to the Kremlin. Like Pskov, Novgorod is over 1000 years old and at one time was the biggest principality, until Moscow cam along. What can I say about yet another Kremlin? This one was bigger than most, maybe even Moscow’s, and had some restaurants and stores in addition to the churches. We toured around there a bit and then went into the old part of Novgorod. 
This next place was a little interesting. You walk out of the Kremlin on the river side and have to walk across the windiest coldest bridge I have ever been on to reach the old section. Once there you literally see 5 churches well about as close as you can build 5 churches together without connecting them. It’s really just odd, but pretty amazing if there was ever a time when they were all active churches.
Hm, ya, so that was Novgorod, we were only there for about 5 or 6 hours, but lunch was pretty good. After we left we headed back to St. Petes and our train home. The train ride home was in 3rd class (we went up in 2nd). They are pretty much the same except for the lack of walls. No cars just a lot of beds, but as always our group was all together and we managed to make it an enjoyable experience. 12 hours later, we arrived in Vladimir and got to walk home in the rain.
That was Petersburg and then some, it was great.
This next place was a little interesting. You walk out of the Kremlin on the river side and have to walk across the windiest coldest bridge I have ever been on to reach the old section. Once there you literally see 5 churches well about as close as you can build 5 churches together without connecting them. It’s really just odd, but pretty amazing if there was ever a time when they were all active churches.
Hm, ya, so that was Novgorod, we were only there for about 5 or 6 hours, but lunch was pretty good. After we left we headed back to St. Petes and our train home. The train ride home was in 3rd class (we went up in 2nd). They are pretty much the same except for the lack of walls. No cars just a lot of beds, but as always our group was all together and we managed to make it an enjoyable experience. 12 hours later, we arrived in Vladimir and got to walk home in the rain.
That was Petersburg and then some, it was great.
Petersburg Part 7
Continuing on with the chronicles of Petersburg, I arose early the next morn and we were off to Pskov. If you have never heard of this town, don’t feel bad, neither had I. However, you should know that it is one of the oldest cities in Russia, somewhere around the 1000 year mark. So that’s almost interesting. Anyways I was there for 2 two days, and it was actually really fun. Although it was a 4 hour bus ride, just to get to our hotel. The good news was the hotel was right across the river from the Pskov Kremlin, so we had a nice view. 
We had a quick lunch at the hotel and then we meet our tour guide, who was really cool for once, and went to tour the Kremlin. The Kremlin was about the same as every other Kremlin I’ve had the pleasure of touring in Russia, which is about 6 or so. This one was different in that it actually had a death trap at the entrance (long corridor with many archer windows, which was cool), but it only had one church, so we were like whatever (Moscow’s Kremlin has 4, Novgorod had 3 I think, Ryazan had maybe 3). Still, this particular church had the remains of Alexander Nevsky, if I heard the tour guide correctly. Either way it was very beautiful.
We then headed back to the hotel for dinner; I think it was chicken again. Russians really seem to like chicken, at least that’s all we ever get on these excursions. After dinner, a few of us went to a café. I had green tea and ice cream, cost me like 2 dollars and it was delicious, I love Russia. I think we closed of the night with some uno and “hanging out” at the hotel.
Day 2 in Pskov started with another hour on the bus. This time we ended up at an old fort near Pskov, I can’t say I was listening to hard to what our tour guide was saying so I don’t really know anything about the place or the name or where it was or why we were there, oh well. It was really beautiful, I mean like Russian countryside at its best.
There were hills and a lake and trees and a dog .That dog was cool followed us around and everything. There was also a little mountain side waterfall and like 7 swans. After the fort, we went to a monastery in another small town. (Although this small stand had a blini (pancake) stand, that was so good) The monastery was also pretty neat, but every time wee go to one of these religious sights it’s a little weird. You know large group of loud Americans in what is a place largely full of monks and pilgrims.
Next, it was back to the hotel for dinner or lunch, I think we only had two meals that day. I think it was chicken again; no maybe it was cow this time, whatever. That night we went to a sauna. This was fun. The place was great, it had a nice hot sauna room which was adjacent a larger room with a pool, plus it we had the whole place to ourselves. I was surprised at how good it felt to sweat for 15 minutes and then jump in a freezing cold pool; you really do feel good afterwards. The sauna was also a bar so you could order say a beer or ice cream, which I did, right in your own private room.
This ends our time in Pskov it was short and sweet, tomorrow we were off to Novgorod and then back home.
We had a quick lunch at the hotel and then we meet our tour guide, who was really cool for once, and went to tour the Kremlin. The Kremlin was about the same as every other Kremlin I’ve had the pleasure of touring in Russia, which is about 6 or so. This one was different in that it actually had a death trap at the entrance (long corridor with many archer windows, which was cool), but it only had one church, so we were like whatever (Moscow’s Kremlin has 4, Novgorod had 3 I think, Ryazan had maybe 3). Still, this particular church had the remains of Alexander Nevsky, if I heard the tour guide correctly. Either way it was very beautiful.
We then headed back to the hotel for dinner; I think it was chicken again. Russians really seem to like chicken, at least that’s all we ever get on these excursions. After dinner, a few of us went to a café. I had green tea and ice cream, cost me like 2 dollars and it was delicious, I love Russia. I think we closed of the night with some uno and “hanging out” at the hotel.
Day 2 in Pskov started with another hour on the bus. This time we ended up at an old fort near Pskov, I can’t say I was listening to hard to what our tour guide was saying so I don’t really know anything about the place or the name or where it was or why we were there, oh well. It was really beautiful, I mean like Russian countryside at its best.
There were hills and a lake and trees and a dog .That dog was cool followed us around and everything. There was also a little mountain side waterfall and like 7 swans. After the fort, we went to a monastery in another small town. (Although this small stand had a blini (pancake) stand, that was so good) The monastery was also pretty neat, but every time wee go to one of these religious sights it’s a little weird. You know large group of loud Americans in what is a place largely full of monks and pilgrims.
Next, it was back to the hotel for dinner or lunch, I think we only had two meals that day. I think it was chicken again; no maybe it was cow this time, whatever. That night we went to a sauna. This was fun. The place was great, it had a nice hot sauna room which was adjacent a larger room with a pool, plus it we had the whole place to ourselves. I was surprised at how good it felt to sweat for 15 minutes and then jump in a freezing cold pool; you really do feel good afterwards. The sauna was also a bar so you could order say a beer or ice cream, which I did, right in your own private room.
This ends our time in Pskov it was short and sweet, tomorrow we were off to Novgorod and then back home.
четверг, ноября 03, 2005
So long week ten
So I've been in Russia for like ten weeks. It's been pretty cool, actually you guys should know this since you have been reading thus far. Well where I'm? At this exact moment I am in my usual internet cafe typing a blog post and kicking myself for bothering to look at the 9:30 Club's website to see that two of my favorite bands will be in town while I am not (Dropkick Murphys and Pennywise). Overall? Well I'm doing just great (aside from classes). Hmm, ya classes are not ... very ... um ... fun. Oh well I guess, can't have everything right? I think the real questions is how's my language doing. That I am afraid I can not answer, in fact I've been wondering that myself lately. Honestly I don' know. I can tell you that I have grown leaps and bounds since I got here, but I am where I should be after 2 months? Who knows, I seem to be doing just fine with classwork, and I am talking more with the few Russian's I know, but well, who knows.
With all the posting on Peter I haven't mentioned much on what I have been doing in the past few weeks (oh don't worry you guys will here it) Needless to say I have "obtained" (bought) some skates and plan to christen them tomorrow (I love hockey).
Either way, my first semester here is coming to an end, I'm home in a month and a half (how weird is that?). And in a week I'll be 22 years old (also weird). I'll be posting some more on all of this soon, keep watching!
With all the posting on Peter I haven't mentioned much on what I have been doing in the past few weeks (oh don't worry you guys will here it) Needless to say I have "obtained" (bought) some skates and plan to christen them tomorrow (I love hockey).
Either way, my first semester here is coming to an end, I'm home in a month and a half (how weird is that?). And in a week I'll be 22 years old (also weird). I'll be posting some more on all of this soon, keep watching!
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