Holiday Greetings from Rip the Squirrel

You all should take a look at this and you will understand why I miss Ripon so much!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MoreTogether#p/a/u/0/44EzNX89VQg

Back in the USA

So the trip home was interesting. Flew from Russia to London and spent the last night with my awesome friends at a pretty nice hotel in London. We massacred a buffet-- which was amazing. The next morning I said goodbye to some friends and Emily, Andrew, and I headed off to the airport together. We flew from London to Chicago on a plane full of crying children, but on the bright side our TVs worked and we watched a LOT of movies! :) Yay for that! We arrived in Chicago to find Emily and my flights where canceled. We waited in the customer service line for FOREVER and then got our options to get home. I ended up having to fly to St. Louis and then wait for another flight up to Minneapolis. When I arrived in St. Louis my flight to Minneapolis was canceled, and so the airline gave me a free night in a hotel. :) I spent a whopping 4 hours in the hotel before heading back to the airport to wait in another line to get a different ticket to Minneapolis. That flight wasn't canceled and I made it back to Minneapolis by 9 AM on Monday. I started traveling Saturday at noon Russia time and was home in my house at 5:30 PM Monday WI time. So it was a long weekend.

I did get to enjoy a trip to WALMART! which was oh so very exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) My mom laughed at me- because I was so excited and giggling about things all being in one store. Then yesterday I got to babysit my sweetheart of a 2 year old- which kept me very busy.

My adventure in Russia is over, but I will treasure the experience forever!

Preparing for Goodbye

It is my last week in Russia... and the end is bitter sweet. I am going to be the first and only student from my school to complete this program. (My school is eliminating it...). Life here has been amazing. It is so laid back... a lot less American style of go go go! That being said you can still be all but carried by the wave of people trying to get on the metro or the bus at the same time you are. Rush hour is rush hour in any country I guess. 

I remember the day I took off-- I got a call from my mom while I was sitting in the Minneapolis airport waiting to take off- she told me Jean had committed suicide. I cried in the airport. I couldn't go the funeral- and I haven't been able to give TC a hug-- Jean always gave the best hugs. I got to London and I was so SCARED! A man approached me and asked if I was Megan. This was a little creepy- I said yes... who are you? He kind of chuckled and told me was with AIFS. We walked to his car, and he helped me load my stuff and drove me to the hotel. I got there and was in a daze-- I found Lindsey in the hall- a group of us went to breakfast, we sight saw the next day... then it was off to Russia. 

Our bus driver took a cigarette break, and the customs lady scared me. The airport was like one out of a 1960s movie. Welcome to Russia. It has been an amazing journey. One full of ups and downs, sideways, and all ways: especially the Russian way. I've learned how to blend in with the crowd, I apparently look Russian because I get asked questions by strangers and tourists about the location of things. It seems strange calling other Americans tourists... but I've been here for three and a half months. This city has become my home. This city of dirty water, cigarettes, beggars, homeless dogs, five and a half million people, stilettos and mini skirts, vodka, beer, rain, snow... its has become my second home. I love it so much- and for so many reasons. It has grown on me, I've become attached. This city that Peter the Great designed, where the Hermitage is situated, where The Church Built on Spilled Blood is towering over other buildings, this city where you are always in such rich history. This is the city the Nazis sieged for 900 days and 900 nights-- this is a city that hasn't forgotten its past, but rather embraced it. 

I will never forget or regret my life here. It has been so incredible. Simple things are adventures. Everything is exciting. You go to the grocery store and can tell at least 2 funny stories about what occurred on your trip. It is all so different from life in the states. I am so excited to be going home. I miss Wisconsin so much. But at the same time I'm going to miss Saint Petersburg and the amazing friends I have made here. 

IMOP where I have lived for 3.5 months now

A normal Russian family in the park. 

And now for those of you who don't know me too well I love quotes so here are some amazing ones that I have found that I think do my experiences here justice:

I met a lot of people in [Russia].  I even encountered myself.  ~James Baldwin

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.  ~Aldous Huxley

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins

"I get by with a little help from my friends." 

- John Lennon

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." 

- Mother Teresa

It's My Birthday!

Today is my 21st birthday. I'm in St. Petersburg, Russia- so turning 21 isn't that big of a deal, but the people I'm with have made it memorable. I know I've said it before but this trip has been such a life changing experience. My friends here are so amazing, and I'm really sad that I won't get to see them very often, if at all, after this trip. Even my Finnish roommates, whom I'm not really close to gave me a candle and a box of Finnish chocolates for my birthday. (For those of you not in Russia, Russia doesn't have good chocolate... so this is a big treat.) I am very excited that in 2 weeks I'll be back in the states, but also very sad to be leaving Russia and my AIFS friends behind. Not much is new.... so here are some pictures of the past week or so. 

Kensie and me during my B-day Party

Kensie and me at Turkey Dinner

Corey's Hair... STRAIGHTENED! Yeah we straightened his hair on Thanksgiving...

This is me in front of my dorm. 

Kensie and Me again... b-day party

view from Nevskie Prospect towards Church Built on Spilled Blood

Travels

Hello Readers!

So since my last post I have been to Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland. Both of which were amazing cities. Expensive, but amazing cities none the less. Bellow is a view from one of the islands in Helsinki. It was an amazing old fortress. We had a blast exploring it. There were tunnels, and passageways, and beautiful views of the Finnish Gulf, rolling hills, cannons, and just beautiful landscaping in general. This island was by far my favorite part of Helsinki.

Tallinn a beautiful city as well. We spent a lot of time in the old part of town. Which was basically a giant castle like place. It was beautiful. It was by far the smallest national capital I've been to, but one of the most amazing. The people where friendly, and everything was prime for tourists. :) Bellow is one of the beautiful views from the city wall. 

To travel to Helsinki we took a 7 hour train ride... yeah not that exciting. Then to get to Estonia we took a 3 hour "fairy" if by fairy you mean giant cruise ship. Both new and interesting ways to travel. 

Life in St. Petersburg has been going relatively well. I believe I am just about done shopping for presents! So that is good. :) We went to a Russian Ballet last week. It was AMAZING! I loved it. It was one of the most beautiful works of art I have ever seen. Incredible.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and they are making us a turkey dinner. So hopefully that turns out well. And Sunday is my 21st birthday... so I'm going out Saturday night with some friends. :) 

I guess in short all is well here. It has been an amazing journey! I can't believe its almost over. This has truly been an amazing experience... and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Once in A Lifetime

Tonight while riding the bus to a classical music concert... reality hit me. I was looking out at some absolutely amazing buildings, churches, monuments, bridges, and just pretty lights in general; when I realized how lucky I am to be here. This is experience is truly once in a lifetime. And while I am really excited to be getting back to the states I am so happy I decided to come here. Deciding to live in St. Petersburg for four months was by far the most spontaneous thing I have ever done-- but it is a decision I don't regret-- and am thankful that I made. I've learned so much about myself here, it has been and will continue to be 

a life changing experience. 

Live as though you will die tomorrow, 

Learn as though you will live forever,

Love as though you have nothing to lose~ 

For if you do you will find happiness.

Another Day

Hello Readers!

So in case you didn't know; it rains here a LOT. And rain can be well tolerable. I'm very thankful for my North Face boots. They are awesome for the weather here. 

Not a lot has gone one in the past few days. Today is a Russian national holiday, so we don't have class today or tomorrow, but never fear we will make up for not having class by having it on Saturday! (some holiday eh?) I have thus far begun my early weekend by sleeping for 11 hours. It was fantastic. :)

Last night Liam and I attempted to go to a movie. We went, asked the lady for tickets to the movie, Liam knows Russian- so I let him talk. And well we ended up with tickets to Saw VII in 3D. Yeah- we watched the previews and about 10 minutes of the movie before we booked it out of there. How messed up is the writer of those screen plays? I mean for real- First scene man crawling around with one leg, blood everywhere. Second scene 3 people about to be sawed in half. I don't know who got sawed- my eyes where closed. :) Then I came back here, and hung out with Kensie, Matt, and Corey for awhile. We even made a McDonald's run. :) I <3 McFlurries! 

As for the rest of the day today~ I have no idea what I'm going to do. Apparently the Russians drink a LOT on holiday~ so it may be a stay indoors kind of day. Ya nis nyu. 

My First Club~

So last night was one of the most interesting experiences I've ever had. Kensie and I had been planning on going out with some friends to Double Bar. We headed out at like 7 and where at the bar by 8. We hung out, played a couple of really educational games of never have I ever, and decided to head back and go to a club near the dorm. We took the metro back and were at the club around midnight. But only after, me and my clutseness fell and scraped up my knee- again. 

The club was filled with middle aged people dancing in a way that I've never seen before. Normally when an American thinks of dancing at a club the film "Dirty Dancing" comes to mind. Not here-- at least not by the club goers. So Corey, Kensie, and I look at each other and decide we are going to need some liquid courage to stay here. So I go up to the bar and there is this 30 something year old man hitting on me... I order the 3 drinks for us- and politely as I can (with my acutely small knowledge of Russian) get away from him. Kensie got a look at his wallet and was like-- you could have gotten some free drinks outa him! Needless to say I told Kensie to have at him. :)

So we drink our little bit of liquid courage, look at each other and decide to just dance and have some fun. There is Russian techno music playing, with weird random English words, that nobody around us seems to understand. This is when the interesting stuff starts to happen. After about an hour of dancing 2 girls come onto the stage dressed in sequins, and not a lot else. They start dancing, and while nothing was removed the skimpiness of their outfits didn't leave much to the imagination. Suddenly the music stops and 3 or 4 armed men in black ski masks come in. It's the police. Kensie, Corey, and I are really confused-- because this is a pretty nice place. They bring out a dog, a miniature cute little hunting dog of some sort, and we realize that they are searching for drugs. Some people leave, and eventually we go back to dancing. 

Now the dancers are back out again, this time in maid costumes, that are even skimpier. They are accompanied by some girls dressed in thongs and sequins, and the dancing was back on again for about 15 minutes. At this time the DJ starts talking a lot of Russian and holding the microphone out to people in the crowd-- needless to say Corey, Kensie, and I backed away from the stage. I decided to use this opportunity to make a bathroom run- big mistake. Corey and Kensie informed me that the DJ pulled 2 girls on the stage and they had to "give a blow job" to a banana. Yeah- 

So more dancers come out and we dance again for another 15 minutes or so. The next person to come out is a man dressed in black from head to toe with his face like covered in a black hood. Well he started dancing, and soon he was down to a loin cloth of sorts with shoulder straps. He then produced 2 flaming torches which he danced with, blew fire with, and ran the torches up and down his body- like flames on his arms- don't try it at home kids- this guy was a professional. He left and the dancing continued for another 15-20 minutes. The girls came out again in yet another skimpy outfit and continued dancing. 

Then 2 bar tenders come out and do a drink making routine. It was pretty impressive- they made 3 pretty drinks and it was cool to watch. Then the DJ came back down and began auctioning off the drinks. At this point it was 2 AM, and I was exhausted. So we headed back to the dorms, which were farther away then I thought- note to self don't go drinking in heals, you may end up at a club, and therefore your feet will hurt. A LOT. We woke the guard up and got let into the building. I kicked my boots off and we headed to our rooms. I managed to get out of the night with 2 extremely sore feet, a skinned up knee, and only one blister. It was an interesting and fun night. And as I was getting ready for bed I couldn't help but recount the events of the night and just say- Eta Rossiya. 

7 weeks to go!

As of today we have 7 weeks left in St. Petersburg. We are a little over the halfway mark and I feel as though I've accomplished a lot. I speak enough Russian to survive, and have made some amazing friends. I have learned a lot about myself, about other Americans, and about Russian culture. I'm excited to see what the next seven weeks have to offer. I already know I'm going to Finland, Estonia; a ballett, opera, classical music concert, and a bunch of museums. And as I believe I've already showed, Daily Life here is an adventure in itself!

Quote from Last night: I don't know what the deal is...

its just a frickin fish!~ Alina

 Here's to an even more Amazing

Second Half of the Trip!

Motivation

I'd like to start out by thanking Laura for making me feel better today.-- It was one of those days today. Your an amazing sister.~

I have come to a pretty important realization today. As some of you know I'm from a REALLY small town in northwestern Wisconsin, I have a compulsive gambler for a "father". In high school I was the president of everything, and I maintained a very high GPA. I had dreams of going to law school, to either become a corporate lawyer or a politician. My guidance counselor tried to talk me out of college, why on earth would anybody from my hometown need college anyway?

Well I went on to a pretty good school, where I am a Junior who will graduate in 4 years with a double major in Business Management with Emphasis in Business Law and History (maybe Economics Major too...). I have a decent GPA (not as high as I'd like... thanks statistics :p... but it'll go back up). I'm involved in the most amazing sorority on the planet Kappa Delta. And I'm the secretary for Pre Law Society. Last semester I was an RA, and intern at a law firm, an economics departmental assistant, an ambassador, a mentor, and I think that's all my jobs???

Now you may be asking yourself the same question I was asking myself today... how did I come out of my background with so much motivation to succeed? I've been pondering this question a lot today... and have come to some conclusions.
1. I love new experiences
2. I love success and don't settle for less then my best
3. I surrounded myself with the most amazingly talented young women on campus, my sorority sisters-
4. My mom has driven me to succeed, and helped me open new doors--

I know I may sound snobbish right now and you may be wondering what I'm doing typing this, but to me this is me- its who I am. I have fought to get to where I am today. I'm not a success by any means, I've got a long ways to go, and knowing myself I can mess it up pretty easily-- but I am doing a fairly good job of making the best of what I have. I work hard for what I've accomplished. In the last year I've been dumped by my first love, did the Polar Plunge, dumped the rebound man, worked at a law firm, gone to China to study, worked at a camp for children with disabilities (blind, deaf, cognitively disabled, diabetic), and now I'm in Russia spending an entire semester in a country I knew almost nothing about before I got here.  I'd say that's a pretty eventful year.

I can only imagine what the future has to offer me. I'm 20 years old, in Russia, learning SO much, and in December I'll be back home in that small town in Wisconsin. Where I will hopefully find a temp job to fill my winter break time. Then its back to school for a semester of homework, work, KD, fun, and friendship. Then dadadadah LSAT time-- Life is going by so fast, it seems like just a while ago I was leaving for college, scared to death of living on my own.-- Now look at me.

This experience truly is once in a lifetime-- and even if I can't shake this horrid cold-- I'm happy to be here-- happy to experience new things-- happy to beat the odds.

Snow!

That's right readers its October 15 and the first snow storm has arrived! Unfortunately/Luckily (depending on your view point) the snow isn't sticking. I am from WI and never cease to be excited by the first true snow (and I assure you looking out my window all I see is white coming down). It seems different with it snowing here, not near as exciting, but more like watching the inevitable.

Moscow was quite an adventure despite being sick the entire time I had a lot of fun. Kensie and I explored St. Basil's and enjoyed a couple of meals at what could be my new favorite restaurant. They serve baked potatoes with a toppings bar. I <3 it. I also bought some really awesome souvenirs! Including a $15 winter hat that says MOSCOW. Its super cute, and more importantly super warm. :)

This week is fall break so Kensie and I have been exploring St. Petersburg. We spent 2 days trying to get into the botanical gardens, and then gave up. But we had fun in the processes so that is all that counts. We also went to the Aurora Naval Ship. That was cool, and I got some more souvenirs/Christmas presents! My shopping is almost done! :)

Being gluten free in Russia is not near as difficult as I thought it was going to be. I found a gluten free grocery store and have been there twice. I also don't mind eating a lot of the same thing, so I get by. :)

What I miss most about home right now is the water. I want to brush my teeth with tap water and shower and actually feel clean afterwords! It really is the simple things that make life worth while. What I love most about here right now is this city. It is HUGE! There is so much to see and do and thank God Kensie knows where shes going or I'd be lost all the time. The people here are so diverse and yet similar. Brenda said it well in her blog when she said that a woman dressed in the same clothes she probably wore in the war and a woman in 4" stilettos and a tight short skirt stand side by side on the Metro and both are at home here. Its really cool.

Are you Sure? Nope. Ok Lets go-

Today was an adventure. The day began with me not wanting to get out of my warm and toastie bed. Class today was a walking tour of St. Petersburg with my teacher who has lived here all her life. The tour consisted of about a mile long walk... and that's a minimum. Then Lindsey and I went to a local cafe with bottomless refills on tea and enjoyed relaxing and catching up. I then headed toward home and stooped and did my grocery shopping. On my walk home I found Brenda and we decided I should go shoe shopping, graveyard visiting, and then to church with her. So I quickly headed back to my room put away my groceries and was off to town again with Brenda. We went shoe shopping and I have decided a need a pair of Russian heals... they are TOO pretty. :) We were trying to find the cemetery where a lot of famous people are buried, and we may have found it... or not... we really aren't sure where we were. I know I ended up in an Orthodox Church and was in awe of its beauty. We were walking in this park and went through random gates that lead to what I'm sure wasn't the...shall we say foreigner's typical path???. I would look at Brenda and be like "are you sure?" and she would say "nope" and my response was always "OK lets go". In doing so we entered this park/cemetery/church area without having to pay. Afterwards we tried to go to her church... but service wasn't occurring... so we decided to continue shoe shopping and return to the cafe I was at earlier to wait for rush hour to die down. And now I'm back home. I had to use Liam, Emily, and Matt's brain to do my homework, and I have a quiz tomorrow on irregular verbs... I have studied a lot but I doubt I'll ever be ready for it. Anyway now it is off to bed :)

Fall Has Arrived!

Hello Readers!

It is officially fall here in Russia. We went to a beautiful park and palace combination today and I got to see history and play in the leaves... does life get much better? I don't think so. :) Ohhh wait it does I also got a new scarf! And this one is SUPER soft, its 50% wool and 50% silk. I <3 it!

Kensie and I adventured around the park, and got lost for a bit. It was great to be out in the woods again. Once a nature director always a nature director I guess. I just love being outdoors and there is no better time then in the fall when it is cool and brisk and you can walk for hours amongst the trees. The only thing that would have made today an even better fall day would have been football and a bonfire. :) Walking in the woods today was a lot like being back home, and it was fantastic.

 

 I still can't believe I've been here a month! Or that I will be here for another 2! I've grown accustomed to cars driving on sidewalks, drunks being passed out on Metros, money belts, doing everything in a language I don't understand 99% of the time... it has all become normal daily life. It is such an incredible feeling-- one everyone should get to have. So for you readers out there... STUDY ABROAD, travel "while your young and beautiful" (such a good song). It is one of the most challenging and yet most rewarding things I've ever done! Go outside of your comfort zone, who knows they may have silk sheets there. ;) even though they don't have them in Russia, so don't get your hopes up lol.

Oh the things You'll Hear

"I'm not afraid of breaking you Corey, I can throw you around and not hurt you."- Matthew

"You could be 3 for 3..." - Emily... this was all I got out of the convo... but it was funny at the time

"Ahh for sure..." Emily... frequently making fun of me

"I got a hat!" Matthew when talking about his new hat he got today...

"Ohhh Hush" Emily... frequently

"Is there something unmanly about eating a salad for dinner?"- Matt "Yes you are not a man" - the rest of us "but I'm from CA I need to eat Salad" Matt

"That's just weird... like Steak and Eggs who eats that"- Matt "yeah its good, people eat it, and its tasty"- the rest of us

"I'm tired of you making fun of my CA ways... respect my ways... respect my culture"- says Matt, the one who picks on my accent-

"My computer's name is Millie, she can be a bitch sometimes"- Emily

"Daniel didn't know what to think last night... We freaked him out again" - Matt

"10 points for Gryffindor"- Corey

"Hey Megan... is this a bad ass Monkey face or what?" - Emily

"How come I don't have more quotes?" - Corey

"Keep pushing Matt see how far it gets you"- Me "That's what she said" Corey--- for the record I was defending my roommate, he would have squished her!

"I don't see what your problem is... that's like drinking lemonade"-- Alina to Corey, Matt, and Emily hehe

"I got this" Emily hehe

Does anyone else notice how many weird things Matt says?

In addition to these wonderful things my friends say I also have some quotes from teachers that need to be shared. If you don't think they are funny... sorry but in context they are. :)

"Now when we speak about the CHOOORch...."- Maria

"If you walk in the Gulf of Finland you could be like Jesus Christ and just keep walking its so shallow"- Egor

"Of course they dealt with this situation the way Communists do... and shot him"- Egor

"You need to have long underwear or you will freeze"- Egor

"Life is a daily struggle: before lunch it is with hunger after lunch it is with sleep."- Egor

"Now I ask you to pay attention to...." Maria

There are many more and I will continue updating...

Daily Life is Fun- Cont...

So here in Russia we come across all sorts of people. Some are friendly, some are not, some are tall, some are short, some speak English, most do not. What I have come to notice is that we are all people. We may be from different parts of the world but we are all people and we are all on this world together. What I enjoy is the bonding between those of us Americans who are brave enough to venture to Russia. We get together, laugh about the oddities of this country, and laugh about the oddities of each other. For instance Russians wear sweaters, scarfs, and jackets when it is 50 degrees F outside. We wear hoodies and call it good. My roommate laughs because I apparently have a thick midwestern accent. She has started to pick up said allegid accent, and its funny. (My roommate is from PA.) All the while our California friend complains about his lack of accent.

Today was a pretty normal day- went to school, did my homework, my computer obtained a virus, Charles and Dan tried to fix it but Matthew finally got it to work. We made some good pasta type thing tonight. Emily, Matt, and Liam ate it on pasta but I ate it on potatoes. :) It was yummy.

I would also like to add this little sentence in here because Emily and Matthew are enjoying picking on my bad spelling skills. ym nema si Mgena. heheheehehe :p

I also would like to add some things to my blog thanks to an idea from Emily.

Quote of the day: He hit me. --- That's gonna leave a nail mark. Children!
Observation of the day: Californians named Matthew need to dress warmer.

Journal Entries

September 20, 2010 (day 25)

Dear Journal,

Today’s excitement was that we made bacon cheeseburgers and garlic mashed potatoes for dinner. It was awesome! Really really yummy. I think I shall be making mashed potatoes more often. People were happy, I got to eat food. I just wish living gluten free was cheaper. I do ok, eat a lot of potatoes, (but I love potatoes).

September 21, 2010 (day 26)

Dear Journal,

School, homework, laundry, chat with Laura, read my book, about it.

September 22, 2010 (day 27)

Dear Journal,

School, homework, read my book, go to the store with Brenda-- she buys I cook, write adoption papers so Emily can adopt Matthew as her brother. About it.

September 26, 2010 (day 31)

Dear Journal,

Yesterday Emily and Brett moved to homestay. So now its just me and little Emily. I think I’m going to enjoy this. We had company last night, James, Leeham, Corey, Matthew, and some other boys. It was nice to just chill and relax. I’m seriously considering going to Alaska this summer to work. I found an internship I really like- it could be fun. Or James knows some places to work that pay well because he’s a local. I don’t know-- have to wait and see. Today we went to KunstKamera. It was so disturbing. Peter the Great was a weird man who decided to forgive people’s debts to the government if they could bring him oddities of nature. So they did. They found babies with countless deformities, conjoined twins (in all sorts of random places) and even a group of sextuplets still connected to the placenta. It was the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen. And I would like to forget it.

Reflections

Hello Readers,
I went to class today, I took a quiz I though I was prepared for, whoops. So now I shall have to crack down on the books this weekend. I have a lot of verbs, nouns, adjectives, you name it I have to learn it. But I suppose that is why we go to college to learn new things and challenge our minds.

In high school I took two years of Spanish. I hated every minute of that class. (sorry Senora if you happen to read this, but you probably knew this already) That class murdered my GPA, and I whipped my hands clean of it by my Junior year. As it turns out I wouldn't have needed the foreign languages to get into Ripon College. I was thankful to have already hit the wall and knew how to study before I hit college. That's right Senora I'm thanking you for 2 years of hell.

I decided freshman year to prove that I was able to learn a foreign language and took German for a semester. I really enjoyed it, but knew I would never do anything with it so that ended my foreign language studies, or so I thought.

Sophomore year I found the most amazing study abroad program in Scotland. I was so excited, I planned it all out, applied, and was accepted. It was perfect, I could study business and not have to worry about a language barrier. I could visit Ireland-- (I'm just a wee bit Irish... and in case you were wondering yes that is sarcasm) Then reality set in. $$$ chaching- no way to afford it. So I resigned myself to staying on campus, enjoying college and working my many on campus jobs.

Then by random chance I heard about studying abroad in Russia-- it was cheap. I applied, got in, financial aid worked out, I quit my jobs-- and here I am. In a country I'd never considered visiting, let alone living in and learning another foreign language. If you haven't surmised yet, foreign languages aren't my cup of tea. So this experience is defiantly different then what I had in mind. Yet in so many ways it is so much better. I jumped head first into a country I knew practically nothing about. Now I'm living in St. Petersburg, a city of 5 million, which as you saw from yesterday's post is HUGE for me. I'm taking 3 Russian history classes, each of which are worth 3 credits. And I am taking the mandatory 9 credits of Russian language. I often ask myself if I have lost my mind. But then I realize that this is SO COOL! I'm in RUSSIA, I'm learning RUSSIAN, I'm seeing things I've never even heard of.

If someone a year ago had told me I would be studying in Russia right now, I would have called them a liar and laughed in their face. Probably not very nice, but I wouldn't have been able to control it. But I have learned that the future is unpredictable. (Hell Russia's past is unpredictable). Life is short-- so I've decided to enjoy this trip. I've had a blast already. I've been abroad now for almost a month, its hard to believe. Who knows what the future has in store?

Observations Continued...

So I just came to another realization.

The population of Wisconsin on September 22nd 2010 is approximately 5,635,130.
The estimated population of St. Petersburg in 2006 was 4,581,000.

This means that the number of people in this city is probably equal to the entire state of Wisconsin.

Observations

Hello Readers,
Today is a unique sort of day. The last few days have been spent doing homework. The excitment of the week thus far was Monday night we made bacon cheeseburgers and mashed potatoes. They were excellent. I thought I'd add in some observations I've made about this country and my experiences thus far. These aren't ment to be negative, and I hope they aren't interpreted as so. Please also keep in mind that I am generalizing.
1. Russian's smoke- a LOT
2. Russian women wear nice clothes and high heals- a LOT
3. It is perfectly acceptable to bring a dog into a store, as long as hes tucked in your pocket, purse, or under our arm.
4. Marshutka are driven by unlicensed drivers, and should NEVER be walked out infront of.
5. Just because there is an elevator doesn't mean it will stop on your floor.
6. Be careful with the pepper shaker. If you can find one.
7. Graffitti is rarely covered up-- to include a sign infront of my dorm that reads "All F*CKER$ (in english nontheless).
8. Vodka is cheap, any other alcohol (that may be gluten free for example) is kinda pricey.
9. Russians really enjoy forms of identification. If I leave the dorm I have a Spravka, a student card, and a student id.
10. The children are well bundled up. As in babies and toddlers are incapable of moving because they are wearing too many layers.
11. Police carry assult rifles and/or M16s.
12. Did I mention the 4" spiked stilettos.
13. Meat counters are scary- and meat is scooped into a plastic bag.
14. You must pay for plastic bags.
15. You pay $6 for a jar of peanut butter.
16. People park... wherever they want; sidewalks, curbs, streets... it all works.
17. Mufflers? What are those.
18. McDonalds fries are awesome.
19. Eggs come in 10s.
20. Cats and Dogs literally run wild in the city.
21. PDA! On the metro, on the streets, wherever--- just apparently not in private.
22. You carry 1000s but nobody will take them, because you must have exact change.
23. Recieving a bar tab for 500 is no big deal.
24. The heat is controlled by the city government, as in its got to get COLD before the heat comes on.
25. Much to Matthew's dismay Russia has seansons... sorry California man.
26. Lined paper is a commotity that needs to be imported... hello graph paper.
27. Mountain Dew is SO much yummier.
28. Refined Sugar??? What is that?
29. There is tea called fruit of the loom.
30. There is 1 gluten free grocerie store in city of 5 million people.

Daily Life is Fun- seriously it is

September 19, 2010 (day 24)

Dear Journal,

I apologize for missing a few days. Friday I did homework, went to class not much new. Saturday I went to Novgorad. It was a really cool city. We saw the city wall, a war monument, a monument to the city’s 1,100 anniversary, a church, and an old Russian city/museum place. It was all pretty entertaining. Today I have been relaxing, because my cold is back. I watched a movie, did some studying, and read a lot.

September 20, 2010 (day 25)

Dear Journal,

Today’s excitement was that we made bacon cheeseburgers and garlic mashed potatoes for dinner. It was awesome! Really really yummy. I think I shall be making mashed potatoes more often. The downside was that it cost a lot of money to feed that many people, and we had a 100 ruble “cover charge” but that left me with negative balance- idk how that worked out, but I guess its no big deal. People were happy, I got to eat food, and what’s a few rubles? I’m officially almost broke for this month, but that’s ok because I should be able to get buy with just buying another thing of water and doing laundry. Which should pretty much finish off my money. Moms going to put in $200 for October and the fleet cards will get reloaded in October sometime as well. I just wish living gluten free was cheaper. I do ok, eat a lot of potatoes, (but I love potatoes).

Memories

So today we went to the oldest part of Russia, and I will "speak about that" later. (inside joke... gotta love Mariah). Anway last night I had a really nice talk with Brenda and it got me thinking about my grandparents. They died a few years back. They were married for 65 years and were apart for 29 days-- my grandma died and then grandpa died 29 days later. It was a beautiful thing. Both Brenda and I agreed that we want that kind of relationship. Think about the things they endoured together. It must have been quite the scandal because my grandmother was pregnant when she got married. They then had and burried three children... one child made it all the way to 6 years of age before he died, for unknown reasons of course--- because being catholic the boides were never tested for cause of death. They proceeded to have 5 more kids- one of which they also burried, he was 54 (ish) when he took his own life. Half their children remain alive, with dozens of grandchildren and great grand children and even a few great great grandchilren. But back to the relationship. They were married in their twenties, old for the period. He was a boxer, and a fine dancer-- with her. Anybody else he danced with would complain of him stepping on their toes-- but she had the ability to counter his steps and they danced beautifuly. (or so I imagine... I never got the chance to see them dance together, though I did get to dance with my grandpa once). He was a farmer, she a homemaker. This ment that they spent every day together, ate meals together, and in general were together all the time. They made it through winters on the farm, kids being kids, the depression, wars, bad crops... The stories my mom tells are so interesting about growing up on the farm. As they grew older they retired from the farm and moved to a small apartment. Here they lived for a few years, and then moved into the nursing home. They lived here for quite a few years, with the beds pushed together. They sat and watched football, she with her packers glass and he with his vickings glass. She was involved in everything she could at the home, and he enjoyed the television, the paper, and relaxing. He was often sick, she was never really hospitalized. When she got sick, she got sick fast and went to heaven to wait for him. It was a beautiful relationship. I really hope that I am lucky enough to find someone like that... someone that loves me for me and who I love for being him. That kind of love seems to have gone out with the times though. Of the four remaining children two are divorced from husbands who cheated, and suffered addictions that hurt the family. To my knowledge none of the grandkids are divorced yet, and the great and great great grandkids aren't quite old enough, though one great grandson is recently married this past month. Anyway thanks for joining me on my stroll through memory lane, I hope you enjoyed it... it brings back fond memories for me. I've been following a new sort of motto if you will; Remember the Good, Forget the Bad, and Live Your Life Every Day.

Daily Life is Fun-

September 15,2010 (day 20)

Dear Journal,

Nothing too exciting today. Got some movies from Matt put on my computer. That should be fun. Did a lot of homework/studying today. I also set up a blog! Its pretty awesome.

September 16, 2010 (day 21)

Dear Journal,

Today was a fun day. I went to class and got my butt kicked by the quiz. Oh well, I guess I need to study more… ugh. I then came back to my room and watched Top Gun, which was fun and relaxing. Then Kensie, Matt, and I went down to the Church Built on Spilled Blood. It was really pretty. The ticket lady let us in for free because we are students, which was awesome! After that we explored a park, went to McDonalds/Mics and came back. The burgers at Mics have a statue of Liberty toothpick thing in them. It made us laugh, a lot.

I'm in Russia!

So I thought it would be a fun idea to journalize each day I spend on my study abroad. I don't allow myself to edit them, so I appologize if the grammer and or spelling is bad. The main purpose is to caputre my feelings as they happen. As a history major I love primary documents that are uncut-- and I figure one day my kids will look at this diary and want to know my feelings... to know that yup I fought with my mom, and yup she was usually right and to know that yup I've made silly decisions that don't always make the most sense. So here is my journal that I've been keeping since August 29. I update it daily and will try to come on here and update this as with my journal entries as well.



August 29, 2010 (days one through four)

Dear Journal,

Today was my first full day in Russia. So far on my trip I have gone to London and St. Petersburg. London was an adventure to say the least. I arrived at about 8 am at the Holiday Inn. We couldn’t get into our rooms so we went out to find food and something to do. I had scrambled eggs at a nice little café. Then I went to the London National Museum of Natural History. It was pretty cool- there were a lot of dinosaurs and some cool exhibits. And I fell off the sidewalk and scraped both my knees. Then we got to check into our rooms and I took a much needed shower and nap. We then met for drinks to meet all the people going on the trip. I then went back to bed because I was exhausted.

　

On our second day in London we went on a London sightseeing tour and just got the general feel for the city. It was a lot of fun and I wish we could have spent more time there. We were dropped off in a square and told we had free time. I went to lunch with some friends and after I decided to head back because I wasn’t feeling too well. The tube wouldn’t take my ATM debit card, so I went out to an international ATM and it ate my card. I then frantically dug through my purse and found $20 that I thought I had lost. I rode the tube back to the hotel, called mom on a 5 pound calling card and she fixed everything. Her boyfriend Dave wired me $500-- he might be a nice guy after all.

　

Our third day in London started at 5am, and we drove to the Airport on a double decker bus. Note to self take motion sickness pills before getting on the bus, as you will get sea sick. We flew to Russia and landed around 3 pm. It was a good flight. We drove straight to the dorms and I got settled in Room 302. I’m living with Emily and my suite mates are Emily and Brit. They are all nice girls.

On the fourth day, which is finally today(!) we did loads of things. We went on a general historic tour and saw a ton of cool things. It was kind of a this is what you can see while you are here. I’m really excited to see everything. We then went and got our pictures taken for our documents etc. Then Matt, Dan, and I went grocery shopping. That was an adventure… gluten free food here is going to be difficult, doable but difficult. The meat counters scare me a bit.

Today is also Jean’s funeral. Mom is super sad about it and I am too. I keep thinking that if I would have stopped to talk to her she may have boosted her self esteem enough to not kill herself- but then again probably not. I don’t know how she did it or any of the details… and I’m thankful that I don’t know. But on the bright side I guess… its what she wanted.

　
this is a video of how St. Petersburg announces its noon~

August 30, 2010 (day 5)

Dear Journal,

Today was my first day of Russian Language Class. It was intense. I’m a little afraid… but there is not turning back now, so I guess I’ve got to just suck it up and learn Russian! A year ago I never imagined I’d be sitting in Russia right now, so I guess that is why I’m keeping this journal… so in the future my kids or even I can look back and remember my adventures. I’m working on the alphabet, so far so… well not good but okay. We went on a “practical tour” today and got our Sprevkas. The tour was fun. We went with Rob, the Canadian who has been here for a little over a year studying. We saw a lot of cool stuff and probably walked 10 miles. I’m so going to be in shape after this trip, but my back is killing me! We went a different way back to the dorms and holly shit I live like on top of a bunch of buildings from the Soviet era. It is legitly scary, but funny. I’m off to bed because tomorrow I begin cooking for myself!

　

August 31, 2010 (day 6)

Dear Journal,

Today hasn’t been too overly eventful. I had 3 hours of Russian class today. That’s intense and scary, but not as bad as I thought it was going to be. My teacher is nice, tough but nice. I spent 2 hours doing the homework so that’s 5 hours of learning Russian officially minus what I have to learn “on the streets” so to speak. I did laundry and was relived to find Maytag washers and dryers. It was the first time I’ve ever paid for laundry… and I’ve determined that doing laundry is expensive! I paid 60 rubles ($2) to wash my close and 80 rubles ($2.66) to dry my clothes. I ate cereal for breakfast, bacon and eggs for lunch, and for dinner I’m thinking a hamburger… without the bread of course. Mom won’t really talk to me and its tough because I’m a little homesick. Not a lot… its more like I miss going to get food without the complications. I know I’ll get used to it but it’s a processes. I’m tired today-- probably from busting my ass trying to learn Russian and my back still hurts L . But enough complaining because I’m in Russia!

I spent the remainder of my day finishing “The Partner” by John Grisham. It was a very good book, then ending was awful but I should expect that from Grisham. Tomorrow brings another 3 hours of Russian and a trip to the Hermatige Museum-- that should be very cool. Mom continues to avoid me, and I’m not going to lie, it hurts a bit. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong- she’s probably mad at me for the London incident. Oh I almost forgot we got more papers today! In case the Russians need proof we are supposed to be here I now have a sprevka (complete with photocopies of my passport, migration card, and visa), a student ID, and another student door opening ID. Hopefully this will prevent them from detaining me-- cause Lord knows I don’t know enough or any Russian really for that situation. Well it is off to bed!

September 1, 2010 (day 7)

Dear Journal,

Today was amazing. I woke up and had my 3 hour Russian class. I asked my teacher about the bone in the meat and she said to just eat a burger from McDonalds-- so I shall. She said she was going to try to set up a shopping trip for us. We got a list of food vocabulary today so I suggested we all go grocery shopping. J We went to the Hermitage Museum today. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. I saw a real Picasso, Rembrandt, DaVinci, Michael Angelo, etc… Then Brit, Emily, Mackenzie, and I went to dinner at a place called the other side. It was good. Then we went souvenir shopping. I got a scarf and 2 Russian doll key chains. Then we rode the metro back. I think I walked 10 miles today- no joke. Now I shall go to bed!

September 2, 2010 (day 8)

Dear Journal,

Today was a day of homework. We got a ton more words today in my Russian class- so I made a ton of flashcards. I also went to McDonalds and shopping in the mall for dinner. I got another scarf, this one is pink and blue. We also went to a briefing by the US Consulate. It was kind of cool. I took all of my non necessities out of my wallet so I wouldn’t loose everything if I were to get pick pocketed. Other then that not much new today.

September 3, 2010 (day 9)

Dear Journal,

Today we our teacher was 1.5 hours late because of traffic. The Russians decided to close like 6 roads without telling anybody about it. Our homework is simple, we just have to learn the vocabulary. Too bad that’s like a gazillion words. We also went on a jazz boat ride to celebrate the ending of our first week. We drank some white wine and had a good time. It was a long bus ride there and back because of the traffic, but it was worth the wait.

September 4, 2010 (day 10)

Dear Journal,

Today we went to see the summer palace and the fountains. It was incredible. We went on a tour and got to see the inside of some of the buildings which was really cool. There was a shower (that I couldn’t take a picture of L ) that had water coming out of pretty much everywhere in the room, and the room was bigger then my house. Alex. The Great must have had a thing for fountains because they sure put a lot of effort into them. I also got to see the ocean for the first time! It was the Baltic Sea, and it was so cold outside by the water (and in general). We also had some adventures with the pigeons and fed them some bread which was fun. Then we went out to the Beer House. I got a couple of daiquiris and a shot of rum. We had some laughs and basically just had a good time. I came home and went to bed around 1 am, so not too rowdy of a night.

September 5, 2010 (day 11)

Dear Journal,

I woke up today with a headache, surprise surprise. But I got up and did my laundry and worked on my Russian homework. I had to rewrite my homework because I messed up my cursive; which means all the flashcards I made were made wrong. So I then spent quite a bit of time making study sheets. So far it is five pages of words and information I know that I need to learn. I probably won’t have it mastered by tomorrow’s class but I can try. I went sweater shopping with Matt today. He’s from California and needed some warmer clothes. We stopped at MICS for lunch and it was really good. On the downside I ordered what I thought was a smoothie, and it might have been, but there was gluten in it. L So I came back and took a long nap. Then I talked to Katie on Skype; which was fun because I haven’t talked to her in quite a bit. Now its back to homework and hopefully to the grocery store later to get some potatoes.

September 6, 2010 (day 12)

Dear Journal,

Everyone said I would hit a wall somewhere in the first week and wonder why I was studying Russian. Today I found that wall. I had a really difficult time in class. I don’t know why, I know I know the material, I just seem to forget it… and sometimes the concepts don’t click in my brain. But tomorrow will be better. I’m not feeling the greatest, I think I may be coming down with a cold or something. But I’m drinking a ton of water and resting so hopefully that works. Its cold in here today so I have the space heater on a little higher then usual. We got the class lists for electives today. All three of mine are on Friday-- which is kind of a bummer but oh well. At least I can take the weekend and do my homework and be ready to go again for the week. And there is only an hour and a half of Russian on Thursday! J Other then that not much new today. Spent most of the day resting and studying and playing on Facebook. I also watched 27 Dresses. That is such a good movie. Well I guess its off to bed, but first I shall wash some dishes.

September 7, 2010 (day 13)

Dear Journal,

What a day. I went to my Russian class and it didn’t totally kick my butt! Only slightly… which was a relief after yesterday. Then this afternoon I went out with Kensie, Barbra, Dan, Rob, and Emily and we went to a café. The café had bottomless tea and coffee! It was exciting. I also got a chicken cabob and rice and the total was only 158 rubles (about $5). Then we went exploring. I went into an orthodox church. I had to cover my head with my scarf in order to get in. I said a prayer and looked around. It was really cool. I almost got a cross necklace but my friends were leaving. We walked a lot, but it was fun. Then Kensie and I went to McDonalds and got ice cream. I have a quiz in Russian tomorrow so I suppose I should study and then get some sleep. I’m exhausted after walking so much! And my back hurts… its kind of annoying.

September 8, 2010 (day 14)

Dear Journal,

Today was a normal day I guess. Got up went to class for an hour and a half. Then Ksenia took us grocery shopping. We went to a type of Wal-Mart. It was kind of fun. I also got to ride a bus. I came back made some lunch and took a nap because I feel a little like death. Woke up e-mailed mom and watched a movie. It was a good kind of day. I just hope I start to feel better soon, but this is just the beginning of the cold. Ugh-

September 9, 2010 (day 15)

Dear Journal,

Today was also a normal day with the exception that I went to a hockey game. It was pretty awesome. I bought a jersey, #20- the goalie’s number! St. Petersburg lost in overtime, which was kind of a bummer but on the bright side I’m not too attached to the team. Kensie, Rob, and I stopped at McDonalds on the way home, which was fun. But it’s late so I’m off to bed.

September 10, 2010 (day 16)

Dear Journal,

I had my elective courses today, all three of them. My first one was about early Russian history, the second about the Russian Orthodox Church, and the third about the Communist Era. The two about Russian history were awesome. The orthodox church one was EXTREMELY boring, mainly because the teacher has a very monotone voice and doesn’t have the easiest to understand accent. But oh well, its got to get better right? Anyway after class I went to the pharmacy and got some cold medicine. I spent about $9 and got some Coldrex and some Strepsils. The coldrex is like Theraflu and the Strepsils are throat lozenges. Hopefully they help, because with all the yelling at yesterday’s game I have next to no voice; and a very sore throat. (Like its really difficult to eat anything). But it shall be better soon. Tomorrow we go to a museum about the Siege of Leningrad. That should be pretty awesome. I think I’m going to watch a movie and just relax for tonight.

September 11, 2010 (day 16)

Dear Journal,

Today is September 11^th, and the 9^th anniversary of the attacks of 9-11. We went to two memorials for the Siege of Leningrad. The first was a cemetery. Hundreds of people were buried there in common graves. There were hundreds of flowers. It was really beautiful. Then we traveled across town to a museum/monument for it. The siege lasted 900 days and 900 nights- an estimated million people died, though the total will never be known. Most of the people died of starvation. America is so lucky that we have our oceans to protect us. When there is a war we go to Europe and bomb it and our citizens stay safe. Its easy to forget the people over here who die because of the bombing and raids. We even got to see the orders Hitler signed basically saying to eliminate the city of Leningrad. He was one messed up person. After the museums I came back and took a much needed nap and skyped Katie and mom. Then we went out to the café which has really expensive drinks, and I won’t be going there again to get them. So we got one drink there and then went to beer house. After that Emily, Brett, and I watched some you tube clips of Who’s Line is it Anyways? That was fun. Now its late and I’m going to bed.

September 12, 2010 (day 17)

Dear Journal,

Today was one of those frustrating, annoying days… but for no in particular reason. I got up at noon, made cheeseburgers and home fries with Emily (roommate Emily). Then I skyped mom for 2 minutes- she said to call back in like half hour. So I went to the store got some cereal and water; came back tried to get a hold of mom for an hour and a half-- gave up and watched a movie. Its just really frustrating- I have no clue what I’m going to do over break. Whatevs-- it’ll sort itself out.

September 13, 2010 (day 18)

Dear Journal,

Mom and my fight has turned into a “cold war” stand off. She now insists on talking to me every time I’m online and informing me of her exact whereabouts. Talk about annoying. I could go back at her with my every action… perhaps I shall. I don’t think it was wrong of me for being mad for being stood up by her. Anyway I went to 4 bookstores and got the book for my history classes. Worked on my budget… the book was expensive so these next two weeks are going to be interesting. Anyway off to do homework.

September 14, 2010 (day 19)

Dear Journal,

Class today was okay. We have to memorize a poem for tomorrow, and we also have to do a worksheet about plurals. I have got a really upset stomach. L I’m making rice for lunch, hopefully that will help. So lunch helped. Not a lot new today. Did laundry, that was fun. There were two Chinese girls in the laundry mat and they took a picture of me-- apparently American girl in her pajamas is picture worthy. I almost yelled at them but that would involve effort because they were speaking Chinese.

Roommate Emily had a little accident today, it was funny. She made pasta and put the strainer on top of the pot. She turned the burner off but left the pot and strainer on it. She melted the strainer into the pot. Woops!
I figured out my camera date is off by a day… the time difference got to the poor thing. But I fixed it. J I’ve been reading my history book, Russia has a really cool history and its no wonder the country ended up being Communist for so long. Early Russian history is full of wars both civil and international. And they weren’t little wars, they were big and bloody and thousands of people died. Then the history of around 1905-1917 is really interesting. Nicholas II was really messed up. He shouldn’t have been a tsar. When his country needed him the most he decided he wanted to be the acting commander of the army and left the ruling to his wife, and her advisor, Rasputin, who happened to be a messed up peasant. Like really messed up he thought he could cure hemophilia and that he was sent by God to guide Alexandra and Nicholas II. I’m actually excited to keep reading the history-- but it is draining and hard to pay attention to all the little details. I’ve been trying to do what Professor Blake said and write summaries at the beginning of the chapters, after I’ve read them. So far that seems to be helping. Its also nice that I read as much as I want to because the book is only “strongly encouraged.” So I read a chapter of early, then a chapter of communism. It works for me. Then I can really mix it up by reading some “the Death of Common Sense.” Well I believe I have more homework to be done. And I’m contemplating setting up a blog- I think it would be cool. I could do these entries there- and people could see them. J We shall see.