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.