Life in Moscow has been a crazy adventure, right from the beginning. My taxi from the airport broke down, and we were stranded on the side of a busy freeway for four hours while we waited for help. And I got lost in Red Square yesterday for three hours, having to ask people where I should go with what little Russian I know. I can safely say I am no longer afraid of looking like a fool in front of people; I've suffered a lifetime's worth of it in the last 24 hours.
But Russia is beautiful. The people are kind (except for the ones that laugh at me). And I love my host family. I went to church today and ran into my old home teacher from my freshman year at BYU, Mark Larsen. It was a wonderful surprise to see a familiar face and to speak English with him.
All in all, I love it here. There are some things I need to get used to, but I think I'll be able to cope just fine :)
Anyway, today is Moscow's birthday, so I'm going to roam the city for a while. After being lost for three hours yesterday, I think it's safe to say that most of downtown looks familiar to me now. And I have a basic understanding of the metro system (which is awesome, by the way), so I'm not to scared to venture from the nest.
I will try to get pictures up soon. My computer is having a hard time with Russian internet (I'm using my host family's computer right now), so it may be a while before I can post much more. But know that I'm safe, I'm happy, and I miss you all.
Best,
Michaela Ann <3
That is SO crazy that you saw Mark at church! I'll tell his sister! Haha :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're loving it, good luck figuring everything out!
oh, yeah! i forgot you know him, lol. tell his family he's doing great. he seems really happy, and his grasp on the language is supurb :)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about your posts being too wordy. You're a very entertaining writer and paint a good picture of what is going on with your words. It sounds like it was a pretty traumatic trip! Good Luck with teaching and with Russian! Learn all you can! I miss you and have I told you already that I am jealous?
ReplyDeleteVance, I am very self-conscious about my writing. That's probably the best compliment you could have given me :)
ReplyDeleteAnd prepare to get jealous-er:
I'm going to Ukraine in two and a half weeks.
But I promise to take lots pictures for you and buy some adorable trinkets to give you for Christmas. Is there anything in particular you would like?
I miss you toooooooo.
It was so nice to hear your voice. We logged on as soon as you gave us your blog address. I will have Forrest update us every time you make a new entry. We are sending you a care package with some creature comforts +. We all miss you and look forward to your next entry & pics(lots of them)
ReplyDeleteLove Mama