CLOUDBURST

I have an outstanding dictionary on my computer. It can translate pretty much any word or phrase into pretty much any language, and I don't need to be connected to the Internet to use it (which is useful, considering the temperamental nature of Internet here). However, the one complaint I have is this annoying little beaver, that pops up at the most inconvenient and inappropriate times, and resolutely (and loudly) proclaims his current word fixation. Usually it's something to do with the weather, like thunderstorm, or sunset. So I'll be sitting at my computer, and all of the sudden, out of the blue, Buddy Beaver will pop up and shout "WET!" This used to result in me spilling my cup of coffee and quickly reaching out to silence the little monster, but now I'm used to it. I'm sure there is some way to turn him off, like how you can silence the pesty Miscrosoft Word paperclip; unfortunately, the program is in Russian, as are all instructions and Help explanations. 

Anyway, this morning I turned on my computer to be greeted by "FOG!" Buggy Beaver has a British accent, and I have to say, his proclamation sounded more like a certain expletive than a geological element. I choked on my coffee and stared through half-shut eyes at my screen, not believing the little demon would dare shout this word at me (but a little impressed with his varied vocabulary), only to see the word, "fog." Badger: 1, Amanda -3.

Life has been busy here; besides getting sick and preparing for the GRE's (which I will hence forth never mention again), I had a certain visit from a certain someone, who decided to take a boat over to the Motherland. Just kidding, she flew.

I met Anthea's plane in Moscow (after an "interesting" train ride, "unusual" morning in the train station with some friends from my dorm, and a "joy ride" around SVO airport). We had a GREAT time in Moscow- we stayed at a fabulous hostel, Napoleon (if you ever visit Moscow, STAY THERE), and tried to see all of the important sites and museums. I was able to appreciate Moscow much more this trip than my first time seeing the city, when I was overwhelmed and awestruck (and, frankly, cold. it was one of the coldest weeks when I went to Moscow with my RSP group in December). This time, having to find our way around on our own, and picking which things we wanted to see and do, I found the city much more manageable and exciting. It was definitely a trip to remember.

After Moscow, Anthea and I rode back to Nizhniy together on a very comfortable train, in a compartment with four Russian middle-aged ladies. I think they still try to separate cars by gender here (of course I'm referring to when you're not traveling together with mixed company, but by yourself or another person of the same gender), because they ask M/F when you buy your ticket, and I've found they tend to put you in compartments with the same gender. 

The women were very friendly, even though conversation wasn't really possible because of the language difference (plus, Anthea and I watched a movie). When I asked one of the women which stop we were approaching, I think she was surprised that I speak Russian (choot-choot). It's difficult to hold prolonged conversations with people, however, when you only have a basic outline of the language, and not a knowledge of the every-day words and slang that people commonly use. But, we all shared a laugh at the abominable little boy that repeatedly ran up and down the corridor (and, after 45 minutes of this, we shared impatient looks of annoyance towards whomever had fed him candy and/or crack cocaine, whatever he was on).

Sadly, Anthea only stayed in Nizhniy for a few days, then I took her to the train station (even the weather mourned her departure- it was a miserable, rainy evening), from which she took a train to St. Petersburg. We had a good run in HH, though, and even found some secondhand shops I didn't know existed. Yesterday I wore a dress that I bought for about $4USD at one of the stores, and when I told my Russian complimenters where I bought it, I was met with looks of embarrassment and shock/horror. Apparently the idea of dumpster diving in thrift stores hasn't quite become "cool" here yet.

But, despite my anguish at the loss of Anthea, I was soon placated by the arrival of a package from home. (FINALLY.) I've been waiting for it since January. Since this watershed event, I've been eating a steady diet of Reeses for 3 days, thanks to my wonderful parents. To every American who reads this, I want you to never take for granted the ease with which you can simply stop into any store, gas station, or even vending machine, and buy a Reeses. For this reason I hate you. But, after my dwindling supply disappears, I have vowed to start running. Or maybe after the snow and ice melt.. so.. that's like, July here. Or August...

In other news, CONGRATULATIONS to my favorite newly-engaged couples : )