There are a lot of thinks I learned growing up that I no longer agree with. "Cutting out carbs and eating nothing but steak is NOT the best diet plan. Being religious and talking to God only when you need something probably won't win you the most points with the man upstairs in the long run. But, of all things I learned as a child, there is one thing that I shall always hold near and dear to my heart:
Fuck Canada.
I mentioned offhand that yesterday that I wanted to go to dinner. I have fallen into a bit of a bad habit. 5 night a week, I cook dinner for Oleg and I. As he is far too skinny, I do my best to make the food nice and fattening, in hopes of chubbing him up a little bit. Which in turn chubs me up. And then, the other 2-3 nights a week, I don't have any desire to cook for myself (who likes to cook for one?) and I end up eating 40p pizza from my university or going out for fast food. I meant I wanted to go to My-My, because... fuck yeah, My-My. But Chris mentioned Chili's, and thus Thursday night has become Chili's night. All but one of the Americans came... Even Julia/Angelina.
Back up: The night before, Chris made fajitas. I was supposed to come over, but he cursed me out for texting him instead of talking on the phone (because I was on the street and I couldn;t hear him over the cars) so Grisha and I went to the mall. I discovered Kroshka Kartoshka makes strawberry blinchiki for 45p, and MacDonalds sells Pizza Pockets for like 50p they call "pereshok po-intaliansky." So, I was willing to do Chili's, as I hadn't had Mexican the night before.
Also, I wore my new red shirt out. I had promised Oleg when I bought it that I wouldn't wear it out without him, as his first response to it was, "But you already HAVE a boyfriend!" But then I heard Angelina was coming and she is a model-quality blonde Russian girl, and I needed some sort of defense. So, I looked pretty cute. The menu at Chili's is the same as in the US, it isn't too pricey, and they have great drinks.
I understand restaurants here are expensive when you are making your money in Russia (where salaries are low) but they aren't too bad by American standards... Once you figure that you don't add 8% tax, and mandatory 20% tip (yes, I never tip under 20% in the US) its probably about the same.
After dinner, I left to meet my friend Jaidy at Lubyanka. She got accepted to Queen's College in London for an exciting program in international conflict resolution. She's thinking of studying Chechnya, except then she'd have to go there to interview people, and that could end poorly...
She was late (as always) but she finally showed up with two of her co-workers, a Russian girl whose name I didn't catch, and a fucking Canadian.
We went to a bar called Prirogi, or something similar. It is apparently a chain. Cheap and cozy. I really liked it. Us girls met up with some of the boys, but otherwise, we were the only girls there... some Russian men heard us speaking English and catcalled us. Vanessa, who is Austrian, had a bad day at work, so I bought her a Sex on the Beach. 140p. Could have stayed all night.
We eventually left for Propaganda (a block away) and lost Katya and the other Russian girl in the process. It was... Propaganda. Same old same old. Sort of awkward music, but its free. Tried playing wingwoman for Jaidy, who was having boyfriend problems as always. We had overpaid our bill at the last bar by 350p, and used that money to buy a round of cheap vodka shots. We stayed for about an hour and chose to leave.
Unfortunately, we followed Dima to some bar that was fucking DEAD. The other two boys (we had misplaced the rest of them) went to the bar to chat up some girls, so Dima, Vanessa, Jaidy, Sara (the Canadian) and I sat at a table. They all drank, but I took a break, and wanted to leave as much as possible. I somehow ended up boxed in by crazy Canadian. She was loud, and obnoxious, and wouldn't shut the fuck up.
The reason me and most normal Americans hate Canadians is that they take all the good things about American culture, and then add some more good things (like legalized marijuana) and then have a crazy superiority complex about it. Dude... you are piggybacking off us. That is the only reason you have time to have any culture... there's nothing else for you to fucking DO in Canada. This particular Canada was worst than most, because she has lived all over the world, so, instead of explaining to me why Canada is better than everywhere she has ever lived, she explained why it is better than every other country on the planet. Every. other. country. One. by. one. And as she got drunk, she got loud. Granted, I understand she was older than us (32) and at a different point in her life (married with 2 kids), but all she did (aside from talking about Christ and how her whole family were Messianic Jews and how everything sucks compared to Fucking Canada) was talk about how uncomfortable she felt at clubs, because she was too old and hadn't done it for forever. THEN GO HOME! Everyone left me alone at the table nodding to her ("My husband wants to retire to Israel and I don't understand it because he hated living there and after living in the Middle East for so long I don't sympathize with Israel at all...") and considering pretending to text people on my phone so she would shut up.
We left from there and took a cab to Solyanka. It was really unpleasant to have Jaidy on our laps, as she is so skinny, and therefor pretty bony.
We did our best to speak English outside of Solyanka. I learned my lesson, and told the bouncer I was 22. No cover. Solyanka is an awesome club... there are three rooms, connected by a hallway that looks like the hallway of a large home. The first room was like rap music for dancing, the second was armchairs for chilling, and the third was sort of house music. I'm pretty sure half the people there were on X, and there were groups of people just hugging and moshing. I didn't get a drink, as it was crazy expensive. Also, I was a little worried, as there was a very overweight woman all in black (think biker chick with Gothic makeup) with a creepy-looking dude in the corner just WATCHING, and I was mildly worried they were looking for signs of drunkenness to identify whose organs could most easily be stolen.
I would dance a little bit, but my boots were starting to hurt. We began to unofficially play a game. I was talking to Dave (he was asking me why I had a Russian boyfriend when they tend not to go out and party... and does he even buy me flowers? I managed to quiet him with, "He's a lawyer, yes, he has his own flat, and a car," at which point he stopped questioning and started congratulating me. And then Sara came up and started asking him where he was from. I seized my chance and ran away and found everyone else. A few minutes later, they followed me. Then she would talk to Victor, and the rest of us ran away. It became a game of "Pawn off the crazy Canadian who talks too much, too loudly on someone else."
At about 330, we left. I would usually be disappointed we went home so early, but my feet were really hurting, and I didn't have my usual Red Devil to keep me awake. I took a cab home with Dima and Dave, as Jaidy was trying to find Sarah a cab ride home, and we couldn't fit all six of us in a cab. I guess they were going to continue the party in the dorms (Jaidy has an expired proposk, and they always let her in! SO jealous!) but I was too tired, and just went to bed.
I love Moscow so much. I asked Jaidy for the business card of her job, and I think I'm going to go talk to them next week. At her place, I'd need a TEFL, but I can get it online. I know other places were I can work without it, but I figure it'll make me more marketable. I'll work on it over the summer. Aside from her official job, she teaches English on the side... she met a businessman at a bar, and he asked her to teach him English. She offered 3500p a lesson, he told her he'd pay 4000p, but he always gives her 5000p. And, he has someone taking her to the Kremlin to see... well, something next week (I don't remember). And she makes 3800p to sit with a small child for 2 hours and speak English to it. So, I'm going to start applying/making calls in the next few weeks. Or, maybe I'll do it in May after my finals.
But my new fear is that I am going to become fat and mean and washed-up like the Canadian girl.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
P.S.
Behold the epic of this shoe:
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11719/en/zara-S2011/80001/317023/PATENT%2BLEATHER%2BPEEP%2BTOE
Also, because i managed to spend a shitton of money yesterday, I shall be playing poor starving college student food-wise for a few days.
How do I accomplish this?
Easy.
Giant French baguette from the store below my dorm=25p
Cheese=30p
Microwave Pizza=40p
I shall eat for 2 days on this.
Also, spreadable cheese is one of the best things I've ever eaten. They make it in bacon OR pickle flavor. Remind me why I am going home again?
Also, Russian Dannon yoghurt is to die for. Much thicker than US yoghurt, and it comes in such flavors as apple pie and chocolate. And apple pie flavor actually has LITTLE PIECES OF APPLE AND PIE. Not like the crappy Yoplait "not-quite-dessert yoghurt."
In other unrelated news, I think I am getting fat.
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11719/en/zara-S2011/80001/317023/PATENT%2BLEATHER%2BPEEP%2BTOE
Also, because i managed to spend a shitton of money yesterday, I shall be playing poor starving college student food-wise for a few days.
How do I accomplish this?
Easy.
Giant French baguette from the store below my dorm=25p
Cheese=30p
Microwave Pizza=40p
I shall eat for 2 days on this.
Also, spreadable cheese is one of the best things I've ever eaten. They make it in bacon OR pickle flavor. Remind me why I am going home again?
Also, Russian Dannon yoghurt is to die for. Much thicker than US yoghurt, and it comes in such flavors as apple pie and chocolate. And apple pie flavor actually has LITTLE PIECES OF APPLE AND PIE. Not like the crappy Yoplait "not-quite-dessert yoghurt."
In other unrelated news, I think I am getting fat.
nother Amazing Moscow Weekend (now with more diplomat!)
Friday I was incredibly depressed. I hadn't seen Oleg since Wednesday morning, and had had to work, so I wouldn't see him until Friday. Plus, it was all gray and rainy. I debated going out that night, and finally decided I needed to stop moping.
My friend Pierina has been mentioned before. We decided to go out. Apparently there were some Brazilian boys new to town, and we had to show them around. We started off at their apartment, right next to Pierina's family's. Amazing. Much bigger, with expensive furniture. We played King's Cup for awhile, before leaving to meet Victor to go to some club.
This club was the Starie Telegraph. It apparently markets itself as a "Sushi-Rumba bar." More in a minute on what that means.
There were about 12 of us, but they were only making the two less well-dressed boys pay the 500p cover. I didn't have my passport (for visa reasons) and they couldn't figure out my age. So, if you ever go to this club... you are 21. If you mistakenly tell the truth, you have to pay 500p cover. Which isn't too bad, because that goes to a card where you get 500p drink credit.
As we walked in, a big table emptied, so I talked us into getting it. We had a bar menu, and I ordered my usual cheap staple. But I saw some girls at the next table with a cocktail menu. I asked 3 different servers for one, to no avail. Finally, I went to the bar and asked for one sucessfully, but he had no food menu. I stole one off a table...
The music was pretty ok... Not the best I've heard, but not Propaganda-weird. You could dance to it. Some odd Russian guy tried hitting on me at the bar ("Are you here alone?" "NO! THERE ARE TWELVE OF US!" "Girls?" "NO!!!!! WE HAVE MEN WITH US!!!"... and then I fled)
The drink menu had something called Green Fairy Lemonade, which was vodka, rum, and absinthe in lemonade. Alas, they wouldn't let me pay the difference of the balance over my card, so I settled for a Sex on the Beach. The drinks here aren't very strong, but are pretty pricey, at 220-550p apiece.
Food Menu... Japanese and Mexican. Yes, you heard that right. You can get a chicken burrito and green bean tempura. Also, green bean tempura is only 100p. Its my new fav place.
Alas, I didn't get to eat there. As soon as I was able to look my menu over, I was told we were leaving.
"Can we get food on our way?"
So, we got in a cab to head to our as-yet-to-be-determined destination. Meanwhile, I sat with one of the Brazilian guys, who was mildly intoxicated and who explained to me he dislikes Americans because they think they know everything, and I explained to him that his $1500/month proposed allowance from his diplomat father would be MORE than adequate here.
We show up at a Mexican restaurant. I get out of the bathroom, and everyone has disappeared. I go exploring, to find everyone with their parents on the second floor. Yep. I somehow got to a party of South American diplomats at a 4-star Moscow Mexican restaurant. And yes, I was the only gringa there. I got to practice my Russpanol on a very nice Uraguyan diplomat. Everyone drank (FREE RUM), and we sort of ran a train on the chips and guacamole. Eventually, the parents realized it was 2am and we were seconds away from eating the guacamole with a spoon (having devoured all of the chips) so they ordered us food. And we danced until 430am there. WE TOOK OVER THE DIPLOMAT PARTY.
And Rafael, one of the Brazilians, cursed us. He complained about how he arrived too late for snow, and had never seen snow. And it started snowing. And hasn't stopped. Its fucking April. Just want everyone to know.
After that, we got a ride back to the complex. I stayed at Pierina's. Her and her sister are so amazing, and take such good care of me! I keep thanking them, and they feed me and claim that their house is my home now.
I made it back to the university in the late afternoon, and just had time to change and waste a little bit of time before Oleg fetched me. And I burnt the shit out of my finger pan-toasting bread.
We were thinking of going out with the South Americans again, but Oleg just wanted to stay in. The next morning, we got up bright and early for my acupuncture session. This time, it hurt a lot more, but I wasn't nearly as tired afterwards. We then fetched Stephanie (and Oleg talked to the MSU guards, learning we can have visitors, they just have to sign in somewhere...) ad went to a mall outside the city.
Huge mall, even by American standards. We probably weren't supposed to be there (not having our passports on us) but nobody checks... Most stores are incredibly expensive. Oleg made fun of us for going in a store called "Jennyfer" which caters to teens, but, lets face it, thats how American girls dress. I think he was just bored as there was nothing for him to look at. I bought a red spotted blouse for 1000p (Oleg response... "Darling! You forget you already have a boyfriend!" I had to promise not to wear it in Moscow without him) and a pair of espadrilles. When you come to Russia, make sure you have all your footwear covered... its so expensive here! I fell in love with a pair of 4" Zara heels... They were about 5000p. I couldn't really walk in them anyway.
Something to keep in mind here... Many dressing rooms are co-ed, and you are allowed in them with other people. This kind of threw me when Oleg called me to come into the fitting room in Zara to see how his pants looked on him. This is nice for that reason.
We also finally went to a Russian clothing store called Твое. Really cheap clothes. I bought a little jacket on sale for 359p. They even had t-shirts for 99p! Poor Oleg just wanted jeans and sneakers, and he got dragged around by us girls all day. Luckily, he finally found sneakers at a sporting goods store.
We ended up at the Ashan at this mall. Scariest place ever. It is literally the size of a Wal-Mart, with all the items that entails... a gardening section, an entire aisle of bicycles, and clothing. I found a cropped cardigan Oleg bought me... I think it was for children, but it was only 99p, and I mean, its cute. But, yeah... scariest place ever. People literally ride your ass with their carts. I had to walk with my hand held behind me to keep from being run over. We ended up just having one of us watch the cart in the middle of the store while the other two grabbed what they needed. Liek Wal-Mart, with Sunday at Ashan traffic.
We were so tired after all of this we didn't make it to Ikea. Oleg needs a box or something for his car, so we are going back before my class Wednesday. Which is fine, because I LOVE home furnishings. I have a month out of school before I return home, and I keep teasing Oleg I am going to redecorate his apartment all in pink, with a new kitten every week.
Which reminds me... we are discussing going to Turkey on vacation. Sounds epic.
I am looking into getting my TEFL over the summer. From what it seems, I can find a job here teaching English without it, but it doesn't hurt to be more competitive! I'd rather find a nice corporate job, but teaching seems to be a pretty easy gig to land.
My friend Pierina has been mentioned before. We decided to go out. Apparently there were some Brazilian boys new to town, and we had to show them around. We started off at their apartment, right next to Pierina's family's. Amazing. Much bigger, with expensive furniture. We played King's Cup for awhile, before leaving to meet Victor to go to some club.
This club was the Starie Telegraph. It apparently markets itself as a "Sushi-Rumba bar." More in a minute on what that means.
There were about 12 of us, but they were only making the two less well-dressed boys pay the 500p cover. I didn't have my passport (for visa reasons) and they couldn't figure out my age. So, if you ever go to this club... you are 21. If you mistakenly tell the truth, you have to pay 500p cover. Which isn't too bad, because that goes to a card where you get 500p drink credit.
As we walked in, a big table emptied, so I talked us into getting it. We had a bar menu, and I ordered my usual cheap staple. But I saw some girls at the next table with a cocktail menu. I asked 3 different servers for one, to no avail. Finally, I went to the bar and asked for one sucessfully, but he had no food menu. I stole one off a table...
The music was pretty ok... Not the best I've heard, but not Propaganda-weird. You could dance to it. Some odd Russian guy tried hitting on me at the bar ("Are you here alone?" "NO! THERE ARE TWELVE OF US!" "Girls?" "NO!!!!! WE HAVE MEN WITH US!!!"... and then I fled)
The drink menu had something called Green Fairy Lemonade, which was vodka, rum, and absinthe in lemonade. Alas, they wouldn't let me pay the difference of the balance over my card, so I settled for a Sex on the Beach. The drinks here aren't very strong, but are pretty pricey, at 220-550p apiece.
Food Menu... Japanese and Mexican. Yes, you heard that right. You can get a chicken burrito and green bean tempura. Also, green bean tempura is only 100p. Its my new fav place.
Alas, I didn't get to eat there. As soon as I was able to look my menu over, I was told we were leaving.
"Can we get food on our way?"
So, we got in a cab to head to our as-yet-to-be-determined destination. Meanwhile, I sat with one of the Brazilian guys, who was mildly intoxicated and who explained to me he dislikes Americans because they think they know everything, and I explained to him that his $1500/month proposed allowance from his diplomat father would be MORE than adequate here.
We show up at a Mexican restaurant. I get out of the bathroom, and everyone has disappeared. I go exploring, to find everyone with their parents on the second floor. Yep. I somehow got to a party of South American diplomats at a 4-star Moscow Mexican restaurant. And yes, I was the only gringa there. I got to practice my Russpanol on a very nice Uraguyan diplomat. Everyone drank (FREE RUM), and we sort of ran a train on the chips and guacamole. Eventually, the parents realized it was 2am and we were seconds away from eating the guacamole with a spoon (having devoured all of the chips) so they ordered us food. And we danced until 430am there. WE TOOK OVER THE DIPLOMAT PARTY.
And Rafael, one of the Brazilians, cursed us. He complained about how he arrived too late for snow, and had never seen snow. And it started snowing. And hasn't stopped. Its fucking April. Just want everyone to know.
After that, we got a ride back to the complex. I stayed at Pierina's. Her and her sister are so amazing, and take such good care of me! I keep thanking them, and they feed me and claim that their house is my home now.
I made it back to the university in the late afternoon, and just had time to change and waste a little bit of time before Oleg fetched me. And I burnt the shit out of my finger pan-toasting bread.
We were thinking of going out with the South Americans again, but Oleg just wanted to stay in. The next morning, we got up bright and early for my acupuncture session. This time, it hurt a lot more, but I wasn't nearly as tired afterwards. We then fetched Stephanie (and Oleg talked to the MSU guards, learning we can have visitors, they just have to sign in somewhere...) ad went to a mall outside the city.
Huge mall, even by American standards. We probably weren't supposed to be there (not having our passports on us) but nobody checks... Most stores are incredibly expensive. Oleg made fun of us for going in a store called "Jennyfer" which caters to teens, but, lets face it, thats how American girls dress. I think he was just bored as there was nothing for him to look at. I bought a red spotted blouse for 1000p (Oleg response... "Darling! You forget you already have a boyfriend!" I had to promise not to wear it in Moscow without him) and a pair of espadrilles. When you come to Russia, make sure you have all your footwear covered... its so expensive here! I fell in love with a pair of 4" Zara heels... They were about 5000p. I couldn't really walk in them anyway.
Something to keep in mind here... Many dressing rooms are co-ed, and you are allowed in them with other people. This kind of threw me when Oleg called me to come into the fitting room in Zara to see how his pants looked on him. This is nice for that reason.
We also finally went to a Russian clothing store called Твое. Really cheap clothes. I bought a little jacket on sale for 359p. They even had t-shirts for 99p! Poor Oleg just wanted jeans and sneakers, and he got dragged around by us girls all day. Luckily, he finally found sneakers at a sporting goods store.
We ended up at the Ashan at this mall. Scariest place ever. It is literally the size of a Wal-Mart, with all the items that entails... a gardening section, an entire aisle of bicycles, and clothing. I found a cropped cardigan Oleg bought me... I think it was for children, but it was only 99p, and I mean, its cute. But, yeah... scariest place ever. People literally ride your ass with their carts. I had to walk with my hand held behind me to keep from being run over. We ended up just having one of us watch the cart in the middle of the store while the other two grabbed what they needed. Liek Wal-Mart, with Sunday at Ashan traffic.
We were so tired after all of this we didn't make it to Ikea. Oleg needs a box or something for his car, so we are going back before my class Wednesday. Which is fine, because I LOVE home furnishings. I have a month out of school before I return home, and I keep teasing Oleg I am going to redecorate his apartment all in pink, with a new kitten every week.
Which reminds me... we are discussing going to Turkey on vacation. Sounds epic.
I am looking into getting my TEFL over the summer. From what it seems, I can find a job here teaching English without it, but it doesn't hurt to be more competitive! I'd rather find a nice corporate job, but teaching seems to be a pretty easy gig to land.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Update
One of the boys picked up the paper I needed, and I managed to drop is under the woman's door before I went to the Tretyakov Gallery on Tuesday. So, at least that is done.
Sorry I haven't updated much this week. Not a whole lot has happened.
I went to the Tretyakov Gallery Tuesday.Its amazing. I got lost on the 2nd floor (where all the 18th and 19th century art is) and just wandered there for a few hours. I never even went to other floors. But I am a little confused, because there were artworks there I know I saw at the State Museum in St. Petersburg. Primarily, Moonlit Night on the Dnieper, which is now one of my favorite paintings.
Here's a link:
http://www.russianartgallery.org/famous/images/kuinji_luna.jpg
From there, I wandered around the neighborhood for awhile. Managed to find some EU building, and the headquarters of Мегафон. I walked all the way to Polyanka. Finally, I figured out where the pizza hut I was look for might be, and walked back near the Tratyakov.
Also, I saw a ton of motorcades in that area.
Pizza Hut was very disappointing. It was much more expensive than in St. Pete, and they did not have the salad I was so looking forward to. Oleg came and got me after he got off of work.
The good news is, we had gone grocery-shopping on Sunday, and I had bought all the makings of an amazing salad. So I was able to make Oleg a Greek salad for his lunch to bring to work, and I made an amazing salad, complete with corn and sauteed peppers and onions. So that made me happy.
Yesterday, everyone skipped Russian class for some reason. I showed up, as did the two Italians. So, we learned a few new words and just chatted about sharks and riding camels.
Afterwards, I got a text from one of the boys asking for an investment. He had bought a ton of really cheap, gross vodka, and had started to infuse it. He already had 2 pitchers of pineapple going, and I was investing in another pitcher and some peaches. So we went to Ashan. Worth it.
After that, we went to Chili's. Despite me spending a decent some of money, we had a great time. I split an appetizer trio, and ate some fajita's... bad idea. After we paid, we decided to have another round of drinks. Calypso Cooler is highly recommended. Not being able to drink with dinner for the next year is really going to suck.
I wanted to go out afterwards with a bunch of the boys, but I had a horrible tummy ache from overeating. I made it home, and fell asleep, with my closes on, for over 12 hours.
Sorry I haven't updated much this week. Not a whole lot has happened.
I went to the Tretyakov Gallery Tuesday.Its amazing. I got lost on the 2nd floor (where all the 18th and 19th century art is) and just wandered there for a few hours. I never even went to other floors. But I am a little confused, because there were artworks there I know I saw at the State Museum in St. Petersburg. Primarily, Moonlit Night on the Dnieper, which is now one of my favorite paintings.
Here's a link:
http://www.russianartgallery.org/famous/images/kuinji_luna.jpg
From there, I wandered around the neighborhood for awhile. Managed to find some EU building, and the headquarters of Мегафон. I walked all the way to Polyanka. Finally, I figured out where the pizza hut I was look for might be, and walked back near the Tratyakov.
Also, I saw a ton of motorcades in that area.
Pizza Hut was very disappointing. It was much more expensive than in St. Pete, and they did not have the salad I was so looking forward to. Oleg came and got me after he got off of work.
The good news is, we had gone grocery-shopping on Sunday, and I had bought all the makings of an amazing salad. So I was able to make Oleg a Greek salad for his lunch to bring to work, and I made an amazing salad, complete with corn and sauteed peppers and onions. So that made me happy.
Yesterday, everyone skipped Russian class for some reason. I showed up, as did the two Italians. So, we learned a few new words and just chatted about sharks and riding camels.
Afterwards, I got a text from one of the boys asking for an investment. He had bought a ton of really cheap, gross vodka, and had started to infuse it. He already had 2 pitchers of pineapple going, and I was investing in another pitcher and some peaches. So we went to Ashan. Worth it.
After that, we went to Chili's. Despite me spending a decent some of money, we had a great time. I split an appetizer trio, and ate some fajita's... bad idea. After we paid, we decided to have another round of drinks. Calypso Cooler is highly recommended. Not being able to drink with dinner for the next year is really going to suck.
I wanted to go out afterwards with a bunch of the boys, but I had a horrible tummy ache from overeating. I made it home, and fell asleep, with my closes on, for over 12 hours.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Revenge of the Living Visa-Renewal Process
Today was going to be THE DAY I finished my visa paperwork. We were supposed to meet Marina at 2 in the main building to do our paperwork. I slept until 12, and then got a text saying we weren't meeting her until 3. So I hurried up and got dressed, so that I could make it to my 1240 class for the first hour. And then Marina confirms, via text, that it was at 2. I go back to my room for an hour. We meet, and I assume that this process would take 20-30 minutes, and I could go to the last half of class. I was wrong. After over an hour of Marina working on it, I figured I wouldn't make it to class today. I'm starting to miss class. Apparently our final is May 16th, which means I have a month in Moscow to just putz around doing things and visiting other places. Also, apparently the dean forgot another paper of mine. Only of mine. I was the first to start this process, and the last to get it done. Luckily, it isn't a *very* important paper, so one of the boys is picking it up for me, and I get to drop it off tomorrow. Yay.
Although, I do stand corrected. Apparently it is harder to get an American visa than I thought. Oleg wants to visit me in November or December, and I'm trying to figure out the visa process to get him there. Apparently the US assumes all visitors plan on staying, so, you have to prove no only that you have enough money to support yourself while visiting with bank statements, but also that you have reasons to return to your home country (an apartment lease, a job, etc.) Also, they have something called a reciprocity fee, where visitors have to pay the difference between how much a visa to their country costs and how much an American visa costs. Which is silly, because they wouldn't give a discount if it was cheaper. But hopefully the darling will visit me in December once I finish with school.
Although, I do stand corrected. Apparently it is harder to get an American visa than I thought. Oleg wants to visit me in November or December, and I'm trying to figure out the visa process to get him there. Apparently the US assumes all visitors plan on staying, so, you have to prove no only that you have enough money to support yourself while visiting with bank statements, but also that you have reasons to return to your home country (an apartment lease, a job, etc.) Also, they have something called a reciprocity fee, where visitors have to pay the difference between how much a visa to their country costs and how much an American visa costs. Which is silly, because they wouldn't give a discount if it was cheaper. But hopefully the darling will visit me in December once I finish with school.
Pins and Needles
I had an amazing weekend. Well, half weekend. My weekend doesn't usually start until Saturday afternoon, as Oleg ususaly has to work Saturdays, and I'm not keen on going out by myself, and most of the Americans are pretty lame. Friday, after the whole visa showdown had me depressed, I laid in bed and watched Cougar Town. The entire first season. Bask in my lame-ness.
Saturday, Stephanie, Karen (an Irish girl studying here) and I had sort of a girls' day. It was supposed to be "go to Ashan and eat at the food court" day, but we got a little side-tracked. Karen wanted to go into Zara to buy a dress for a party that evening, and, being female, Stephanie and I went with her. Bad idea. Zara is expensive. I guess its averagely-priced for Moscow standards, but for Rachel, whose personal motto (besides "Have a problem? Poke it with a stick!) is "Never Pay Retail!"
I paid retail.
What happened was... there was this awesome hat. Very similar to a giant hat I have back home, only straw (not cloth) and not bendy. It was about 2' in diameter. Amazing. 2800p. Which is more than I am willing to pay on what is essentially a joke hat.
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11719/en/zara-S2011/61148/254055/WIDE%2BBRIMMED%2BCARTWHEEL%2BHAT
Unfortunately, you cannot see how massive that thing is in that picture. It goes about 6 inches past my shoulders.
Anyway, I found a dress I really liked. But it was $100. More than I've probably ever spent on anything that wasn't car or medicine-related. I decided I'd try it on, just for kicks. It looked amazing. I looked like June Cleaver. But, too expensive. I put it back.
Then I found another dress... khaki color with a brown belt. I try it on. I look like Indiana Jones met 1950's housewife. Pretty much my goal in life. $86. Too expensive. I put it back.
But then Karen buys a dress, and I figure I don't want to miss my chance. If I ever want to be a badass archeologist professor/adventurer by day, and a housewife by night, I need to start dressing the part. I buy both dresses. 5800p. But, I put them on my debit card. As far as I'm concerned, it never happened...
After Ashan (I bought a houseplant for my room. His name is Henry) I went home to chill out a little bit. I'd been invited to a party at my friend Jaidy's, and so I made a little mushroom blini to have something to bring. I also made a mushroom cream sauce for Oleg and I to have with dinner sometime this weekend. Got ready for the party (opted to wear my bright green Springy dress instead of one of my new dresses, as it was a "Spring is finally here" party... Also, was able to wear my new 400p sandals I bought at the market!) and Oleg picked me up. We drove straight to the party, but were there a few minutes early. My knees had been killing me, and I needed food with my arthritis medicine, so we stopped at a Kroshka Kartoshka between our parking spot and Jaidy's apartment. This is a fast-food restaurant where you get a baked potato covered in any sort of "salad" (Russian salad, not the American concept of salad, obviously). I've wanted to try it, but was afraid to go it alone, as I knew they'd ask questions I didn't know how to answer. Anyway, I got a cheesey, buttery potato with marinated veggies. Pretty much amazing.
From there, we went to Jaidy's. We were some of the first people there, but the place filled up really quick. One of my friends, Victor (from Mexico, of all places) brought Capt. Morgan, and that made the night. Its so exciting when we can drink something other than vodka. I socialized with my usual friends (Peirina, her bf Dima, Victor, the American Jeff) and made a few new ones (an Austrian girl here interning, a Norweigian guy who, despite being the cutest guy I may have ever seen, has been unable to find any casual sex in Moscow... I advised him to come to America where, between his good looks and accent, he would be "knee-deep in pussy.") Oleg went off and socialized on his own, largely. Apparently, Russian parties don't usually get so big (there were about 30-40ppl in Jaidy's 2-room apartment) and he been pretty much amazed ever since. I keep being reminded that ex-pats really know how to party.
Oleg drove me through the center of Moscow on the way home. It is such a beautiful city at night. Taking a metro home after a night of partying almost doesn't seem worth it... it is so nice to sit back and look at all the glittery lights while mildly intoxicated (with either a cab driver or sober bf driving, obviously). Although I don't suppose I'll ever actually drive here... these people are crazy.
The next morning, Oleg and I made a ridiculously large breakfast for some reason, and then went to see his Chinese doctor. Initially, Oleg wanted him to treat my chronic sore throat, but I was a little unwilling to have them poke my tonsils with pins so they could bleed out. They also wanted me to go for 3X weekly massages and acupuncture, but a. thats a bit expensive, and b. I don't have an extra three days a week. We decided on once-weekly acupuncture to relax my muscle. For those of you who don't know, I have a really bad muscle knot in my back. Ive had several professional massages, but it just won't go away. So, acupuncture brings in life motto part II ("Poke it with a stick." I assure you this can be changed a little to fit any situation)
The office was a lot nicer than I expected. Very professional. I sort of anticipated a scary back-alley place with drying chicken carcasses and herbs hanging from the walls. This place looked like your average Western doctor's office, only with nice wallpaper instead of white walls.
Oleg came in the little partition room where I was to be poked with me. It was, I will admit, a little awkward to undress in front of him in a medial facility. But I had to strip down to my panties for the doctor to, you know, job needles into my back. That being said, mildly awkward for Oleg have to translate personal medical questions back and forth for me, and for me to be in underwear in front of a doctor I had just met.
The acupuncture itself wasn't too bad. He put 2 needles in the sides of my feet, 2 in my lower back, and 6ish in my upper back. There was an initial sting as the needles went in, but it was just a slight discomfort (probably as the result of being unable to move) afterwards. Oleg and the doctor went to talk some, and I was left lying there. I had to stay still for a half hour like that. It wasn't too bad... I was trying not to drool on their little pillow (something I do when I'm asleep. Sexy, I know) and was listening to the sounds coming from the woman getting a massage next to me. I think I got the good end of that deal... the massage sounded horribly painful. After 15 minutes, Oleg came in and chatted with me, and we waited for my half an hour to be up. When it was, a nurse came in and removed my needles, and put some sort of antiseptic on the holes (which were tiny and didn't leave marks) My shoulders were really sore afterwards, and Oleg had to help me dress. But it was a good sore... I think it was worth it. We go back next week.
After the poking-session, Oleg wanted to take me somewhere to walk around. Which was fine by me, as that is pretty much my favorite past-time here. We went to the Hermitage garden. This little place has about three theatres, and was quite pretty. There is also a little pigeon coup, with an amusing sign advising visitors to please not kill the pigeons. It saddens me a little that they had to put this sign up... There was also a few very pretty gazebos, which we took a picture under. I discovered at the party that Oleg loves taking pictures, so I gave him my camera and told him to go wild. Alas, when you tell a man that, they are keen of taking pictures of you. So, the snow here had yet to melt, but it was so warm, I was wearing sandals, so we took pictures of me, coatless and in sandals, on the snow. There is a venue here for outdoor concerts, and a little heart sculpture (which there were many pictures of me taken under).
Meanwhile, I sang open sorority songs to Oleg in hopes of explaining to him what the hell it is I do in America.
After we got home, we had a lunch of rice with his Granny's kotleta and borsh. I really hope I actually learn to cook like her one day... her food is amazing, and I've no idea how to cook like a Russian. Oleg had some business to attend to, so I spent the afternoon napping and reading about Putin.
http://www.cracked.com/article_19128_7-reasons-vladimir-putin-worlds-craziest-badass.html
I am so broken-hearted to learn about the MSU students who sent him the calendar. I may have missed my chance! Now I have to send him naughty pictures on my own!
Saturday, Stephanie, Karen (an Irish girl studying here) and I had sort of a girls' day. It was supposed to be "go to Ashan and eat at the food court" day, but we got a little side-tracked. Karen wanted to go into Zara to buy a dress for a party that evening, and, being female, Stephanie and I went with her. Bad idea. Zara is expensive. I guess its averagely-priced for Moscow standards, but for Rachel, whose personal motto (besides "Have a problem? Poke it with a stick!) is "Never Pay Retail!"
I paid retail.
What happened was... there was this awesome hat. Very similar to a giant hat I have back home, only straw (not cloth) and not bendy. It was about 2' in diameter. Amazing. 2800p. Which is more than I am willing to pay on what is essentially a joke hat.
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11719/en/zara-S2011/61148/254055/WIDE%2BBRIMMED%2BCARTWHEEL%2BHAT
Unfortunately, you cannot see how massive that thing is in that picture. It goes about 6 inches past my shoulders.
Anyway, I found a dress I really liked. But it was $100. More than I've probably ever spent on anything that wasn't car or medicine-related. I decided I'd try it on, just for kicks. It looked amazing. I looked like June Cleaver. But, too expensive. I put it back.
Then I found another dress... khaki color with a brown belt. I try it on. I look like Indiana Jones met 1950's housewife. Pretty much my goal in life. $86. Too expensive. I put it back.
But then Karen buys a dress, and I figure I don't want to miss my chance. If I ever want to be a badass archeologist professor/adventurer by day, and a housewife by night, I need to start dressing the part. I buy both dresses. 5800p. But, I put them on my debit card. As far as I'm concerned, it never happened...
After Ashan (I bought a houseplant for my room. His name is Henry) I went home to chill out a little bit. I'd been invited to a party at my friend Jaidy's, and so I made a little mushroom blini to have something to bring. I also made a mushroom cream sauce for Oleg and I to have with dinner sometime this weekend. Got ready for the party (opted to wear my bright green Springy dress instead of one of my new dresses, as it was a "Spring is finally here" party... Also, was able to wear my new 400p sandals I bought at the market!) and Oleg picked me up. We drove straight to the party, but were there a few minutes early. My knees had been killing me, and I needed food with my arthritis medicine, so we stopped at a Kroshka Kartoshka between our parking spot and Jaidy's apartment. This is a fast-food restaurant where you get a baked potato covered in any sort of "salad" (Russian salad, not the American concept of salad, obviously). I've wanted to try it, but was afraid to go it alone, as I knew they'd ask questions I didn't know how to answer. Anyway, I got a cheesey, buttery potato with marinated veggies. Pretty much amazing.
From there, we went to Jaidy's. We were some of the first people there, but the place filled up really quick. One of my friends, Victor (from Mexico, of all places) brought Capt. Morgan, and that made the night. Its so exciting when we can drink something other than vodka. I socialized with my usual friends (Peirina, her bf Dima, Victor, the American Jeff) and made a few new ones (an Austrian girl here interning, a Norweigian guy who, despite being the cutest guy I may have ever seen, has been unable to find any casual sex in Moscow... I advised him to come to America where, between his good looks and accent, he would be "knee-deep in pussy.") Oleg went off and socialized on his own, largely. Apparently, Russian parties don't usually get so big (there were about 30-40ppl in Jaidy's 2-room apartment) and he been pretty much amazed ever since. I keep being reminded that ex-pats really know how to party.
Oleg drove me through the center of Moscow on the way home. It is such a beautiful city at night. Taking a metro home after a night of partying almost doesn't seem worth it... it is so nice to sit back and look at all the glittery lights while mildly intoxicated (with either a cab driver or sober bf driving, obviously). Although I don't suppose I'll ever actually drive here... these people are crazy.
The next morning, Oleg and I made a ridiculously large breakfast for some reason, and then went to see his Chinese doctor. Initially, Oleg wanted him to treat my chronic sore throat, but I was a little unwilling to have them poke my tonsils with pins so they could bleed out. They also wanted me to go for 3X weekly massages and acupuncture, but a. thats a bit expensive, and b. I don't have an extra three days a week. We decided on once-weekly acupuncture to relax my muscle. For those of you who don't know, I have a really bad muscle knot in my back. Ive had several professional massages, but it just won't go away. So, acupuncture brings in life motto part II ("Poke it with a stick." I assure you this can be changed a little to fit any situation)
The office was a lot nicer than I expected. Very professional. I sort of anticipated a scary back-alley place with drying chicken carcasses and herbs hanging from the walls. This place looked like your average Western doctor's office, only with nice wallpaper instead of white walls.
Oleg came in the little partition room where I was to be poked with me. It was, I will admit, a little awkward to undress in front of him in a medial facility. But I had to strip down to my panties for the doctor to, you know, job needles into my back. That being said, mildly awkward for Oleg have to translate personal medical questions back and forth for me, and for me to be in underwear in front of a doctor I had just met.
The acupuncture itself wasn't too bad. He put 2 needles in the sides of my feet, 2 in my lower back, and 6ish in my upper back. There was an initial sting as the needles went in, but it was just a slight discomfort (probably as the result of being unable to move) afterwards. Oleg and the doctor went to talk some, and I was left lying there. I had to stay still for a half hour like that. It wasn't too bad... I was trying not to drool on their little pillow (something I do when I'm asleep. Sexy, I know) and was listening to the sounds coming from the woman getting a massage next to me. I think I got the good end of that deal... the massage sounded horribly painful. After 15 minutes, Oleg came in and chatted with me, and we waited for my half an hour to be up. When it was, a nurse came in and removed my needles, and put some sort of antiseptic on the holes (which were tiny and didn't leave marks) My shoulders were really sore afterwards, and Oleg had to help me dress. But it was a good sore... I think it was worth it. We go back next week.
After the poking-session, Oleg wanted to take me somewhere to walk around. Which was fine by me, as that is pretty much my favorite past-time here. We went to the Hermitage garden. This little place has about three theatres, and was quite pretty. There is also a little pigeon coup, with an amusing sign advising visitors to please not kill the pigeons. It saddens me a little that they had to put this sign up... There was also a few very pretty gazebos, which we took a picture under. I discovered at the party that Oleg loves taking pictures, so I gave him my camera and told him to go wild. Alas, when you tell a man that, they are keen of taking pictures of you. So, the snow here had yet to melt, but it was so warm, I was wearing sandals, so we took pictures of me, coatless and in sandals, on the snow. There is a venue here for outdoor concerts, and a little heart sculpture (which there were many pictures of me taken under).
Meanwhile, I sang open sorority songs to Oleg in hopes of explaining to him what the hell it is I do in America.
After we got home, we had a lunch of rice with his Granny's kotleta and borsh. I really hope I actually learn to cook like her one day... her food is amazing, and I've no idea how to cook like a Russian. Oleg had some business to attend to, so I spent the afternoon napping and reading about Putin.
http://www.cracked.com/article_19128_7-reasons-vladimir-putin-worlds-craziest-badass.html
I am so broken-hearted to learn about the MSU students who sent him the calendar. I may have missed my chance! Now I have to send him naughty pictures on my own!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Night of the Living Visa Renewal Process: Part II of a Million-Part Horror Story
So, I met with Marina at 340 to fix the paperwork situation. Well, to try to fix the paperwork situation. We hid outside room #1 as she negotiated our spravdas, but the woman in room #2 had already left by the time we finished in room #1. Which means I get to leave class early Monday to get this handled.
Marina also gave me the dormitory registration for Grisha and I. At first she told me to drop mine off, and give Grisha his to drop off. I asked if I could drop them off together, and she said yes. Big mistake. I stopped by my dejournaya's on my way home. She wasn't there, but a little old man was. He asked me some questions about the paperwork that I was completely unable to answer. I tried to call Marina, or to leave, but he wouldn't let me... he kept yelling and telling me to sit. He finally called the dejournaya. This kind old woman came in and looked at the papers for a few minutes... in her defense, she was blind as a bat. I feel horrible, but I had to stifle a giggle as she held these papers literally an inch from her eyes. I thought people only did that in movies, but no. She took my passes and let me leave without yelling at me further.
And so the visa renewal project becomes a 2-week issue. Yay.
Marina also gave me the dormitory registration for Grisha and I. At first she told me to drop mine off, and give Grisha his to drop off. I asked if I could drop them off together, and she said yes. Big mistake. I stopped by my dejournaya's on my way home. She wasn't there, but a little old man was. He asked me some questions about the paperwork that I was completely unable to answer. I tried to call Marina, or to leave, but he wouldn't let me... he kept yelling and telling me to sit. He finally called the dejournaya. This kind old woman came in and looked at the papers for a few minutes... in her defense, she was blind as a bat. I feel horrible, but I had to stifle a giggle as she held these papers literally an inch from her eyes. I thought people only did that in movies, but no. She took my passes and let me leave without yelling at me further.
And so the visa renewal project becomes a 2-week issue. Yay.
Visa Renewal: a Horror Story
Warning: this story is not for the weak of heart.
I have been trying to renew my visa since last week. It expires in about 5 days, but I wanted to do it early so I would get my passport back and actually be allowed to leave the city. For those of you at Stetson, Hannah Chapman is going to be touring the Baltics April 16th-24th, and invited me to go with her. I hoped to have my visa back by then because, I mean... week of classes versus touring the Baltics for no particular reason? No-brainer.
To begin:
Friday- Start out optimistic. Go to the office of the dean of my faculty at 12, and watch for as he compiles paperwork and makes copies for me. He carefully explains what to do from here. Go across the street, and pay the fee of 1000p at the bank. Take the receipt. Next, I need to go to the 8th floor. I get on the elevator, and press the button for the 8th floor. It lights up for a second, then darkens. Other people on the elevator look at me like I'm an idiot, and press 11 for me. I get off on the 11th floor, get on another elevator to go down. I press 8. It doesn't light up... I end up on the 1st floor. Giving up, I take another elevator to the 11th floor, and take the steps down. The office I need to go to first was only open from 12 to 2. It is now 210. I am told to return on Monday by the woman who is still very obviously IN HER OFFICE.
Monday-Have class.
Tuesday- Thought the office opened at 12. It opened at 2. I had other stuff to do. (2-4, btws)
Wednesday-Closed
Thursday- Make it to the room, they take one paper. I progress to room #2. There a woman proceeds to yell at me in Russian about all the things wrong with my paperwork. All I understand is go back to my faculty. I go back to the faculty and meet with the dean, who checks my paperwork, and fixes whatever lady #2 circles. I tell him I have class, what are her office hours? He says he doesn;t know, but this is more important, so fix this instead. I hurry back to the main building (once again, take elevator to the 11th floor, stairs down to the 8th). Her office hours were 1030-12. It is now 1207. I make myself a grilled cheese sandwich in resignation.
Friday-Wake up early to be there when Lady#2 arrives. Three other Americans are already there. She is 1/2 hour late. We take turns being yelled at... one of the other students, and myself, are missing the little gray paper they had taken from me in room #1 yesterday (he never received his.) I try to explain that they took it, but am told to go back to the faculty. I try to get it back from room#1, but they just ask why I don't have the paper. When I explain I gave it to them yesterday, the tell me to go to room #2. I go back to the Dean in the faculty (btws... 30 minute walk, each way). He reprints the paper, and writes down directions, in Russian, for them to give me the paper they forgot to give me yesterday. And so I get to start the process over again. I am meeting with Marina at 340, and hopefully she can fix this. Otherwise... well, I dunno. I guess I get deported? But it'd be nice if I made it to class one of these days.
Also, I would like to reiterate the fact that I was yelled at by a woman who was 1/2 hour late to her 1 1/2 hour job. She kept yelling something at me when I walked in, and it took me about 30 seconds to understand that she was saying, "get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. "
I have been trying to renew my visa since last week. It expires in about 5 days, but I wanted to do it early so I would get my passport back and actually be allowed to leave the city. For those of you at Stetson, Hannah Chapman is going to be touring the Baltics April 16th-24th, and invited me to go with her. I hoped to have my visa back by then because, I mean... week of classes versus touring the Baltics for no particular reason? No-brainer.
To begin:
Friday- Start out optimistic. Go to the office of the dean of my faculty at 12, and watch for as he compiles paperwork and makes copies for me. He carefully explains what to do from here. Go across the street, and pay the fee of 1000p at the bank. Take the receipt. Next, I need to go to the 8th floor. I get on the elevator, and press the button for the 8th floor. It lights up for a second, then darkens. Other people on the elevator look at me like I'm an idiot, and press 11 for me. I get off on the 11th floor, get on another elevator to go down. I press 8. It doesn't light up... I end up on the 1st floor. Giving up, I take another elevator to the 11th floor, and take the steps down. The office I need to go to first was only open from 12 to 2. It is now 210. I am told to return on Monday by the woman who is still very obviously IN HER OFFICE.
Monday-Have class.
Tuesday- Thought the office opened at 12. It opened at 2. I had other stuff to do. (2-4, btws)
Wednesday-Closed
Thursday- Make it to the room, they take one paper. I progress to room #2. There a woman proceeds to yell at me in Russian about all the things wrong with my paperwork. All I understand is go back to my faculty. I go back to the faculty and meet with the dean, who checks my paperwork, and fixes whatever lady #2 circles. I tell him I have class, what are her office hours? He says he doesn;t know, but this is more important, so fix this instead. I hurry back to the main building (once again, take elevator to the 11th floor, stairs down to the 8th). Her office hours were 1030-12. It is now 1207. I make myself a grilled cheese sandwich in resignation.
Friday-Wake up early to be there when Lady#2 arrives. Three other Americans are already there. She is 1/2 hour late. We take turns being yelled at... one of the other students, and myself, are missing the little gray paper they had taken from me in room #1 yesterday (he never received his.) I try to explain that they took it, but am told to go back to the faculty. I try to get it back from room#1, but they just ask why I don't have the paper. When I explain I gave it to them yesterday, the tell me to go to room #2. I go back to the Dean in the faculty (btws... 30 minute walk, each way). He reprints the paper, and writes down directions, in Russian, for them to give me the paper they forgot to give me yesterday. And so I get to start the process over again. I am meeting with Marina at 340, and hopefully she can fix this. Otherwise... well, I dunno. I guess I get deported? But it'd be nice if I made it to class one of these days.
Also, I would like to reiterate the fact that I was yelled at by a woman who was 1/2 hour late to her 1 1/2 hour job. She kept yelling something at me when I walked in, and it took me about 30 seconds to understand that she was saying, "get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. get the fuck out of my office, please. "
More Traditional Russian Dancing. With Horses.
Tuesday was one of my days off. A mess of us wanted to go to the Fridays on Novie Arbat for lunch, as it was Dan's birthday. Alas, almost everyone had decided to celebrate Dan's birthday the night before, so my friend Whitney and I were the only ones to make it. I was actually pretty impressed with myself... I managed to navigate the metro, including switching lines, all by myself!
Fridays was amazing. Pricey, like all restaurants in Moscow are, especially American ones, but worth it. They had a pretty awesome business lunch:
Soup+Salad for 195p
Soup or Salad+main dish=275p
Soup+Salad+Main Course=345p
These came with a soda, and had refills for only 30p (I haven't seen refills anywhere else)
I was mostly excited because I got to eat an amazing salad with vinaigrette dressing (not Caesar!) I also ordered some sort of fettuccine with little porky bits. Quite tasty. And, the ever-important Coca-Cola "saldom, pozhalysta!"
Afterwards, Whitney and I walked back to the metro one Ctari Arbat. This is always interesting. She had wanted to find a used bookstore, but, as I haven't seen any, I steered her towards an outdoor book stall. She found a few very pretty childrens' poetry books with embellishment on the cover.
Walking back, we were chatting about things, and a woman in a fur coat started speaking to us in English. She is a Canadian expat who works for the British embassy. We chatted until we parted ways at the metro.
We returned back to the university with an hour to spare to leave for the theatre. We had tickets to another Russian dance show. After asking directions to the place, we managed to find it, but couldn't cross the street at the theatre... we had to run under a bridge/overpass. Which would have been fine, if I hadn;t managed to nearly be run over my a chauffeured Mercedes with diplomat tags and a Czech flag. Yep... almost caused an international incident by being hit by a Czech diplomat.
The dance show was pretty neat. Much less squeaking from the women tis time, which was nice.
The boys left halfway through to find food and party. Us girls stayed the whole time, then opted not to meet them. We stopped at a pizza place instead.
Interesting note: as we crossed in an underpass with the rest of the theatre-goers, we heard a really obnoxious voice repeating something in Russian. As we got further into the underpass, we realized there was a girl in there asking for money. With a horse. Yep, horse in the underpass in the center of Moscow.
Which is not the only horse-related story of the night. Apparently, in Kitai Gorod, there was a girl asking for 1000p to let people ride HER horse. The boys talked her down to 500p, and they put Dan on it. And he rode a horse to Coyote Ugly for his birthday.
Fridays was amazing. Pricey, like all restaurants in Moscow are, especially American ones, but worth it. They had a pretty awesome business lunch:
Soup+Salad for 195p
Soup or Salad+main dish=275p
Soup+Salad+Main Course=345p
These came with a soda, and had refills for only 30p (I haven't seen refills anywhere else)
I was mostly excited because I got to eat an amazing salad with vinaigrette dressing (not Caesar!) I also ordered some sort of fettuccine with little porky bits. Quite tasty. And, the ever-important Coca-Cola "saldom, pozhalysta!"
Afterwards, Whitney and I walked back to the metro one Ctari Arbat. This is always interesting. She had wanted to find a used bookstore, but, as I haven't seen any, I steered her towards an outdoor book stall. She found a few very pretty childrens' poetry books with embellishment on the cover.
Walking back, we were chatting about things, and a woman in a fur coat started speaking to us in English. She is a Canadian expat who works for the British embassy. We chatted until we parted ways at the metro.
We returned back to the university with an hour to spare to leave for the theatre. We had tickets to another Russian dance show. After asking directions to the place, we managed to find it, but couldn't cross the street at the theatre... we had to run under a bridge/overpass. Which would have been fine, if I hadn;t managed to nearly be run over my a chauffeured Mercedes with diplomat tags and a Czech flag. Yep... almost caused an international incident by being hit by a Czech diplomat.
The dance show was pretty neat. Much less squeaking from the women tis time, which was nice.
The boys left halfway through to find food and party. Us girls stayed the whole time, then opted not to meet them. We stopped at a pizza place instead.
Interesting note: as we crossed in an underpass with the rest of the theatre-goers, we heard a really obnoxious voice repeating something in Russian. As we got further into the underpass, we realized there was a girl in there asking for money. With a horse. Yep, horse in the underpass in the center of Moscow.
Which is not the only horse-related story of the night. Apparently, in Kitai Gorod, there was a girl asking for 1000p to let people ride HER horse. The boys talked her down to 500p, and they put Dan on it. And he rode a horse to Coyote Ugly for his birthday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)