Return...

The trip back from Moscow was odd. I was exhausted, and crawled into the top berth while everyone else was plating cards. Never again. That was just too small of a space. There were cops on the train, who had apparently taken a few drunk men aside and threatened them. They stopped by our area, and threatened to take Chris to jail for playing cards, presumably for gambling (there was no money on the table... they were likely just fishing for bribes.)

It bears mentioning that I consumed the most amazing salad ever on that trip. Pizza Hut here is actually edible, and featured buy-one-get-one small pizzas on the weekdays. But they had the most amazing chef salad. Greens, ham, corn, radishes (that I picked off) and cheddar cheese with some sort of sweet and sour dressing. As much as I hate raw vegetables, it inspired me to try eating salads more here. Lettuce is sort of expensive, and I could not find any sort of non-Caesar salad dressing, so I am going to buy some canned strawberries and vinegar and try to make a vinaigrette.

I'd gone to Ashan twice yesterday, and shall be going back today after class. I've discovered tortilla and taco seasoning so... taco night! Unfortunately, they have changed their layout, which has me incredibly depressed. Like when the Homestead WalMart changed its layout after I left for college... its like there is nothing familiar anymore!

Also, I suppose I should tell y'all, I've a new boyfriend. After one of the most awkward conversations of my life, Олег and I decided to be exclusive. Oh, cultural divides. I pretty much have to stop myself from turning this blog into a ramble about what an amazing guy he is (as much as I know how much he would enjoy it) because it is uninteresting to anyone besides him and I. But yes. So, know I've a Russian boyfriend, and access to a real kitchen in which to cook for aforementioned boyfriend. My mother doesn't seem to want me to come home anymore.

But more sad news... Apparently my cat back home has disappeared. She's been gone for several weeks, and female cats who are used to being fed copious amounts of people food every day aren't prone to wander. So that is a upsetting me.