This week has been a great start to my senior year and fall semester in Moscow. My classes are incredibly difficult, but I think I’m going to enjoy the challenge. After all, that’s why I’m here. I’m taking Equations of Mathematical Physics, Riemann Surfaces, Ergodic Theory of Dynamical Systems, and (maybe) Putnam Problem Solving in addition to my language course, Russian I. We had homework in all classes, but I managed to finish it so I can start off fresh this week. In very good news, I now know and recognize most of the Cyrillic alphabet so I can sound out words which is a huge step for me. However, now I look even sillier than I did previously because I stare at signs and sound out the words like a six-year-old.
On Monday, I decided to join a local gym. I’m paying an arm and a leg, but I believe it’s worth it…especially because my sanity and overall mental (and physical) health are at stake. I’ve really enjoyed my morning workouts (and alone time). The facilities are beautiful and I’ve even gotten to enjoy a fantastic morning sauna before I shower. On Friday I took a Pilates class in Russian. My plan was to mimic everyone perfectly and avoid the instructor coming over to talk to me specifically since there is no way I would understand what she was saying. This worked for the most part and when she did come near me I just nodded my head a lot and looked very focused. The experience was a success but I doubt I’ll go back to the class.
Saturday our group took a bus tour of Moscow. Much of the information was historical and some of it was a repeat from our walking tour the week before. However, I saw lots of mullets (see the facebook album “Mullets in Moscow”) and enjoyed another view of the city. Our first stop, near Red Square, when our driver parked the bus a policeman showed up. It was very fun for us to see because our driver bribed the cop which is VERY common practice in Moscow. We’d all been wanting to see how this bribe system worked, but this situation was optimal since no one in our group had to pay anything or deal with the cops at all.
This morning (Sunday) I woke up early and went to Ashan (Ашан…in Cyrillic) with Nate. We had a really nice time chatting about Seattle, Russia, and our views on the program so far. Then, I met Luke and Anya Davis who are friends of friends and currently live in Moscow. We went to Izmaykovskaya which is a famous and beautiful souvenir market. I had a great time shopping with them and we enjoyed lunch together at the market. After about four hours of shopping we headed back to their apartment where they graciously made me coffee and served cookies. They are leaving for the US on the 19th for three weeks and I’m going to check in on their apartment for them so they are making me dinner sometime this week and explaining my duties. I’m excited for a home cooked meal in their darling apartment!
This evening is as usual, more homework, research, and grad school applications that are keeping me quite occupied.
Such a great post. I love hearing about your living situation and new gym! Alsooo--- I can't believe how fast you are learning Russian!-- soon you'll be speaking like a 6 year old too!
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