I just wanted to post so that those of you who read this will know that I actually did make it into Russia and my host family's house without too much of a problem. Along with that, please feel free to let people (like my parents or other relatives) that I am still alive, although I will be contacting people as soon as possible.
We almost didn't make our plane to Moscow. It came down to running the entire length of the Atlanta air port in order to make it, although, since it was an international flight, there was still a long line of Americans getting their passports checked, even though it was the scheduled take off time. Ten hours later and an eight hour time difference that made it seem like we'd been flying for 18 hours, we landed in the cold and snowy Russian capital city. Only one person lost a bag, and nobody had a problem with customs. The train from Moscow to Voronezh was pretty much the same, only it was a twelve and a half hour ride. I packed three toothbrushes so that I wouldn't have to worry about running out the whole semester, but all three of them were in the bottom of my least accessible bag. Tip number one: don't do that.
Now that I've had a shower, brushed my teeth, and used a toilet that was more than a hole in the ground, I feel worlds better. I registered with the university and walked around near "Ploshad Lenina," or Lenin Square so that I'm familiar with stores and other things in the area, and tomorrow, my six compatriots and I will return to the university to start "orientation," which is mostly just a formality and a way to help us out while we're here before classes begin on the 12th. Yes, the 12th. Of February.
I will update again with pictures sometime later, as I have to figure out first if the computers at this cafe even have USB ports so I can upload pictures from my camera and then whether or not I'm allowed to.
I don't understand much because I usually miss one or two out of every four or five words someone says, especially if the person is speaking quickly, but hopefully in a few weeks, I'll be better at this.
4 comments:
glad to hear you made it....and hopefully the toilet situation gets better...or you get used to it!!! and don't forget that vodka you promised :) love you, karrie
glad you made it in one piece, the trick i have found to that nasty old vodka involves fire, however a few drinks prior to the flame is good, but not too many (don't want to set urself on fire). kills the smell and taste too. make sure that everyone knows your going to do it though(some bars will kick you out for that). but really take care and have a good time. love you, tim
We are happy to hear that you made it there safe and with all of your bags... keep us up to date on how things are going there! take care and we all love you,
Kelsey, Syd, Joe, Aunt Cheryl & Uncle David
You are doing it, Katie! Awesome!!!
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