Journal 115

Journal 115

5-11-10

It should be said, up front, that I'm writing this journal on May 12 -- mostly because the HUGE bouquet of flowers, in-vase, on my desk, was in my computer's normal spot; and yesterday, I was too tired to figure out how to Tetris my desk around to get my laptop onto it in order to type.

Also, I'm so tired, and my schedule is getting so crazy, that I've taken to looking at my calendar again just to figure out, "Okay, what did I do on this day again??" Ha ha ha.

*****

It's slightly odd to be back to school again -- not that we hadn't been last week; but that was only two days, and then we had another holiday! I suppose it's more that, it's weird to think that we are getting into our last few classes. It's for sure that I am SO happy I will be coming back for another year, because I am nowhere near ready to leave Moscow. Then again, after another year, I may be even more "not ready" to leave. Who knows what the future will bring?

The brightest side of classes this week is that we have Lilia Leonidovna, and Grammatika all week!!! (3 days) I just adore her. And we haven't seen each other since before we left for Sochi!!

She took one look at me today, and launched *right* into how good it was to see me, "Maya prelest' ;" "Maya lapochka," etc., etc., etc.!! (Remember those words? =^_~= -- If no, they're just all really affectionate words that say I'm pretty, and lovely, and charming, and a joy. =^///^= '' It's good to be loved!) We shared a big hug, and bisous (a kiss on the cheek; here, it's either 1, or 3!) -- "No one else is here yet, so we can kiss!" she said, laughing. I cannot *wait* to work with her when the fall comes around again!!

*****

After school, I thought I'd look up flight prices, still trying to figure out if I could get myself to Florida, to see my Nana and my cousin; and also to see how much flights to NYC were running, if the invitation there were to work out.

I suppose I should explain, that as far as Florida is concerned -- where my Nana lives? That's my Heaven on Earth. Hands down. No contest. It is also "Home." When I am in the airplane, and look out the window and see Tampa Bay, or the Gulf; the give-away colors of the houses; the pools in almost every back yard; and those special shades of green reserved for palm trees and pines -- a feeling of calm and contentedness washes over me, and I know, from the inside out, "I'm home."

That said, for me, it'd be worth it to hop on a plane, even just to have lunch, and to have to turn around again! Unfortunately, my pockets, they aren't quite so deep as my jet-setting attitude yet!! *laughs*

Luckily for me, there was a certain deal going on that made flying into a closer airport not *quite* so prohibitively expensive as it usually is; and concerning NYC, I found a good bus company that will let me get between Washington DC and NYC for about $35 USD, round trip!! Hooray for not breaking the bank!!

Once I'd found the deals, and considering that I didn't need much arm twisting to decide to fly to Florida in the first place, I only needed to find the time in my schedule, find when the absolutely cheapest dates were, and to call my Nana, just to double check that I could still come down, and that the dates would be fine.

Of course, the one day that I NEED to get a hold of my Nana -- she was out golfing. … I think they told me later I called 20-some-odd times within two hours…!!! Ha ha ha -- oh, Nana, how I adore you!!

[I even actually said, on one of my voicemails, "You had better be playing golf right now, because I think that's the only way I can forgive you for not picking up, when I am trying to buy airline tickets!!!" -- Jokingly of course; but I did really hope she was playing golf!!]

In the end, I bought the tickets, going off of my Nana's previously given, general permission. I couldn't afford for the tickets to get more expensive or for the flights to fill up.

I'm also incredibly loved, because one of my good friends down there is going to come pick me up at the Airport, so that Nana and Charlie don't have to drive at that hour to come get me. [He also happens to be one of the only people I know in the States who speaks Russian! Ha ha -- I won't go three weeks without using it!] And the fact that he will pick me up allows Nana and Charlie to spoil me rotten by having one of our family's famous Apple Pies (and vanilla bean ice cream!) ready for me when I walk in the door!!!!!!!!!

I don't see how it gets any better than that. =^____^=

[Okay, I'm a terrible person -- I asked if they could make me a pie, to be ready when I get there… But who could resist one of our family's apple pies? I ALWAYS make one with Nana when I'm there -- been doing it since I was old enough to help -- so, normally it would be my job to do it; but goodness knows, having just arrived back in the States not even a week before, I think I should be allowed to ask for one to be made for me, just this once. … C'mon, it's Apple Pie, and the United States! What more appropriate, "Welcome Home!" could there be?? =^_~= ]

*****

This now means that the longest amount of time I will continuously be in any one city or State during my 3 weeks in the US will be 4 days.

Ha ha ha, gotta love it.

And, if my old ballroom partner's mum and sister have their way (and he agrees), then I'll go visit all of them - which will mean that the longest I'll be anywhere, continuously, will be 4 days!!

… Shoot, I should probably start making any appointments I actually need!!!!

**********

I spent so long at school that I realized I didn't have time to go home and drop my things off, and grab my dance shoes, to go to the hustle lesson -- so I just went straight there!! Maxim and Olga were happy to see me again.

The lessons went ok -- there was another girl there helping to teach, so I didn't really do much during the first lesson; and as there was only one girl there for the advanced lesson, I certainly wasn't doing anything then. I took advantage of that to run home and get my dance shoes for the hustle party and drop my school things off.

*****

I certainly got quite the "welcome-back!" at the party!! All the regulars, or people I normally dance with were thrilled to see me again, and welcomed me back warmly; telling me how happy they were to see me again!! I was almost overwhelmed!!! =^__^=

They, of course, weren't happy to hear I'll be in the US for three weeks soon; but the fact that I'll be able to make it to one last hustle party before I go appeased them some. I might be late to that, however; because our "good-bye" dinner with our teachers is next Tuesday; and who knows how long that might turn out to be…

Regardless, I'll get there for some length of time!!

**********

I had a nice chat with Nicole today -- it was so good to talk to her again, even though it was only for a little while!! Can't wait to see you again sugar!!

I also had a lovely chat with Cameron, too!

Of course, because I called them both only after I'd returned home, and eaten; I was exhausted by the time I got off the phone, and went to bed, around 2 AM, without having done any homework…. Whoops…. (It's ok -- as it turned out, I didn't have too much; and finished what I did have during a class break.)

**********

In news that doesn't really have a place; I was right about Alexei, from the militsia -- he certainly does seem to be quite interested. He was asking me again, to hang out this weekend, and didn't seem pleased at all when I informed him that I already had plans, and would probably not be able to hang out until I get back from the States.

He also asked whether or not I had a boyfriend. … I was really hoping he wouldn't ask that. That makes things very tricky.

And no, I can't just say, "Yes," because that would be lying. I never lie unless I absolutely have to. : \

So, right now, I'm stalling.

Journal 114

Journal 114

5-10-10; 11:00 PM

Somehow, it seems like a weird date to see written. … I suppose, thinking on it now, that it will be extra odd in October, when the date will be, "10-10-10" - And just think how people will get excited when it is 10:10 AM and 10 seconds. XD Oh, boy.

Neways

I got up around 11 -- Alexei texted -- seems he was serious about hanging out. I stalled, on the grounds of waiting to hear back from Nastëna and I had to finish the Fulbright Article!!

I got inspired, thanks to writer's block on the piece about the Rehearsal Parade, as well as Ryan's Sci-Fi story, to do a chronology of the events leading up to, and including, Den' Pobedy. and to write it "Captain's Log" style.

Almost four hours and 12 pages later, the Behemoth was practically finished. I went off to Coffee House to put the finishing touches on it, and get it sent out.

While there, I was chatting with friends -- and I talked with Angelo's mum -- she said that I should come dance with him, when I said I was afraid of being without dance for three weeks.

When I'd finished with the internet, I made good on my promise to get back to Alexei.

We did wind up hanging out for about an hour or so -- where I learned that it is apparently rather frustrating to a Russian man if you tell him, "You don't need to buy that for me!!" -- No less than 3, "You're killin' me, Smalls!" looks later, I wound up coming home having been fed, and with a bouquet of Spider Mums (my favorite flower), as well as a tub of strawberries. Which were pretty damned delicious, I must say.

=@///@= '' Goodness. -- I feel bad, because I already have never been able to handle people buying things for me well; which is to say, I love getting presents, but then I feel like the person who got me said present has wasted their money. But on top of that, I'm more than sure he's interested in becoming a boyfriend, and I don't return that same feeling...

After all that, it was a quiet night -- I'm really exhausted. I should probably be getting to my homework. It's very odd that I'm going to be back in the US so soon… I'm excited to see people, but I'm still no less terrified about not dancing… I suppose I'll find a way.

In the meantime, now I'm worried about trying to see if I can afford a trip to see my Nana, and Sasha still wants me to come to NYC -- where I still want to go -- but I don't know if my pockets are quite that deep… I'm going to be very, very busy, methinks…

Ahh, where there is a will, there will be a way.

Much love,

Moscow Kitty

=^__^= / =@_@=

Journal 113

Journal 113

5-9-10

Den' Pobedy!!! -- Victory (In Europe) Day!

Check out the 3rd Fulbright Article on the "Pages" part of the website to read about this day.

It was certainly one of the craziest days I've ever had in Moscow!!

Journal 112

Journal 112

5-8-10

Today was a REALLY lazy day. In fact, I spent quite a bit of it in bed -- I was so tired…

I started reading the Count of Monte Cristo. I needed a change from Oscar Wilde.

*****

I tried to go to practice, but the hall was closed. And on the way out, I had another adventure with, "Random Russian People Come Up To Me And Start Conversations That I'm Not Allowed To Escape From."

I passed by the guard -- who was a new one today -- and he asked me if there was anyone left in the hall. I told him that there was no one there, and that it was ok to close the hall. As usual, however, the manner in which I say things tends to give it away that I am not, in fact, Russian. This surprised the guard, however, because he had assumed that I was actually a Russian girl. This led him to ask where I was from, and when I told him that I was from the USA, he got very excited -- he'd never met an American before! From there, things went either downhill or uphill, depending on how you want to look at it.

The Uphill Side: It's always fun to make new friends, and have random conversations.

The Downhill Side:

1. I was *trying* to get out early, so that I could go to dinner with Mulzoff and some of the other guys -- hopefully at the Hard Rock Café! (Goodness knows, I still haven't been there yet!)

2. When the place that someone you don't know wants to take you -- an older man, especially -- is located behind an area that is barred off, and you can see the padlocks for… Well, it tends to put you off a bit!

Funny thing is, Slava (as I got his name) saw my apprehension about following him back into an area that could be locked off behind me, and waved it off [do all Russians do this?] saying, "Oh, don't worry! We're just going to chat!"

And chat we did -- for the next half hour!

In the middle of all that, he treated me with the typical Russian hospitality -- which is to say, that even though I kept saying that I was trying to get to dinner with my friends, Slava kept trying to feed me and give me something to drink!!

*****

By the time I got out of Slava's and called Mulzoff again, they were almost finished with dinner -- and wouldn't you know that they had gone to the Hard Rock!!! No luck for me today… The timing worked out though, in that they finished dinner and got home just before I arrived from the Metro.

We finished out the night with some more Firefly, and then I was off for home.

Journal 111

Journal 111

5-7-10

Went off to class today, and spent the day looking forward to my dance lesson.

*****

Once there, I heard probably the best thing I'd heard so far in my lessons from Vitaly:

"I'm happy -- In this moment, I am happy."

-- Yeah, not for long, you aren't. XD Immediately after he said that, I did something so horrendously wrong, his face just fell, and I definitely got the, "What the Hell was that??" look. Oh, brother.

He asked what was wrong with me tonight, and I shared with him about how I was worried about being in the States for 3 weeks, and not dancing. But worrying isn't helping, obviously, I said. (I did not, however, share that I was still unnerved by some of the things Alëna had said…)

*****

I ran off to the Embassy afterwards, trying to relax, and forget about the tough night. A whole bunch of the guys were just relaxing, having a beer. I met Gunny for the first time!!

They all found out I do hand massages. That was pretty funny… Someone jumped line, and then I had to stop, because, as he said, "I'm married!"

After that, Mulzoff and I watched some more Firefly, and then it was time to go home.

Journal 110

Journal 110

5-6-10

There are no words.

Today, I was on Red Square for the Victory Day Parade dress rehearsal. This is something that not even my Russian professors have ever done, as I found out later in the day!!!!

I don't even know what to say in relation to having seen tanks, and rockets, and mig fighter jets roll through or fly over Red Square! It was, breathtaking -- both for what it was, as well as for what it was in a historical context, between the US and Russia. (E.g. How we used to see those kinds of things as propaganda shows, designed to frighten us, etc.)

Suffice it to say, I've just had a completely once in a life time experience today… I am so VERY fortunate…!!!

[For more on the Parade and Victory Day itself, check out my third Fulbright Article.]

*****

I made it back to school for the last 2 hours of the day. Afterwards, we had a meeting with one of our "bigwigs" from DC. After he spoke to us, I started the discussion with him about what it would take to stay in Russia, etc. Being that I'm not in some kind of mathematical or scientific field, his hopes weren't high for me to be able to find a high paying job, but, oh well. I could work something out, I'm sure.

Also, I finally learned about the St. George ribbons that have started floating around -- they are black and orange ribbons associated with remembering World War II -- they are apparently related to an old Russian Military Honor.

Coincidentally, when I went to go buy water on my way home, I got one that had a ribbon on it!

*****

Dance Practice today was much better than yesterday's, though there were still Ups and Downs. I have no idea if I will have a lesson tomorrow.

(Also, I was running into trouble with diminutives and making lots of grammar errors tonight. Ugh)

*****

I moved on to happier things after practice -- I went and hung out with Tom and Mulzoff, who had me just *rolling* with laughter as we watched more "Firefly."

Among the highlights:

**

Mulzoff to Tom, "You're an episode!"

"Wha--?? What does that even mean?!"

** "Epic Episode" -- this led to us trying to remember the words for when vowel sounds are the same throughout words, in relation to consonants' "alliteration."

** "Is she crying?"

**

Mulzoff to Tom, "You're no good!"

Tom, "Again, what does that even mean??"

** One of the Drivers (Igor, I think. -- Mulzoff reminds me that it was.): "I like your area because it's close." Ha ha ha!! [He was referring to the place I live.]

*****

Once I got back home, it was the awesome chicken recipe for dinner!!! How I missed it!

This was definitely my best day in Moscow -- at least, one of. Wow.

12 days until I'm back in the States… Odd.

Love,

Moscow Kitty; 3:40 AM

=^__^= / = @_@ =

Journal 109

Journal 109

5-5-10

Hooray!!! We're back in Moscow, safe and sound!!!!!

My first stop, after getting home from the train station, was the Embassy, where I finally finished watching, "The Bourne Identity," with Mulzoff.

After we finished "The Bourne Identity," Mulzoff started me on watching, "Firefly," the series for which the movie, "Serenity," was designed as a "wrap-up."

(Side note - I was so happy to see my Marines again!!!)

**********

In the evening, it was off to the studio again for me!!! I was nervous, but happy. (I'd been gone for a week and a half… That's a lot of time when you're just starting to work again…)

Tonight, I met one of Nastëna's good friends, Alëna -- she kept asking me/prodding me to dance. I'm not sure why, but for some reason, I felt even more skittish/afraid to dance in front of her than I normally feel about dancing in front of anyone at the studio.

Then of course, we got to talking, and she gave me a good deal of confusing, and at the very least, unsettling, advice, concerning how I was going about training for Ballroom there in Russia.

To her train of thought, I should be training in both Latin and Standard right now.

When I tried to say that I could only afford two lesson per week at the moment, she told me that I should be doing one in Latin, and one in Standard then. I responded to that by saying that it didn't make sense for me to divide already limited resources when I already needed so much improvement even just in Latin, just to try to "catch up." Dividing my interests doesn't make much sense, when there's so much to do, with so little available to do it with. My point of view didn't even seem to register to her. She continued her near-lecture, remarking that my dancing wasn't all that great, in saying, "At as low a level as yours, you'll never find a partner unless you dance two programs. We all start dancing two programs -- maybe when you get really good, it's ok, you can specialize -- but until then, you have to dance two programs." She also let me know that she thought Larissa's advice that I wait until I find a partner to start my Standard lessons was stupid. (Larissa is one of the studio owners.)

It's not that I don't want to dance Standard -- I miss Standard more than I can possibly say -- and yes, all those "Latin Kids" ARE very, very good in both styles (Latin and Standard) -- but they've had many more years of training, and many more lessons per week than I have had. Plus, partners. But, Alëna wasn't pulling any punches, for any reasons.

It was a hard, hard night. I about cried while I was talking with Alëna, I got so stressed out about everything. Practice wasn't any easier following that lecture.

I'm now at least 10 x as terrified about my upcoming 3 weeks off in the States.

*****

There was at least one bright spot to my night, however! I finally, finally, finally met Angelina and Kol'ya!!!! And they are sooo nice!!!

(As a refresher, they're one of my favorite couples to watch! She's very pretty, and just hot, hot, hot as a dancer -- and Kol'ya is the one who is always practicing in the billowing, button-up shirts, that are always open by the end of practice. Ha ha ha.)

Somehow or other, as it's happened with quite a few of the people that I've met, we just happened to walk out to the Metro together -- and somehow, we started talking.

I don't remember if they said something to me or not -- I think it was that they waited for me, and as we were walking together, but not talking, I finally apologized, saying:

"I'm really sorry -- I don't want you to think that I don't want to talk to you; but we've never met, and I don't know your names yet, so I've been unable to say anything to you both!!!"

Thus, we got introduced, and started a very nice, lively conversation!! The time we were on the Metro together was just as fun! They're a couple, I believe, and quite adorable in their interactions. Ha ha ha.

**********

I went to Kofe Xaus (Coffee House) straight from the Metro -- I had lots of picture uploading to do! Now, almost everything from Sochi is taken care of.

By the time I got home and had my dinner, it was 2 something AM. = @_@ =

**********

I am really looking forward to Victory Day -- and I'm going to be skipping morning classes tomorrow in order to attend the Dress Rehearsal of the Victory Day Parade. Nastëna's family connections are getting us onto Red Square in the morning! (Even though it is supposed to be closed to the public!!!)

I am still debating whether or not to ask Vitaly what he's doing for V-Day. = O-o = Ugh.

And now, I have a massive case of hiccoughs.

I should probably get some sleep.

**********

Sore as Hell, and not the greatest right now -- but with enough bright spots in the night to keep me going,

Moscow Kitty; 2:43 AM

=ToT = / =^_^=

Journal 108

Journal 108

5-3-10

We stopped by the Farmer's Market in the Morning, for anyone who wanted to buy food for the train ride home. That place was MASSIVE!! I'm not sure I've ever seen a farmer's market so large before!!

*****

Jess and I finished early, and we walked back together. As we walked, I was snapping pictures of street signs and graffiti, as per normal.

We shopped a little bit at the underground kiosks in one of the perexods (underground walk ways), where I picked up one of the Sochi Olympic bags I'd been eyeing, as well as some killer, huge earrings (among a few other things), and then Jess and I gave into temptation (and the promise of a "business lunch" discount) and we went to Café Boobs for lunch!!

The place was actually kinda classy. Ha ha ha! Except for that whole part where lots of things on the menu were shaped like boobs. But, that's part of the charm of the place, now, isn't it?

Also, I love this sign:

(It says: "Warning! This restaurant can change your life!")

*****

After lunch, I tried to stop by an ATM, but I absolutely COULD NOT find one that worked!!! Finally, while in search of what I thought was a bank, but was just an advertisement for one, I found an ATM, and life was grand again.

We continued back to the Hotel, Jess and I snapping a few last pictures on the way; and then we stopped in at a sweetshop we had seen when we'd first arrived: Café Biscuit.

That Café made the whole damn trip to Sochi worth it, in the space of half an hour! Oh. My. GOD.

It was soooooo good!!!!!! Check out some of the pictures!

*****

After all that, I chilled At McDonald's for most of the afternoon, until I had to get back to the hotel to get my stuff and check out, to leave for the train station, and to leave Sochi!

While we were in the train station, waiting, somehow or other I wound up dancing with Irina, and people were taking videos. I wasn't too happy about that part…

Also while in the station, I also found out that it's going to be a FORTY-TWO HOUR train ride back to Moscow!!!! God Help Me….

In the meantime…

May the 4th be with you tomorrow!!!