Halfway

I cant believe it is already mid October! The halfway point has arrived! It took its sweet time getting here though, that’s for sure. Unfortunately today is the last day of our vacation. Or should I say “staycation”. We were given a week off from teaching. We discussed leaving the country, maybe visiting Latvia. But we have been so busy these past 6 weeks that we haven’t had time to explore Moscow, our home for 4 months. So instead of leaving, we took the opportunity to relax and see the sites of our city. 

The highlight of my week was going to this HUGE market, twice! This place was amazing. First of all, the location was beautiful. I guess this place was used during the Olympics as a hotel for all their many foreign guests. Now it is a huge market full of souvenirs, clothing, and other goods.  I may have got a few things :) I also got mistaken for a Russian vendor. An Asian man was looking at this hideous painting, turned to me and asked “skulka?”  I looked at him funny, and he asked again “skulka?” I then responded, “I am not a Russian, this isn’t my stand.” I don’t think he understood the words, but he got the idea and said “oh sowwwie!” and walked away. Well at least we know I blend in!

One of the days we spent walking all around this part of town. First we went to a women’s convent, (where nuns live), and we just looked at it from the outside because we were too scared to go in. Then we went to the huge sports arena area. The soccer field was there, along with 30 blocks of other sports related facilities. A huge area dedicated to sports. It was pretty cool. I’m hoping one of these days we will be able to go watch a futbol game!!  Next we went into the middle of the city to the old Arbat street. It was really cool! It’s a brick road lined with shops and restaurants, street vendors, and traveled by many. And there was a Wendy’s!! We ate there :)

It is really beginning to get freezing cold here. I really sucked at packing. I didin’t bring any boots or a warm enough coat! I told myself I would just get those things while I was here. So I have had my eye out for a coat and some boots. 6 weeks later, and I finally found what I needed! Now im cozy.

Back to work tomorrow. But I am actually excited. We only have 2 weeks until our cruise! Then after the cruise we only have 2 weeks of teaching until our next vacation! And then after that vacation we only have 3 more weeks until I come home.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it here. But being away from home for this long makes me think of all the things I want to do when I get back. I submitted my application to University of Washington Tacoma. So hopefully that works out. I do miss my mom and dad. Distance sure does make the heart grow fonder. 

OH! I cant believe I forgot to mention the CIRCUS!! Last weekend we went to the Moscow circus! It was the happiest time of my life! I had never been to the circus before, which might explain my excitement. It was great, so great.