Korston Hotel&Mall Kazan

... hinting, that as a Finn, I must have a lot of money, and he also tried to ask how much did the clothes I'm wearing cost... Anyway, he disappeared somewhere again and I reckon probably forgot the whole conversation. In the morning the locals in the train gave me some advise about the hotels and transportation in Kazan and partly as a result of their help, I found a decent single room in hotel Volga for R850 (about 21€) per night. Breakfast was ...

... the chicken smelled divine and I had salted and spiced it up with pelmini spices, but when we went to carve it, we found that it wasn't a chicken at all but a duck! The meat was way too dark to be chicken. I thought it was quite ironic since earlier in the day I had told a story that once my mom made us duck la orange for Thanksgiving and none of ate it because we couldn't eat Daffy (we were quite young then) and here I was roasting him myself.  I was the one ...

... and no matter how tired of Russia I am, I will never tire of them.              Can you just believe that I said that I am tired of Russia?  I never thought in all my life that I would think those thoughts or write those words.  Russia is my life, my love and I am still thinking of all the things that I can learn from being here.  For instance, no matter what they tell us in America, you don't have to work yourself to death ...

... but real huge snowflakes that are the size of your head.  I haven't seen snow like this since we had a major snowfall when I lived in WV, while still in high school.  Unfortunately, the ground is still a little warm so it isn't sticking, but Kristen and I went a little crazy. She was jumping up and down while clapping much like a little schoolgirl and I just stood with the window open (did I say that the temp is in ...

... field?  That is has only been in office for one term and I'm not even sure if it was a full one.  McCain has lots of experience and has been in office for several terms." Then Kristen says, "we are Americans and we know America.  We know America better than Germans, Russians or any other country and we think McCain is better for America."  Iilka then says, "Americans love war and McCain would continue war.  You have no idea what war ...

... had to ask a couple of times what was going on.  I am not that adept at the art of ballet, but I can definitely appreciate the artistic element anyway.  I can't tell you enough how cultural Russians/Tatars are.  There are cultural theaters everywhere and even have a separate building for the symphony and other forms of artistic expression. This is something that I am truly going to miss when I return home.  We simply don't have this kind of convenience when we crave ...

So the other day I stayed home from classes because I was not feeling too well.  I have to say that in itself was an experience.  They let me sleep until around 11 then Glous comes in and sits at the end of my bed and has a very long and serious conversation with me about... I'm not sure what.  I have a sneaking suspicion that it was that I refuse to eat the Russian version of porridge, which is made of buckwheat.  I have to admit that before my unfortunate ...

... put into this lane that was dark and highlighted with neon lights.  The bowling alley had a resturant and a bar and it was just crazy cool. When you put on your bowling shoes, you sank down into these extremely supple leather sofas.  I wish you could see it because it seemed unreal.              Anyway, these girls were amazing.  From the first moment we met them, they were extremely friendly.  One of them was an English tutor, but spoke Russian the whole night and I was ...

... that guys beat up guys but honestly I have never felt safer.  I still am a little scared around police, but with regular citizens you are safe.  So on trains you are never alone and you will never ever starve and there is always someone to help you.  I think Russian get a bad rap, you know?  Sure they are a bit stand offish, hardly ever smile, and are very abrupt but the thing is, I have never ever met a down right mean Russian.  Everyone is kind, caring, and ...

... end, Liam looked us and said,"really, I expected this to happen, so it is good to get it out of the way now. And when I get all my bank stuff settled then it will all be just a funny story." Then I looked at him and I couldn't help it. I had to say it. "well, Liam," I said "just look at this way.... it's a cultural experience." I'm sure he felt the same way I felt when the doctor at the hospital said the same thing to me... he might have wanted to hit me.