Today I spent the day wandering around the city searching for a Словарь Синонимов Руссского Языка/ Russian Dictionary of Synonyms. When I finally found one on (at Дом Книги/House of Books, incase you were wondering) it reminded me of my first day in Yaroslavl. On my first day in Yaroslavl, the very first thing I did was exchange money. I'll never forget the great feeling I got after accomplishing such a simple task. Not only did I experience an overwhelming sense of relief, but it was a much needed boost to my confidence. I can do this, I can accomplish every task necessary to function in Russia. After exchanging the money, any time I accomplished something for the first time, it felt great. I’ll never forget the first time I bought something in a soviet style store. Maneuvering the six necessary steps can be a daunting task, but the first time you do it, you’re on top of the world, anything is possible.
Today was a reminder of just how far I’ve come in the last 10 days. The first few days were rough. I got lost everyday. I often didn’t know exactly what I was buying, how much it costs or even why I was buying it, but today was different. I left the apartment without even so much as glancing at a map. I knew what I needed and where I could find it. When I got to the store, instead of looking around trying to see what others were doing, I knew who to ask and most importantly what to ask. I guess the point is, I’ve been in Yaroslavl for 10 days and I’ve now reached the point where every day ceases to be an anxiety-laden affair and is simply, normal.
This wouldn’t be possible without the help everyone has given me along the way, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them. (Sorry) First of all, I want to thank Brandi for understanding and for pushing me to do this. Life without me must be difficult, I know how great I am, I don’t know how you do it. I want to thank my parents for their financial and moral support and for understanding why I’m doing what I’m doing. I especially want to thank Dr. Herr for the countless hours he spent making sure this was physically (and probably mentally) possible. I want to thank everyone at the Slavic Languages and Literature department. George and Masha, thank you for inspiring me and making sure that even thought I can’t communicate without embarrassing my, I can at least communicate. I want to thank Jeff for the great advice and all of the help you’ve given me along the way. And to Nathan, Aileen, Loue, Jake, Bart, Aunt Susie, Chris, Daniel, The Herr’s and all of my other friends and family for your support thank you.
Инциденты/Incidents
--Today as I was crossing the street someone grabbed me by the arm. I turned to look and it was a babushka. «The light is red» she said. What do I do? Do I A, ignore her and keep walking, or B, open my mouth (which immediately identifies me as a foreigner)? I chose b, and the next thing I know, I'm escorting a babushka arm in arm cross the cross walk.
--Travel Blog Cliché Alert. It really is the little things you notice. Forget the completely different culture and lifestyle, why are all of the toilet handles (or buttons I should say) on the top of the tank? You either pull or push, I just can't get used to that.
--Last night the Ovcharov's had a guest for dinner. We ate pirozhki and drank Bulgarian Wine. After a few toasts she went into a twenty minute monologue about why she loves Franklin D. Roosevelt. (I think)
--The Pictures are of Yaroslavl State University.
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