You can say that again.

You can say that again.

Today it reached 80 degrees in Yaroslavl. Maybe it’s just because I’m in Russia, a country stereotypically associated with cold, snowy weather or maybe it’s just because I’m weak, but 80 degrees is hot, heat wave hot. (yes, a tropical heat wave. Thermometers climbing, the temperatures rising. Or something like that.) When I packed my bags, in an attempt to travel as lightly as possible I rolled the dice and decided not to take any short sleeve shirts. I looked at the average temperatures and thought, “highs in the upper 60’s and low 70’s, I can handle that in long sleeves. Days in the 70’s will be the minority anyway, right? Better to be prepared for the average days” Well, today makes the 6th day out of the last 7 with 75 degrees plus highs and sun shine. That means 86% of last week didn’t meet my expectations, or if you will, I’m batting .140, well below the Mendoza line. The only thing I packed with short sleeves is a black t-shirt. If I don’t open my mouth I can blend in and pass for a Russian. Dark jeans or slacks, tucked in button up shirt, black leather shoes and a small black man purse, I feel like I can pull it off. Nearly every day someone stops me on the street and asks me for directions. If I wear that t-shirt I might as well paint иностранец/foreigner on my forehead. I'll deal with the occasional, «why are you wearing long sleeves» glance.

Interestingly, or maybe not so the history of the russian word иностранец/foreigner steems from the old word for a German. In the 17th and 18th century there was a large German settlement outside Moscow (now only a suburban metro stop). Over time the word meant to describe a German became the word to describe all foreigners. Ok, sorry. I find this stuff fascinating.

Elsewhere,

Saturday when I went to Kostroma with Natasha and Svetlana we had some coffee. (as you already know). While we were drinking the coffee I mentioned that, other than animate objects the one thing I really miss is coffee, and not that instant stuff. What do you think I had for breakfast this morning? Yes, you got it, coffee. I can't believe Natasha and Svetlana would betray me like that. Not only did they tell Irina about my coffee coments, when I went to grammar class today, my teacher asked me if I like Kostroma. What? How did you know? Maybe the world does revolve around me.
Anyway, back to the breakfast on top of my daily fruit along with sausage or patte on bread, tea and some type of pastry, I now get coffee as well. I'm not complaining, it's just that it's getting ridiculous. Irina's hospitality so extreme that I'm ashamed to say I've taken to lying and saying that I've already eaten.

-Notice this mornings breakfast. Pastry, Kolbasa on bread, apple, tea and coffe. I just can't do it anymore.