In Which the Banya is Visited

16.12.2008

Today was interesting .... Had my test for Conversation, and that didn't go too well. I think I got the same grade as I did last time, which was disappointing.

Other than that I sat around most all day and did nothing, as I had to wait until 4:15 to go to the BANYA. Which was an ... interesting experience. Basically, the set up is like this:

-Take a short shower, basically just rinsing the self off.
-Enter a sauna, which can range anywhere from 80-100-something Celcius. Ours was at a little over 80 most of the time.
-While in the sauna, beat self with a bundle of leaves and sticks... Or have someone else do it for you.
-Exit sauna, immediately dump a bucket of ice cold water on self (by means of pulling a string connected to said bucket, which hangs from above)
-Jump into a pool of cold water.
-Repeat process three times, then take a break, and start all over again.

Right, so, to me, that sounds like a fantastic way to get ill. But that's just me. Usually you do this in a public bath house, with all sorts of naked old men wandering around. We had a private complex, though, so it was just me plus the other guys in the program. Which was awkward for a short while, but then was fine. Even when we ... beat eachother ... with bundles of leaves. This sounds really strange, but oh well.

Originally I wanted to go with Russian guys, but Yura had no desire, claiming only peasants went to the banya, so, there you have it.

It's supposed to be relaxing, but my head just kind of hurts right now. Maybe if I can sleep, tonight, it was worth it, though.

That's really all... Two more RSL exams, then two more papers, and I'm finished. except, one of the papers... so, Vertkin is giving us a week to write a paper, like he did for the mid-term. This time, however, the paper is to be SIXTEEN pages. Well, ten pages 1.5 spaced, which is effectively 15-16 double spaced. I ... don't think I can physically manage that. Last time, I spent two days researching, four days analyzing said research and coming up with an effective outline, then ONE day writing the paper. By the end of writing, I was nearly DEAD, and the paper wasn't even the full length. He said he's giving us a broader topic this time, too, which makes it harder (especially since the last topic was pretty damned broad -- "what, in your opinion, was the turning point of the Cold War?")

One thing I thought about, today, however, upon receiving a letter from dear Sarah ... So. I think Anndal's returned from France, and Jen should be back from the UK. Sarah is leaving Italy tomorrow. Kate's Shangai program is over and she's returning to America I think next week. I ... Am still in Russia. And I'm still here for a little less than a MONTH. And while that may be soon, it sure doesn't FEEL soon... And at the same time it almost seems like I was never here? I don't know. It's difficult to explain I suppose. Returning to America seems terrifying and exciting all at the same time. But maybe I'm just thinking like that because I'm listening to dramatic Russian romance music, which INTENSIFIES THE EMOTIONS like a good wine. Or something. I don't know. I've lost my mind. Я СХОЖУ С УМА. That means, I AM WALKING DOWN FROM MY MIND. Anyway. I'm not sure where I was going with that. To sum, I suppose, all my friends have nearly finished their international excursions, and for some reason that makes me feel alone. Despite the fact that I've had little contact with any of them the entire semester

Alright, well, I'm finished for tonight.