In Which Titles Have Run Out

29.09.2008

So, tonight was the first night I was unable to eat ALL my dinner. I don't think Tatyana was pleased. But I ate as much as I could... I don't know. I'm not going to force myself to eat mounds of cabbage if I don't want to, damn it!

At this point I am definitely making myself go out and do things, constantly. Except, I DO have a lot of work.. So, I need to keep that in mind, too. I don't think it's going to be too difficult to get an A in my RSL class(es?). I've decided I'm taking Central Asian State Formation for audit. Which means I still need to do readings, but I don't need to worry about papers. Human Rights is getting easier and easier to understand -- Today, it was just me and the professor; the Russian student didn't come. Which was tremendously awkward, because the professor was sick and the power was out in the building, so towards the end of the class it was getting really dark and creepy. I don't know, I just feel kind of weird in that class because I feel like he doesn't want to teach the stupid American who doesn't know Russian very well. But, I could be completely wrong. After class today he ask me why I chose to study in Russia -- There wasn't much of a hint of sarcasm or malice in his voice, but then again, Russian intonation is strange so I doubt I'd be able to pick it up anyway.

In any case, my final class, Russia and the U.S.A.... it's the high point of my week, but I have a feeling it's going to be tremendously difficult. This week I have a big chunk of reading -- an 8 page speech by Putin (?!) and a bit in the textbook -- all in Russian. Plus I have two papers and one or two presentations. And this professor seems very strict and not terribly flexible -- He wants the papers in English, no exceptions, so he's kind of scared a few Russians off. Most other professors who teach the English classes allow the Russians to write their papers in Russian and do everything else in English. So, who knows. We'll see.

I already have a lot planned out this week:

Tuesday: After class, going with Yura and a friend of his to Botanicheskij Sad. Which is a gigantic garden, by the looks of the atlas I carry with me... We'll see what happens, there. He told me not to say where we met, or mention anything homosexual, as his friend doesn't know. So that should be interesting.

Wednesday - Marc Almond Concert!! Whoo! (also possibly going to the U.S. consulate to report the mugging)

Friday: Hermitage, then Tri El' with Maneka. (The First! Ever! Goth Rock festival in Russia is also this night, but I couldn't find anyone to go with me... So I guess I won't be doing that).

Saturday: Going to Pavlovsk with E.B. as the leaves are turning and apparently it's absolutely beautiful down there at this time of the year. Of course, I have a hard time believing it's more beautiful than my last visit, but our main purpose for going down there is for artsy photos, so we'll see what happens. Then, at nighttime, I think I'm going to Central Station again.

Sunday: ... Do I have anything planned for Sunday? I can't even remember. I think there might be a cultural excursion, but I can't remember. If nothing, I think I'll go to Udel'naya market.

Oi, I just want to write more, but I need to go do work. At least I'm finished with all my RSL homework for tomorrow, so I just need to do Russia and the U.S. readings. Argh, I keep forgetting to buy an electronic dictionary.They make things so damn easy, comparatively... My book dictionary is literally falling apart --- over half the Russian section is just sitting in there, and if I try to flip through it all the pages fly out.