Pictures

Hello all. I thought I'd send a quick update and post some pictures, since I haven't posted any for awhile. My Russian mom (Marina) and I are getting along well, even if we resort to playing charades on a daily basis. She made me take a bubble bath my first night at home and she continually stuffs me with chocolate, tea, and hotdogs (this one, I'm not so fond of...). Also, she has a french press and occasionally has coffee!! (No one really drinks coffee here).

Anyway, this morning I got back from Kazan, which is the capital of Tatarstan (an independent republic that is part of Russia). It was a very interesting city. They speak Tatar and Russian and Islam and Christianity have peaceably coexisted there for hundreds of years. I love traveling by trains, too, even though it is nearly impossible to sleep.

Okay, pictures! 1) folk dancers in Suzdal for Matslinitsa 2) the trans siberian railroad outside of vladimir 3) i love only you 4) banya! 5) some of us in the classroom 6) sasha with his snowboard 7) chai on the train to Kazan (accompanied by tales of adventure) 8) anya and me ice skating 9) march in nizhni...still very snowy 10) classic harley  (program director), reading sections of gorky's "my childhood" outside of the house gorky grew up in (in nizhni).

T