Fool

Today was a strange day, weatherwise and otherwise.

It was pouring when Anatoli arrived to get us, so we fought our way to school through the rain/wind mix. We've been so lucky the last 3 days with sunshine that I think we deserved to get a little wet. Anatoli said one year, they had 3 weeks of straight rain and 40 degree weather. No thank you. On our way we encountered a not-so-sober gentleman who said something to us, but we just ignored him partly because he was noticeably drunk and party because we were speed-walking in the rain. Anatoli later said he was asking us if he could have our umbrella. Oops. haha

We had class again. Today was on lesson plan objectives and how to write them. It's a very practical class for me! I'm taking a ton of notes. I do feel bad for those who aren't social studies majors, because it's a really practical class rather than a survey or something more general.

Then, we had lunch in the cafeteria. It was really yummy today! Beef/potato stew and beets. I like beets!

We came back to the Hostel (interesting fact: our hostel is called Base Camp because the owner, Viktor, is a mountain climber!!! Like he has a real ice pick thingy hanging in the reception area. Pretty cool guy.) We rested for a bit, and then we gathered to go to the Russian Museum because it had stopped raining! A lot of people didn't want to go, actually. Only four of us wanted to. People said they were tired, they didn't care for art, they wanted to go other places that weren't as touristy. That's fine, but I want to see EVERYTHING, so I might as well go as many places as I possibly can with Anatoli because he knows EVERYTHING about St. Petersburg. Plus, I feel like you have to start with the touristy places, because there's usually a good reason they're so popular. Alas, I was right! Love it when that happens. ;)

The Russian Museum is housed in Mikhailovsky Palace on Arts Square on the main island of St. Petersburg. We took the same Metro route to the Arts Square (surprise! Our ballet theatre was on that square too). In front of Mikhailovsky palace is a monument to Pushkin with his arm extended to the side. There are always birds on him! I don't really know why, because a lot of the statues have their arms out. Mystery! There were actors portraying Peter the Great and his wife (forget her name) walking around and taking pictures with people for money. This guy was especially awesome because, as we walked by, a liter bottle of Coca-Cola fell out from under his jacket. I laughed out loud at him and he said, "Well! Sorry." It was a funny moment.

The museum is art produced by Russians. It's all really lovely. It was absolutely vital to have Anatoli there, though, because most of the pieces were only famous in Russia. It went chronologically too, which was nice, because we got a great review of Russian imperial history while we looked at beautiful portraits. We had some good discussions about the truth of Bible stories, too (I'll talk about it in my Anatoli post. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten). So we walked through the museum with Anatoli telling us how he had seen the painting in all his textbooks and telling us about the Russian movies made about some of the scenes. It was pretty awesome, and I finally feel like I can speak with authority on the Tsars' history after that overview. I'm really glad I went, and I'm really thankful that Anatioli was willing to take us even though only 4 wanted to see it.

After that, the sun was out!! Julie and I walked to the same market that we went to the other day and I finished out my souvenir shopping! I got a lot of things!! Also, I've tested out packing them in my backpack for the flight back, because I know if I put them in my suitcase, I'll be overweight (the heavy bag fee is $85!!). So heavy backpack it is! Then, we ate dinner in an outdoor sports bar. Very tasty! And we watched Lazio v Inter Milan soccer match. I love soccer announcers in foreign languages, and Russian did not disappoint at all. GHOUUUUUULL!!! :)

This evening we've all pretty much just lazed around. We played a lot of cards, and tonight the one of the people who work behind the reception desk, Andre, played with us! We've all been talking with him a lot, because he also loves to practice English and he's around our age, a little older. He says he wishes Anatoli brought more trips, because he only gets to speak English 1 time a year! We played 99, Egyptian Rat Screw, and then Andre taught us a Russian game called Fool. It was kind of like Hearts, but meaner. It was really fun! We've decided to play again on Monday and Tuesday night.

And now, here I am! Tomorrow we have a free day (rest day for poor Anatoli). Julie and I are going to go back to the amusement park that we saw! I really want to ride the rocket ride! :)