Travel. Home. Pizza.

    Well everyone, I made it to St. Petersburg, Russia. It has definitely been the longest 3 days of my life, especially since I lived one day twice pretty much. Really odd. The first flight to Chicago was absolutely horrible. We were on this tiny plane, the very back of it, and the heater was blasting. Talk about claustrophobic. Luckily that was only a 3 hour flight. After a short layover in Chicago, and our last american meal (fries and a chicken sandwich), we took off to Germany. That plane was luxurious compared to American Airlines. The flight attendants smelt amazing (their cologne) and were soooo nice. They brought around fresh towelettes, drinks every hour, plus we got two really good meals for airplane food I thought. There were touch screen mini tablets with various movies and the plane wasn't all the way full so we had a lot of room, it was very nice for an 8 hour flight. Once off the plane I decided that I really like German people and airlines, so I will have to go visit Frankfurt besides just the outside of the airport. The last flight I honestly don't remember that well because I was so tired I zonked out for the whole flight. So overall the trip went really well.
       Once in St. Petersburg  Ala (our native coordinator) picked us up from the airport and took us to our apartment. It was so cold outside though, like your mouth went numb and it was hard to talk after a while. On the way to the apartment I discovered that there are tons of apartment buildings here! Like thousands and there aren't any houses. It is really odd at first because I am so used to home where there are pretty much only houses and no apartments. But I think I could get used to it. I also learned that Russians are crazy drivers, they aren't bad drivers because they are always dodging people, it is fun though. Our apartment is super cute and homey. It isn't huge, Lex and I share a room with two beds, our head teacher has her own room, and then there is a bed in the living room. The kitchen is small, but I like it. The bathroom/laundry room is small as well but has heated floors which is nice when you get out of the shower. Not to mention scented toilet paper that is green. It is definitely starting to feel more like home.
       The past couple of days we have had to go around to the schools, which are super cute and the kids are adorable. One of the schools is an hour away that I teach at ( I teach at 2 different schools). We have also gone to the store which was interesting. Their milk is on shelves and not pasteurized, they have a ton of bread and pastries, and cheeses. Everything was in Russian though so I honestly don't know what half of the food is. Should be an adventure. Also, we exchanged some money into Rubles which is their money system, that was fun because I felt rich even though I really am not.
        On Thursday we went into the city and found the University where we get to learn Russian!! I am so excited to actually learn some of the language. Then we went to a restaurant where we got Russian Pizza. It was surprisingly super good. They had pepperoni, cheese with blue cheese, chicken pesto, and ham and mushroom. I was pleasantly surprised that they were all delicious. On the way home we went to a Cathedral that had a significant icon in it, It was beautiful and so peaceful. There were a ton of paintings and people giving thanks to their loved ones that had passed on. It had a huge dome on top with stunning paintings throughout. I can tell that I am really going to like this city.
        Well that is how the first couple days of Russia have gone so far. They have been long, extremely long because of jet lag, but fun and exciting. I am beyond excited for the next 4 months and getting accustomed to the Russian lifestyle. Sometimes I lay in bed at night and think to myself, "This is going to be one great adventure," and can't help but smile. We start teaching on Monday which will be stressful but I cannot wait to meet my kids. I will post pictures soon, but until then I hope America is treating every one well. Do svidaniya.
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