Good afternoon everyone! As had been mentioned previously, I usually forget that I have this blog, so I've gotten very, very behind on writing about my travels. This is an attempt to rectify that situation!
For the past 2 months or so, I've been studying in Kazan, Russia. I was in an intensive Russian program through Arizona State University. The program itself is called CLI, and it's a great thing to do (especially if you're in ROTC like me, they'll pay for everything). Due to some interesting circumstances I went through 2 host families; however, because of this switch, I was able to experience living with the two ethnic majorities in Kazan, Russians and Tatars. It was a valuable experience, and not just linguistically- study abroad programs, especially intensive ones, really pare you down and show you what you're made of (much more than Field Training ever did).
I got back to Wisconsin on the 13th of August, at which point I celebrated my 21st birthday with my roommate, Natalie, and several close friends! It was a belated party, as I spent my real 21st studying for a final in Russia. However, after 40 or so hours without sleep, I was beginning to doubt my commitment to partying. Thankfully, I had no choice in the matter, and was whisked out the door as soon as I arrived! I also recall consuming at least two quesadillas that night, at two different restaurants (there isn't Mexican food in Russia). The night was a success, and I ended up curled up in my bed with no ill consequences, and no hangover OR jet lag the next morning! So, if you're looking for advice on how to avoid jet lag...
After that I rushed down to Illinois to see my family, and got back to Madison in time to hop a plane to Texas to see my good friend Courtney, which is where I am right now. It's lovely down here, minus the 105 degree weather today...thankfully no humidity, or I'd never leave the apartment. Courtney and I hit up a Mexican restaurant yesterday, and she advised me to get the Purple Margarita, which is made with Everclear. They limit you to 2 for a reason, that drink is not a joke! Sadly, it also wasn't very tasty; margaritas are made with tequila for a reason.
Today we're going to terrorize the food trailers downtown, and maybe get some fish and chips for Courtney and some lovely vegan food for me! They have quite a selection of grub at the trailers, or so Courtney says. After that, it's karaoke and Harry Potter (in English this time!). I leave early tomorrow morning, so we're trying to squeeze in as much as possible.
Well, it's time for a run! I have to keep my energy up, because after I get back to Illinois, I'm driving to Ohio to see Roy, and after that...I'm going to Kenya. I'll try to post more regularly!
Mia
For the past 2 months or so, I've been studying in Kazan, Russia. I was in an intensive Russian program through Arizona State University. The program itself is called CLI, and it's a great thing to do (especially if you're in ROTC like me, they'll pay for everything). Due to some interesting circumstances I went through 2 host families; however, because of this switch, I was able to experience living with the two ethnic majorities in Kazan, Russians and Tatars. It was a valuable experience, and not just linguistically- study abroad programs, especially intensive ones, really pare you down and show you what you're made of (much more than Field Training ever did).
I got back to Wisconsin on the 13th of August, at which point I celebrated my 21st birthday with my roommate, Natalie, and several close friends! It was a belated party, as I spent my real 21st studying for a final in Russia. However, after 40 or so hours without sleep, I was beginning to doubt my commitment to partying. Thankfully, I had no choice in the matter, and was whisked out the door as soon as I arrived! I also recall consuming at least two quesadillas that night, at two different restaurants (there isn't Mexican food in Russia). The night was a success, and I ended up curled up in my bed with no ill consequences, and no hangover OR jet lag the next morning! So, if you're looking for advice on how to avoid jet lag...
After that I rushed down to Illinois to see my family, and got back to Madison in time to hop a plane to Texas to see my good friend Courtney, which is where I am right now. It's lovely down here, minus the 105 degree weather today...thankfully no humidity, or I'd never leave the apartment. Courtney and I hit up a Mexican restaurant yesterday, and she advised me to get the Purple Margarita, which is made with Everclear. They limit you to 2 for a reason, that drink is not a joke! Sadly, it also wasn't very tasty; margaritas are made with tequila for a reason.
Today we're going to terrorize the food trailers downtown, and maybe get some fish and chips for Courtney and some lovely vegan food for me! They have quite a selection of grub at the trailers, or so Courtney says. After that, it's karaoke and Harry Potter (in English this time!). I leave early tomorrow morning, so we're trying to squeeze in as much as possible.
Well, it's time for a run! I have to keep my energy up, because after I get back to Illinois, I'm driving to Ohio to see Roy, and after that...I'm going to Kenya. I'll try to post more regularly!
Mia
