adventure is out there

It is another beautiful day in Akademgorodok. The weather is starting to cool down. Jeans and sweater weather is fine weather for me. The leaves are changing color. Walking down the street, surrounded by nature, is a pleasure I have rarely taken the time to enjoy.

I taught my first English class this week. I have some adjustments to make, but I was expecting that. Going in, I had no idea what to plan. What I did plan was a tad optimistic, but it was still enjoyable and (hopefully) a learning experience for all involved. Apparently, Elvis is more popular in Russia than Sinatra. We listened to both and read through song lyrics, discussing meanings of words and plays on words. I look forward to next week.

I use the Google Translate app (and pictures on packaging) when I go shopping to attempt to know what I am buying. I thought I bought ground beef yesterday, but it was actually a kind of sausage similar to bologna. Cooking is an adventure!

One of my Russian homework assignments this week was to find a specific store by asking people where to find it. The first person I asked pointed in a general direction and rattled off many Russian words that I do not yet know while the second person made very specific hand gestures and told me, in English "Second door." Turns out that was not the place my teacher had in mind, but it was a good experience.

Right now, we are watching "Hang 'Em High" starring Clint Eastwood. It's easy to get bogged down with responsibility and studies, so I enjoy moments like these.

-AJ