Well, it’s true… I love Russia. Everyday a little bit more I think. But to be honest, I think I could live almost anywhere outside the U.S. and feel the same way.

Today, my Russian art class was held at the Russian Museum! It’s a crazy huge place. But, I’m not gonna lie, it was REALLY boring today… Today our topic was ancient Russian art from like the 12th century to the 16th century – which is basically ONLY paintings from the inside of churches of saints or “icons” is the proper name… But, ya, we spent the whole 2 hours looking at about 10 paintings that are basically all the same in my mind- a person – either a saint or virgin mary with VERY large eyes, a detailed face, and extremely odd body proportions, with a circle thing around their head. I almost wanted to shoot myself in the foot, but I loved that we weren’t sitting at a desk in a small room. I really am interested in art, but i just dont think i care about anything thaaaat old.

This past weekend, I got to go with some friends to the Mariinsky Theatre to see a ballet! We saw “Zolushka” also known as Cinderella. It was great. I really love watching dance… maybe because I can’t dance… Our seats were awful, but i can’t complain since they were only 320 rubles (less than $10). But the Mariinsky was really cool… it’s one of the most famous theatres here in St. Petersburg. Jessica and I are hoping to go back at some point and see the ballet Swan Lake, an opera – maybe Eugene Onegin, and an orchestra of some sort.

Then, on Sunday, Jessica and i went to Peter and Paul Fortress. I wish I knew enough history to explain the significance of it to you, but i don’t, so i’ll just leave you with this… it’s a well known landmark and holds some historical importance for the city of St. Petersburg. and that’s about all you get in History with Lauren. It was SO cold. It was snowing a lot – absolutely beautiful, but the wind was blowing it all in my face, and it was just awful cold. No joke, it took us longer time to walk there than we ended up staying. I was too cold to even care about taking pictures – I maybe took 5. We decided to come back in the spring and then went and had a warm dinner at Pizza Hut. Very Russian of us, I know. (not) –for those of you who can’t see picture my facial expression as i “say” this with sarcasm —

A few thoughts to leave you with:
1. You know you’ve been in Russia a while when you think 33 degrees F is warm and end up carrying your coat rather than wearing it.

2. Today, (having been here a month let me remind you), I learned for the 1st time that there’s a place w/ a soccer “field” and ping pong tables down in the lobby of our dorms. Who would have known?! I got to play a mad game of ping pong with some increasingly drunk friends who couldn’t figure out why I kept beating them. Apparently, i was the only girl that ever beat them and they challenged me to a rematch every Tuesday this year. haha… i love it.

3. In less than 3 weeks, we have spring break and 3 of my closest friends are meeting me in Amsterdam, then we’re going to Ireland for 3 days and Germany for 4!!!! I’m so excited!!!!!

4. Over 6 times, people have stopped and asked me for directions! (Usually in the metro). Every time, I was so excited… so maybe people don’t look at me and immediately pick me off as a complete foreigner! Whoop! 1 time I didn’t understand what they were saying, so I just told them I didn’t understand. 2 of the times, I understood but didn’t know the answer, so I just said I’m sorry I don’t know. But, the other 3ish times, I was able to understand and successfully answer their question! (even though most of the time the answer was “yes” or “over there”)

(posted from laureninrussia.blogspot.com)