First Snow
Indeed, we have had our first snow of the year. On Thursday, there was rain and snow in the morning, which changed to just snow for a few hours and then back to rain. We were told that this always happens and then the weather changes back to warm. It was more than slightly surreal to see snow coming down when the leaves on the trees were still green, but it wasn't quite as shocking as I thought it would be. Classes are now in full swing, and I start my mainstream tomorrow: History of Russian Language. Which should be interesting.
Highlight of this week was almost certainly the choir. Colleen, Lizi, and I went to the university choir on Thursday, which was intimidating, as we didn't know where it is was located, nor, when we found the building, was it clear. Lizi finally asked a militsia (police) at the door, and he directed us to the "big doors on the second floor," where, indeed, the choir was. Until now, I've had a somewhat skewed vision of Russians, as I've only seen them in the street and then the новые русские at the Mezhfak (международный факултет - International Department), who stare at us as if we had three heads. But the people iun the choir were all really nice and outgoing, as far as Russians go. We had been sitting for only a minute or two, when a number of students came up to us, genuinely interested in talking to us, and all very nice. When the director placed us in our sections (which almost caused Lizi to bolt from the room), our new aquaintences placed me with a friend of theirs, and said to stick with him. Which I did. The director is great...really professional, and funny. She's very straight with you, though. As we were warming up, in the breaks between scales, as she was playing the next chord on the piano, would say things like "What a nightmare!" "I can't believe I'm trying the teach you people how to sing!" "Altos! If I hear you sing like that again, I'll chase you all out into the street!" Or, just "Ужас такой" Very funny. Hard to keep a straight face.
That's all for today. I'll write more later, but Sara and Colleen and I are going to the museum.
Highlight of this week was almost certainly the choir. Colleen, Lizi, and I went to the university choir on Thursday, which was intimidating, as we didn't know where it is was located, nor, when we found the building, was it clear. Lizi finally asked a militsia (police) at the door, and he directed us to the "big doors on the second floor," where, indeed, the choir was. Until now, I've had a somewhat skewed vision of Russians, as I've only seen them in the street and then the новые русские at the Mezhfak (международный факултет - International Department), who stare at us as if we had three heads. But the people iun the choir were all really nice and outgoing, as far as Russians go. We had been sitting for only a minute or two, when a number of students came up to us, genuinely interested in talking to us, and all very nice. When the director placed us in our sections (which almost caused Lizi to bolt from the room), our new aquaintences placed me with a friend of theirs, and said to stick with him. Which I did. The director is great...really professional, and funny. She's very straight with you, though. As we were warming up, in the breaks between scales, as she was playing the next chord on the piano, would say things like "What a nightmare!" "I can't believe I'm trying the teach you people how to sing!" "Altos! If I hear you sing like that again, I'll chase you all out into the street!" Or, just "Ужас такой" Very funny. Hard to keep a straight face.
That's all for today. I'll write more later, but Sara and Colleen and I are going to the museum.