no doubt some of you have been following the news story about the meteors crashing into Russia...into Chelyabinsk in the Ural mountains. a few weeks ago, this would have been just a strange news story. an, "oh, wow, that's crazy! and people are injured?? terrible! but how insane and primal is that?? a meteor!" but now, i actually know someone from that town, who was on the phone all morning with her friends and family making sure everyone was ok. just a slight perspective shift... which is think is actually the MOST exciting thing about this adventure. i crave a new perspective...seeing the world from a very different place...challenging my own views, which is not very comfortable, but ultimately so enriching. i remember the moment when i was studying in kenya, when i started to imagine the world, and instead of imagining myself in the middle of the US and the rest of the world being "the other", i was imagining the world with myself in east africa, and America as the foreign place. it was a very strange sensation. and i'm sure it will happen here...if only because i will concern myself more with weather patterns west of the Urals instead of what's happening on the wasatch front. however it happens, it will be a momentous occasion for me, as i will know that i have learned to see my life, my world, from a new place. and it will change me, as any new perspective can.
for now, i will just be thankful to be able to exchange a few words in russian with the check-out lady at the local grocery store. i can't wait to actually say in russian, "yes, one plastic bag please" and to understand when she tells me the price instead of having to read it off of her register. achievable goals. hopefully.
it's the weekend! and i have the day off tomorrow! at least for now! so anne and i have arranged another excursion. this time we are going first to the nearest mall. gross, i know. but we have some practical items to pick up, and hey, at least we'll be shopping at a marks and spencer...it's not like we are going to orange julious, mrs field's cookies, or claire's boutique. (i tell myself this to make myself feel better...) then we are taking a group on a guided (we are hiring the guide) historical tour of "communist moscow." yes, a very broad overview, and for tourists, but at least it will give us a foundation from which to further explore. and i always enjoy a good history lesson. so, 70 years of soviet history in 2 hours. totally achievable. :)
and, it was sunny today!!!!! spring may be on the horizon...maybe. tho is was hovering around 20 degrees today, it was sunny, which put everyone in a good mood. here is a photo from the closest window to my desk. it is across the room, so i can actually see out of it, tho it is a distance away.
ok, off to bed. it's 0:29, and i've only recently gotten back to my room after a long day of meetings and conversations, and facetime with the team. lots of folks are leaving tomorrow (we are the lucky ones who are considered "permanent" while about half the creative team is popping in and out until the fall) so had to spend the last few precious moments with them before relying solely on Skype and email.
i suppose that's it, then. more tomorrow, hopefully. big hugs to you all. xoxo
ps had my first vodka in russia today! tho it was with all westerners...only one half-russian in the group. i mixed it with strawberry juice, which is my new favorite thing in russia. was quite tasty i have to say.
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