Argh. I can't even remember the last time I posted a blog, it has been so long, but I am finally making amends and correcting my mistakes. So much has happened. Truly, I've been a very busy beaver/English teacher/daughter/tourist.
I now teach over 40 hours between my scheduled company classes and my private students. My year long classes have been trained to my expectations, and we get along well with each other for the most part. I really love all of my students, even the troublesome ones. They add character to the class. These last three weeks will be a challenge though, as we finish up the books and begin reviews for end-of-year exams.
Unfortunately, I was absent the last two weeks, so I have no idea where my students are right now. This past week was a scheduled break. Instead of a normal spring break, teachers who took the short vacation at Christmas time were given a week off in May. I ended up taking two weeks off in order to surprise my mom at home.
Homecoming:
My first week back in the states was a whirlwind. By the time I arrived in the States, I had gone over 50 hours without sleep. By the time I went to sleep, I had gone almost 60 hours without sleep. Let's just say the middle seat in 747 is not that conducive to a good night's rest.
The rest of my time was spent with my parents and grandparents, driving them places, talking with them, eating with them, etc. I also slept an extraordinary amount. The first few days went well, but by Tuesday I was awake at 3am and asleep by 8:30/9:00.
On Friday/Saturday, I flew to Lburg, Virginia in order to meet with all of my friends. I stayed with a university friend and her mom for the week. I spent the week catching up with friends and teachers, including a trip to my Inklings writers' group- which was amazing. I forgot how much I enjoyed those get-togethers.
On Friday my friend Victoria drove me up to D.C where she, her son Balian, and I spent the day touring the National Mall for hours and hours. By the time we got to the motel, we were absolutely exhausted! I flew out Saturday and returned today, Sunday.
It was good that I went home. I forgot how much I missed it. Going home gave me new hope and clarity (as well as an empty wallet). It was a great emotional roller coaster ride, but I got through it. And now I am ready to finish up what I've begun.
The Return:
Now that I'm home, I can't help but compare today's trip to Russia to my first trip into Russia. So much has changed. I remember when I first arrived. I was scared and nervous, and could not even read the alphabet. I felt like a lamb mindlessly following those in front of her. Today, I was actually able to help a couple of newcomers with their immigration forms, etc.
When I arrived the first time, I had a LL driver meet me and drive me to Zgrad in a cloud of smog and heat enveloping me. Today, I found my own taxi driver, negotiated my own price and rode home in sunshine.
My first day in Russia, the ATM ate my card and I came home from the grocery store with a bag of bread, milk, mineral water, and cereal. Today, the ATM worked and I before my first hour in Zgrad was up, I had bought potatoes, pears, apples, bananas, rice, milk, cheese twists and still water.
I am now sitting comfortably in my furnished room, listening to NCIS: SWAK and thinking back on my trip to the US, my return trip to Russia, and my future return trip home.
Sincerely,
Your Russian Traveller
