Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I'm sitting in a cafe in a mall drinking an Irish coffee because this is Russia, and in Russia these things are normal. This cafe also serves tequila, rum and cognac as an additive, much in the same way you can pay a little extra to get a shot of vanilla in your coffee at Starbucks. But instead of vanilla flavoring, I get whiskey. Because this is Russia. Where you can drink beer and smoke cigarettes in movie theaters. To be fair, the amount of whiskey they put in is small, but I still think this version tastes better than the type my Mom prefers to get at home. 

I'm sitting here with a few friends from school because this is one of the few places in town where you can get internet on your computer. There's also an internet cafe with desktops that you pay to use, but I definitely prefer this setting. The other place for Wi-Fi is called Whiskey Bar. So apparently it's my fate to drink whiskey every time I'm on the internet. The internet here is slow so uploading pictures will probably take a very long time and might be a rare occurrence. Though I think I might come here every day after school because one of the women who works here is probably the nicest person I've ever met in Russia, and she reminds me of one of my old Russian teachers. It's comfortable, never too busy, and the whiskey is a plus. 

I meant to write more but ended up talking to the other students too much and now I have to head home. I'll probably write a much better update tomorrow or soon after. Hope everything's well in the States, or wherever you are.

3 comments:

  1. "Show me the way to the next whiskey bar..."
    -The Doors

    Are the internet cafes near where you live or near to the location where you go to school? How are your classes so far (and what classes are you taking)? How is the commute? Has it been easy for you to communicate with the Pycckue? I would like to hear more about Russia and less about Irish coffee! I'm glad to see that you're enjoying yourself though, but don't drink too much!

    Also, if your airport training wasn't sufficient, this might be useful/interesting:
    http://russian-com.co.uk/fun/five-1.html

    It's snowing here in Maryland and my afternoon classes have been cancelled. I doubt you'll get snow days in Russia. Stay warm!

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  2. How delightful to get a post from Vladimir! Yea! !! It's wonderful to see you in print and I am looking forward to tomorrow's update. As Alycia says, it's snowing here and cold but I dont mind because it makes me feel I am experiencing your environment. The snow is pretty...first one in Maryland. It started before I went to work at 7 this morning and continues at this moment: 6pm. Very pretty covering the ground and tree branches. Too bad you cant freeze dry your coffee and send it to me for a taste test! How are the boots working out? Did you buy a hat yet? The young woman at work from Russia sought me out today to ask how you were doing. She thinks it's great you are in Vladimir instead of the larger cities. She said you are within the golden circle of churches and that's it's quite beautiful. Since uploading pics is difficult, I'll look it up on the internet. Much Love, hugs and kisses!

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  3. I found the Vladimir website, which has some good pictures. Maybe you can post it somewhere on your website so that all your "followers" may see:
    http://www.vladimir-russia.info/index.htm

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