Traveling Part 2

(if the pictures dont make sense, read on)

yes, thats me at 4am, with no knife. dont judge.

So Russian customs went surprisingly fast. They let me through in no time. But remember an entry or so ago when I asked for something crazy to happened on my trip so I would have a story to tell. I guess I should have made that a little more specific. I got out to claim my luggage. And welp. Only one bag was there. Shoot! This was a little overwhelming for me, especially because they were not very helpful. So it took me about an hour and a half to go through the process of getting my information to them at Lost and Found. They also told me that I may have problems with customs because I was bringing to much weight into the country. WHAT? Too much weight?? Then why did the airline let me bring in that much. Luckily at this point Brighid and our driver (who came to pick us up) came to my rescue and the Russian driver talked the lost and found lady into something. But whatever it was was good, because I no longer should have any trouble with customs. Whatever. I thought to myself….don’t you dare let this ruin your first hours in Russia….so I just went with it.

So B and I jumped into the Mashrootka (its like a van), and the three Russians who picked us up could literally speak as much English as we could Russian. B and I assumed that the 300 mile ride would take about 7 hours-ish. But, we really shouldn’t think like that. The rule is everything takes forever….and the ride to Vologda was no different. We took so many pit stops it’s not even funny. For things like chocolate, or ice cream, or cigarettes, and of course the bathroom breaks on the side of the road. We had a great time teaching Michelle how to play gin and we used our Russian language books to ask them easy questions. The car ride was a little crazy. I am not going to lie. They don’t wear seat belts, and I swear they have no driving laws….that’s all I will say on the subject however. so ask more later if you want to know.

Anyway we got to our dorm about 330a (safe and sound). We started to unpack right away, and at 4a our school administrator stopped by to say hello and give us some food. We had some sausage, cheese, and bread as soon as she left. I went to bed before B around 5….because I had less to unpack! Dang.

So now I have spent two full days in Russia. There are many more stories to tell but this is really long enough for now. I will write more soon however. All in all, I am having a great time…..and I think my bag should be here tomorrow. At least, I hope…..J But you know how long things take here….or at least I do.