С Днем Рождения!!!

The Sweeties that came SO early to wish me a happy Bday! 

Today I woke up and skyped with my Mom and Dad. I was getting kind of weepy, for no reason really. I mean there is the excuse of not having my parents here, but that isn't really a reason to get too weepy. It is only one birthday, one year, and it isn't like they forgot and don't care- it is quite the opposite! Maybe that is why. Anyways, I was pretty much ready. I had my make up all good and was putting my second earring in when I was called from my room. There were pretty usual sounds coming from the house- Julia skyping Anya, and Arthur coming in through the door from Belka's morning walk. I could hear Anya's distinctive voice on the other side of the wall. I came out of my room, midway through putting in my earring, and saw my three good friends Lola, Veronika, and Liza walking in through our door before Arthur, all adorned with birthday hats!
The fact that I was walking out the door inwardly telling myself that I wasn't going to cry at breakfast for no reason really didn't stop me from beaming and letting those puppies go! Julia brought the computer from the kitchen to the doorway to the action. I hugged all the girls over and over because I was crying and they wanted me to stop. So they just kept hugging me and saying "Don't cry- Happy Birthday!" They gave me balloons and Liza gave me her present of a snakeskin jewelry box. They also brought a cake with 18 candles. They all had gotten together the night before and made the apple-cinnamon delicousness for me. So we went into the living room, where my friends gave me the birthday wishes. In Russia, on a birthday or at a party, each person tells the birthday person basically a toast. Then we lit the candles, took a picture, and I blew them out. I got all of em but the last two, and if my lungs weren't all stupid and puffy from my trying to not sob I would have gotten them. If they weren't on the far side of the plate from me I would have tried and put them out with my tongue.

Me with my cake my friends made! 

They then left, calling out happy birthdays in Russian and in English. Then, after I put my gift and balloons in my room, I come out and Julia and Arthur are standing together in the kitchen. This can only mean one thing: yup, more tears! I actually was going to hold it together until I opened the box. Earrings. Purple smooth stones were at the top, and hanging from them were small chains of Russian silver. I knew those stones weren't purple on accident, and that the earrings weren't long and dangly by mistake either. I knew they were perfect, beautiful, and sought out for. They must have searched for them just for me. As soon as Julia said "They are made from Russian silver" I started to tear up again. Arthur, of course, was like "don't cry!" But I did a little. Actually, Julia said 'There is no need to cry!" So I stood there and looked at her and tried to keep a straight face. Like when you want a little kid to smile, so you tell him to not smile. It was like that, only with crying! How did I become a weeper? I felt a little better. because when Anya saw all her friends gathered around her on the computer after I blew out my candles, she cried a little too. It was really sweet to see them kind of reunited all together for the first time since Anya left. She told them about her school, where she volunteers, and all the cool stuff she has been up to.
I am jumping around a little, but oh well! After I got my gifts all squared away, I ate a quick breakfast and it was off to the university. Because I was so sentimental today, I wore the hat and scarf my friend (Aunt) Becky made me. She knitted them for me, and gave them to me with a note that said to think of her hugging me when I wore them. So, since I was in dire need of a long hug, I wore them! I put on her hat and scarf, a zip up hoodie, and my jacket and left for the street. I didn't change my earrings because silver isn't supposed to get wet, and we all know they would have with my crying! When I got outside I realized that I forgot my phone and should have grabbed an umbrella- it was snowing! I was really thankful for the snow. It helped to dry my eyes out and made it easier to stop crying. I made it to the bus stop just in time to stand for a few minutes, feel my body temp go up, and get on the bus packed with people. I did get a nice little birthday present from God though- I got a seat! About halfway through the ride someone got up, I waded over to the seat, saw no one making a move for it, and sat down. I think the people around me felt they would be less squished if they let me sit down instead of sitting themselves, but I was just really happy to get a seat. Another cool thing that happened is that the bus conductor was lazy (which sometimes happens) and didn't want to scan my card, so my bus ride was free!

Walking, Blini and Central Park

Saturday evening Julia asked me if I wanted to go for a walk. Of course I said yes. We walked from our apartment all the way to the city center, which is about a half hour bus ride. Needless to say it was dark by the time we got there.
We walked along a creek and on one of the three main streets (Myra Street). I finally figured out where the street signs are. They are on the sides of buildings, sometimes nowhere near intersections. This street is the only street decorated for New Years. It was kind of funny- Lena mentioned this fact to me the day before Julia and I's excursion. She said that the city buys enough decorations for the three main streets, but only uses them on Myra street. The end product is so gaudy, some years it can make your eyes hurt.
It also has the most light-trees on it. I don't think I have told you, but for some reason Krasnoyarsk has these trees that are made of lights. They are different kinds of trees, too. Some are just of small flowers, others are fruits, and still others are just gaudy clusters of huge flowers. Julia said that it is because in the winter there isn't very much color, so the city added some! I thought that was kind of cool. Julia seems to have this way of speaking sometimes that is almost poetic, even a language that isn't her own.
We also went to a pancake shop. Well, it is the Russian pancakes, or bliny. It took them a long time to make our bliny. They were a little different than what Julia serves us at home. These were 3 or four of the thin pastries all rolled like a burrito with some kind of stuffing inside. Mine had hazel nuts, crispy fried apples, sugar, and cinnamon. I don't remember what Julia got, only that mine was pretty good. It was really expensive though. I can see why no one really eats out here. It was over 1000 ruples, and it wasn't a fine restaurant or anything.
After the pancake shop we went to the square with the fountains. For some reason they are still running/dancing. In the square were also our friends the white rappers and the fire spinners. The white rappers still made me laugh. We then called Arthur to come and get us. Walking back home was never really an option, and I think he was done with what he was doing anyways.
Lola texted me that night and asked me if I wanted to go for a walk. I don't know what it is with Russians and their really cool walks, but of course I said yes! I asked Julia the next morning, and she said yes. Instead of walking (we did do a lot of that) we went to the city's Central Park. This place was near the Yenisei River(however you spell that) and had different rides and vendors at it. Well, in the summer. In the fall it had some rides and a few vendors. We got there a half an hour before the park opened, so we walked around for a bit, just stalling.

The Cotton Club! Made me drool so I guess it is a thumbs up!

Lola and I with out cotton candy!

We went on 4 rides: the ferris wheel, a swing carousel, a roller coaster for kids, and a ride called the Cotton Club. There was a sling shot ride that Lola loves, but thank goodness it was not running that day. I can do roller coasters and spinning, but I cannot do dropping or upside-down for long periods of time. After we went on the rides (super fun), we got this weird drink called a cocktail. I think it is just the Russian version of a milkshake. My first run in with this drink was when we went to the zoo. I tried a chocolate one this time, and it was of course the weird delicious that only foreign (or, I guess, not foreign since I am the foreigner) things like this can be. We also got cotton candy, which also tastes different. And it was huge. Between all the rides and after getting the candy we walked around. Then we decided to head on home. When I got back I took yet another nap (love naps!).


The evening was kind of uneventful, and I hit the hay early (love going to bed early!). Overall I would say it was an excellent day!

Shopping!!

Anyways, so after school Lena and I agreed that we would meet in front of my building in 20 minutes to go off to shop. I went down and met Lena, and we caught the bus. The bus ride was fun, because people kept looking at us because we spoke English. I still am not fluent in Russian, so if she wants to communicate with me she still has to use mostly English. We then got off the bus two stops early and walked two looong blocks to Alexsandria. It was alright though, because we bought some ice cream to make sure we wouldn't lose any calories. It was kind of weird that I have been telling Lena about this store all week, and she said she hasn't ever seen this store. When we got to the store front she said "oh, Alexsandria!" I guess she just forgot, because I swear there can only be one way to pronounce this name. I showed her the beautiful umbrella, and she asked the store manager how much. 8,500 ruples! I almost died! The umbrella must be diamond encrusted (to steal what Arthur said), because that price is ridiculous! I admit, I would have paid 30 dollars for that umbrella, but more than 300 is just out of my budget! The shop clerks said it was a one-of-a-kind umbrella, but I think that is what everyone says about their products in Russia. But at that price they better have been serious. So, I guess it will always be my dream umbrella. I will stare at it longingly every time I pass it on the bus until they take it down and put up another display. I was going to name it too, like how some people name their guitars or cars.
We then went to a mall that was near the city center. I told Lena that I would like to buy some souvenirs and needed another pair of shoes. I am sorry, but I really cannot wait four months from now (I really think this is how long it takes for a package to clear customs) for my converse! So I was able to buy some Russian nesting dolls and some magnets at the second mall we went to. The nesting dolls were 9 bucks each, which I think is an OK price. There are three dolls inside and they are hand painted. I think. I know there are three dolls total. I bought three of the nesting dolls and 6 magnets, trying to remember all of the people that collect magnets that I need to buy gifts for.  I then bought two more because they were $1.20 and knew there must be people I am forgetting or would need a gift and would have to be happy with a Krasnoyarsk magnet.
We then went to a church briefly. It was indeed a Russian Orthodox church, but they just call it Church. Any other churches have a specific name. I was pretty happy I knew the purpose behind all of the actions, but still was mystified by it all. It was different than the one my Mom and I visited back in the 'States. Mostly because it was bigger. And, you know, original, authentic Russian.
Then we decided to go to China Town, which is basically the China town as we know it only all in one building. The ground floor is for the home and other needs, while the second and third floor are for apparel. I was determined to buy a pair of shoes here. And, of course, at least one scarf. We went to almost every shoe store. Like the China Town in New York, the vendors were really pushy, ordering you to come into their shops. And you had to haggle with them on the price. So finally, after looking at all of my options, I chose a pair of shoes. The first offer was 650 ruples. WAY too much for off brand shoes in China Town. All of the vendors that we started to haggle with would tell us this astronomical price because I am a foreigner. Lena acted like she had never heard high prices, even at the first offer. She was able to get the vendor of my shoes down to 550, but that was still too much. So I said "I think I will just not buy shoes today." Then you know who popped over to the stall we were in? Yu-YUTING! Her eyes were all huge and she was so confused why we were there. I told her I was with my friend from school and that I wanted to buy shoes. Turns out I (or I should say Lena) was haggling with her sister. Her sister said "Oh, you are friends with Yuting? You should have told me and I would have offered you a better price! How is 450 ruples?" Both Lena and I were shocked.  I thanked her (in Chinese- Yu-Yuting has been teaching me some phrases on the bus). Yu-Yuting did a little dance when I said "She-She" correctly (right tones and everything haha). It was funny to watch her get all excited.

My new shoes with my ratty converse.

We then said our goodbyes and Lena and I left with my new shoes. I asked Lena if she would tell me if they were ugly, and she told me that my shoes are just typical Russian shoes. Which is exactly what I wanted! They have some purple on them, so I am especially happy. I will send you pictures tomorrow so you can see them. I also bought a scarf. I really think that until I have everything to send you guys (still searching for a couple of cheap touristy Russia shirts and Alex's birthday/xmas gift- I know what I am getting him I am just trying to stay in budget) these scarves are going to be a part of my wardrobe. So pretty much until the end of this month. I think I am going to have a scarf obsession like Ms. Heather Best before this is all said and done. I now know a fair price for one (between 3 and 400 Ruples), so now I can make better decisions on which ones to buy and not feel guilty for walking away from some.
After this we went to one of the nearby monuments and had a seat. It was nice to relax our feet. Then her mother picked us up (once again- really happy to not have had to walk) and I was invited to her home. They live near my apartment, it is true. I can see their building from one of our windows. She lives on the ninth floor. Her home was large and beautiful. It had it's own little flair, that is for sure. Not sure how to describe it other than a more up-to-date 70s deco theme.  Lena made dinner (potato-stuffed raviolis) and coffee.We watched part of a movie with English subtitles.  Lena's mom and then her mom's friend came over, and her mom gave me some tea. After I finished my tea Lena walked me home. Her mom seemed really sweet.

Learning more Russian......

The Deathly Trio (my Russian textbooks)

The first page from the center textbook. There are Chinese
translations but not English.

School was kind of long. I did a lot of my University homework, but didn't understand a lot of it. Tomorrow's after school hours should be spent looking these things up and learning the rules behind the homework. There is this crazy rule about adjectives I have just been introduced to. Well, not just. I knew it was coming. If the form of "my" changes with the object/person you are talking about, so should the adjectives describing those things. They change by both the gender and plural cases. This isn't too difficult, but it seems like each word is changed differently. Russians just intuitively know how they are changed, and the language kind of doesn't follow any rules, so it is difficult to teach how to correctly phrase things. It is like they are having to try to make up rules for the language that already exists. There are so many exceptions and special cases, it almost feels like there is a rule if only three words are changed in the same way. This also goes for verbs, which are changed by case similarly to the Spanish language. And this is only similar in that they change if you are talking about "I, you, he, she, they, or we." And, like I mentioned before, there are more exceptions than there are verbs that fit into the conjugation rules. I kind of die inside a little every time I even think about trying to study these rules or crack open my book to look at my notes. Anyways, school was spent studying these notes and doing bookwork.

The ballet

     The ballet was Awesome! and beautiful! No wonder Russian Ballets are so famous. There was just something about it that made the time go by so fast. It was Sleeping Beauty, of that there was no doubt. But it was the classic sleeping beauty, not the Disney version. And at the end there were different partner dances that were really cool. They were supposed to be celebrating the marriage of the prince and princess, but they were stories in and of themselves. Except for this one couple. They were just creepy cats fighting with each other. There are two songs in the ballet that were used in the Disney movie. I thought this was pretty cool. And I was impressed that someone could make up words to them. Well, the "Once Upon A Dream" song. The other was used in the scene where the faeries went to Melefacent's castle.

And the music was live from an orchestra. This may go without saying, but to me it added another element of excellence and beauty to the whole thing. There is just something about live music that can capture you and help take you into the dance. Or put you to sleep. But in this case, it did the former, and enhanced the ballet a million times over. 
The scenes/backdrops were beautifully constructed, and I really liked the costumes. Of course the dancing was good. There were some difficult dances in there! The pure athleticism of all the people were really impressive. At the end of a solo the girls' feet didn't seem to hurt and no one was ever breathing really hard. Another interesting fact is that the king looked like a real life version of Lord Farquad from Shrek. Also, the king and the princess were actually father and daughter in real life. I thought that was cool.

Julia also told me that when Arthur comes with her to ballets the first thing he does is go to the bar and get a class of cognac. I think the guy sitting next to me during the first act had the same system, only he must have had more than one serving. He giggled through most of it. It wasn't too irritating, because the woman that controlled our sector of the theater was related to Hitler. She caught me with my camera once and I think quietly yelled at everyone in my section at least once. Of course I found another way to take pics, but it was during the second half, so you only will see pics of the first scene and 3/4 of the second half. So basically you won't get to see the kiss or the witch. She was pretty good. She didn't really ever dance; she just moved around a lot and waved her cape around. It was still pretty cool. She also had a really big butt built into her costume. Which is probably why she didn't do any dancing. 
It is getting to be Autumn here. The wind howls through the stairwell, and it is a COLD wind. I have said it many times and I will say it again: it is straight from the Arctic circle!